ICSI NEWSLETTER – Spring / Summer 2010 Issue No 30



ICSI NEWSLETTER – Spring / Summer 2010 Issue No 30

Motto “Docendo Discimus” “We learn by teaching”

 

2010 AGM

Our AGM was held at The Clumber Park Hotel on Monday 15th March 2010, with our final council meeting of the year taking place beforehand.

Council Meeting

The Chairman opened the meeting with apologies from Sue Hart and Mike Williams, and then moved on to the minutes and actions from the last council meeting.

Role of Institute: It has been suggested before that our Associate members with BASC and CPSA L1 qualifications may be interested in attending a practical workshop on trap and skeet disciplines. (Note: After the meeting it was decided to ask the question on the action form to be sent out to all members with their membership card.)

Website: Our new service provider charges £25 per update; it was agreed that updates would only be done quarterly. We need to check the cost of placing the new profiles on to the web and to revert to Sue Hart having direct access to the site for updates.

NATSS: It was confirmed that the CPSA had pulled out of NATSS.

Game Fairs:

Newark - ICSI attended in February, very successful, with a number of enquiries for coaches.

CLA - The Chairman advised that the CPSA had agreed to accommodate ICSI on their stand.

Doveridge Clay Sports - In conjunction with DCS Andy Kirkland will coordinate clay coaching at three Country Fairs, and will use ICSI coaches. A flyer will be sent out asking members to contact Andy direct if they want to help.

Accounts: The Chairman gave a brief detail of the accounts.

Council Vacancies: Due to the resignation of Roger Hill and Mike Williams two vacancies existed for members of council. Two nominations had been received, which would be advised with other nominations received at the AGM.

Urgent Issues from Other Organisations:

CPSA - Mike Williams has been appointed Technical Manager, and

With the resignation of CEO Phil Boakes, John Perry has taken the position until a new CEO is appointed.

Applications/Transfers:

Five applications for Associate grade member and one for Fellow were accepted along with three transfers to Member.

The Registrar advised the council of enquiry received from an Associate member who had recently passed a Level 2 qualification and requested an upgrade to Member. Council confirmed that they take the responsible/practical coaching experience, five years from the date of the Level 1 qualification. The Registrar will inform the member of their decision.

New Member Profile Form: The Registrar advised the council of the new tick box form to be discussed at the AGM.

The council meeting was closed. Next meeting on Monday 16th August 2010.

AGM

The Chairman opened the AGM at 10.30 and welcomed the 19 members present and then when on to read out a list of 25 apologies for absence.

Following the apologies, he then read out an email received from Milton Bradley, a member living on Norfolk Island in the South Pacific.

The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted with no matters arising.

Chairman’s Report

"2009 was another successful year for the Institute. Having taken over the chairmanship in March 2005, I am pleased to report that membership numbers have increased year on year since that time. With the new intake that the council accepted this morning and as the remaining fees come in from around the world, we may reach a membership number of 170. The principal sources of membership continue to be CPSA and BASC qualified instructors and coaches, although we are seeing more enquiries from USA qualified coaches.

The council has continued to progress the strategic direction of the Institute, that the membership has requested in questionnaires and workshop discussions: These are ... (apologies for repeating these)

•         Continued professional development with an elite group of coaches and the networking benefits provided.

•         The marketing benefits from membership of a recognised authority on professional standards.

•         Access to more advanced training in workshops, seminars, discussion groups and visits.

•         The political support of shooting sports via the Institute's participation in the British Shooting Sports Council for sport in general through our more recent involvement with the Central Council for Physical Recreation.

•         And finally, the access to discounted retail benefits from the Institute's trade supporters.

Looking at some of the activities within some of these areas:

The 12th seminar day was held in September with an excellent workshop from Neil Roach of Manchester Metropolitan University on the development of Mental Toughness in training and competition. In the afternoon, Mike Haw of Hull Cartridge Company provided an indepth view of the design and manufacture of cartridges. Whenever possible photos and editorial are sent to shooting magazines, following these workshops.

