GV llGl 1D17 i^il.' K^ ^ A 9- <^^. ^ ■ , o V C^^ A A .^^ J^'^-^.. ' ^ A^ * r(V\ «» A ^ '<^f^ C^ ^*v Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/trapshootingleagOOeidu gJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Illllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Illllllllllllllllllllllllllll Illllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Illllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lliiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 1 H ^IIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIUIIIIIIUIIIIIIIIIIimilllllMIIIUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII^ = S TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES THEIR VALUE TO THE SPORT OF TRAPSHOOTING AND HOW TO ORGANIZE AND CONDUCT THEM COPYRIGHT, 1917 E. I. DU Pont de Nemours & company Wilmington, Delaware m ^ ^iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiuiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin^ g g lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllillllllllllllllilllllllllllll^ ;;iiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiin iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii^ V^cM^^ m 121917 ©CI.A462944 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES We have already shown, in our Trapshootihg- Club Handbook, how i^reatly individual shooters are benefited by their organization into trapshooting clubs. It is only logical to expect additional advantages in further organization — in the formation of trapshooting clubs into Trapshooting Leagues. We state here briefly what these advantages are, and how brought about, and then, if a Trapshooting League in your vicinity seems practical and worth while, we tell you how to make it a reality. A single trapshooting club gives its members only an individual incentive to excel, and, to the extent that this is a selfish system, holds them loosely. In Trapshooting Leagues this individual incentive is enriched and cemented with a common purpose which holds the club firmly together. Each shooter feels an active responsibility to the whole club for his utmost effort, and all are inspired to pull their hardest when pulling together. Nothing will so surely revive and retain interest in a trapshooting club as this team spirit. It is a rebirth of enthusiasm. The influence of a single trapshooting club is restricted almost entirely within its own membership. When that club joins a league it repre- sents, in a large measure, the entire population of the town where it is located, and, to an appreciable extent, the interest and encouragement of that town will be behind it, and will support it with abundant pub- licity, with liberal trophies and with a community spirit. It is just this that makes organized baseball so immensely successful. The league club will benefit from the interchange of ideas with other clubs, and soon discover its deficiencies. It will learn to stage tourna- ments properly — slovenly methods cannot exist under the eyes of the league, there will be both pride and penalties to prevent them. Each club must inevitably improve to the standard of the best equipped and conducted club in the league. Its members will profit individually by making new friends and adopting better methods. Their standard will approach that of the most expert shooters in the league ; and, best of all, they will get an away-from-home confidence and experience in shooting without which they cannot hope to win the higher honors of the sport. Many a trapshooting club that wavers and finally falls would live if encouraged by the influences surrounding a league. The very obliga- tion of the club to the league, pledging it to carry out a specific program, 3 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES is a supporting- influence, and a challenge to the loyalty of every club member. The league shoots will arouse a sustained and progressive interest. Trophies will be easier to secure and in much larger numbers. The support of the Interstate Association will be obtainable. A league of clubs, each representing an entire community, will have a real influence on any legislation affecting the protection and preservation of game and forests, and in cooperation with other leagues, may voice the combined sentiment of the sportsmen of that state. The benefits we have spoken of are such as the actual experience of Trapshooting Leagues amply justifies; there are many more which brevity forbids. It is not merely a coincidence that where there are Trapshooting Leagues there are trapshooting strongholds. Such leagues naturally strengthen the sport, surrounding it with the bulwarks of organization, commanding respect and promoting methods by which every trapshooting club within range of its influence must profit. TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES THE ORGANIZATION OF TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES Number and Location of Clubs A Trapshooting League should consist of at least three clubs. A larger membership, however, will strengthen the league in every way, and invitations to join a proposed league should, therefore, be extended to all active and well-handled clubs located conveniently to each other. Clubs that are inaccessible and that cannot be reached with a minimum of traveling expense should not be asked to join. The strength they might add to the league would be more than offset by the difficulties they would inject, so that a small league of active, well-equipped clubs, within easy access of each other, would live longer than a much larger league less fortunately constituted. Cost of Organizing and Conducting a League This is one of the first questions to be answered, and while we can give no actual figures, our experience is that the principal expenses of a league are for stationery, stamps, programs of shoots, constitution and by-laws and trophies. The last item becoming negligible where the trophies are donated by members arid friends. Another expense that must be borne is the salary of a live secretary, when none can be found who will render his