Beginner conversion

[Tarkwin]

When I started shooting in 2001, I was one of ten on the course. Two courses were run that year - and every year.

Of the 20 that attended, I am the only one that is still shooting. I shot for for two summers then work got in the way. When I re-joined this year I discovered that we had the same old faces, the only ones I didn't recognise were those attending the beginner courses.

I was told that we had so many beginners (30ish) this year that we had to invest in more trainer bows. From the courses run this year we now have two novices attending regularly, three more who made it to the indoor season appear to have sunk without trace.

What concerns me is the low take up rate, is this unique to our club or do any of your clubs have such a low turnaround ( for want of a better word).

T.

[tel]

From what I gather this is far from unique. In my club there was a good percentage take-up from my beginners course last year, but after an initial burst of enthusiasm I now only see one or two regularly. The strange thing is that come renewal time the majority paid up, but still don't attend! There are even people on our relatively short membership list that pay every year, have done for years, and I still haven't seen in my thirteen months as a member!!

[Jenny]

One thing that may be putting off beginners taking up the sport long term might be the initial cost. That's where my problem lies.

I did my beginners course at the end on June but still haven't joined the local club (although I definitely want to). I nedd a minimum of £250 (including club fees) to start shooting but due to numerous things going wrong with the house/car etc. I've just not had the spare money.

Bear in mind that I had no warning before starting my beginner's course either. I'd been on a waiting list for about 18 months, but still only found out the day before the course started because we got a cancellation!

Anyway, providing there are no more mishaps that need immediate financial attention, I will have my kit within two months (shame work didn't give us a Christmas bonus this year)


~Jenny~

[Max]

Funny thing Archery - the first few months are great. Lots of progress, lots of fun and lots of payback for not that much effort. Problem is that (for most of us mere mortals) it takes a lot of dedication, blood sweat and tears (and several years) to actually get to anything like an acceptable standard, partularly if you are tournament orientated.

I think a lot of beginners like the idea of archey (which probably explains why they renew membership, but don't actually turn up), but can't sustain motivation through the ups and downs that our sport excells at, and the need to turn out in all weather, just to keep it together. My expeirnce has been that the take up rate from beginners courses is about 10% at best - A club might consider itself fortunate just to keep moderate growth (or at least membership numbers stable), if it can ensure that at least 20 new prospects are given the opportunity to have a go each year.

[Cakemeister]

I'm on the committee at Bowmen Of Adel; this is a topic that comes up regularly.
What we tend to see is a rush of enthusiasm to join at the end of a training course, an initial two or three attendances & then a fade off, with only a dedicated few coming all the time & becoming 'confirmed' archers. With this in mind we ran a tournament section especially for beginners at the end of the summer but still only got a relatively small turnout.

We've now introduced an 'achievement card' to help archers who finish their initial course & are wondering what to do next- I certainly felt a bit lost when I started & it took me a while to get into the idea of distance, class etc- what we do is encourage people towards shooting 3rd class through stepped achievement levels. A few people have taken this on but it'll be next year before we see if it really works.

I think the main issue with new people joining a club is actually that the existing members make them welcome, and that they feel they know someone will be there to smile & say 'hello' if they come on their own. Come next season's beginners' courses I think we'll have to take a hard look at that to make sure it's happening!

Pete

[Max]

Pete - that sounds like a great scheme and could not agree more with your sentiments. I had an unusual start in that I joind a new small club with not many 'old hands' so we were all struggling together. Helping new members through those setabcks and not letting them get into too many bad habits is essential. Expeienced members and club coaches play a vital part in beginner retention, as well as the warm welcome of course!

[Little Miss Purple]

As beginners I think it is important to have some sort of goal, I watched the last beginner group leave the building clutching their newly acquired certificates - they were high as kites!

I also remember how great I felt on reaching my 2nd class and also the delight of opening the envelope from TJ when I received my 1st class badge.

I'd like to see more 'novice' orientated goals as I guess the first year is the most important in terms of cementing a real love of the sport??

[Wrexham Exile]

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

[Tarkwin]

Originally Posted by Little Miss Purple

I'd like to see more 'novice' orientated goals as I guess the first year is the most important in terms of cementing a real love of the sport??

We do have a novice progression scheme.

Upon completion of the course each attendee is given a certificate. After this we have an achievement scheme. Over a variety of ranges 20, 30, 40(?) & 50 yds, scores over 252 from 3Doz. arrows are awarded with a 252 @ xx Yds badge, each being a different colour.

The pride shown by one of our newbies when she finally reached the required points tally @ 20yds after several close misses was a joy to behold and she went on to achieve 30yds a week later. Her award badges are worn on her quiver. She is progressing nicely through our Portsmouth award scheme.As this scheme is only for Novices, after my first ever scored session I wasn't allowed one (298)

We run similar schemes for portsmouths (500,525,550,575,580,585,590,595 &600) & frostbites (300 & 330), these are open to all members.

As far as equipment purchase is concerned, at the end of the outdoor season, we loan trainer bows to the novices, which means that they only need purchase arrows*, quiver, bracer & tab.

*Though in one case 2 sets of arrows were purchased after being incorrectly advised of draw length (the touching of finger tips and nock to chest method) by someone who should know better - this is why I bought a draw length measure. This resulted in her drawing the pile over the rest on the bow, I don't know what the outcome was, but I know what I would have said if it were my arrows that were miscut due to 'expert' advice.

I would like to see an experienced club member advising novices on bow requirements/choice of equipment as I have seen a new member go out and buy a bow with a draw weight way to high for her, resulting in poor results, ultimately her form will suffer and de-motivation - is that really a word?, will set in.

T.

[tel]

I also remember how great I felt on reaching my 2nd class and also the delight of opening the envelope from TJ when I received my 1st class badge.

I'd have been equally delighted - my 1st class (and previous classes) haven't even been acknowledged by the club, let alone rewarded.