Youth participation?

[yellowfin]

I'm working on a project to help my club (and actually getting credit for it as a business class project) on youth participation in matches. Having a 2 year old son myself and waiting for him to be big enough to shoot or at least attend matches with me had me notice that not too many folks have theirs alongside them. I'm curious as to why that is and what we can do about it. Here is a survey about it and I would greatly appreciate your help, naturally of course to benefit all of us in the long run. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SLC8BTZ

 

[Geno C.]

Took your survey.

I have 2 boys. 12 and 7. The 12yo has been going to comps with me since he was 8. My youngest will be starting this winter. Some comps are too physically demanding for a small kid to tote around and maneuver a heavy rifle safely. We stick to mostly probe matches for now. The 12yo might get in a prs type match in the coming fall/spring though.

I find taking one for their friends out shooting with us helps them want to do it more. Reactive targets also keep their interest a lot more than punching holes in paper.

 

[1moaoff]

Matches can last all day or 2 days.thats a long format for a kid to stay interested in. Add in lack of food water etc and I think alot of people pass because of that. Really at a match it's boring until it's time to shoot. So as a kid how does that play out.

Maybe smaller matches so less down time.
Shorter duration

22 matches fit the bill for them to start

NO PARTICIPATION TEOPHIES THOUGH PLEASE!!!! T SHIRT YES BUT NO TROPHY FOR SHOWING UP

 

[Geno C.]

I know exactly what you mean about keeping their attention. ? this is buzz waiting for the next round

 

[hlee]

Both of my sons shoot 22lr precision rifle matches with me. These are small enough that there are not dedicated ROs, but you take turns within your squad to spot and score. Anyway, I put my older son on the glass and my younger son on the timer/score iPad when they are not shooting. It’s enough to keep them engaged.

Lapua centerX gets expensive when you’re buying for 3...