I have seen a number of "contests" pop up since the new Target gate opened. It seems like someone has an idea for a contest and then it sort of fizzles out or changes direction. I think there a few problems that make the initial idea die out. First, the idea comes up as a suggestion and then there is so much input as to different ways of conducting it, that it just dies on the vine or doesn't have a whole lot of participation. The initial thread becomes muddled and seems to tangent (if that's even a verb...).
I think if someone would like to initiate a contest, we should have some sort of "boilerplate" type posting. Be very specific. Standardize it:
Date
Airgun type. Springer, PCP etc
Caliber.
Scope, No scope, both
Target-If printable, just give the actual printed dimension so folks can calibrate their own printers. Maybe we should have our own GTA targets!
Distance-Use both feet and meters
Trails-How many submissions, best shot-worst shot etc.
Rule book followed (NRA etc.)
(I'm not saying the above should be the final template, but you get the idea)
Since I have never entered, nor am familiar with competitive shooting, structure to success for me is key maybe others like me would be a great help as well.
I know this seems less than casual, but if we had a clear plan, GTA contests might have a better success rate, have a greater number of participants, and just be a heck of a lot more fun.
Here's what I'd like to suggest.
A GTA member posts the contest in some sort of boilerplate contest post within the category to which it apples (Springer Rifle, Co2 psitol, etc.). Posts should been done within a week of when the score entries are due. Monday I think might work best...that allows for planning and the ability to shoot over a weekend toward the end of the contest. Then the submissions are sent to a given individual in the forum (this probably would be whoever made the post or maybe the moderator) of either a written score, photo of target, or both. They would not be posted to the thread until later (read on). The photos, by way of the contest “directorâ€, could be submitted to one designated folder at a GTA designated photo site (Photo bucket might work). The final scores are posted the day or so after the contest is over with a link to the specific photo folder so folks can see some of the actual targets. After a 24hr discussion (24.36. whatever...) the thread could be locked and we move on.
The actual thread replies should only contain questions, answers etc until the very end when the scores are revealed. Like a good book the contest would have a beginning, a middle, and an end. What say you?