services free. Salaries range from $10.00 a year up, and the money is always well spent, for the success of the league depends largely on the ability and application of the secretary. The Time to Organize Where three or more active and closely situated clubs are interested, the movement to organize a league may be started at any time. The earlier the start the longer the schedule that can be completed before the end of the year. However, it is not advisable to make the attempt during the hunting season, experience teaching that it is easier to interest shooters at any other time than when their minds are occupied with oanie hunting. TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES Who Will Take the Lead As in everything" else, someone must tak.e the lead. Nearly every trapshooter will endorse the proposition, but only a few will be capable of beginning the organization properly. The secretary of the club in which the league idea originated- ought, with the active support of his members, to assume this burden. Or some other man with initiative should be selected. Lose no time. Start the ball rolling at once. Other shooters and clubs will quickly fall in line, and your league will be in existence almost before you realize it. How the Du Pont Company Can Help The first assistance we can render is to put you in touch with other trapshooting clubs in nearby towns whose membership is desirable for your league. Write us if you desire this information and you will receive promptly the names and locations of all clubs within a reason- able distance, together with the names and addresses of their officials. Our trapshooting division will gladly give you every other assistance that its experience makes possible, and while the demand for the league must exist within the clubs and individual shooters if it is to be a success, we will, if given the names of clubs which might be induced to join, gladly write to them, and also endeavor to have one of our experi- enced representatives present at the first meeting. Copies of This Booklet Available We will send any reasonable number of copies of this "booklet free on request to anyone interested in the formation of a Trapshooting League. How to Write Other Clubs The best way to interest other trapshooting clubs in your league is to place a definite proposition before them. Therefore, your letter to them should be clear, concise, and state what plan you suggest following. Enclose a suggested set of rules to govern the operation of the league and, the contests which will be held. Ask the clubs you expect to join to suggest any improvements in the rules which would make a more successful and smooth-working organization. Get them interested in the preliminary work of forming the league and the rest will be easy. A suggestion for a letter to be used in writing other clubs to co- operate in forming a league of trapshooting clubs follows. Send it to 6 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES the President, Secretary and other officials of all nearby clubs, and to prominent shooters as well : Dear Brother Trapshooter: The members of the club are eager to jom the other trap- shooting clubs in this section in the organization of a trapshooting league, and I have been delegated to write you regarding same. There are many advantages in a trapshooting league which will appeal strongly to your members, and should enlist their hearty support. Such an organization will encourage frequent and beneficial intercourse between sportsmen ; will give us a strong influence in movements to conserve our game and for equitable game laws ; will bring our various clubs and individual members into greater promi- nence ; will make far more interesting and friendly competition between clubs and shooters, with more numerous and valuable prizes and trophies for which to shoot. We have drafted a set of rules to govern the meetings and contests of the league. You are free to make any suggestions regarding them that may occur to you. Such suggestions will be referred to the rules committee of the league and given every consideration, with the idea of arriving at something which will l)e generally satisfactory. The date of the preliminary meeting has been set for (give date) at : (state street address of building) (town and state) We earnestly solicit the cooperation of your club, and hope you will arrange to be represented by at least one member.' If that is impossible, and your club desires to join the league, please write me to that effect, that I may send you a proxy form and read your letter at the meeting as an indication of your interest. Whatever your decision, we would like to hear from you and to have the benefit of your views at your earliest convenience. Hoping, also, to obtain your support for the league and your presence at the meeting, I remain, Yours for more sport, Club Per (Name of Club here) (Signature of writer) (Street address, if any) (Town and State) Follow-Up Letter to Clubs In case you do not receive a reply to your first letter from some of the clubs, do not become discouraged. Not having originated the idea, they will not be as enthusiastic over the possibility of forming a league as you are, and again, they may not readily appreciate the many benefits to be derived from a regular series of league shoots. So. in fairness TRAP SHOOTING LEAGUES to such clubs, you should write them another letter before your first meeting', endeavoring to get them to agree to have one or more of their members present, or to write you a letter endorsing the proposition and pledging the support of their club. We suggest, for such a letter, some- thing like the following : Dear Brother Trapshooter : We wrote you recently of the proposed organization of a league of the trap- shooting clubs of this section, and were certain you and your club members would be very much interested in same. As we have not heard from you in reply to our letter, we beg leave to again call your attention to the fact that the date set for the preliminary meeting is , at , (give date) (street address of building) , and