TargetTalk

I'm pretty new to the competition side of things, but I was surprised by the fact that the spring selection (Rifle/Pistol) match runs over Easter weekend. Am I the only one who was taken aback by that?

-Ted

So what you are saying is that the whole world revolves around YOUR religious holiday? Whine, whine, whine. With all of the whining I read here about USAS matches being too long or too short or during this or that holiday or during a full moon or some other B.S. reason it is about time that people realize that USAS can't make everyone happy all of the time. Be pleased that they listened and shortened the Nationals schedule. If more people now show up for the Nationals, then maybe we will have more clout (read influence) over other USAS matches/rules. USAS also has to schedule matches around the National Team training and World Cup schedule, not just make us happy.

Yes, I still remember the 1980's at the Nationals at Prado, Chino, CA, having 600 competitors. (125+ in English Prone alone) What is it like now? And don't tell me it was only because the Nationals were shorter then. Most top shooters specialize in one or two events. You showed up for a few days, and then go home. That is the way it has always been.

Jeff

So what you are saying is that the whole world revolves around YOUR religious holiday? Whine, whine, whine. With all of the whining I read here about USAS matches being too long or too short or during this or that holiday or during a full moon or some other B.S. reason it is about time that people realize that USAS can't make everyone happy all of the time. Be pleased that they listened and shortened the Nationals schedule. If more people now show up for the Nationals, then maybe we will have more clout (read influence) over other USAS matches/rules. USAS also has to schedule matches around the National Team training and World Cup schedule, not just make us happy.

Yes, I still remember the 1980's at the Nationals at Prado, Chino, CA, having 600 competitors. (125+ in English Prone alone) What is it like now? And don't tell me it was only because the Nationals were shorter then. Most top shooters specialize in one or two events. You showed up for a few days, and then go home. That is the way it has always been.

Jeff

Ted Bell wrote:I'm pretty new to the competition side of things, but I was surprised by the fact that the spring selection (Rifle/Pistol) match runs over Easter weekend. Am I the only one who was taken aback by that?
-Ted

Yes.

metermatch wrote:So what you are saying is that the whole world revolves around YOUR religious holiday? Whine, whine, whine. With all of the whining I read here about USAS matches being too long or too short or during this or that holiday or during a full moon or some other B.S. reason it is about time that people realize that USAS can't make everyone happy all of the time. Be pleased that they listened and shortened the Nationals schedule. If more people now show up for the Nationals, then maybe we will have more clout (read influence) over other USAS matches/rules. USAS also has to schedule matches around the National Team training and World Cup schedule, not just make us happy.
Jeff

Wow Jeff. Are you always that rude and offensive? Re-read my post and kindly point out where I was whining. I was saying that I was surprised that they would make such a scheduling decision, nothing more. You whine about how "back in the day" there used to be 600 people showing up at these matches. Well here's something to think about- I'm sure I'm like most others in that my family comes first. Always has and always will. If it's a choice between a match or spending a holiday with my family, I'll be with my family. Thus, my point is if USAS wants to increase participation in these matches they aren't doing themselves any favors by scheduling them in conflict with major holidays.

-Ted

Easy men.

Can USAS or any one else for that matter make us all happy, NO!

Is any hoilday, religious or otherwise a bad time to schedule a match, YES!

Could the scheduling conflict it have been avoided, MAYBE!

Many youth recently traveled over the July 4th holiday to participate in the NRA Jr Air Gun Champoinship?????

The Selection match is really only for a select few that have a chance to win a world event. You are not going to have a lot of participants anyways like you would want at USANC.

The men and women going to the match I'm sure have families too. But they are dedicated to the sport and winning with their families support.

amen to that

In retrospect after reading your post, I realize that I have been much too harsh on you, and for that, I apologize.

BUT

my idea still stands.

Easter weekend may be a time for you to be with your family, but other shooters have asked that matches be held on weekends, and holiday weekends, or compressed schedules, so they are less likely to have to take days off work. And I agree with that idea.

