in 2003 my daughter made the cut in the cub class. I walked it with her as it was the first time she had been in that kind of situation... yes she has been peered at the state level but this was a whole different pressure. She did shoot the first day by herself... It was harder for me I believe as a parent following along watching her start off cleaning the first 6 targets and then watch her slide with 3 fives and an 8 to finish taking her from potential top score to 11th. I can see where the potential lies for a parent to try and help, when thier goal is to see their child achive something they worked so hard for, but fall short. Sportmenship levels are tested on both the child and the parent in this situation. Doing as other have said in supporting with kind words and encouragement will mean more in the long run than trying to slip the child an edge to help.

It is nice to hear that the IBO is alittle less strict about the age advancement with the FBH than is written. It should be a bit of the parent choise as to when the child is ready for full out competition. My oldest was ready earily, my youngest wont be, but still wants to shoot. I sure don't want her to get pummeled into the dirt till she is ready mentally to handle it. Right now my oldest is having a tough time adjusting to the age advancement to shooting against young ladies up to 17 and she is 14, but she saw success in the past and is old enough to understand it that her time will come again.