we are counting on your club having one or more (town and state) members present. All indications point to a successful meeting, and the league is certain to be organized. Already the following clubs have signified their intention of joining: (Here give the names of such clubs as have agreed to have a representative at the meeting or promised to join the league). We are counting on the interest and cooperation of your club in making the league a success, when we know the many benefits derived will easily repay you. Hoping to hear from you and to see you at the meeting, I remain, Sincerely yours, etc. Form of Proxy While all clubs should have representation at the first meeting if possible, should a club which is in favor of the league find it impossible to have a member on hand for the organization meeting it may be repre- sented by proxy, duly signed, which will entitle the- club to charter membership in the league, and its members to hold office or sit on any of the committees. The proxy should be signed by the President and Secretary of the club, and may be worded somewhat as follows : 191- ■ (place and date) This is to certify that the Trapshooting Club is interested (name of Club here) in the proposed trapshooting league. As we are unable to have a club member at the first meeting, we hereby aiithorize Mr to represent our club, and also vote for us on such matters as may be brought before the meeting. (Name of Club) By Pres. By Secy. 8 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES The First Meeting Frequent meetings are not essential to the success of the league. In fact, one meeting each year should be sufficient. If necessary, a special meeting may be called at any time. At the first meeting the most important matters to be settled are : Election of Officers and Board of Directors. Naming of Rules Committee with power to act. Naming of Trophy Committee with power to act. Naming of Schedule of Shoots Committee with power to act. Place and date of next meeting. Duties of Officers and Committees The duties of Officers and Board of Directors should be made a portion of the constitution of the league. The duties of the Committees should be made a portion of the by-laws of the league. Trophies As one of the chief incentives to the formation of your league was the prospect of securing an ample supply of suitable trophies, and as you cannot sustain a proper interest otherwise, this matter should be handled as carefully and competently as possible. In naming the Trophy Committee, which should consist of two or three members of each club, working under the direction of a chairman, members should be selected who are at once popular, persistent and of some influence. This committee should first give the league all possible newspaper publicity, and should then systematically canvas all the business houses in their respective towns, offering publicity, cooperation and public welfare among the reasons for trophy donations. In the printed pro- gram of the league ample space should be provided for dealers' ads, to be paid for in cash or trophies, and all trophies should be prominently displayed in the store windows in league towns. The committee should also approach all individuals of wealth or prominence in the league or favorably disposed toward it, securing such contributions of money or trophies as they are willing to give, and seeing to it that they receive proper credit for the same. ,— ^ If the league is not a haphazard, go-as-you-please afifair, but a properly officered, correctly conducted organization, that is a credit to its district, TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES it will freely receive the active support of the towns represented and may also expect encouragement from the Interstate Association. Recognition by Interstate Association Many of the prominent Trapshooting Leagues throughout the country owe much of their success to the recognition and support, in the way of trophy and cash donations, of the Interstate Association. It is safe to say that any Trapshootingf League organized on sound principles, properly condvicted, and having proven its right to recogni- tion through a season or two of successful operation, can anticipate the hearty cooperation and substantial support of the Interstate Association. Work and plan for this recognition from the very start. As soon as the league is formed, notify the Interstate Association, Elmer E. Shaner, Secretary, Pittsburgh, Pa., outlining to it the plans and policies that have been formulated and solicit the Association's support. Then make your aim the upbuilding of the sport of trapshooting and your practice such as will retain the respect and interest of all the sportsmen in your sphere of influence, and you need not doubt the outcome. Manner of Awarding Trophies The trophies and prizes should be awarded at the direction of the Rules Committee. We know of no fairer manner of awarding trophies than by the Lewis Class System. This system is used, and has been for years, by some of the largest and most successful leagues in existence, and we recommend it to the consideration of others. Certain it is, that the shooter of average ability stands far more chance of winning a trophy or prize under the Lewis Class System than under any other. In fact, the poor shooters have the same opportunity of winning as the experts. If the Lewis Class System is used, the value of prizes and trophies in all classes should be as nearly equal as possible. If any class is to receive more prizes and trophies than the others, the lowest class should be the one so favored. 