A few years ago, I was dead set on doing just that, forcing anyone shooting 400 or above up the ladder of competition. Since then Fastfletch, amoung many, many others, have given me cause to pause on that notion. Forcing that many folks into other levels of competition is a rather severe approach. I now believe there is a better way, and it is starting to be effective. While Ken outlined one of the major considerations for these decisions, there is another that I personally feel is just as significant.

The comment was made that we don't have a payout for the Hunter Classes. That is not totally true. For the Worlds this last year, over 90 people from those classes recieved gift cards, ranging from $100.00 to $300.00. That list is posted at www.ibo.net. Now for classes intended to draw new shooters to come out and try our events, I think that having that many people benefit is rather important. By keeeping these in a random dispursal format, you don't have to shoot "up" in an entry level class to see a little reward. All that you have to do is to be willing to bring your toys and come out to play. Now just for the record, I am very proud of anyone who practices, competes, and wins regardless of what class they do it in. My goal, however, is not to make you all winners at these events. My goal is to make you all competitors at these events, striving to be the best bowhunter \ archer around. Anything that I \ we can do to encourage more people (bowhunters) to take up that attitude will quickly gain my support.

Just offering another viewpoint on the subject.
Chris Turner