Two points to make here. The board is not going to consider any new classes until the fall meeting. In the operation of the organization and our tournament year, we are in the middle.
This will allow time to see if there is sufficient participation in the HR class to consider further action.
Ghost, please note that your equipment fits this class. It was structured this way to allow both longbows and recurves.It is done this way to allow broader participation. If the numbers are there a further distincion can be made based upon equipment.We will see how that goes.
I will also say that the distances for several classes are under review.(This one included.)
Do we seek input from individuals? Sometimes. Do we ask at local shoots? That is not really practical. Although to say that input is not provided locally would not be true. Any time any of us are at a local shoot, we certainly recieve comments. But, ascertaining the opinions of a class or group of shooters from a local area is unrealistic. Opinions can and are shaped locally sometimes to much from an individual viewpoint.
You have made some very good points. We will present your letter at the spring meeting for review through the season, and discussion at the fall meeting.
I have often looked for that ivory tower thing, just haven't found it yet.
FYI,you and I and every other shooter have opinions that vary greatly on just about any issue that relates to our sport. Sometimes it is not easy to find the most amicable opinion for the greatest number of us.
Six years ago, MTRD shot from the orange stake at an approximate 50 yards max.Most international organizations still compete in their traditional classes at distances of 50 meters. Some use the FITA max of 70 meters. Ours at 35 is by far the shortest. Are those bowhhunting distances? Ceratainly not, but they are used in competition.
ken12