Ideas to Increase Participation

[ShtrRdy]

If I may comment from the opposite viewpoint. I've been shooting short range benchrest for a few years. For me to attend the local match requires the entire weekend. And both days are long on top of a 90 minute drive each way. The days are organized as 100 yd LV Sat morn, 100 yd HV Sat afternoon. Then 200 yd HV Sun morn and 200 yd LV Sun afternoon. Match fees are $60 each day. There are awards on Sunday after the match.

The dedicated BR shooter has a camper or motorhome and lives for this activity.

I use to shoot pistol matches of the 'run and gun' variety. Those would take 4 to 6 hours out of a weekend day and cost $25. I use to help with setup for those which would add another 1.5 to 2 hours.

So, a friend of mine who likes to shoot BR, and I get together a few times a month and shoot an informal match against each other.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Enticements are not the answer. jclines answer above is the best given. Run a fair match, use common sense. A few years ago I took over a floundering match, it was down to 6 or seven shooters. I cut out the food except for free homemade muffins at sign up an instituted no a foul language policy. A rare occasional oh sh#t maybe tolerated but a fbomb or using Gods name in vain, just pack up and leave. I was told no one will come. Finished the year averaging about 18 shooters. Second year same rules averaged close 30 and broke 30 twice. Kids and women, grow up men, no unnecessary language. Run it fair, be on time, rules for all and shooters will come. Gimmicks to try and get new shooters don't work in the long run. If they are interested they will come.

 

[Rick300]

The younger crowd likes ACTION. While they think BR rifles are cool they probably don't have the time or $$ to acquire one. You might gain a few shooters by opening up a tacticool class so they can shoot their super cool black guns without competing against dedicated BR rifles. Heck, have a pistol class if there are any in your area. The main point is to entice new shooters to the game. Many of the suggestions above also, such as recognition and lunch goes a long way. And HELP them and don't treat them like a red headed step child.

 

[Bennybooboo]

Thanks, everybody, for all of your input.

Now that I have taken copious notes, I have a clear vision of what it might take to bring more participants to the line.

That being said, I will check back in a couple of months with results at our matches.

Thanks again,
Ben Haines

 

[60723]

Shooter of the Year! Thats a new one for me!

Almost something like MVP? Most cumulative points? Most improved?

Please explain.

Achievement awards have definitely been a hit last year.

 

[323]

Enticements are not the answer. jclines answer above is the best given. Run a fair match, use common sense. A few years ago I took over a floundering match, it was down to 6 or seven shooters. I cut out the food except for free homemade muffins at sign up an instituted no a foul language policy. A rare occasional oh sh#t maybe tolerated but a fbomb or using Gods name in vain, just pack up and leave. I was told no one will come. Finished the year averaging about 18 shooters. Second year same rules averaged close 30 and broke 30 twice. Kids and women, grow up men, no unnecessary language. Run it fair, be on time, rules for all and shooters will come. Gimmicks to try and get new shooters don't work in the long run. If they are interested they will come.

Dang giving people the boot for using gods name in vain of accidentally dropping the f bomb?? Little extreme if you ask me. During our safety brief we ask people to be courteous and mindful of language, but we don’t send anyone home. Oh and no vaping or smoking on the line.

 

[60723]

Shooter of the Year! Thats a new one for me!

Almost something like MVP? Most cumulative points? Most improved?

Please explain.

Achievement awards have definitely been a hit last year.

Best 6 scores for the monthly matches are totaled. Usually comes down to the December match. Usually comes down to 1 point or X count

 

[323]

Also having an up to date website by that up to date information. Also have a presence on Facebook, Instagram etc. But awards are the big one, I’m truly blessed my wife is an arts and crafter she has a laser engraver etc. So we are making our plaques in-house, we started with coffee cups with 1-3 on them for each discipline. Those cups were/are a hit . We donate all this to the club because I want to see an increase in shooters and leave this club in a better place than when I joined it. Our club also donates money to three youth shooting programs it’s not much 1k per club but considering only 100 of us in our club that’s pretty good. But we are able to do that because of the revenue we make from our matches.

 

[Aero]

Thanks for asking, I run smallbore metallic silhouette matches at Cascade Shooting Facilities, just east of Seattle. 2026 kicks off this Sunday. Check the CSF silhouette website and Facebook page.

Over the last few years I've heard lots of people (participants and match directors alike) ponder declining competitor turnout over time. Heard at local and regional matches, articles, podcasts, etc.

The recurring things I hear is that there are a lot of things that factor into the equation for competitors; things like associated costs, travel logistics, time, and other obligations. These are things I have absolutely no control over as a match director.

You wonderful people are giving me lots of ideas of things that I can control to improve what I offer.