10 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES THE LEWIS CLASS SYSTEM Originated by JAMES LEWIS, Pittsburgh, Penn. The purpose of the system is to encourage trapshooting by providing an equitable division of the money or trophies, so that shooters of all degrees of ability may have an equal chance of sharing in the rewards. As an absolutely consistent performance is rarely ever seen in the shooting game, the arrangement of a set handicap is a very thankless and unsatisfactory task. With the Lewis Class System, a contestant's performance determines his standing in the race and the distribution of prizes is taken care of automatically. While the element of luck enters into this distribution, a practical test of over six years in the largest Trapshooters' Leagues and gun clubs in the country has proven that the element of luck, through this system, has secured a wider range of prize distribution, thereby creating considerable additional interest in trapshooting. How the System Operates Two, three, four or five classes may be established, and are usually designated as A, B, C^ D and E. The classifying is done when the day's program or event is finished; the scores being arranged in numerical order, beginning with the highest and descending to the lowest in the entire program or event. These scores are then divided by the number of classes agreed upon. If four classes are used, then the fourth containing the highest scores is Class A ; the next highest fourth. Class B ; the next fourth, Class C ; and the next. Class D. Exceptions to Rule First. Where a short class is necessary, due to odd entry list, the short class or classes shall head the list. Second. Where the line of class division falls in a number of tie scores, the contestants are assigned to the class in which the majority of the scores appear. Third. Where an equal number of tie scores appear on either side of the line, contestants shall be assigned to the head of the lower class. 11 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES Fourth. Where the original division is changed, due to tie scores, this change shall apply only to the classes directly affected and the original equation shall continue in the other classes. The question of ties is one which rarely has to be contended with in a 150-target tournament. Money or Prize Division The purse, or the prizes, are then divided into as many equal parts as there are classes ; and the high man or men in these classes are the winners of the money or prizes allotted to their class. Usual Division in Each Class High Gun or Rose System 60-40^ I to 5 Shooters 6-4 50-30-20^ 6 to 15 " 5-3-2 40-30-20-10:'/ 16 to 25 " 4-3-2-1 Merchandise or trophies are usually awarded according to the High Gun System. Ties are shot off or determined by lot at the option of the tournament management. Another System of Trophy Division A new system of trophy division, which is being tried out in some sections of the east, is based upon the known shooting ability of each contestant, as recorded by the Interstate Association and the American Amateur Trapshooters' Association. The shooters are listed before the event, the list starting with the shooter having the highest average and ending with the one having the lowest average. This list is then divided into classes, and trophies of suitable number and value appor- tioned to each class. In distributing these trophies the scores made in the event are taken into account, the shooter making the highest score in each class being awarded the highest trophy for that class, and so on down the list. Constitution, By-Laws and Rules As all Trapshooting Leagues are organized and operate under largely similar conditions, a comparison of the constitution, by-laws and rules of various successful leagues discloses many points in common, and 12 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES makes it possible to draw up a composite set, including the strong points of each league studied and covering the essential features of all. After much careful thought and comparison, we have drawn up such a con- stitution, by-laws and rules, which we ofifer to prospective leagues as a structure that can be easily modified to serve their specific needs, at least, it may serve as a guide. We will always be thankful for any suggestions by which we may improve the following or keep them up to date : Constitution and By-Laws of the Trapshooters* League Constitution Preamble. The object of this league is the encouragement of amateur trap- shooting, the protection of game, the preservation of forests, and the promotion of good fellowship. ARTICLE 1 The League Section i. This league shall be composed of Trapshooting Clubs, duly elected to membership, and paying the prescribed dues. ARTICLE 2 Officers Section i. The officers of this league shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Board of Directors. The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting, and shall hold office for one year and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Section 2. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same person. Section 3. The Board of Directors shall consist of one representative from each club, elected by the same for the period of one year. The President and Secretary of the league shall be ex-officio members of the Board of Directors. Section 4. Any Director who shall cease to be a member of the club he is representing shall forfeit his office at the same time. Any vacancy in the Board of Directors, existing from this or any other cause, shall be filled by the club in whose representation such vacancy occurs. ARTICLE 3 Duties of Officers Section i. The President shall preside at. all meetings of the league and of the Board of Directors. He shall be a member of all committees ; shall execute all contracts and legal instruments ; and shall have a general supervision over all the business and management of the league. Section 2. The Vice-President shall, in the absence of the President, discharge the duties belonging to the President. 13 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES Section 3. The Treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds. He shall deposit all moneys to the credit of the league in such bank or banks as the Board of Directors may designate, and shall obtain and preserve proper receipts for all moneys paid out by him. He shall furnish bond in the sum of dollars, ($....), the expense of which shall be paid by the league. Section 4. