Ralph Arnold and I probably talk almost everyday during the week.  Our conversations usually include clay target shooting.  Questions asked and discussed are ways to expand the game of skeet.  I am not a proponent of changing the game from a technical aspect, but how we approach the selling the game.  I am always pointing out our need to put more effort into retaining current participants and expanding their activities.

 

Well Ralph has finally come up with an idea that is both competitive, fun and cost effective. One of the expensive aspect of shooting register skeet is the travel. What if a number of clubs hold a 12 ga. event on the same day with identical starting times and with all participants competing against each other? Communication today is easy, cheap and immediate.  Using cell phones, faxes and maybe email the results of each squad can be immediately sent to each participating club.  Scores and classes can be compared and shoot offs determined.  Then those tied can shoot off, say each tied shooter starts at the same time, shooting until they miss.  Using cell phones the results can be compared and a winner determined.  Only one shoot report is needed and one shoot number.  The host club would be responsible for all reports.  All fees collected by the clubs would need to sent to the host club for distribution to the OSSA and NSSA.  If you had 6 clubs participating and had 15 shooters at each club, then you are talking about a 12 ga. shoot with 90 competitors. To reduce the cost even more each club should charge their normal practice prices and use local volunteer refs.

 

Ralph and I are willing to be the first host club and come up with a program.  We figured the first shoot should be a Sunday afternoon event with 2 flights using the 12 ga. starting at 12:30 and 2:00. The first shoot should probably be honors only so that any problems can be worked out.  I know this can work with a little cooperation.  What do say we give this a try!  Let Ralph or I know.

 

Oh by the way we are still in the process of explaining our ideas to NSSA and getting permission to hold this event.

 

What do you think?

 

    

 

Jim Murphy #80600