ARCH - What If

[Derek Wilson]

Well. I'm a newbie (9 months) but have been very active in Northkeep so let
me express how it appears to a new person coming in who is already an
accomplished mundane archer (albeit a long time ago). I have been biding my
time looking for what I wanted to focus on first within the SCA. I first
looked to archery as I am already fairly familiar with it as a modern sport.
After going to a few events and seeing the overall lack of participation
(never more than 5 to 10) and lack of recognition. I decided that I would
look elsewhere where a newbie could perhaps meet more people and quite
honestly be noticed more readily. It wasn't until I went to a War where I
actually saw archers do anything besides meet in groups of 5 or 10 and shoot
target. So that is why I have come full circle and decided to become
northkeeps marshall and try and foster more archery in the northkeep area.
But it took nine months and a war to reach this point. I was all set to get
into Rapier or HW so that I could feel like I was a part of this dream
called the SCA. Had there been more recognition/participation  I would have
had no doubts and would have already been the archery marshall in the
Northkeep area. So do I think there should be more recognition, yes....GoA
maybe not....These other awards I know nothing about (Centurion/Falcon ect.)
So perhaps it is a case of archers not promoting themselves enough with the
existing awards I quite honestly don't know. All I do know is that at this
point in time there is little to draw new people to the Archery side of the
SCA except personal exploration. And that is the "problem", participation
will breed recognition, and when enough current awards are being given to
archers a GoA level will be created whether we desire on or not....
 
Diethelm Waltorfer
 
Derek B. Wilson
 
-----Original Message-----
From: EleanorCleavely at aol.com [mailto:EleanorCleavely at aol.com] 
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 2:40 PM
To: ansteorra-archery at ansteorra.org
Subject: Re: ARCH - What If
 
Greetings all! 

After reading what all of you have so astutely said, I have to say that I 
believe archers, both combat and target, should be recognized as archers 
period. We should not divide ourselves and say "I'm a combat archer and am 
much better than a target archer" or vice-versa. It's just like saying a 
rapier fighter who fights case is much better than a rapier fighter who 
fights with a buckler. 

I also believe that there should be an award for archery as well as one for 
equestrian. This is necessary because it encourages people to try out a new 
skill. The rapier community was small until the White Scarves came about. It

was an encouragement, a "look what you can achieve if you try this" sort of 
thing. Archery needs this. 

Our kingdom is sorely lacking in recognition when it comes to archery and 
equestrian events. We need to recognize those who choose to apply themselves

in these areas because they were necessary in the times we recreate. Archers

were necessary. Equestrians were necessary. They were recognized for their 
bravery and skill both on the battlefield and during tournaments. Why are we

not doing this? Are we not recreating the Middle Ages and Renaissance? 

The point is is that we need to stop bickering amongst ourselves and unify
as 
archers. We are a rare breed in these parts and must stand together to 
achieve recognition. 

Agree? Disagree? 

Yours, 
Lady Eleanor Cleavely
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