competitions....

[tracy137]

do I have to compete?

A member at my new club has told my husband that because there are so few lady members (they only had one, and two of us have now joined from the beginners class) that I have to be on it.

I HATE competing; I don't have a competitive bone in my body and I go to pieces in that sort of situation, born out by my 'mini comp' last week when I completely blew it until it was over (I scored a 150 in total) and then went back to getting reds at least afterwards.

I took it up as a hobby, but I don't want to compete I have a low enough self esteem without adding being a terrible archer to it.

So, do I have to compete or can I just, politely, tell them to sod off? I have tried that, but they are insistent. I've been told I'll 'learn to be competitive'!

When I mentioned to said members how well other beginners were doing, I was told not to give a damn about them and care only for myself - to concentrate on my own handicap; I just want to go and shoot every week, end of subject.

So what can I do? Can they insist, or am I alright to continue to say no?

Don't get me wrong, they're lovely people and couldn't have been nicer to me - but when it comes to competitions they become almost rabid! LOL!

Still I am a little worried as I don't want to do it; I've had a lot of personal problems in recent months and am only just now starting to get better - archery was meant to help me, but I can see it becoming another battleground and I can do without it right now. I should just point out I am not being politely modest, I am really bad - particularly in competition (always have been).

[Dave]

No one can force you to compete, Tracy.

[Marcus26]

Don't go to competitions to compete. Go there to socialise and meet new people. Archery competitions are as competitive as you want them to be. Would be worth you going once (even to watch) and see what it is about.

[tel]

Hi Tracy!
Ditto the above replies - you don't have to compete, but you'll be missing out on a very large part of the pleasure of archery if you don't attend competitons. I've a total of five days this week at Dunster Castle in Somerset (day four today!), not only a lovely setting to shoot in but a very popular event. Hundreds of friendly archers enjoying themselves without a hope in hell of winning anything, alongside a few that will. This is one of the big pluses - there's room for everyone
You must do what you feel is right for you, but do yourself a big favour and give it a go - for you, not them.

[Murray]

Simply tell them you don't want to compete. Tell them you don't need the pressure rihgt now, and they'll have to take no for an answer. You'll compete when you're ready.

I know what the other guys are saying - it IS a very social thing too - but that has to be your decision. Perhaps going along to a few competitions to watch would help you see what it wa sall about first.

But when all is said and done "competing" was not a condition of your membership.

[Jerry Tee]

Yes tell them to sod off, and if they continue explain that you will compete when you feel that you are ready.

[geoffretired]

You don't have to compete, but I'm with Marcus on this one. Going to a competition is fun for its own sake. Most people will not be competing, in the really serious sense, anyway. It is a different venue with different people and different jokes(sometimes). There will be some medal winners and some medal hunters, but most of the people will be there to enjoy the day with new friends. I never wanted to compete either. I had to be persuaded! I gave in to pressure;but I'm glad I did. I would encourage anyone to go to a competition-just for its own sake. You will know then, whether you like it or not.

[JohnK]

Keep an open mind on going to a competition one day, but don't feel you have to. Whoever's telling you you must keep is being rude and pushy.

[Big Boy Blue]

Tracy, as all the others have said don't compete just because somebody tells you to. If you don't want to do it stick to your guns and say NO. If you did shoot I would guess that you will probably perform below norm as you will certainly not be in the right frame of mind to focus properly. So whats is the point of making you shoot in the first place.

Only do it when YOU are ready.

[wingate_52]

Do what you want to do. You have taken up this sport as a therapeutic hobby. It is for you to enjoy. Join in competitions if and when you feel the time is right for you. We only have 1 female recurve archer at my club. She is our top archer. Every week we all get beaten by her scores, but we persevere.