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7/09
We here at MPSA enjoy putting together a local match for you each month, and we hope you enjoy shooting with us. However, this month we found ourselves in the unfortunate position of having too few staff members to move forward with the event. This month's match had to be cancelled, and we will need more dedicated volunteers to prevent this from happening again.
IPSC is a sport run by volunteers. At the local club level no one gets paid, other than with a small match discount to show our appreciation. The time volunteers spend on the ranges, in the stat shacks and building props in their garages is more often donated just for the pure love of the sport. And to their credit, most of these people STILL try to pay a full match fee and need to be cajoled into accepting the discount, as small a token as that is. Many do their jobs simply because they know that if they didn't, match cancellations would be the norm, not the exception.
But, the future of this sport will depend on a new generation of volunteers, as well as shooters. As with any club or group, there will always be a few motivated individuals who step up and do what is necessary. Many of these same people have been doing more than their share, at more than one club, and for more years than we can count! That help is very much appreciated, but we understand that everything has its limits. Eventually these volunteers suffer from 'burnout' and begin volunteering less often. Some even quit shooting the sport they love. The cumulative loss of experience, energy and ideas can potentially end our sport at a particular club. And once a club closes, it takes many, many times the effort to get it started again. Many times, it simply is gone. We have seen it happen.
We are reaching out to those who have enjoyed shooting with us over the years and to our new shooters. We ask if you can find the time to help put on these events in the future, so that the future of IPSC in Maryland, and even other areas, is secured for many more years to come. The Thurmont facility is a beautiful location, and it is a terrible shame to see it empty on a dedicated IPSC weekend. Please consider what it would mean to future generations of shooters to lose yet another ISPC location, here or elsewhere. And spread the word among the shooting community to commit both the talent and resources to not only keep this club going, but to make it better than ever!
Why not make a pact with your sport and your fellow shooters to volunteer even just twice a year at one or more clubs you frequent? Different clubs have different needs, so be flexible and willing to work in an area where you may not necessarily have experience. Chances are, there is someone there who will be very grateful for your help and more than willing to show you the ropes.
Your help is not only appreciated. It is essential.
Thank you,
Bill and Adam
For Match Schedule, Sign Up Info and Important Links click here.
NOTICE: Thurmont members are STRONGLY encouraged
to download
a copy of the Range Rules and keep
them with you while practicing.
During testimony in support of HB 228 (the
2007 CCW Shall Issue
bill for Maryland), a nice little grandmother who had been previously
mugged stated that she would like to say the following to her
NEXT
mugger, "Friend, I would not hurt you for the world. But,
since
you started it, you are standing where I am about to shoot."
Click for Directions to Thurmont.
For Match Schedule, Sign Up Info and Important Links click here.