Director’s Page Building the Foundation for Success
BY ROBERT MITCHELL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
USA Shooting has en-
joyed much competitive suc- cess and is regarded as one of the leading national fed- erations of the ISSF family. We have many to thank for the success achieved rang- ing from a supportive shoot- ing industry, conservation groups, donors and strong support from our Olympic Committee to a good club network and allied organiza- tions using the NRA-USAS coach education system. Shooting is no different than other sports in that perfor- mance levels continue to increase. There are more countries with more world- class athletes than ever be- fore. Qualifying scores for the fi nals medal rounds are higher than ever. Increased performance levels are cred- ited to better coaching, phys- ical conditioning, training techniques, nutrition, sport psychology and equipment technology. The million-dollar ques-
tion is how to continue grow- ing our sport in the U.S., have more international po- dium fi nishes and ultimately win more Olympic medals. A most obvious response is to raise more money to fund more programs and train more athletes. While we have grown our revenue stream over the years, mon- ey is and always will be lim- ited. Our board of directors requires fi scal responsibility including a balanced budget.
But even more complex is
While we will continue work- ing to increase revenue we must work within fi nancial limitations. There is never a shortage of ideas or oppor- tunities in which to invest. Therefore, we must make the very best use of avail- able resources. Resources are not only money but also include time, coaching ex- pertise and competition op- portunities, all of which are limited. It is for USAS staff to make the best allocation of those resources by evaluat- ing athletes and opportuni- ties and investing accord- ingly. As stated, competition
opportunities are a valuable resource. There are four World Cups and one, or per- haps two, ISSF champion- ship events each year. It is those premium competition experiences that prepare our athletes for success in international competition as well as showcase our ex- pertise on the world stage. Shooting is very objective. The targets are hit or lost
8 USA Shooting News | July 2014
and rifl e/pistol shots score precise values. There is no subjective judging. Our Team Trials and World Cup selections are almost all based on objective score results and perhaps even too much so. Our national coaches do need some dis- cretion to provide premium competition opportunities to a rapidly developing athlete that may take the place of a veteran who has plateaued and is not performing at an elite level. An issue staff faces is resources
the allocation of
between development and elite; that of investing to win medals now or putting resources in developing athletes for future success. There is no right or wrong answer here. Our staff works that allocation tip- ping toward elite programs. Continued and increased revenues depend on proven success. People, as well as the USOC, identify with and support successful winning programs.
how we propel USA Shooting forward. Sport is ever evolv- ing and we must evolve as well. We have to be even more effi cient in training athletes. Some years ago it was felt 8-10 years was needed to develop a world- class shooting athlete. With advances previously ref- erenced, that is no longer the situation. Athletes are seeing success at the world level in their early 20s and even teens. Our own Kim Rhode, Matt Emmons and Vincent Hancock have prov- en this true. In recent years, Italy, Korea and Serbia have become powers in all dis- ciplines. The Russians are returning to their former win- ning traditions. USA Shoot- ing must be progressive and effi cient in training our ath- letes. Our strategic planning
has identifi ed a number of critical areas requiring our attention. Advanced coach training is a subject meriting investment and identifi ed as a need by staff and ath- letes alike. We have a very good coach certifi cation pro- gram with our NRA partner- ship. However, there have been many advances in the various aspects of coach- ing that include but also go beyond technical subjects. Sport psychology, program management and communi- cation are just three of many topics that require advanced
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