I'm probably going to get flamed for this post but..hey..nothing new there.
Having just returned to the target archery shooting lines, talking to competitors and judges alike, there is a strong rumour going around that the shooting time for 6 arrows on a York (etc) is going to be reduced from 5 minutes to 4, i.e., 2 minutes per three. This is only a rumour, but if this is implemented on the basis of *the shoots are taking too long to run* then from recent observation, the judges themselves are a reason for shoots to overrun in time.
I have noticed that in our parts at least (South West) that it takes about an extra three minutes for a judge to clear the lines after the last archer has returned to his or her shooting position. In view of the fact that it could be an extra 6 minutes per dozen, that could be as much as 36 minutes just completing the longer distance..and that is without any judging business.
Also, it has come to my notice that in quite a few cases, those judges who for whatever reason, are not the lightest of foot and who take the longest time to cover a distance, always seem to be given the longest distance(s) to
preside over, where in practical terms the ladies or junior lines would be best suited.
Whilst it might not be a bad idea to decrease the shooting time in itself, the reasons for the decrease are not neccessarily due to the archers taking excessive time on the line.
All I can say to any judges reading this is we that we do appreciate the work you do..work that has to be done..but..at the end of the day..GET A BLEED** MOVE ON!