Varying degrees of self-consciousness are handicaps which plague all beginners. Fear that lack of skill will prove embarrassing when exhibited in the company of other archers, to the extent that it will prevent us from enjoying the sport, impels us to practice alone, or at the most to confine our com pany to those whom we know are beginners in the sport.

Since all archers must pass through this initial stage, every effort is made to smooth the transitional period for the novice. There is a sympathetic understanding of the problems faced by the beginner, and encouragement is freely given. A novice is as welcome on the shooting peg as an expert. You need not know tournament rules or procedure to participate. It is common practice to assign an archer, who is attending his first shoot, to a group who are familiar with the rules from participation in previous tournaments. The novice will be coached by his shoot ing companions, commended for his efforts, and never ridiculed for his lack of ability. To the contrary, the novice will, in the course of the first tournament, receive many tips on how to improve his technique and consequently his score, if he inti mates that he would welcome advice and suggestions.

If you still feel that the effort required to enter your first tournament is too much for you, I suggest that you do as I did: leave your equipment at home and attend a shoot in the role of a spectator. Solely from the standpoint of the spectator, I believe a target tournament would permit you to watch more archers in action than a field shoot. However, I now realize that had I taken my tackle to a tournament, I would have been shoot ing the second round. As a spectator, you should be guided by a few simple rules. Stay behind the shooting line at all times. Remember that the benches and chairs on the shooting line are for the participants. They are not intended as seats for spectators. Avoid loud conversation, or other actions that would distract the attention of the shooters. Archery Equipment - Read More.