Was looking through the SITREP thing that came in the mail today saw some stuff on this. Was wondering bout this. When I took my Black Badge there was like 12 people I think. Since then I have only seen 2 of them at any of the matches. Is it common for people to go through taking the course only to never actually shoot? Is that why the sport is on the decline?
Do alot of people take the black badge and never shoot?
- Thread starter USP
- Start date
It's sad but true. Many seem to go great guns, only to dissappear after a season.
Still, IPSC is thriving, so the retention rate must be OK. You say it's declining? I was under the impression that the numbers of members was growing, not shrinking.
Still, IPSC is thriving, so the retention rate must be OK. You say it's declining? I was under the impression that the numbers of members was growing, not shrinking.
I noticed the same thing since I took my Black Badge as well. I think it's because, when you start shooting and you want to go with IPSC, everyone is so supportive and encouraging. The new shooter gets all pumped up about shooting matches and gets the Black Badge as soon as possible.
Then comes the next step....actually shooting matches. Unfortunately, the schedules cannot always accomodate everyone, depending on how far you live from the range you may have a good drive ahead of you (enter high gas prices), your club may not be very active and interest does not seem to be there and last but not least....shooting is expensive.
Just some reasons that I have heard from some people.
Then comes the next step....actually shooting matches. Unfortunately, the schedules cannot always accomodate everyone, depending on how far you live from the range you may have a good drive ahead of you (enter high gas prices), your club may not be very active and interest does not seem to be there and last but not least....shooting is expensive.
Just some reasons that I have heard from some people.
I think it's around an 80 - 90% :failure to return: rate.
Most people who take the course will shoot their "Qualifier" match many will shoot a few matches but generally by the end of the second season only 1 or 2 may still be shooting. There are many reasons and I certain they run from “not my cup of tea” to
too expensive” and so on.
The only way to guarantee someone will return year after year is to have an IPSC shooting buddy. I also find those that take the course with a friend will be returning for many years.
Those that don't have a buddy and still come back are of course IPSC addicts and the only know cure is bankruptcy (or having your wife found out how much you spent!)
Most people who take the course will shoot their "Qualifier" match many will shoot a few matches but generally by the end of the second season only 1 or 2 may still be shooting. There are many reasons and I certain they run from “not my cup of tea” to
too expensive” and so on.
The only way to guarantee someone will return year after year is to have an IPSC shooting buddy. I also find those that take the course with a friend will be returning for many years.
Those that don't have a buddy and still come back are of course IPSC addicts and the only know cure is bankruptcy (or having your wife found out how much you spent!)
black said:I think it's around an 80 - 90% :failure to return: rate.
Most people who take the course will shoot their "Qualifier" match many will shoot a few matches but generally by the end of the second season only 1 or 2 may still be shooting. There are many reasons and I certain they run from “not my cup of tea” to
too expensive” and so on.
The only way to guarantee someone will return year after year is to have an IPSC shooting buddy. I also find those that take the course with a friend will be returning for many years.
Those that don't have a buddy and still come back are of course IPSC addicts and the only know cure is bankruptcy (or having your wife found out how much you spent!)
I dare say it may be similar to golf. How many people get bitten, take lessons, buy clubs, then play once a year? I know a lot of people with dust clubs.
The thing that used to burn my butt about this was the perception of wasted time and effort. It takes a huge commitment of time and manpower to run a BB course. When 3/4 of the shooters drift into the wind by the next season, it seems like a wasted effort. However, even if they are no longer active, at least they have experienced the sport, and may drift back
It's never a waste of time......don't be discouraged, those of us who continue and most importantly continue with enthusiazum attrack others to the sport....once potential shooters see how much fun we are having they will come to see what it's all about.....and a few will stay. I too have a dusty set of clubs for sale....need ammo!!
- Location
- Halifax - NS
Someone in BC looked hard into it (MG) a few years back and found that our loss of participants is in line with most pastime sports; softball, golf, etc.
As mentioned above, it's pretty common for someone to get into something and then set it aside.
One key element is getting shooters from the black badge to the first match and then ensuring that one goes well. The picture of our sport at the black badge is nothing like a match and we need so show them that.
As mentioned above, it's pretty common for someone to get into something and then set it aside.
One key element is getting shooters from the black badge to the first match and then ensuring that one goes well. The picture of our sport at the black badge is nothing like a match and we need so show them that.
Musky Hunter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I think the buddy system is great. Allot of guys hate travelling alone. We got to show the shooters how FUN IPSC is.
Also, some shooters are discouraged with how hard the L3 matches are. I suggest they shoot afew L1s so they are not discouraged.
Also, some shooters are discouraged with how hard the L3 matches are. I suggest they shoot afew L1s so they are not discouraged.
new shooters have to be encouraged.
I realize it can be expensive giving class awards, but if large numbers turn out a think the cost of a medal ($3.50) is worth it. Is there anything wrong with just giving D class shooters medals for placing in the top 3?
I realize it can be expensive giving class awards, but if large numbers turn out a think the cost of a medal ($3.50) is worth it. Is there anything wrong with just giving D class shooters medals for placing in the top 3?
Right on!
I agree 100%. I had to leave IPSC for awhile, not my choice. With two kids in university finances had to be re-routed. However that is now history and I have just got my black badge back (re-took the course this weekend). Instructors were great, very enthusiastic, and I have already made commitments to some fellow shooters to visit their ranges for club shoots. I also noticed some rule changes that makes it easier for the average shooter to compete without having to buy an all out race gun.
It's great to be back!!http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...ngunnutz.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
stone54 said:
I agree 100%. I had to leave IPSC for awhile, not my choice. With two kids in university finances had to be re-routed. However that is now history and I have just got my black badge back (re-took the course this weekend). Instructors were great, very enthusiastic, and I have already made commitments to some fellow shooters to visit their ranges for club shoots. I also noticed some rule changes that makes it easier for the average shooter to compete without having to buy an all out race gun.
It's great to be back!!http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...ngunnutz.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
I have been a member for two years now and have only shot 2 matches (my qualifyer and a level II that was cut short due to rain out ) I would be out more but my wife was in school the past year and as a result my involvement in looking after the kids went up 100%. I am looking to get out to more matches this year but tend to agree an IPSC buddy or mentor would make it easier. It is difficult to go out and not know anyone. Not complaining just stating the obvious. However, I will say that the members I met have always been very friendly and accomodating for the most part.
) I would be out more but my wife was in school the past year and as a result my involvement in looking after the kids went up 100%. I am looking to get out to more matches this year but tend to agree an IPSC buddy or mentor would make it easier. It is difficult to go out and not know anyone. Not complaining just stating the obvious. However, I will say that the members I met have always been very friendly and accomodating for the most part.Why not do a poll about how many people here have taken the bb course and not participated in matches? I started alone found a course in Ontario and shot a few matches there. Now I 've learn't about the matches here in QC and am participating. Pretty much everyone is helpful and nice. I'm and English speaking person in Quebec and have not had a problem getting along with the French population here (in fact the range I shoot at is mostly French speaking, these guys are great!).
