[PorlyP]

As a beginner myself, I found that I was scrutinised in a way, almost to see if I was serious, or there for the social side and solely for enjoyment.

Now, I'm an archer for both reasons, as I enjoy the company of my fellow club members, and love the sport, so much so I'm borderline obsessive (I frequently forget which side of that line I'm on too!)

One thing I'd like to see more of as a beginner is less of a gulf between finishing the beginners course, and shooting with the rest of the club. Luckily, I was driven enough to decide I was going to go every sunday I could, whether I sucked at the distances or not, because it's all experience, and I knew I'd improve if I kept going and taking things on board.

Also, a course or coaching session dealing solely with form would be a great option for those wanting to assess themselves in order to make the next step. Going from a beginner to 1st class seems to not be noticed much from the comments I've heard today, but I must say at our club the 3rd class scorers as well as Bowman scorers all had a drink together and congratulated each other. That's what we need to see more of, as after all, the ones who score better usually know more, which can be of great use to the new people.

Sometimes when you're new, you either blend into the background, or you try and blend in with the club. I'm definitely the second, as I mix it up with more or less everyone. But for those who are shier than me, it might be nice to have a beginners liaison/coach, someone charged with being available to the new people be it for tips, or simply contact with the rest of the club.

Sometimes it only needs one person to remind you how great the sport can be when you're going through a tough patch in your shooting.

I'll be doing this sport for years, unless I have a very bad experience. Let's hope that doesn't happen, as right now taking it up has been the best decision I've made in ages.