yes the first year is important. but it think you have to also look at the individual needs or what they want to achieve. some people dont feel the need to shoot 1300's they just do it to relax (cant say im like that though
).
it is hard to keep beginners coming back though, but things like an occasional fun shoot etc can help, just make up a round where everyone is on a pretty much equal level, or have it handicapped, thus giving some achievements without being too serious.
Al