match director in training
Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2018 1:09 pm
Our long-time silhouette match director is off chasing Bambi's pa in the woods so I stepped up to run our monthly club match (4 - 40 round matches).
I arrived early to set the targets and set out the registration and score sheets - it took much less time than I had allowed, so I was able to pace nervously awaiting competitors to show up.
Many of the regulars showed up and registration went smoothly. Just prior to warm-up (our range does not allow shooting until 9:00 AM) a couple of new shooters dropped in looking for information. I opened the range for sight-in, and quickly ran through the course of fire and invited them join us while quietly wishing they had showed up a half hour sooner when I was twiddling my thumbs. When asked what they had available to shoot, they replied that they had new GSG STG 44s to test out. It was at that time that I decided not to forego the $10 match fee. After learning about the match fee, they decided they needed time for a smoke and to think about it... - they didn't come back. I dunno, maybe I threw away a chance to hook a couple of new shooters, but I honestly don't think they would have enjoyed themselves unless they could turn it into a timed event to clear the rail from the bench with unlimited ammo.
I was nervous calling the matches, and it showed. "Shooters for your lower bank of critters. Fire!" lots of sniggers on the line. Next time, "Shooters for your upper bank of animals. Fire!" More chuckles... I've heard the proper command hundreds of times, but it took me a while and much concentration to say "targets" instead of critters or animals.
3 more new shooters dropped in and I've followed up with 2 of them since and will help them sight-in and be prepared for the next match.
At the end of the day, there was a tie for Silhouette Rifle winner, so we had the thrill of a shoot off, and a 5-pin to award.
Much lead went down range, no one was hurt, no one cried, and we ended a little early - so, I'll call it a win and will be ready to "do better" next time.
My only complaint is the designer of the score books - how the *beep* does anyone write the scores legibly in those tiny boxes.
This experience reminded me to appreciate the experienced match directors that make the matches run smoothly with no apparent effort.
I arrived early to set the targets and set out the registration and score sheets - it took much less time than I had allowed, so I was able to pace nervously awaiting competitors to show up.
Many of the regulars showed up and registration went smoothly. Just prior to warm-up (our range does not allow shooting until 9:00 AM) a couple of new shooters dropped in looking for information. I opened the range for sight-in, and quickly ran through the course of fire and invited them join us while quietly wishing they had showed up a half hour sooner when I was twiddling my thumbs. When asked what they had available to shoot, they replied that they had new GSG STG 44s to test out. It was at that time that I decided not to forego the $10 match fee. After learning about the match fee, they decided they needed time for a smoke and to think about it... - they didn't come back. I dunno, maybe I threw away a chance to hook a couple of new shooters, but I honestly don't think they would have enjoyed themselves unless they could turn it into a timed event to clear the rail from the bench with unlimited ammo.
I was nervous calling the matches, and it showed. "Shooters for your lower bank of critters. Fire!" lots of sniggers on the line. Next time, "Shooters for your upper bank of animals. Fire!" More chuckles... I've heard the proper command hundreds of times, but it took me a while and much concentration to say "targets" instead of critters or animals.
3 more new shooters dropped in and I've followed up with 2 of them since and will help them sight-in and be prepared for the next match.
At the end of the day, there was a tie for Silhouette Rifle winner, so we had the thrill of a shoot off, and a 5-pin to award.
Much lead went down range, no one was hurt, no one cried, and we ended a little early - so, I'll call it a win and will be ready to "do better" next time.
My only complaint is the designer of the score books - how the *beep* does anyone write the scores legibly in those tiny boxes.
This experience reminded me to appreciate the experienced match directors that make the matches run smoothly with no apparent effort.