Re: Proposed rule change for discussion
Posted by goodi on Mar 17, 2017; 4:45am
URL: http://oldforum.flyshooter.com.au/Proposed-rule-change-for-discussion-tp5709168p5709185.html
For those who might be interested ,in terms of “fly history”, it was through necessity that ” spotting” originated in the initial fly shoots (back in the very early 1990’s) because the optics at the time were so poor.
Spotting scopes were ordinary and rifle scopes were even worse.
I can remember early 10 target matches in which shooters had to wait for the targets to be hung on the clubhouse wall before they could be sure, if and where they hit the target.
Basically the five targets before the lunch break were shot blind and after lunch with the sun behind, we were able to then see holes on the targets.
(By the way in those days, personal wind flags were virtually nonexistent and silhouette rams were used as sighter plates until large calibres started to ‘drill holes through them” which resulted in the necessary introduction of the bisalloy sighter plates.)
During these times the “spotter” did not coach or assist the shooter, the only communication being the indication of the shot location on a reduced scaled down target or verbally explaining “6 at 7 o’clock” or the like.
I am pretty sure that the attitude in those days (except for juniors or new shooters) would have been to disapprove of any coaching, time monitoring, wind assessment or any direct or indirect aiming analysis for the shooter by the spotter.
Once optics improved and Night Force scopes became the norm, quite a few shooters made the decision to shoot without spotters, although spotters were still an option if required by others.
In fact it was considered quite an achievement if shooters shot the match without any assistance from others, spotting or otherwise.
In reference to the present discussion and debate on this matter, provided the appropriate communication and consultation is undertaken and all who wish to, are given the opportunity to contribute, then, whatever decision is reached (provided it is or was supported by a majority ) should be accepted and implemented by all.
In my opinion, rules should be drafted and formulated in a manner which ensures equitable competition for all shooters.
If not, as we have seen in the Australian 1000yd BR discipline, the majority of shooters will not accept, recognise or respect the application of any rules or rule book in which they were not consulted or given the opportunity to contribute.
cheers
dave goodridge
PS -my opinion only, but in regard to this discussion topic, i agree with Stuart Pethy.