The Institute has increased its promotional activities at game fairs over the past 18 months. We started in September 2008 at the Midland Game Fair where we shared a stand with Arrow LaserShot at Westem Park, to determine if attendance was worthwhile. The objectives were to increase public awareness and promote Institute coaches across the country. The attendance was successful in both aspects, with a significant number of enquiries for coaches. Arrow LaserShot provided the stand, in the main gunmakers row, free of charge.

At the end of February last year we attended the new British Shooting Show at the indoor Newark Showground. We have just repeated the attendance at Newark where the show was three times larger. Again the organisers of the show provided the stand space free of charge. The display themes of these stands are gun fit questions, master eye questions, and find your local coach. At Newark, for both of our attendances, there was a steady stream of enquiries in all three areas. Thanks are due to Andy Kirkland and Keith Stoker for giving up significant time, over the weekends, to support these shows.

We initially had some difficulty getting off the ground with these show attendances but more opportunities are becoming available. Doveridge Clay Sports, where Andy Kirkland coaches, has been approached by Countryman Fairs to run the clay competitions and coaching at Kelmarsh, Highclere, the Sussex, and the Midland. Andy is coordinating the coaching line and has chosen to use Institute coaches, with a display of the Institute's promotional logos, literature, etc.

We have also been approached by the CPSA to offer us the opportunity to share their stand at the CLA Game Fair, this year at Ragley Hall, Alcester. I had personally been trying to find a cost effective, i.e. free, way of exhibiting at the CLA without luck. (I had tried shooting magazines, trade stands, but the CLA is costly and space is at a premium). (Note: After the CPSA offer The Shotgun Store also invited ICSI to share a stand).

Continuing with promotional activities; the new website came on stream about 18 months ago after a lot of work from Sue Hart. It looks modern, clean, and professional, and we now have a members' area. Coaches have the option of providing a Personal Profile, but initial submissions tended rather random and scattergun in nature. The council decided that the best option would be to have a tick box system to focus the profile submissions. (Note this was shown to the members later and accepted.)

As I have mentioned previously, a coach needs to generate one lesson per year from the Institutes' promotional activities, to cover the cost of membership.

BSSC: The British Shooting Sports Council and the Gun Trade Association are remarkably active politically, with a dozen member organisations, such as NRA, CPSA, Countryside Alliance and small organisations such as the Institute, lending support on committees. All of the political and legislative pressures in the UK, Europe, and from around the world, including the United Nations, are monitored and where possible plans put in place to protect shooting sports. Thanks are due to Roger Hill for representing the Institute during 2009.

CCPR: The Institute was admitted as a member of the Central Council for Physical Recreation in 2009. The CCPR provides support and political leverage for almost every sport and pastime body in the UK, from e.g. Rugby Football and indeed the CPSA to the British Tenpin Bowling Association and the Pony Club. And very good value it is; I recently attended a one day seminar on the new Companies Act and how it affects membership organisations; a full day with lawyers at their officers in Lincoln's Inn Fields for £20, including a buffet lunch.

As far as I can see from the extensive CCPR membership list, the Institute is the only purely coaching based member.

Other shooting organisations: Council and Institute members are involved with both BASC and CPSA in areas of general management and coaching; in addition our Vice President is a Great Britain Olympic discipline coach. The Institute's Council regularly monitors and reviews development of coaches within the coaching market place. We noted for example in 2009 the closing of the NATSS merger discussions.

The round table discussion this afternoon will enable the views of members to be aired about other shooting organisations and how the Institute should relate to them.

Member Benefits: We now have an excellent range of supporting retail outlets that offer discounts for members. Avalon Guns, Chris Potter Guns, Shotgun Store, Brown's Lock Stock and Barrel, Swillington Shooting Supplies, Yorkshire Shooting Services, Kibworth Shooting Ground, and MacWet Gloves. Plus of course the Institute's range of logo items.

And finally people, All the council give their time free.

Keith and Pat Stoker, as Registrar and Membership Secretary, are probably involved in some sort of Institute activity almost every day. I have mentioned Roger Hill and Sue Hart and their efforts during the past year. And also the support from Andy Kirkland at the game fairs.

