SCA VeteransArcheryShoot Event Reviews

Sportsmanship

First year attending. Since we had a six hour drive we called beforehand to see if any restrictions. Told no. When we first arrived I asked to be grouped with my husband since we had our dog with us and was told no. Was told that all women were to shoot from a different stake as men so would be grouped together. Was told there would be "no special privileges" and I should get out of my "comfort" zone. Walking to the first target I saw this was not true as another woman with a puppy was grouped with 4 other men. So much for "no special privileges" This woman was also shooting the same class as I was. I was grouped with 5 other women. 3rd target in I heard whispering and then one woman yelled out " cheater." Since I shoot with a clicker and string walk I assumed it was due to the clicker. Since we had asked beforehand and I knew it was allowed I decided to try my best to ignore the "cold" shoulders. When I got back to camp I was asked to come and speak with one of the coordinators. It was there that I was informed that I was not allowed to string walk. I asked how I would know that. Apparently when we checked in they were supposed to give us a copy of a waiver with rules. When we checked in we were not given anything to sign. When I asked why I was not given an answer. I was asked if I wanted to go out and shoot again. Why would I go out with women that were "cat calling" while I was at the stake. I am sure if I did not have the top score these women would not have said a word. If there were restrictions they should have been communicated. Poor communication. My biggest problem was with the 5 women that I shot with. If I was doing something wrong why could they have not communicated that with me instead of speaking behind my back and acting like high school girls. Bullies. Poor sportsmanship. I have never felt so unwelcome at a shoot as this one. I also blame the event coordinators for not standing up to their mistakes and allowing these woman act like bullies. Archers should stand together and encourage each other and want the other archer to do well not be sore losers. Very disappointing.