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the league and of the Board of Directors in books provided for that purpose. He shall collect all dues and pay the same over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor. He shall be a member of all committees, and shall perform such other duties as the Board of Directors may require, receiving as his compensation the sum of dollars ($....) annually. Section 5. The Board of Directors shall have the final voice in the interpre- tation of all rules and the sfttlement of all differences, arising from whatever causes. It shall designate the place and hour of the annual meeting; shall authorize the expenditure of funds and 'levy additional assessments ; and shall, under certain conditions, elect or expel members, and make amendments to the By-Laws. ARTICLE 4 Meetings Section i. The annual meeting shall be held on the (ist, 2d, etc.) (day of week) in (month) of each year, at such place and hour as the Board of Directors shall designate. It shall be attended by two delegates from each club, who shall together cast a single vote for that club on any ballot, or shall cast such vote separately in the absence of either. Said annual meeting may be adjourned from time to time until the business which may come before it shall have been completed. Section 2. Notice of every annual meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary of the league to the Secretary of each club at least ten days before the date of such meeting. Section 3. Special meetings of the league shall be called by the President or Secretary, or upon the written request of clubs to the Secretary. Notice of any special meeting, and of the object thereof, shall be sent by the Secretary of the league to the Secretary of each club at least five days before the date of such meeting; and no business shall be transacted at any special meeting except such as is specified in this notice. Section 4. A majority of all clubs that are qualified members of the league, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A smaller nvmiber may adjourn from time to time until a quorum shall be present. Section 5. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at the call of the President, or at the call of the Secretary upon the request of (....) of the Directors, in writing, or at any time providing all of the Directors are present. Ordinarily a majority of the total number of directors shall con- stitute a quorum. Section 6. The Secretary shall notify each Director of the time, place and object of any meeting called by the President or by himself at least days before the date of such meeting. ARTICLE 5 Amendments to Constitution Section i. Amendments to this constitution may be made at any annual meeting, or at any special meeting called for that purpose, by a two-thirds vote of the clubs represented, written notice of the proposed amendment being sent to each club Secretary at least ten days prior to such meeting. 14 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES By-Laws ARTICLE 1 Order of Business The order of business at all league meetings shall be as follows : 1. Roll Call. 7. Board of Directors' Report. 2. Reading of Minutes. 8. Report of Committees. 3. Proposals and Elections of Clubs. 9. Unfinished Business. 4. President's Report. 10. New Business. 5. Secretary's Report. 11. Election of Officers. 6. Treasurer's Report. 12. Adjournment. ^ ARTICLE 2 Membership and Eligibility Section i. Clubs may be elected to membership by a three-fourths vote at any annual meeting of the league, or by a three-fourths vote of the Board of Directors at any other time. Section 2. Any Trapshooting Club shall be eligible to membership in this league that is properly organized, conducted and equipped, and within logical distance from all other members of the league. ARTICLE 3 Dues and Funds Section i. The annual dues shall be dollars ($....) and shall be due and payable in advance at the annual meeting, or within days thereafter. Section 2. The Board of Directors shall have the power to raise any addi- tional funds that are necessary by assessing each club in the league its proportion of such funds, but no club shall be assessed in any amount greater than dollars ($. .. .) at any time, except with its express permission. Section 3. The league sJiiall bear the expense of printing and maihng a program covering all tournaments during the season, one copy of which shall be sent to each member of every club in the league. Section 4. All cash and trophies received from the Interstate Association or from any other source, excepting dues and assessments, shall be fully covered in the program. Section 5. Any cash balance resulting from dues or assessments, after the payment of all the expenses of the league, and not required as a reserve fund for the following year, shall be expended for trophies or distributed as a season's average purse. ARTICLE 4 Expulsions Section i. Any club guilty of conduct detrimental to the interests of the league may be expelled by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors at a meeting called for that purpose, notice of which meeting and its object shall be sent to the Secretary of the offending club at least days prior to said meeting. Section 2. Any club whose annual dues remain unpaid for months after the time specified for their payment may be expelled by the Board of Directors, or by the Secretary, without notice. 