So far, the things that seem to come up frequently are awards, food, and accessibility.

Keep the ideas coming, all.

Everybody can benefit from this discussion!

SB or any rifle silhouette match is a hard sell. Few want to stand on their hind legs to shoot.

If I was running a rifle silhouette match, one thing I would consider would be to try to bring in new shooters by allowing some sort of supported shooting. Whether off a bench or prone or whatever. Give newbies a better chance to knock down animals.

 

[Kevin1990]

Dang giving people the boot for using gods name in vain of accidentally dropping the f bomb?? Little extreme if you ask me. During our safety brief we ask people to be courteous and mindful of language, but we don’t send anyone home. Oh and no vaping or smoking on the line.

I wouldn't make it out of the parking lot before being asked to pack up, Lol.

 

[323]

I wouldn't make it out of the parking lot before being asked to pack up, Lol.

Same here I try not to cuss but I been known to drop the f bomb every great blue moon. I did lose my cool at a match last year when one of the other competitors tried blaming my daughter on why they were on the wrong LR target on shotmarker. I used a few f bombs on them. Was not very professional of me but don’t blame kid for your inability to grasp technology.

 

[323]

Also another one is advertising if you belong to a club put your club logo on swag doesn’t have to be spendy. So everything we make has our club logo on it.

 

[60723]

Same here I try not to cuss but I been known to drop the f bomb every great blue moon. I did lose my cool at a match last year when one of the other competitors tried blaming my daughter on why they were on the wrong LR target on shotmarker. I used a few f bombs on them. Was not very professional of me but don’t blame kid for your inability to grasp technology.

Just keep in mind that what comes out is indicative of what’s on the inside

 

[rmeyerwy]

I have thought bout doing some rifle shooting, but have no idea what events or whatever you call it are available, rules etc...

I think advertising, promoting a "range day" where the different events are explained and one can try, the key in my mind is making it so the average person can participate without feeling like they are being looked down upon if they dont have the top of the line equipment.

I shoot competitive sporting clays and I have an old browning, but we can hold our own against the perazzi, Kreighoff, etc.,. Get them used to shooting the events, and feeling good about themselves and they will stick, embarrass them or make them uncomfortable, they wont be back.

 

[dusterdave173]

I shoot rimfire at 4 clubs

They are all very different on rules, enforcement, classes etc
The best place we shoot is a pile of old guys that have traveled and shot all over the country--are all TIRED of harsh rules and cheaters, complaining and the like.....You enter your name on the sheet, make your own change for entry fees out of a cigar box, you score your own targets , you post your scores on the chalk board
LOW Hassle--Low pressure--No protests allowed--no complaining, don't challenge any rules the main thing is Have Fun!! We shoot two cards and toss the worst one--The match starts at 8 Sharp--over by 1030--Ribbons for first 3 places and we all go to breakfast then home in time to mow the yard.
Most usually shoot two classes first one $5 second entry is $3 and if you feel good you can just shoot one card in each and shoot 4 classes--whatever makes you happy.
We keep a steady crowd Newbies can shoot the Budget Class with ammo provided ( same for all ) and get started.

The other place we shoot has a nice building with AC, TV, Nice bathroom and big kitchen--the MD and his wife always have a big feed after the match--awards are given while we all dig in--It can't be beat--always a full match.

Run a Fair match--Start on Time don't let it drag out--keep entry fees low as possible--Look at your group--see what other near by clubs have for classes--make it where a guy can show up and be in an equitable class with what he has--Awards and Recognition is KEY Ribbons on Amazon are Dirt cheap but a guy can arrive home with one and a Big Smile--It works!

Don't nitpick and get in the weeds with classes--Keep rules Simple with the goal of letting as many in as you can

My idea--Ok you are a regular--bring a newbie and get free entry or half off or some such--

 

[RabbitSlayer]

I have thought bout doing some rifle shooting, but have no idea what events or whatever you call it are available, rules etc...

I think advertising, promoting a "range day" where the different events are explained and one can try, the key in my mind is making it so the average person can participate without feeling like they are being looked down upon if they dont have the top of the line equipment.

I shoot competitive sporting clays and I have an old browning, but we can hold our own against the perazzi, Kreighoff, etc.,. Get them used to shooting the events, and feeling good about themselves and they will stick, embarrass them or make them uncomfortable, they wont be back.

I feel the same way.

I have never shot a match. It is partially because I am intimidated by the rules etc. I would be far more inclined to go if someone experienced just babysat me the first or maybe even 3 times.

