The guy who shoots more elevens may or may not still win---it all depends upon whether or not they can handle the pressure of shootoffs. Tournament nerves have claimed more than one victim.

I also agree that the top prize should not be a gift---having won my share in years past I can strongly see this point--however to get more people competing and for the overall numbers to grow, we must make it easier for them to do so IMHO. If we keep making things tougher and tougher and tougher still every year all we are doing is catering to the top shooters and forgetting about the bulk of the competitors. This leaves a bad taste in their mouths and is why we see more and more dissention every year--I hear this constantly from 3D shooters who frequent my (IBO) Pro shop. They don' t mind (too much) if they get beat by 10 or even 20 points, but when they get slaughtered by 50, 60, or 80, no, they won' t be back because realistically they know they cannot make up that kind of ground. 10, 20 or 30--well then there is a possibility of picking that up or " pulling one out of a hat" . INCENTIVE to participate is the key objective here.

As stated, the top shooters will always be there--until there is no-one else but them that is. If you have no-one to witness your accomplishments, it really isn' t that much fun, is it?[] What we need to do is make it enticing to those who wish to compete but do not currently feel they can. This will increase numbers. Back when 3D first started it was a much more relaxing atmosphere IMO---laughing, joking, even busting if someone missed a shot was the norm. Try that now, especially at a major, and you' ll get decked![] Far too serious. We need to make the game FUN again. To do that formats and scoring must not be so demanding of the archers participating. That simple IMHO.

Besides--a few shootoffs never hurt anyone, and prepares us all for that one shot " moment of truth" under severe pressure! Good shooting, Pinwheel 12