While these archers adhere to the 4-H guidelines and standards, they also recognize the NAA's JOAD guidelines. They've certainly established a level of excellence in BOTH organizations.

JOAD archers have certain scores defined for them as signposts of accomplishments. They are difficult to achieve and are something of an indicator that the archer has grown in ability to a special level. For compound archers, the current "Olympian" level requires the archer to shoot 30 arrows indoor at 18 meters at a 40cm target, and make a 290 score. For a "Silver Olympian" a compounder has to make a score only 5 points less than perfect, a 295. For the "GOLD OLYMPIAN", a perfect score of 30 tens (300!) in a row is required. For recurve the numbers are the same but the archer uses a 60 cm target instead of 40 cm.

What is it about the way we conduct our sport that causes such indifference? Such ignorance?

Is it that the tournament directors don't send out the proper press releases? That they don't get the proper press releases in advance from the NArchival Archery offices? Is there a "how to" manual they can use? After all, tournament directors are usually not PR experts. You and me - we are definitely unbiased people and we know it is bound to be an undeniable fact that any intelligent and reasonable person would agree with: Target archery is one of the most positive, empowering, beneficial sports that Americans from 5 to 85 participate in. Right? So how come no one but archers know that target archery exists?

A little coverage will go a long way towards growing our sport and insuring continued success in international competitions. I feel it is also important that the public in general be aware of the aspects of target archery to insure the continued unfettered and unrestricted practice of the sport. It is important that the public understand that target archery as practiced under the auspices of the 4-H, the NArchival Archery and FITA is one of the very safest sports around today! It only takes one bad event to negate a lot of good, positive effects in the public's eyes. We need to build those positive effects always. Are there any Public Relations pros that also happen to be archers out there? That we can enlist into service in creating a PLAN for the systematic exposure of local populations to the fact that archery happens in their community? There is bound to be a "right way" to prime the pump and get sports/news directors of newspapers, radio, and most importantly, television stations to properly cover our tournaments.

Ted2 is a Junior at Marcos De Niza High School and is also a member of the Jr US Archery Team. He has been in competition for just over three years and is currently training to qualify as a member of the US Team for the 2003 World Indoor Trials in Nimes, France.

"JOADs (Junior Olympic Archery Development) are encouraged to help get the word out at every opportunity. The more people understand what it is we do, the better chance we have of growing the sport." Said Bob Pian, AZJOAD State Coordinator

Note that the targets will follow the FITA guidelines for a World Indoor Championship Event, and will employ the "VERTICAL 3-SPOT 40cm TARGET".

You can shoot 500 arrows a day in practice but if your mind cannot put you into the right mode for competing then chances are that you as an archer will not keep growing. You might even realize that there is "something" missing from your archery game. Can you close your eyes, relax your body, slow your heart rate, and step through a shot execution from very start to very finish? Can you feel the nock under your finger in your mind? Can you image the gym where you are going to shoot next time? Can you umm, SMELL that gym in your mind? Well, the very best athletes say they can!