In reality, we have never told a child no in the FBH gathering. This is not a competitive event.
It is not going to become a competitive event. We have been there. It was not pretty.

With that in mind I do not believe any of the officials at an event would really object to a nine or ten year old playeing in FBH.
But , having said that this group is not going to become a showcase for a parents ego. As I said above, we have seen that.

Speaking of that let's talk a bit about the youth classes and parents.
These classes are for the participants, NOT their parents.
We recieve complaints from every other parent regarding their children. You should not let parents go with the shooters!
Why don't you let parents go with the kids?
His father helped him. His mother helped her. It's not fair that I can't help my son/daughter.
It's not right that my son can only shoot 40 pounds. He shoots 65 at home. (CUB)
That is just a sample. I would bet that at the past worlds a third of the complaints were from PARENTS of youth shooters, about the other shooters or their parents.

In listening to most of the problems in these circumstances we could turn around, point a finger and say to Mom or Dad, shame on you.
There are some problems brought to our attention that have a legit base. In that case our gut feeling is to deal with the problem as strongly as possible. Then we hear it is often a parent that caused the problem in the first case. Now we are forced to penalize a child for an adults mistake.
We call that little league syndrome.

We must teach our children an ethical approach to the games. If we do not we are in effect teaching them an unethical practice.
Ours is a solitary pursuit in the field. Our ethics are not on parade for many people. We have to make ethical choices many times out there by ourself. What are we teaching our kids that will support the right choice?

We have a great program for youth shooters. We also enjoy their participation. We are proud of our association with Hocking College and the scholarship program they offer our youth shooters.
Many of our kids have taken advantage of this program and gotten a college education from it.

Sometimes we can win. Sometimes we must congratulate the winner. That is where we find our own level of sportsmanship.
It is our parental resposibility to show our children how to respect the accomplishments of others.
I for one do not believe it my duty to teach them how to find a way around that part of the job.
Sorry to be so preachy, but the parents from this past season with their attitudes and conduct have been knawing at me.
ken watkins