Been away for three days (sunny Italy
although work, not leisure
) and you lot are still discussing this one.
I can see both sides of the 'reffing' argument. Personally I don't have a problem with it because that is the way it is. IMO it fills the time between rounds and keeps me awake. However I will admit that the prospect was a bit daunting the first few times I was expected to do it and we are all aware on a incident last year where a new to ABT shooter was thrown the button and told to get on with it!! There has to be an acceptance that newbies coming straight from DTL need their hand holding when it comes to scoring and they should not be put off fast trap by being pressured into 'buttoning' on their first visit.
As for ground provided 'refs' I seem to recall an incident last year at Bev reported on here where one of the shooters had a falling out with the young ref due to a perceived slow pull (so not shot was fired) which the ref refused to accept and marked as a loss. Personally I would rather have an experienced shooter 'reffing' my line (with two back up scorers) than some kid that doesn't know the rules, nor how to apply them!
That said, it amazes me how many seemingly very competent shooters don't know the basic rules of the discipline they are shooting! I have had to explain the 'second barrel misfire so repeat target, second barrel only to count' rule on numerous occasions during comps, including selection shoots! The look you get back is sometimes quite amusing and usually results in a loss.
I think it is incumbent on those that have experience of 'reffing' to be aware of those with little or no experience and provide guidance and support until they are confident enough to take the dreaded button!! If the rules regarding order of seniority of shooters when it comes to 'reffing' (qualified ref, international shooter, National shooter, Class A, B, C, D, followed by previous experience) are followed then a newbie shooter may not get the button for months, if ever!
As for the shooting four rounds straight through, no thanks. Tried it once at Nottingham and was home by 11.30! Shooting is supposed to be a pleasurable, sociable pastime, not something that should be got out of the way as soon as possible so you can get on with something else (DIY, walking the dog, shopping, etc, etc).
DT