I don't know all of the details of why the decision was made for that particular weekend, but understand that many schools close for the spring break (Easter week). Perhaps it was thought that it might be an advantage, and more people would have the time off, or at least the ability to take time off. Realistically, I think it had little importance, as most of the USAS match schedule decision rests on the training and match schedule requirements of the National Team, as it should be. I asked Sergey if there would be a March 3 gun match like they had this year, and he did not think there would be, as the schedule is too full.

And my comments about the complaining on this site are still valid. You just got caught in the crossfire. I'm sorry.

It may be more indicative of our society that we are far more likely to complain and criticise on a site like this than we are to tell USAS that they are doing something right. Hopefully there will be an attendence increase in June. I know I will be there.

And no, I have no affiliation with USAS. Just a returning shooter after 13 years break. And seeing a change. For the worse. In a big way.

By the way, I HIGHLY recommend going at least to the larger USAS matches, as you will meet the elite shooters, and can learn far more from watching and talking to the shooters than from reading books.

Jeff

metermatch wrote:In retrospect after reading your post, I realize that I have been much too harsh on you, and for that, I apologize.

BUT

my idea still stands.

Easter weekend may be a time for you to be with your family, but other shooters have asked that matches be held on weekends, and holiday weekends, or compressed schedules, so they are less likely to have to take days off work. And I agree with that idea.

I don't know all of the details of why the decision was made for that particular weekend, but understand that many schools close for the spring break (Easter week). Perhaps it was thought that it might be an advantage, and more people would have the time off, or at least the ability to take time off. Realistically, I think it had little importance, as most of the USAS match schedule decision rests on the training and match schedule requirements of the National Team, as it should be. I asked Sergey if there would be a March 3 gun match like they had this year, and he did not think there would be, as the schedule is too full.

And my comments about the complaining on this site are still valid. You just got caught in the crossfire. I'm sorry.

It may be more indicative of our society that we are far more likely to complain and criticise on a site like this than we are to tell USAS that they are doing something right. Hopefully there will be an attendence increase in June. I know I will be there.

And no, I have no affiliation with USAS. Just a returning shooter after 13 years break. And seeing a change. For the worse. In a big way.

By the way, I HIGHLY recommend going at least to the larger USAS matches, as you will meet the elite shooters, and can learn far more from watching and talking to the shooters than from reading books.

Jeff

Jeff-
Thanks for the apology. I am pretty new to USAS, so I don't have the ability to compare how it is currently with anything. Truth be told, I have my family's support to go to the Spring Selection match, and I plan on going just for the experience. I hope to have the opportunity to meet you in June at Nationals.

Thanks,
Ted

Once again please excuse my earlier post.

Definately try to hit a few of the matches, as it will give you something to shoot for. They are good ways of measuring progress. Also, everyone is very nice at the matches, so don't be shy if you are new.

Also, the National Team has to space their matches out a little bit, as they don't want to have a match one week, and go to a world cup the next. They spread them out a little, and give room for training and growth in between. That is why I mentioned they have first priority around match schedules.

By the way, if everyone bugs Sergey, maybe we can get him to have a 3 gun match in/around March 2006. It is definately worth going to the OTC in Colorado, as you can see first hand what they do, and why they are under such pressure to win medals in world competition. There is a certain unique feeling attending a match at the OTC, and being around the other elite athletes from the other sports. Also, I was there last week, and the womens' vollyball team has some real cute girls on it!

You will also come to realize that the OTC is pretty compact, with some fairly valuable Real Estate. By that, I mean that USAS does not own the OTC shooting complex. The U.S. Olympic Committee does. And if USAS cannot produce the required results (medals), then the USOC may find another sport that can (read: lose shooting complex). Shooting is already less popular than, say, swimming or track or basketball.

I may not make it to the national team, but if I can shoot scores good enough to make the top guys work harder and shoot even better, than I have done my part.

I also have a neighbor kid that started College 2 miles from the OTC, and I am getting him interested in competing. This is what we need more of.

Jeff