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Present
1. Apologies Eric Wallace SARPA 2. Minutes of the last meeting - Two minor corrections were called for: (a) Correspondence - under AOB, the letter to Sally Collins regarding events at the European Championships was not to be sent by FFTA, instead Comp. Sec. would speak to her the day following this meeting. (b) Chronographing – under AOB, the discussion was not "heated" but was "in depth" - the vote for its introduction was unanimous. With these corrections, the acceptance of the Minutes was proposed by Barry Longbottom (Comp. Sec.), seconded by John Garwood (FFTA) and accepted unanimously. 3. Matters arising (a) Chronographing NEFTA's last Regional meeting agreed with chronographing but said that there were two variables, velocity and pellet weight, of which only velocity was being tested. Some pellets, e.g. Baracuda Match, can vary from 10.1 to 10.9 grains. This should be allowed for. It was decided that it would not be easily practicable to weigh pellets under shoot conditions. Roger Moy (FFTA) suggested that chronographing be based on the lightest weight for a particular pellet. It is becoming important for several reasons that we are seen to police our own sport. Proposal: "BFTA will issue a maximum velocity for a given pellet type – for pellets not on the list it is the responsibility of the shooter to prove the weight". Proposer - Roger Moy (FFTA), seconder – Allan Knock (SEFTA). Carried unanimously. (b) Chronographs - Roger Moy (FFTA) reported on progress concerning the acquisition of chronographs for BFTA use. He gave details of the Skan Pro 1 Series 2 which can be found on the internet at http://www.skan-ar.freeserve.co.uk/skan_chrono.htm These would be mains/battery powered, battery power being very stable. Calibration and certification was no problem. Ambient light has no effect on them as they are self-contained with the pellets going through a tunnel. The logistics of transporting them from shoot to shoat were discussed, also their insurance. They should be "signed for" by the Region that they were going to next. They were to be supplied with sturdy travel cases and a V-block for aligning the rifle. Their protection against being shot was discussed and a protective floor for the tunnel/sensors was to be negotiated. The cost would be approx. £450 for two. Certification would be approx. £17 each per year. Repairs for shot sensors would cost £27 and be returned by return post. Proposal: "That two chronographs be purchased as described by Roger Moy as appropriate for BFTA use". Proposer Bany Longbottom, seconder Kath Thomas (WAFTA). Carried unanimously. The meeting thanked Roger Moy (FFTA) for his efforts in this matter. (c) Chronograph marshalling - Norma Almond (NWFTA) asked who would run the chronograph at a shoot? It was decided that this would have to be a responsible shooter and that the marshal's decision would be final. A notice would be displayed to that effect. The marshal would be responsible for the process. It would be the responsibility of the Region hosting the event to provide protection against the effects of weather. (d) Kneeling - Norma Almond (NWFTA) asked about the drawing of the kneeling position as discussed at the last meeting. Comp. SEc. said that drawings would be provided in the guideline pack that would be sent to clubs hosting the events. (e) Shoot calendar - Beryl Noon (NEFTA) raised the question of Regions being unable to finalise events until their own AGMs/Financial Years etc. have taken place. Proposal: "That Comp. Sec. will look at procedures for deciding events, venues, and contacts with regard to a year start." Proposer John Briscoe (MFTA), seconder Norma Almond (NWPTA). Carried unanimously. (f) BFTA Registration Cards - These have an expiry date of 31 March 2001, already in process, trapped to that date by the insurance dates. Everything to do with cards should come through the Club Secs. Consideration will be given to individual requests when new applicants turn up at an event ready to shoot. (g) BASC insurance - BASC need notification in advance of events. BASC-insured clubs are allowed four events per year. Visitors must sign in as visitors and they are then covered. (h) CLA Game Fair - A letter has been received from the Director of the CLA giving the go ahead for the publicity and planning etc. BFTA can have as much space as they need. People are needed to work for the week. Three gamekeeper associations have asked if BFTA can be involved in their events, also Bath & West show, the Countryside Alliance and others. It might be possible to run the GPs at the Game Fairs? They would have better facilities. Comp. Sec. emphasised that it was important that any game fair inquiries are taken seriously and passed to him or the local Regional Secretary. (i) CLA event - criteria for entry - This event should be shot by experienced shooters who have shot at GPs, European's, Master's, World's, Anglo-American, NEFTA Classic etc. A BFTA Registration Card is the mandatory first criterion and to be on the Grading List is the second. General behaviour is important because the shooters will be on public view, in some places the public will be nearer than the targets. We must start educating shooters into this at the regular pre-shoot briefings. Entry forms will be taken on a first come (with the payment), first served basis. Proposal: "That Entry Forms will be made available to Regional Reps. at the BFTA Champs and will be accepted after 9th April." Proposer Roger Moy (FFTA), seconder Beryl Noon (NEFTA). Carried unanimously. (j) BFTA Training Manual - Since the briefing by Dave Froggett (NSRA) there have been two meetings of the working group, some photographs have been taken and the first draft is developing satisfactorily and may be available earlier than originally envisaged. Proof-readers are needed in the Regions. This undertaking is a springboard to BFTA being seen to be professional. The draft will go to Regional Reps. with a return date stipulated. If not returned with comments before that date then it will be taken as being accepted. (k) BFTA web site - www.bfta.org is now operating well. The more "hits" it records then the more attractive it will be to advertisers. (l) Digital camera - This has been bought and is operational. (m) BFTA Inventory - To be completed before next AGM. 4. BFTA and NSRA - George Grimm (Chairman) reminded the meeting that BFTA was offered a seat on the NSRA Committee some time ago. All NSRA meetings are at Bisley. A letter has been received asking for BFTA agreement to the BFTA Rules and Marshalling System in their handbook. Comp. Sec. is now tasked to ascertain if the seat is still available. Proposal "That NSRA be given permission to use BFTA Rules and Marshalling system in their handbook". Proposer Roger Moy (FFTA), seconder Barry Longbottom (Comp. Sec.) Carried unanimously. 