Message From the Chair

Just a few lines to explain what the BFTA is, how it started, and what it is trying to do...
Field target shooting started over 20 years ago with airgun shooters getting together with like-minded people, firstly in small groups and then clubs. Shooting at targets out in a field was good practise for hunters and great fun for the rest of the shooters. As with all target sports, natural instinct demanded that clubs compete against each other. At this moment Field Target competition was born.

We needed some form of standardisation regarding rules, regulations, competition, safety and so on. England, Scotland and Wales formed associations that got together and formed the British Field Target Association. Of these three countries, England was the only one with firmly established regions. These regions are the North West, North East, Midlands, Fenlands, South West, Central and Southern, and the South East. It was decided that the best way forward was for England to step aside and let the seven regions have a representative seat within the BFTA.

England handed over its funds to the BFTA and gave up its seat. However, the English Field Target Association was not completely disbanded, as there are times when a country association is needed to vote. With this in mind, a representative/secretary is nominated each year to fulfil any commitments.

The BFTA is not a "they". It is ALL of us together! It is only three steps from you as a club member to representation at BFTA level.

1 - You make your feelings known via your club committee.
2 - If your club agrees, it reports to the Regional Committee.
3 - They can ask for an item to be put on the next BFTA meeting agenda.

It's as simple as that. There are no magic "few" making the decisions. Matters are discussed and voted on at BFTA meetings. Make sure your Regional Representative attends the vote and reports back to your clubs.

That's a brief explanation of how we started and who we are. This article will help explain what we do.

Roger Moy

Chairman