Well, here's my tuppence worth on this ....
I took up archery again because I wanted something to do, that I could plug away at in my own time and just enjoy it. I had NO INTENTION of competing at all - far too scary !
I was eased into the competition scene very gently and quietly by my best friend who suggested one day that I might like to go with him, just to watch and see what happens. I went and found it fascinating. Then got taken along to a few more (just as an observer and bag carrier), and continued to enjoy myself.
Then my best friend suggested having a go at a "fun" shoot, and after some gently cajooling and a hefty shove from behind, I agreed to have a go. Loved it. Did a few more on a not too regular basis, and now I'M HOOKED !!!
As many comps as possible please !!
BUT - I go to compete against myself - that's my challenge. I know I'm not going to beat everyone else, so I'm happy with beating myself if I can manage it, and if I can't, I'm happy with just having had a good fun day out !
HOWEVER ... I don't think people should ever be made to feel that they
have to compete. If someone just wants to shoot at their club and enjoy the evening doing something they like doing, then let them! Please don't make them think they are letting the side down if they don't want to go whole hog into the comp scene. Not everyone would get a kick out of that, so just let them enjoy their archery how they want to.
There can be too much emphasis placed on competition, and pushing people into it when they don't want to will just lose people from the sport who may have decided to take the plunge at a later date when THEY felt comfortable, not just cos the other people in the club think they SHOULD by doing it !