Hi Tracy!
Ditto the above replies - you don't have to compete, but you'll be missing out on a very large part of the pleasure of archery if you don't attend competitons. I've a total of five days this week at Dunster Castle in Somerset (day four today!), not only a lovely setting to shoot in but a very popular event. Hundreds of friendly archers enjoying themselves without a hope in hell of winning anything, alongside a few that will. This is one of the big pluses - there's room for everyone
You must do what you feel is right for you, but do yourself a big favour and give it a go - for you, not them.