Got a phone call rather than an email. Tim was clear that the result will still be based on the FITA 18 round as per the entry form. Am on second session anyway so said I'd give it a go. How does a head to head work then?
Hi Steve,
I'm not any more experienced than you at this, obviously. The details as I understand are this....
After the Fita 18 comp we all have a score which gives us a "seeding". I think the highest plays the lowest etc. etc. We get the same 2 ends of 3 sighters before it starts and then no more. If lucky enough to beat our opposition we move on to the next round, until the final where the winner is exactly that! As you say, this year the winner will still be based on the highest score at the Fita 18 round anyway, because that is what was advertised. This i believe is only fair and right. But it will give us the chance to try our hand at H2H. I can't wait.
Bear in mind though, I shoot with a ground marker and that means I get sighters to adjust my ground marker before the first round but after that I will have to move targets without the chance to "sight" my marker before shooting te next round. Don't get me wrong, I'm chuffed that we are getting the chance to shoot just as the other bowstyles do. If that means I personally cannot compete equally because of using a ground marker-yeah sure I'm gutted, especially after all my efforts to get equal recognition, but I have to look at the bigger picture for ALL
Longbow archers and be pleased for everyone who can now start to enjoy shooting at the most competative edge.
Does all that make sense? Dont forget, we should all be grateful to Sue Matthews from Silver Arrow Archery for sponsoring LBers to shoot at these tournaments. It's only because of the number of archers present at the National Indoor Champs that we are being offered this opportunity.
We simply MUST make sure we do ourselves and our comrades justice by competing as best we can, and any problems must be flagged up but not to the point of spoilling the competition.
BTW, you're lucky Steve, I'm shooting in the morning. I usually score around 10% more in my second shoot. If thats the same for all of us, those shooting in the second detail will have a slight advantage. Whats more your bow will be well in the groove, mine will have to be restrung and takes time to relax.
Please note how I'm immediately able to make excuses, I haven't even shot badly yet!
Look forward to meeting you Steve. Just give it your best on the day, and most of all, enjoy what you're doing.
AA