I used to shoot a lot of skeet, but that was the same way. I found someone on a forum who was hardcore into skeet. He took me out with his group and helped me with everything. #1 that I was safe. He didnt even shoot. He just pulled and helped me. I loved it and started going every friday to shoot with them and on my own. I never would have went without having a mentor for the first few times. I would have joined the skeet league if it wasn't so far away.

 

[JEFFPPC]

Dang giving people the boot for using gods name in vain of accidentally dropping the f bomb?? Little extreme if you ask me. During our safety brief we ask people to be courteous and mindful of language, but we don’t send anyone home. Oh and no vaping or smoking on the line.

I expect adults to be adults. If you can't control yourself I guess you need to shoot somewhere else. Pretty sad. Pretty much a reflection of where we are at as a society.No respect, no self discipline.

 

[323]

I expect adults to be adults. If you can't control yourself I guess you need to shoot somewhere else. Pretty sad. Pretty much a reflection of where we are at as a society.No respect, no self discipline.

I guess, usually individuals that have bad behavior self exile themselves. But you run your matches your way the rest of us will do what we need to do.

 

[ELR LVR]

A cash prize would definitely be a welcome addition to motivate,
I mean when we factor in Gas, Bullets, Powder etc
recouping the costs of components or even gas would be a big motivator to even practice more to try and win
---
I know, its not very feasible if we try to keep match fees low enough for everyone to be able to attend
But my idea is this
If it's mostly for fun anyway, or no awards given most of the time....
What about a voluntary, cash prize for those who contribute being the only ones qualified to receive any cash prize from the pot.
If say everyone likes the idea and throws in maybe 10-20 bucks for a prize pool
then only the people who gave in would receive
and still no loss for the shooters who dont wish to participate for money.
for instance if someone just inherently KNOWWWWS they will not be able to compete for the 1st prize winnings, they aren't required to have to pay knowing they will loose anyway. So no risk for them.
Knowing there is a money motivator in the future though if they get better, may make them want to try harder and attend more often.
if even 5 guys thew in $20, I know I would likely even want to buy better stuff to try and be even more competetive.
I chose not to compete for years, even though I practiced and shot a lot at my home ranges
I just didn't see any point, I am as good as I am gonna be, and know how good I am,
the test targets tell the tale, and prove I am - about middle of the road
I didnt compete simply because my time is valueable and there is no money in competing
so no return on the investment
Affordable match fees are the only reason I began entering F-Class to test proof the rifles I build against people who can challenge me to get better.
Were there prizes being higher than the match fee, I would have started entering much sooner
---
Just my own thoughts on that subject

 

[323]

A cash prize would definitely be a welcome addition to motivate,
I mean when we factor in Gas, Bullets, Powder etc
recouping the costs of components or even gas would be a big motivator to even practice more to try and win
---
I know, its not very feasible if we try to keep match fees low enough for everyone to be able to attend
But my idea is this
If it's mostly for fun anyway, or no awards given most of the time....
What about a voluntary, cash prize for those who contribute being the only ones qualified to receive any cash prize from the pot.
If say everyone likes the idea and throws in maybe 10-20 bucks for a prize pool
then only the people who gave in would receive
and still no loss for the shooters who dont wish to participate for money.
for instance if someone just inherently KNOWWWWS they will not be able to compete for the 1st prize winnings, they aren't required to have to pay knowing they will loose anyway. So no risk for them.
Knowing there is a money motivator in the future though if they get better, may make them want to try harder and attend more often.
if even 5 guys thew in $20, I know I would likely even want to buy better stuff to try and be even more competetive.
I chose not to compete for years, even though I practiced and shot a lot at my home ranges
I just didn't see any point, I am as good as I am gonna be, and know how good I am,
the test targets tell the tale, and prove I am - about middle of the road
I didnt compete simply because my time is valueable and there is no money in competing
so no return on the investment
Affordable match fees are the only reason I began entering F-Class to test proof the rifles I build against people who can challenge me to get better.
Were there prizes being higher than the match fee, I would have started entering much sooner
---
Just my own thoughts on that subject

That’s the last thing we need is cash payouts even though with shotmarkers that would eliminate cheating. But there would always be someone trying to cheat for $50 bucks. When I shot 3d archery tournaments I saw guys trying to cheat all to get a 50 cent medal. I like how they did the prize table at SWN heck I even got something 50 pieces of alpha brass. One of the bigger gripes I heard about nrl hunter and prize table it’s the same people winning at the prize tables at these matches they are holding around the country. It isn’t cheap to register for a nrl match either $300 if you want to be eligible for the prize table. Or 150 to shoot the novice or whatever it’s called. In service rifle people get better because they want to get the Distinguished rifleman badge and president 100. You imagine if there was a distinguished LR rifleman badge and you had to earn leg points to get it.