To conclude, we do believe that membership numbers do reflect the value members place on their participation. We will have to see if the present financial situation puts numbers under any pressure. The Council will continue to try to develop creative and informative workshop opportunities and visits. And as I have mentioned you will see the Institute logo at more Game Fairs.

Thanks very much."

Following the Chairman's report, M Alldis commended the Chairman on his report.

Treasurer’s Report

On behalf of the Treasurer, Ray Carnall, the Chairman gave details of the income and expenditure.

M Alldis commented that the accounts showed the Institute to be cash lean, and, in his opinion, to be too lean. He suggested that consideration be given to increasing the annual subscription in 2011, by £10. The Registrar confirmed that the annual subscription had last been increased in 2005, by £10 in each grade to £40/£50/£60 respectively. Although the proposed increase of £10 might sound high, it only equated to £2 per year since the last increase.

R C Hill suggested mat the subscription should be increased in line with inflation each year, as in other organisations. The Chairman asked for a "show of hands" on the suggested increase in subscription rates. It was agreed that the Registrar would mention the increase in annual subscription rates in the next newsletter.

The Treasurer's report was proposed and seconded.

Election of Officers

The Chairman explained that that due to the resignations of M Williams and R C Hill from the council, there were two vacancies.

The existing members willing to stand were elected en bloc. The Chairman stated he had received two nominations, and there were two further nominations from the floor. Following two sealed ballots, it was declared S J Andrews and J Robinson the new council members. Thus council for 2010 is:

President: M W Alldis

Vice President: I Coley

Chairman: M A Plant

Registrar: K Stoker

Treasurer: R Carnall

Membership Sec: Mrs P A Stoker

Council members: Ms S Hart, A J Kirkland, S J Andrews, and J Robinson .

It was proposed and accepted that J Fletcher ACIB AICB continues as auditor.

Any Other Business

Member's Profiles: A general discussion on the tick box member profile form took place. It was suggested and accepted that a passport size photograph be incorporated on the form and agreed that we introduce the new form and monitor the response.

Website: It was commented on that changes to the website took too long. M Plant advised that as we were now charged for updates Council had decided that we would only update quarterly. Members present suggested that quarterly was too long so M Plant/S Hart will discuss with service provider.

After agreeing the date of our next AGM, Monday 14th March 2011, the Chairman closed the meeting.

AGM Afternoon

After lunch we reconvened for a general discussion session. Keith Stoker led the session and asked and asked members for topics for discussion.

Annual Subscriptions:

Keith started the session by endorsing the increase in annual subscriptions and then went on to ask for ideas to get members to pay on time. He expressed concern over the amount of time our Membership Secretary has to spend chasing members to pay on time, even after the final 'red' demand is sent out she still rings/emails those members. (Note: It is surprising how many members respond immediately they receive the letter advising they are no longer members!) Various suggestions were discussed.

Activities for Members:

Various activities were suggested and discussed by the members.

•         Hold a general shoot after the AGM at a local ground.

•         Have a day of general shooting where members can share experiences and techniques.

•         Keith advised he had been in touch with Leeds Armouries with a view to organising a visit.

•         Keith asked about the decreasing number of members attending seminars. A number of members suggested that the more recent seminars were too advanced, and holding lower level seminars, targeting the associate level membership, would enable associate level members to build experience. (Associate grade members are the greater proportion of the membership.)

•         Malcolm Plant suggested targeting BASC coaches who might be interested in having an intro to a Trap/ Skeet coaching day.

•         Steve Andrews suggested a practical day to exchange coaching experiences.

•         Malcolm Plant talked about the "Clay for Game" day held at Garlands, which had been very successful. Whilst it had cost us to advertise the day, it did bring in many lessons to members when the editorial of the day appeared in the press.

•       David Boylan applauded the Institute over the stance we took over the CPSA Corporate Trainer qualification when we refused to accept it.

•       Geoff Bryant told members of a known incident involving H&SE. A visiting inspector had stated that the H&SE did not recognise the Safety Officer qualification. The inspector advised that the required qualification should be the NEBOSH (The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) certificate. Members discussed this qualification, the cost, and length of time involved in taking such a qualification

•         Michael Self suggested that to save money on postage and printing, the newsletter should be emailed to members. Keith advised that the cost of printing the newsletter was not great and in any case other items of information and invoices were sent out with the newsletter. Also many members liked a paper copy.