6. BFTA Handbook - Norma Almond (NWFTA) suggested BFTA examine the feasibility of producing a handbook similar in scope to the American version. There is the question of who it is aimed at. The Regions should say what they want in it and whether it is aimed at new people or at existing shooters. AMTA are willing to include BFTA literature with every airgun that is sold. Dave Mills (MFTA / Trade Liaison) was asked to liaise with AMTA. Barry Longbottom was asked to attend the AMTA meeting with Dave Mills. Any other business (a) "Closed shop" clubs - Allan Knock (SEFTA) asked if a closed factory club can join a Region? He described a club on factory premises, where, for security reasons, they cannot accept outside members. It was decided that someone from the Region should visit to ensure that they were running properly with regard to safety. There was general discussion about clubs that do not compete, and may not be known about, as to how they conduct themselves. Regions need to know what is going on because if there is a problem in a club it can knock on to the Region and then to BFTA. BFTA should "walk away" from some clubs; if they don't give input by attending meetings or competitions, then they should not receive output and BFTA support. Attempts at persuading them around to running properly should be tried first. The Chairman reminded the meeting that Regions must police themselves and that Clubs must also police themselves. (b) Multi-shot rifles – Norma Almond (NWFTA) asked if these had an unfair advantage regarding timed events with respect to loading the second shot? Comp. Sec. stated that it was up to shooters as to what gun they used and compared the loading action of the GC2. There was also discussion about removing magazines and safety. FFTA stated that they had a rule that required the magazine to be removed between lanes. It was decided that a BFTA recommendation was that the magazine should be taken out. then the gun can be seen to be safe. Magazines on some multi-shot guns may not be able to be removed, in which case only enough pellets to shoot a lane should be loaded on the firing point. There was then discussion on the rule BFTA currently has – is it based on perception or fact? Clarification may need to be incorporated in a rule change at the next AGM. (c) Juniors – Under 14s – these individuals must be supervised by a third person at all times when they are handling a gun. This cannot be a shooting partner because when that partner is shooting, who is supervising the Junior? At some clubs, this supervision is not happening. (d) Briefings – pre-shoot briefing should include these topics: gentlemanly or lady-like behaviour, Juniors and magazines on multi-shot rifles. (e) Teams and fees – Jacqui Lewis (WAFTA) enquired about whether some teams are paid for by manufacturers and some are not? Comp. Sec. said that all teams represent constructors because it is the Constructors Championship and that all teams must represent a manufacturer of some sort. One cannot simply enter a team which does not fulfil the criteria. (d) Up-to-date list of clubs required by Julie Chambers (Secretary) for inclusion in literature. (e) Insurance Certificates – copies of these are required from each club to accompany the request for BFTA Registration Cards (which are now mandatory). Also, a copy of Open Day cover is required &om the club hosting a Grand Prix at least thirty days prior to the event. (f) BFTA Website – this is now fully operational, with links to Northern Ireland, Norway, Minnesota and Byley FTC. At present, only 3% of our allocated web space is used. There is room for expansion – what does your region want on it? The Regions can offer their own input – anything within the bounds of good taste and legality. (g) FT in Germany – Julie Chambers (Secretary) asked if anything was known about an event in Germany. Barry Longbottom said there had been a big competition last year and there was probably one this year. There was discussion about making contacts. Kate Longbottom said that there could be a contact through the German Visier magasine. Keith Ryan (SWEFTA) said that he had contact with someone who was trying to get the discipline established. He offered to put Comp. Sec. in direct e-mail contact as this would simplify communication. There was discussion about whether or not the BFTA might be able to assist the German scene in its development. (h) Club Finder and Club starter packs – There was discussion as to the best way of helping people find clubs. It was held that this was best served via the website where everything that BFTA knew was posted, because the information published in magazines was invariably out of date. It was reported that Dave Monck was still supplying club starter packs to interested enquirers, it was then suggested that someone should perhaps check with him as to how up-to-date the material is that' is currently being provided. (i) BFTA Vice Presidents – A question was asked as to whether or not the Vice Presidents were sent Agendas or Minutes of meetings or were they invited. It transpired that they were not currently being sent anything and that this will be rectified. (j) Promotional Videos – John Briscoe (MFTA) reported a contact from someone willing to make a short video of the sport, as he was already doing one for 10 m match rifle shooting. It would be 12-20 minutes duration and would be made throughout the summer. There would be a fee of approximately £250 plus travel costs, supplied on a sale or return basis. It was then reported that another video involving professionals was under consideration with support from the Trade. Then it was suggested that BFTA could entertain both, depending on the emphasis of each. The professionally-made one might be detailed whereas the offered one might be quite simple as an attraction for beginners. The meeting closed at 4.06 pm. Date of next meeting: 1st July 2000 |
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© A.M.Layden 2002 |
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