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<DIV><FONT size=2>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Greetings to all archers.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>On the subject of archery champions - apparently most comments
and opinions have been offered.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I noticed that most contributors agree that there are
different expectations of the champions: local archery champions and event
tournament champions. That difference appears to be the main
subject.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>As Ulrich pointed out - event tournament champions must
'shoot to win'. Local loyalty or honor is not a part of actual
shooting. Competitors are expected to act honorably and respectful, but
that does not win event tournaments. Skill does!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Eadric pointed out - local archery champions must
satisfy the barony's/shire's policies and expectations; including honor,
chivalry, loyalty, etc., attending local events, helping at practices, and of
course, service to the baron or nobles as requested. Obviously skill is
required to win, but more is required after the competition. Perhaps the
additional requirements should also be part of the awarding of local
championships (1/2 tournament, 1/2 service, etc.).</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>As jsspinks pointed out - perhaps there is some way the
eventholders could let all competitors know which type of event it will be and
what will be expected of the champions.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Until then, Lord Alden's suggestion to consult with the nobles
may be the only alternative. Several archers trying to contact a local
noble that will make a decision regarding an archery competition may prove to be
difficult. But, for now that may be our only option.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I am in that position now. I am the current archery
champion for the Shire of Gates Edge. I am also the current archery
champion of the Barony of Bryn Gwlad.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Once I realized what may be expected of local champions I
stopped competing out of town. That is a shame. I am missing a great
deal, and the local barony's and shires could end up with closed
tournaments. The way it is now, we are discouraging out of town
competitors - intentionally or unintentionally. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>As a member of Bryn Gwlad of whom I have pledged loyalty, I
have been able to participate in local events, feasts, archery practices and
local tournaments. I have been able to be of service to Baron Thomas
- in other words - perform the duties of a local Titled Champion.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I have not been able to provide those same services or perform
the duties of the local archery champion for the Shire of Gates Edge. And
that is not right - it is not fair to the members of the shire.
Fortunately Gates Edge has a real strong archery program and they did not need
me. That is not true for many other barony's or shire's.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I have only been in the SCA a little over two years so I was
not aware of what may be expected of me as the local Titled
Champion. However, bowing out or quitting a tournament would
never have been an option to me - in my opinion that would be an
insult to all other competitors in the tournament. If you are going to shoot,
shoot to win or do not compete. Anything less would only discredit archery
within the SCA. Again - that is my opinion.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>SCA archery is very unique. I would like to see all
archers make sure we preserve that uniqueness. I can attest to that
uniqueness (I am 69 and retired. I have only been shooting for 3 years,
but I have the time to participate in several competitions); I shoot
SCA tournaments, Senior Olympics, and various 3-D tournaments. I
also teach basic archery and hold classes about the history of
archery</FONT>. Believe me - SCA archery is different from all the others,
and very special. </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Having said that, I hope we would not allow archery
tournaments to become closed to out of town visitors - intentionally or
unintentionally. Mundane gas prices will hurt us enough as it
is.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Perhaps you have come up with a solution. Separate
the two archery championships: local champion and event champion.
Let all competitors know which kind of competition it is, and what will be
expected of the champion.</FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Would separating local archery championships from event
archery championships help? I have not researched it, but it would seem
logical that's the way it would have been done in period. Local
champions take on all visiting challengers.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>As Robert suggested, hold local competitions for local
champions and event tournaments for tournament champions.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Lady Lyneya de Grey is this something the Kingdom (and Pug)
would help with?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Thank you for allowing me to comment. And again I
apologize to the members of Gates Edge for not being able to serve them better
as their archery champion, but perhaps some good will come of it.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>As always, in service.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Fergus d'Onray</FONT></DIV></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>