After a very broad and open discussion the Chairman closed the session.

Note:

Members will have noted that after the AGM and our discussions a questionnaire was sent out with your new membership card.

From your responses we are proceeding with the following:

1. Manning coaching stands at Countryman fairs.

2. Having a presence at the CLA on the CPSA stand.

3. Visiting the Royal Armouries in Leeds. Two parties a.m. and p.m.

4. Holding a Practical Day at Orston Shooting Ground. Booking form enclosed. (Also see below).

New Members & Transfers

Since our last newsletter the following have applied for membership or transfer and accepted the grades offered

New ASSOCIATES

Ian Famdale-Brown

Donald S Currie

Peter John Armett

Nicbolas Stephen Berridge-Sharp

Mathew Wilson Wright

Ian Meadley

Simon Harry Pritchard

Elaine Maria McCash

Richard William Weller

Clive James Bramley

Transfer ASSOCIATE/MEMBER

Lawrence Alston

David Batty

John Farley

New FELLOW (re-join)

Gerard (Sam) Wilkinson

Please remember you the members are The Institute and you are out there to set the standards. Please make the effort and be proactive, and if you have any ideas, suggestions, or questions, please phone Keith Stoker, Registrar, on 0191 3842499. Your ideas and/or suggestions will be put before the council at the next council meeting. (You will be given their response).

Please read our "Articles of Constitution" and "Codes of Conduct". Any queries regarding their content or interpretation ring the Registrar for clarification.

Practical Day at Orston Shooting Ground

From discussions on the afternoon of the AGM and responses received from the membership to the questionnaire sent out, most members want a practical day this year.

Members may remember that we did hold a practical session on the afternoon of our seminar in September 2006 and it did prove to be very well received by those attending.

We have booked Orston Shooting Ground for Monday 13th September. Orston is central for the majority of our membership and can present the full range of targets and disciplines requested by those members who returned the questionnaire.

In order to get the most from the day will those who wish to attend let us know what they would like to work on. This will help us structure the day and arrange for the appropriate ranges to be set up.

Please note this is not a coaching course, it is a practical multi-discipline workshop for coaches of all levels and experience to work together to demonstrate/debate and share their coaching experiences with fellow coaches.

If you want to learn how to start coaching a new discipline, to resolve a particular target problem, to exchange hints and tips, and to see how other coaches work, this day should help.

Please come along with an open mind and remember it is not going to be a formal day. We want all those attending not only to bring something to the day and to leave knowing more about coaching, but also to enjoy the day with fellow members.

Chairman’s Column

The British Sports Shooting Council is doing a great deal of work, behind the scenes following the tragic events in Cumbria.

The larger membership organisations such as CPSA, BASC, NRA, and NSRA are, of course, major contributors to these discussions, representations and preparations and the ICSI council is also closely involved.

Several additional BSSC meetings have already occurred to review the developing situation and to put in place strategies and BSSC positions for the defence of shooting sports.

The politicians have, to date, taken a circumspect view of the issues and are generally suggesting that all enquiries and police reports should be awaited, before any steps are considered. It may well take many months before the direction of government thinking becomes apparent. But this does not mean that BSSC and its member organisations will be inactive; the work to influence the political thought process is an ongoing activity.

Unfortunately the more recent serious shootings in Tyneside and Northumberland have only added to concerns. Again we must await statements and enquiries about the chain of events and their causes.

If you are contacted by the press or other external organisations and you need some advice, contact me through the Institute website. When necessary, the Institute council can put you in touch with David Penn, the Secretary of the British Shooting Sports Council.

Meanwhile, I hope your coaching is going well during the fine summer weather.

Malcolm Plant.

British Shooting and Countryman Show

The second British Shooting and Countryman Show was held at Newark Showground on 27th and 28th February. The organisers kindly invited the Institute to attend again this year, and, as last year, provided the stand free of charge.

