Posted by Pete van Meurs on Sep 01, 2011; 12:00pm
URL: http://oldforum.flyshooter.com.au/Workers-and-Shirkers-tp4758007.html

Hi all,

I think this post's contents are way overdue. It's time all competitors asked themselves the question - are they a worker or a shirker.

'Workers' would obviously cover the following -

Those who volunteer their time to organise and run matches and usually do much of the physical stuff
Those who do a lot of the 'behind the scenes' stuff such as target or sighter plate preparation
Assist with range set-up in any way
Work on target details
Score or assist in same
Put out flags (their own or 'club')
Help retrieve flags at the end of the day
Travel some great distance to compete (usually those who fit the above criteria in their home territory anyway!)
Other contributors - such as Les Fraser with this web-page, or sponsors of shoots
Plus whatever I have left out
Lastly -the excused - the elderly, the infirm, the beginner etc

'Shirkers' are those that have regularly attended Fly Shoots  and not filled any of the above criteria - using other shooters' flags to achieve whatever they may have achieved, literally by default . They may be forgiven if they have made significant contributions at their home range in general or to related disciplines such as 'Benchrest' or 'Full-bore' which many 'Fly' shooters also involve themselves in, or made similar contributions at their  'home' range to the benefit of other 'Fly' shooters. But, the bottom line is that for the sport to advance, the shirkers will have to become workers!

If you fit the description of a 'Shirker' you will not be missed at the next match - no names - you know how welcome you will be at the next match - not very much!  The way numbers are growing for the 'Fly' shoots we may well end up with some sort of qualifying criteria that would leave all the lazy sods at home with their TV and F...-All else.

I do not regard this as a definitive post - I welcome all constructive criticism.

Pete