Should clubs encourage members and rising stars?

[Rik]

Encouragement yes... But don't most clubs do that? Certainly, the only times I've been a member of a club which didn't have someone whose job it was to cajole people into competing, it was because they were looking for someone to be conned^H^H^H^H-opted into that role.

Financial support is a bit trickier.
It will depend on how the constitution is worded. I know our county has agreed (both in principle and in specific cases) to consider applications for monetary support. But each case will be treated on an individual basis (that is to say - just because it happened before, doesn't mean it will happen again).

To be honest, I'd be astonished if any club arrived at your "ideal situation" and didn't have a core of regular competitors. If nothing else, they would be desserting the clubs in the surrounding area, to join you!

[Sponge]

One of the problems with this question is that the people who are running the clubs have shot for years and therefore forget what it is like to be a new member.

Just think what you would look for if you were going to start a new sports:

1: Facilities that make you want to do the sport there. Are they suitable to the sport. Remember that new people to a sport do not know what is good. Having a 180 yard field is great, but to a beginner having problems hitting the boss at 10 yards, they need to be told why it is good. Having a clubhouse is great, but if it is dark, damp and cold, would you want to got there?

2: Training and coaching. No point in taking begineers from a course and then telling them to either shoot by themselves or telling them to come along to a Frostbite. Training needs to be structured so beginners have a path along which to travel, otherwise they will get bored and leave.

3: Costs. Most clubs seem to be £90 to £150 a year to join. Thats big hit in one go. Then there is equipment. Sure, you can get a beginner set at £150 that will shoot ok, but finding £250 after a few hours of introduction is a big step. Clubs should help break this in with installments or structured equipment rentals.

4: Welcoming. If beginners are made to feel welcome, they will stay. Too many clubs (in all sports) prefer not the have beginners around becuase that stops the good people getting on with the sport. Lots of clubs put beginners sessions at bad times becuase the good times are wanted for coaches and other experienced memebrs. Something as simple as introducing new members at club nights helps. I have seen people turn up to their first club night (not in archery), their first coach is not there and they just don't know who is who and what to do. Unless some nice person shows them the ropes, the feel alienated and don'tcome back.

Just ask yourself: If knew nothing about white water kayaking, how would I get involved? What would I want? Then think what a kayaker would do if they wanted to learn to shoot.

If the structure is there to improve and the club promotes competition as part of that lerning path, soon you will have a club full of keen competing individuals. They will more likely have the mindset to help train and coach.

Sponge

[whisky]

Rik - your comments are interesting but easy to overcome with amendments to the club rules. To stop free loaders you could, for example say that they had to be members for a qualifying period or as a 'catch all' the committees decision is final etc.

It's ok to cajole people but aren't there more positive ways to incentivise them?

[Merlin83b]

Originally Posted by Sponge

2: Training and coaching. No point in taking begineers from a course and then telling them to either shoot by themselves or telling them to come along to a Frostbite. Training needs to be structured so beginners have a path along which to travel, otherwise they will get bored and leave.

The Frostbite situation is exactly the one I found myself in a couple of months ago, and seems to have worked out okay, since there are friendly people around who are happy to offer pointers and chat.

It could be helpful to have more of a structure though; I'm now trying to apply the lessons taught at the beginners' course and certainly wouldn't be upset at a more experienced person telling me what I was doing wrong!

[Sponge]

Originally Posted by Merlin83b

The Frostbite situation is exactly the one I found myself in a couple of months ago, and seems to have worked out okay, since there are friendly people around who are happy to offer pointers and chat.

It could be helpful to have more of a structure though; I'm now trying to apply the lessons taught at the beginners' course and certainly wouldn't be upset at a more experienced person telling me what I was doing wrong!

Merlin,

Most people do not come of a begineers course and shoot a 276 Frostbite on their second ever outdoors. (99 first doz. is a nice score)

More the case is your partner finds herself shooting by hereself on a 20 yard boss with no-one offering help. The Frostbite at EAC is great for getting practice outside with people around to ask questions, but it isn't coaching.

Before I get complaints from EAC, the club has been great and help is always there when asked for. However, there are lots of people who , in general, don't want to make a scene, or feel they will be getting in the way asking for help.

I was told that unless asked for, advice is not given in archery? Do others find that at other clubs?

Sponge.

[Merlin83b]

Originally Posted by Sponge

More the case is your partner finds herself shooting by herself on a 20 yard boss with no-one offering help. The Frostbite at EAC is great for getting practice outside with people around to ask questions, but it isn't coaching.

Absolutely, and something to work towards or more advice on hand for people who come out of a beginners' course and still need some help would be most welcome. She's had a few pointers from friendly people that have been on hand and is improving. She's also stubborn enough to stick with it until she starts getting good results