Sponsored Shooter ?

[260 Striker]

Team T DADDY all the way. I'm in since TD will be paying for all ammo, entry fees, food, lodging and transportation!!!!! I can just picture the winning team on the podium now and THE TD MAN himself with his bandanna and his lektrik geetar wailing away like Jimmie Hendrix or Keith Richards. On second thought, that isn't too good of a picture!!!!

[aggshooter]

I know this is a late response and the guy probably isn't shooting anywhere, but you guys do realize the original post probably wasn't being sponsored by a company? It sounds like he is new to shooting sports and his local club requires new applicants to have a "sponsor". The "sponsor" is a current club member that agrees to take the newbie around the facility, shows him which ranges are for certain firearms, appropriate calibers, safety rules, orientation, etc. The "sponsor" then vouches for the newbie to gain him final acceptance as a member. We have some clubs here in Indiana that have that requirement.

Just my .02

[Noahspawpaw0801]

Interesting question. A professional team trending major shoots could bring needed publicity. Sierra, Hornady, Smith & Wesson, Freedom Arms, air gun manufactures, etc could sponsor teams. Thoughts?

[Hosspower]

I'm all for publicity. I think it would help. I'm sure there are some guys that say they would quit if it came to letting sponsored shooters in but I always like seeing amateurs beat professionals. I know there are current shooters that would.

If Jerry Miculek showed up to an IHMSA match with performance center guns and a TV camera would he really be turned away?

[260 Striker]

In the early days the original owner of MOA attended our local matches. Also the owners of Freedom Arms competed in their local matches. Now where do you think they got their guns and ammo????? I might envy people who have some type of sponsorship to help with costs of guns, ammo and equipment but I sure wouldn't worry about that being an advantage as far as competing against other shooters. I don't think there is anything in our bylaws or rules that would prohibit a sponsored shooter. I'm all for anyone who is willing to attend our matches and as hosspower pointed out, if it brings more attention to our sport that would be great.

[jcunclejoe]

Straight from the rule book. I think that should clarify things.

3. No IHMSA competitor shall solicit or accept subsidy or sponsorship from any firearm or accessory
manufacturer.

Be well and shoot great.
Joe

[braud357]

We don't have to worry about this happening - no money - no "professional" shooters ! Simple as that !

[Noahspawpaw0801]

If sponsored shooters bring positive publicity to IHMSA we should consider it.

[high standard 40]

I agree with what my brother said. In my opinion it's too little too late. To generate any interest from a "professional" shooter, you have to make it profitable for them. I'm afraid our match attendance and membership numbers are too low to make this approach feasible. This situation is much like the suggestions that we should advertise our sport more. The truth is that effective advertising costs a lot of money that we as an organization don't have right now. Both of these ideas should have been thought through several years ago. I'm afraid it may be too late now.

With that being said, in regards to "professional" or "industry sanctioned" shooters, as long as that particular group was classed separately from our rank and file shooter, I don't personally have a problem with the idea. Adding a category called "PRO" would solve that. I just don't think you will garner much interest because the "money pot" will be too small to attract any pro shooters.

[Rodent]

Done got my shirt printed for the ECC
"Team T daddy"

I take an XL.


Mike