new archers in our club.A sign of the times ??

[jules]

Originally Posted by John (OSF)

Timely thread this for me as I'm leaving archery after about 6 years.This summer I was foolish enough to persevere with advice that didn't work for me and I know how much time and effort it's going to take to get back 'into it'.
I'm self-employed I only have limited free time available and have reluctantly decided to change to something that doesn't involve so much 'head-time'

I'm only posting this to add a voice to the archers that have been broken and discouraged by trusting poor quality advice and leave archery without a word.Some of their departures can covered up by the use of the word burnout as that transfers all the blame to them and lets things carry on as before

On my way out the door the only thing I can think of saying to improve things is, when archers ask for advice please ensure the person giving it knows what their talking about and cares for any consequences their actions will have on you, and above all check that their not putting forward personal theories as fact.

To say that society is at fault and nobody wants to put the 'time in' is simply not true.I've met the most poisonous people imaginable masquerading as 'community minded and trustworthy' during my time in archery and they couldn't stop me shooting, all it took was a season of the wrong advice.

I am truely saddened to hear that you are leaving the sport because of the "wrong advice". I always take advice with a large shovel of salt and try and do as much of my own research as possible. Advice is often given without being asked for. I nearly always ignore it. If I ask for advice I ususally ask from more than one source and read and read and read. If you really don't have the time (and we all know it takes huge amounts of time) please don't blame others for wanting to leave.

I find it hard to believe you have met such poisonous people. Nearly everyone I have met in the sport have been truely genuine, helpful and friendly.

Anyway, I wish you success in whatever you go on to do and hope you meet a nicer bunch of people.

[jules]

Originally Posted by HOTHOUSEDOG

Whilst i understand the obvious frustrations for the club members who so kindly invest their time in newbies for them to leave for another club; how does a beginner with no experience of organised archery know if a club will suit them? From what i have read there is some diversity in attitude, approch and atmosphere for club to club. As someone who has yet to join a club or do a course ( i know, I know i will soon!) how do i choose? Do clubs allow guests with no formal training to attend and shoot? And if i am not happy should i feel obliged to stay for a while? .
I don't know any other archers except my mate and we started together 6 mnths ago. We stump shoot on his land and target shoot in the farmers field next door (thanks farmer Jim!)

I have absolutely no problem with people coming along to have a go, see if they like shooting, see if they like the club etc etc. I do have a problem with people taking a beginneres course at one club KNOWING that they are going to join the one down the road that doesn't happen to have any courses running at the time.

[John (OSF)]

Originally Posted by jules

I am truely saddened to hear that you are leaving the sport because of the "wrong advice". I always take advice with a large shovel of salt and try and do as much of my own research as possible. Advice is often given without being asked for. I nearly always ignore it. If I ask for advice I ususally ask from more than one source and read and read and read. If you really don't have the time (and we all know it takes huge amounts of time) please don't blame others for wanting to leave.

I find it hard to believe you have met such poisonous people. Nearly everyone I have met in the sport have been truely genuine, helpful and friendly.

Anyway, I wish you success in whatever you go on to do and hope you meet a nicer bunch of people.

Thanks for the homespun wisdom (please don't blame others... because I don't have the time).I won't mentioning any names so I can't defend myself on the coach front.
The majority of archers,coaches and judges I met during my time in archery were great (especially the shooters). I'm surprised that you felt the need to have a 'go' at me with your snide post. Aren't you the person that was moaning about people doing your course and then joining another club?...best to get your own house in order before trying to give out lame condescending advice (imho)

[Tom]

John, take some good advice and don't jack it in. Persevere and you'll come out of it better - trust me on this one

[jules]

Originally Posted by John (OSF)

Thanks for the homespun wisdom (please don't blame others... because I don't have the time).I won't mentioning any names so I can't defend myself on the coach front.
The majority of archers,coaches and judges I met during my time in archery were great (especially the shooters). I'm surprised that you felt the need to have a 'go' at me with your snide post. Aren't you the person that was moaning about people doing your course and then joining another club?...best to get your own house in order before trying to give out advice (imho)

I'm sorry, it wasn't meant to be snide. I really am saddened that you feel so angry, there really is no need to be.

[moo-mop]

Originally Posted by John (OSF)

My post was about why I (and probably many others) leave, and not about how you overcame all the odds etc

Sorry not clear - I'm saying you don't have to drop out if you feel despondent you can go and do something about it on your own, I did so I'm trying to show it's possible (yes I know I'm not very good but I'm where I want to be), it's not fair to ask it all from the (volunteer) coaches.

[John (OSF)]

Originally Posted by Tom

John, take some good advice and don't jack it in. Persevere and you'll come out of it better - trust me on this one

Next time your in Oban Tom , give me a ring and we'll go fishing or water-skiing (bring your own suit though )

[John (OSF)]

Originally Posted by moo-mop

Sorry not clear - I'm saying you don't have to drop out if you feel despondent you can go and do something about it on your own, I did so I'm trying to show it's possible (yes I know I'm not very good but I'm where I want to be), it's not fair to ask it all from the (volunteer) coaches.

I think despondent just about sums it up!
Thanks for your sincere attempt to help I re-read your post and may just take a holiday from archery for a while and see how things look next May before throwing in the towel. The good thing about modern archery kit is that it stores well

[John (OSF)]

Originally Posted by jules

I'm sorry, it wasn't meant to be snide. I really am saddened that you feel so angry, there really is no need to be.

Sorry, did I miss out patronising?

[Tom]

Originally Posted by John (OSF)

I think despondent just about sums it up!
Thanks for your sincere attempt to help I re-read your post and my just take a holiday from archery for a while and see how things look next May before throwing in the towel. The good thing about modern archery kit is that it stores well

A sabbatical sounds like a better idea than giving up for good . Have a rest over the winter and see how you feel next year.

And I might just take you up on the offer of some fishing and water skiing some time