Should clubs encourage members and rising stars?

[morphymick]

Originally Posted by Little Miss Purple

Would they be encouraged to wear chest guards???

May give OB a funny turn.

Back on topic, Dearne Valley recently received a grant for new equipment for 3 junior members, Tinkerbell, Ruby & Carl (not an AIUK member). Samick Agullas and all the trimmings.

Tinks and Ruby used them to good effect today, and Carl was leading the juniors' in the morning session.

Mick

[whisky]

Do you know how they obtained the grant and from where?

I was really interested in what people thought (theoretically) about clubs finacially helping archers from club funds and in what ways that support could be made?

All ideas welcome but the dancing girls are out of the budget

[morphymick]

The grant was from Dearne Valley Ventures IIRC, a regeneration fund for the ex-coalfilelds area. Ruby and Tinks may have the press release.

Mick

[Kragen Ironfist]

Originally Posted by whisky

Hi Marcus.

Thanks for your comments.

I guess I was really thinking of those on the next tier down rather than those representing their country and not necessarily to the tune of thousands of pounds/bucks but some sort of assistance.

I don’t know how rich archery is as a sport in Australia but in the UK there are many clubs without their own grounds sharing with other sports and restricted upon when they can shoot. The scenario I depict is what many clubs aspire too – so I was thinking when you have that, what next? (If we exclude the naked dancing girls)

well if you REALLy have to exclude the naked dancing girls, then the two biggest factors in encouraging people to shoot are friendly atmosphere, and affordable coaching.

When I joined Bournemouth I paid a small fee (£20-30 or so) for a six week beginners course, follwing that I took the intermediate course - this cost a bit more as it involved becoming a full member of the club - however that membership came with the bonus of GNAS membership - not sure about FITA, and are club's insurance will allow people to shoot alone providing they have access to the bosses (when you are deemed safe to shoot alone you get a key to the archery store)

this setup works because the coaches give up their free time to coach the beginners and provide the friendly atmosphere we archers come to know and love, if after six weeks you arent hooked then archery is not for you, but for those who are hooked and join up follow through the intermediate course (another six weeks) after that there are extra coaching sessions at an extra charge - unfortunately work prohibited me from joining these courses. however once a member with access to the store you can practice almost anytime, we are lucky at bournemouth in that the clubs insurance policy covers for lone shooting whereas most clubs I understand need a minimum of two people to fulfill the insurance requirements. encouraging people to turn up to practice is the key, as they practice and get better, they will WANT to compete - for some it will only ever be a hobby, but most will relish in the competition, I have only been to twon competitions so far but in each competition out club was well represented and winning trophies to boot

my only regret is that I work so many hours I can't practice more

equipment is pricy but at least you could always hire a stylist bow while you save up your pennies - with the added bonus that while you hire you can uopgrade the weight of the limbs without having to pay through the nose.

[Seddy]

Correction Mick, the grant was from South Yorkshire Community Foundation Local network for young peoples fund. The grant was for top class equipment to be used by juniors. At present used by The three named archers but will be passed on (as and when the need arises) to other budding juniors. Anyone wanting details of grant contact Seddy or Barry Cox at DVAC

[Marcus26]

I would not support a club giving grants to up-and-coming shooters as that's another term for 'yet to actally prove themselves'.
Obviously should a club secure a grant from elsewhere for such an archer that is fine, but from membership funds I would say no.

I think clubs need to look at various facilites as a matter of course and need to plan for this from day 1.

• Club rooms and indoor range. Range built for easy expansion.
• Designed for archery target range with shelter and set shooting line. Should be fenced in
• Self coaching systems. Video etc
• Presentation systems
• Small pro shop
• Canteen setup, possibly with vending machines. Money should go back into the club. (and members should purchase from these machines and not bring their own)
• Carpark with good lighting as the indoor range will expand shooting hours.

Once these items are in place the membership will swell at a massive rate if handled correctly.
It is easy to obtain. May take 20+ years however. To do so you must.
• Secure you own land. 20-25 year leases etc. Avoid venues you must share with others.
• Run regular beginners courses. 1-2 a year is not sufficient. For example my club now has a beginners night every Monday. Membership is souring.
• Charge a reasonable yearly amount. Most clubs charge a very small amount and then charge a shooting fee. This is not good because the money comes in slowly. Once a year fee means your club gets a huge cash injection at one time pf the year allowing budgeting to be better. We do not charge a shooting fee.
• Have a plan and stick to it.

[whisky]

Thanks for your responses particularly Marcus. I have to be careful what I say for fear of being identified and thus singled out ;-)

But if you have a 1st class club, similar to what Marcus describes with FREE coaching after beginners and everything else, less the pro shop where do you go from there?

Say you have a good membership 130+ but only ever see say, 20/30ish of those and then perhaps 6ish regularly shoot open tournaments what do you do to motivate people? If they could see that by getting to a certain level the club might help them through incentivising is that not a good idea?

I used the term ‘up and coming’ as I couldn’t think of better terminology. But let’s say they can shoot 1250+ FITAs/ 580+ Portsmouth. Marcus, one problem here is that there are always limited places on County teams say, 3 or 4 for compound. If you reside in a county with a good contingent of compounders you can/could be a very good archer and not be able to make the team. (BTW moving isn’t an option) But those archers still need motivating but how do you do it?

Why clubs shouldn’t try and help those archers like how it happens in other sports in the UK like ********, cricket etc?
Do any clubs go to tournaments as a team? I.e. traveling together with an organiser (sort of manager) ensuring everyone has ‘team spirit’. Club clothing etc? (Yes I know GNAS clothing rules are as organized and sensible as the majority of officers they have).
Any ideas?

[whisky]

why does ****** get spelt ******** when i post? I know it's not archery but huh?

[whisky]

Doh, doh doh!!!!!!!!

[Jenny]

I assume you're asking about ********?


~Jenny~