Bob MItchell interview
Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2004 8:46 pm
Well, I've just read three pages of complaints, but haven't seen some issues addressed which are relevant. Further, having identified so many problems, what are we going to do about it?? Bitch, bitch, bitch??? That won't change anything.
First, lets face one critical fact. MANY shooters have never heard of USAS and don't even know that international shooting exists - or if they know that much, they don't know that shooting is an Olympic sport. I've lost count of how many people were surprised when I told them about it.
Second, forget NRA as part of the NGB. For many reasons it isn't likely to happen, and probably isn't a good idea. Also remember that NRA also sponsers international style matches, and has an international rule book which largely follows the ISSF rulebook.
Third, there are few USAS matches available to most shooters. They are concentrated in a few states, and occur in most cases only once or twice a year. This applies to junior as well as adult competition. Folks, it you don't have a chance to try it, you won't get to like it. For those of us who work at least full time, traveling three or four or more states away for a long weekend isn't in the books as a routine thing for both time and cost reasons. Yes, full up ISSF quality ranges are grossly expensive, but maybe there is an introductory level which can be very helpful (see later)
Every one enjoys bashing the media - not a little of it deserved. However, does USAS make an effort to teach sports reporters about "arcane" ISSF competition? Bring them to a range on a "media day" and not only explain what is going on, but let them get their hands dirty!!! Its hard to report on a sport you don't understand, and if you've tried it, you will be more likely to do a report - and a good report- when it is going on. It may be money well invested. And if done in the context of a major match which is already being covered (e.g. Pan Am Games, Olympics) not terribly expensive.
So what can we, USAS, USOC or whoever do? Well, I don't have a total plan, but here are a few more suggestions. Some of these may have been tried, but not, I think, as a consistent program - which is needed. This isn't a one shot one year cure I will describe.
USAS has to get an outreach program to the rest of the shooters about what it is and does, and the opportunities for major world competition. If relations with the NRA are good, perhaps USAS can obtain (for free) the club and member mailing lists from the NRA. I would target the clubs, especially junior clubs where the mystique of the Olympics is probably stronger than for many adult clubs. Send them information packets describing the disciplines and competitions. INclude some reduced size targets which they can use on their existing ranges - no 25 or 50 meter ranges required. Let them try the game. For juniors provide some very low cost individual and/or club memberships with BENEFITS for members. These benefits would be such things as training videos, videos of finals competitions, etc. Also provide printed material to supplement or duplicate the video so each kid can have their own copy. Get visits to the clubs by current or former Olympians or other internationally experienced shooters to talk about the experience and do some coaching. In effect GENERATE INTEREST IN THE SPORT.
Once you have interest, you need competition - adult and junior. Sponser some "semi-international" matches in conjunction with other bullseye matches. Here again cooperation with NRA would help. These matches would use reduced targets for existing ranges, permit use of the firearms already being used by the shooters. Perhaps for some matches, provide some coaching. Nothiing generates a desire to compete like competition. If a USAS rep can be present to talk about things, so much the better. Remember, these aren't PTOs. They are an introduction to the game.
A couple of times I mentioned coaching. Here is, to me, the BIG problem. I know that in my 50+ years of shooting I have rarely had good coaching available. While the fundamentals are the same, there are some significant differences between NRA and ISSF shooting which require specific coaching skills. Use the above steps to provide coaching clinics re ISSF shooting to current coaches and new coaches. Perhaps create a new coaching qualification level for these folk from which they can advance to the international coaching levels.
Well, those are the basics of my ideas. I hope that they resonate with some of you, and perhaps something to achieve their intended goals will occur. I know none of this is cheap, and the USAS budget is small, but this is seed money which is probably the best way go get those medals two or three Olympics down the pike. Other ideas are welcome.
First, lets face one critical fact. MANY shooters have never heard of USAS and don't even know that international shooting exists - or if they know that much, they don't know that shooting is an Olympic sport. I've lost count of how many people were surprised when I told them about it.
Second, forget NRA as part of the NGB. For many reasons it isn't likely to happen, and probably isn't a good idea. Also remember that NRA also sponsers international style matches, and has an international rule book which largely follows the ISSF rulebook.
Third, there are few USAS matches available to most shooters. They are concentrated in a few states, and occur in most cases only once or twice a year. This applies to junior as well as adult competition. Folks, it you don't have a chance to try it, you won't get to like it. For those of us who work at least full time, traveling three or four or more states away for a long weekend isn't in the books as a routine thing for both time and cost reasons. Yes, full up ISSF quality ranges are grossly expensive, but maybe there is an introductory level which can be very helpful (see later)
Every one enjoys bashing the media - not a little of it deserved. However, does USAS make an effort to teach sports reporters about "arcane" ISSF competition? Bring them to a range on a "media day" and not only explain what is going on, but let them get their hands dirty!!! Its hard to report on a sport you don't understand, and if you've tried it, you will be more likely to do a report - and a good report- when it is going on. It may be money well invested. And if done in the context of a major match which is already being covered (e.g. Pan Am Games, Olympics) not terribly expensive.
So what can we, USAS, USOC or whoever do? Well, I don't have a total plan, but here are a few more suggestions. Some of these may have been tried, but not, I think, as a consistent program - which is needed. This isn't a one shot one year cure I will describe.
USAS has to get an outreach program to the rest of the shooters about what it is and does, and the opportunities for major world competition. If relations with the NRA are good, perhaps USAS can obtain (for free) the club and member mailing lists from the NRA. I would target the clubs, especially junior clubs where the mystique of the Olympics is probably stronger than for many adult clubs. Send them information packets describing the disciplines and competitions. INclude some reduced size targets which they can use on their existing ranges - no 25 or 50 meter ranges required. Let them try the game. For juniors provide some very low cost individual and/or club memberships with BENEFITS for members. These benefits would be such things as training videos, videos of finals competitions, etc. Also provide printed material to supplement or duplicate the video so each kid can have their own copy. Get visits to the clubs by current or former Olympians or other internationally experienced shooters to talk about the experience and do some coaching. In effect GENERATE INTEREST IN THE SPORT.
Once you have interest, you need competition - adult and junior. Sponser some "semi-international" matches in conjunction with other bullseye matches. Here again cooperation with NRA would help. These matches would use reduced targets for existing ranges, permit use of the firearms already being used by the shooters. Perhaps for some matches, provide some coaching. Nothiing generates a desire to compete like competition. If a USAS rep can be present to talk about things, so much the better. Remember, these aren't PTOs. They are an introduction to the game.
A couple of times I mentioned coaching. Here is, to me, the BIG problem. I know that in my 50+ years of shooting I have rarely had good coaching available. While the fundamentals are the same, there are some significant differences between NRA and ISSF shooting which require specific coaching skills. Use the above steps to provide coaching clinics re ISSF shooting to current coaches and new coaches. Perhaps create a new coaching qualification level for these folk from which they can advance to the international coaching levels.
Well, those are the basics of my ideas. I hope that they resonate with some of you, and perhaps something to achieve their intended goals will occur. I know none of this is cheap, and the USAS budget is small, but this is seed money which is probably the best way go get those medals two or three Olympics down the pike. Other ideas are welcome.