Robert Boudrie - Area 7 Director Candidate

Positioning USPSA for growth

USPSA's membership is not growing substantially, since new memberships are being offset by non-renewals of existing members. We need to expand our membership base to protect the long-term future of practical shooting in the United States. This is easier said than done, and cannot be accomplished without a specific action plan.

Some ideas I have include:

Welcome the "Average Shooter". The "average shooter" is not interested in spending $2000 or more to be competitive, nor is (s)he likely to have a supply of pre-ban high capacity magazines to bring to matches. I supported Limited 10 and Production to address this need by allowing the casual shooter to participate in our game without feeling the need to spend big money to stay in the sport. The approach being taken towards these new divisons welcomes new shooters without obsoleting any existing equipment used in other divisions.

Gun Press - We need to work to get articles about IPSC shooting into the non-specialty gun press (Guns & Ammo, American Rifleman, etc.).

Joint Marketing with Industry (see my page on industry relations).

Recruit Additional Gun Clubs - Much attention has been focused on the need for new members, but little attention has been paid to recruiting additonal clubs. We need to encourage Areas and Sections to provide assistance to new clubs.

Carefully Targeted Advertising - USPSA can benefit from carefully target advertising, inviting prospective members to try out the sport. As a start, I would encourage clubs to place ads in local "sportsmens newletters", announcing the availability if USPSA/IPSC matches, and providing contact information (phone & web site). I am not advocating use of expensive national ads which would cost thousands, but the small (under $100) ads in regional publications which target gun owners and sportsmen.

	Welcome the "Average Shooter". The "average shooter" is not interested in spending $2000 or more to be competitive, nor is (s)he likely to have a supply of pre-ban high capacity magazines to bring to matches. I supported Limited 10 and Production to address this need by allowing the casual shooter to participate in our game without feeling the need to spend big money to stay in the sport. The approach being taken towards these new divisons welcomes new shooters without obsoleting any existing equipment used in other divisions.
	Gun Press - We need to work to get articles about IPSC shooting into the non-specialty gun press (Guns & Ammo, American Rifleman, etc.).
	Joint Marketing with Industry (see my page on industry relations).
	Recruit Additional Gun Clubs - Much attention has been focused on the need for new members, but little attention has been paid to recruiting additonal clubs. We need to encourage Areas and Sections to provide assistance to new clubs.
	Carefully Targeted Advertising - USPSA can benefit from carefully target advertising, inviting prospective members to try out the sport. As a start, I would encourage clubs to place ads in local "sportsmens newletters", announcing the availability if USPSA/IPSC matches, and providing contact information (phone & web site). I am not advocating use of expensive national ads which would cost thousands, but the small (under $100) ads in regional publications which target gun owners and sportsmen.