The organiser expected to double the size of the fair this year, but ended up 300% bigger with over 126,000 sq ft of indoor exhibits.

To achieve this level of interest and support in the present climate would be praise enough for the organisers, but to do it on a cold dark weekend in February really does speak volumes.

The stand could not have been in a better location. In the first row of stands as you entered Gunmakers Hall One, ICSI was alongside The National Rifle Association (NRA), the National Small-Bore Riffle Association (NSRA), and the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA).

Andrew Kirkland, Keith Stoker, and Malcolm Plant manned the stand for the two days and, as last year, were kept busy.

The themes of our stand at this fair, and other fairs we are visiting this year, are gun fit, eye dominance, and find your local coach.

A constant stream of visitors looking for advice and many of our members calling in for a chat kept us busy and enjoyably employed for the duration of the fair. Things only started to slow down late in the afternoon of the final day.

We again received enquiries for membership to the Institute, and gave to existing shooters and potential new starters contact information of Institute members across the country.

The Institute hopes to attend again next year. Make a note in your diary, 26th and 27th February 2011. See you there.

Message from Norfolk Island

E-mail received from Milton Bradley in March 2010, and relayed by our Chairman to members attending the AGM It really does demonstrate the talent and experience of those people ICSI can proudly claim as members. K.S.

"Hi Pat,

I have been involved as the ISSF rep for the Pacific Games, looked after the Pacific Games Shooting events in Samoa 2008 and am now getting ready for the 2011 Pacific Games in Caledonia (our nearest neighbour). I recently travelled to Papua New Guinea for an inspection and evaluation of their Shooting grounds (Trap and Pistol) and will be assisting them with preparation for a face lift to their sporting grounds as they are holding the Pacific Games there in 2015.

In addition as Secretary General Norfolk Island Commonwealth Games Association was able to visit the new Shooting grounds in Delhi in November. Although the grounds were far from ready for the first event, The Commonwealth Shooting Championship, we could see that they will be most impressive in November this year. I will be a member of the Delhi 2010 team shooting Trap (my 5th Commonwealth Games).

With my other hat on as Secretary for the Norfolk Island Clay Target Association we have been busy in February with our International Clay Target Championships, had 139 entries from Australia and New Zealand for the event.

I am still hands on with my coaching, we have 5 junior shooters all who participate in our International event this year with one taking out the "C Grade High Gun" with an impressive lead over his next rival. We also have three new adult members commencing shooting for just over 12 months who are keen and doing very well also.

We have a small but successful club and our team of 6 to the New Zealand National Clay Target Championships just two weeks ago have been very successful with a total of 8 medals though AA-C grade in all events, including Grade C High Gun.

Hope this will provide you with a general report of some of the activities from Norfolk Island.

Kindest regards

Milt Bradley "

Many thanks for this info, Milton. K.S

Registrar's Column

If you wish to attend our Thirteenth Annual Seminar/Workshop please return the enclosed form ASAP to allow us to confirm arrangements with Orston.

To date this is turning out to be one of our better years for recruitment, with ten new members, as listed in this newsletter, and a further list of applicants to be submitted to council for consideration, five of whom are from the USA.

Our exposure at the various country fairs and the CLA this year might well raise more interest in the Institute and prompt a few more coaches out there to ask about membership and/or encourage more shooters to seek out an Institute coach to help them improve their shooting.

The year rushes on and I am sure many of you will already be receiving frantic calls from your game shooter clients who have just realised that the season is nearly upon us again. Most of them probably promised themselves at the end of last season that they would start their preparation earlier this year and don't know where the year has gone.

I recently looked back to the first newsletter I put together in 1998 in which I said I had no preconceived ideas on the shape, subject matter or style of our newsletter but believed it should keep members informed on matters relating to the Institute. It should act as a communication link between member/member and member/council I also asked members to let me know what they would like to see covered. I never did receive any correspondence, so I have to assume you like what you receive.

A member did ask for a translation of our motto "Docendo Discimus", which is "We learn by teaching".

We could not have a motto more appropriate. I know, I learn with every lesson I give.

Have a good summer coaching. K.S.

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