Organizing a Shooting Competition?

Fate would have it the other day that Ian Millar and I would arrive at the municipal dump at the same time. Of course the conversation turned to the British Columbia Rifle Association’s annual Service Rifle Championship, which Ian coordinates. This year Ian has over 90 people registered in Service Rifle and about 50 people registered for Service Pistol We stood there in the flies and the dust discussing build up training, employment leave, logistics, planning, coordination, sponsorship, prizes, trophy construction and so on. I wished him good luck in the competition prior to going our separate ways. I sure wish I was going to the BCRA SR competition. Oh well!

 

Afterwards my mind turned to the Service Rifle competition that I coordinate and host annually. The Terrace Rod & Gun Club competition is on a much smaller scale than the BCRA SR competition but it is still fun. Regardless there are numerous preparations that must be made prior to any shooter arriving for registration.

 

Every successful club or association has them, a commodity resource that is the heart and soul of any successful program. People that invest their personal time, share their expertise freely and enjoy seeing others succeed in their shooting discipline are the resource. These people are usually enthusiasts and specialists in a certain field that want to see the sport flourish.

• Are you one of these people?
• An untapped resource?

How do you get started? It takes planning and you’re probably going to need some help. If you, or someone you know, wants to coordinate a shooting competition there are a few things you will need to consider.

 

1. To need to have established (or are in the act of establishing) competencies in a particular discipline and you will need to be able to demonstrate that you have those competencies;

 

2. You will need to make a presentation to your local club executive. Describe in detail:

1. Your vision;
2. Your method;
3. Your plan;
4. How it benefits the club and the members;
5. Timing / Dates / Schedules & Coordination with other programs
6. Range Improvements;
7. Range maintenance;

Your local club is interested in providing their members with safe sporting alternatives so long as it does not conflict with other established programs. You will need to garner support from the club’s executive first and be prepared to be flexible. The club may want you to take baby steps and to establish a reputation before your event can be too big or sophisticated.

 

3. Ask what resources can the club bring to the table? You and the club are developing a partnership for your event.

1. Training opportunities
2. Refund policy
3. Expertise;
4. Club Assets
5. Advertizing / Newsletters / club web site
6. Are there any other stakeholders that may have a vested interest in your event?

It takes time and dedication to put on a good competition. Try not to be too disappointed if you have fewer competitors attend that you were hoping for. If it’s a well planned, safe and fun competition word will get out and your following will grow.

 

In the past I have employed radio, internet and television interviews to advertize my competitions before and after the events have occurred. You can do the same – it’s great coverage and is seriously worthy of your consideration. It has paid off but it has been a tremendous amount of work. Your take home pay is pride in a job well done and the gratitude of the people that attend your competitions.

 

In closing there is something else that needs to be said. Our champion shots don’t get to be champions without the support of people that organize and deploy practice sessions and competitions. It is these events and competitions that give our champions the opportunity to perfect their craft and bring home wins.

 

To all of you that work towards arranging and organizing competitions, regardless of the shooting discipline, shooters from all walks of life send you thanks and gratitude!