Dear BA members,

The 2025 season has now begun with the official season opening on the Kings Birthday weekend now behind us. Snow was present on some mountains.

I would firstly like to thank all those volunteers who committed their time and effort to see the successful running of two National Championship events in the 2024 Season. Unfortunately, the cancellation of some events spelt a frustrating time for athletes and officials alike.

In planning the resources for the 2025 season the need for volunteers is again a high priority to get the events off the ground. A number of learning outcomes identified the following minimum numbers required.

12 Penalty counters (10 on the range and 2 on the penalty loop)

4 rope pullers to reset the targets

2 rifle handlers to ferry the Rifles of Juniors from the drop off point to the pick-up point after each shooting bout

1 sweeper for brushing the mats

4 persons to set up the Stadium (including the Range prior to Race Start)

As you can see it’s a considerable number required across a number of areas.

Could everyone pls advise me via email reply by 1 July 2025 with what you can volunteer your time towards for both championship weekends on offer this season. If you want a specific role pls let me know or I will use my judgement to slot you into a suitable position.

Broadly speaking it will be intended to run the events along the following lines.

The U18, U16, Open and U22 classes will be in the first race and largely supported by the Masters who will run in the second race. To that end I ask those in the first race to contribute to running the second race, ideally, we will pair an U18 with an adult on the penalty counting area or rope resetting. There will be a down time of approx 30 minutes between the first race being completed to the second race starting on each day

I thank you in advance for your assistance

Paul Connor, Chief of Race paulc3159@gmail.com