15 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES ARTICLE 5 Committees Section i. The President, at the annual meeting, shall appoint the following committees : Rules, Trophies, Schedule. Section 2. The Rules Committee shall draw up a set of rules to govern the shooting of the league for that season, which shall be adopted by the Board of Directors after making such changes as in their judgment seem advisable. These rules, after adoption, not to be altered excepting under the same conditions prescribed for amendments to this Constitution and By-Laws. Section 3. The Trophy Committee shall secure and distribute as many trophies as possible for contests held during their term of office. Section 4. The Schedule Committee shall arrange the schedule of shoots for the league, which schedule, after being approved by the Board of Directors, shall not be altered excepting as prescribed in Section 2 above* for changes in Rules. ARTICLE 6 Amendments to By-Laws Section i. Amendments to these By-Laws may be made at the same times and under |:he same conditions specified for amendments to the Constitution. Section 2. The Board of Directors shall have power to amend these By-La \vs, provided that written notice of the proposed amendment with the date set for its consideration shall be sent to the Secretary of each club at least days prior to such date. Rules of the Trapshooting League Rule i. The Secretary of each club shall file with the Secretary of the league a list of the members of that club with their addresses at least days before the first shoot scheduled. Newly elected members will not be eligible to compete until their names shall have been before the Secretary of the league at least days. Rule 2. Only bona fide amateur members of clubs in the league shall be eligible to compete for such clubs, or for individual trophies or prizes. Rule 3. Each competing club team may consist of any number of members, the highest scores to count for the team. The total score of a club competing with less than members to be the sum of the scores of the entire number competing. Rule 4. No shooter shall compete for more than one league club during any league season. Rule 5. Professionals shall be welcome to attend all league contests, but shall shoot for targets only. Rule 6. Each club shall have charge of its own tournaments and shall provide the necessary equipment and a competent and sufficient force for the proper conduct of such tournaments. Rule 7. Equipment shall consist of not less than automatic traps, properly placed and in perfect working condition. There shall be a satis- factory score board and score sheets for each squad shooting, and a bulletin board on which the scores in each event shall be posted immediately after each squad has finished shooting. Rule 8. There shall be at least one competent Referee, Scorer, Trapper and Trap Puller for each trap, at least one Squad Hustler for the shoot, and an experi- enced person to handle the office. 16 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES Rule 9. Competition will cover targets per man in events of targets each, all shooting from 16 yards. Price of targets to be cents each. Rule 10. A 2j/2-cent entrance fee shall be collected frorn each eligible con- testant in every league shoot, by the Secretary of the club holding the shoot, and shall be remitted by him to the Secretary of the league. Rule ii. No entries shall be made after .... o'clock, . . M. on the day of the shoot. Rule 12. The grounds of the club holding the shoot shall be open at o'clock, . . M. on the day of the shoot and shall not be closed earlier than o'clock, . . M. on that day. Rule 13. League matches shall be commenced at o'clock, . . M. and no practice shall then be allowed over the traps set aside for such matches. Rule 14. The committee shall have the right to scratch the entry of any contestant not on the firing line promptly after squad is called. Rule 15. The rules of the Interstate Association shall govern all league matches. Rule 16. The winnings of each club shall be governed by the point system. each club to be allowed one point in each match plus a point for every other team in said match whose total score is lower than its own. Rule 17. Ties between clubs shall be decided in favor of the club making the higher score at the next league shoot. A tie in the last contest of a league series to be shot off the same day, at fifteen birds per man, and by the same men whose scores are included in the tie, excepting that in the absence of any such their places in the shoot-off may be taken by other members of the same club. Rule 18. Any club which fails to start a league shoot at the time advertised shall be fined dollars, ($....), to be paid into the treasury of the league. Rule 19. A scheduled league tournament shall not be postponed for any reason. In the event of the home club not supplying a sufficient outfit to carry out the regular program, the match shall be forfeited to the visiting club, or clubs, and any contestant who is unable to complete his score at such shoot shall be recorded as shooting and credited with a score equal to his average score in league tournaments during that season. Rule 20. The scores made at league tournaments shall be filed within one week with the Secretary of the league, or the same shall not be counted. Rule 21. The club having the greatest number of points at the end of the league season shall receive " First Trophy," other clubs to receive any other season trophies in accordance with their standing. Rule 22. Trophies and prizes at all league tournaments shall be distributed as equitably as possible, and by the Lewis Class System, when not otherwise determined by the Trophy Committee. Shooting Schedule of the Trapshooting League Season 19.... to 19.... Note. — Each league must of necessity fill out this section entirely by itself. The following general suggestions may serve as a guide : The shortest complete schedule possible is when all the clubs in the league shoot together, as a single shoot could comprise the schedule. However, the schedule should include a series of such meets, the popular plan being to hold at least one meet on the grounds of each club. This plan works to the best advantage with leagues having a limited membership and where the teams com- 17 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES peting- for each club are small. The limit of its practicability is defined by the largest number of shooters who can be accommodated by the club having the smallest equipment in the league. The Central Ohio Trapshooters' League of fifteen clubs is the largest league operating under this plan. It aims to hold five tournaments each year and to rotate them so that by the end of the third year no club will have held two tournaments before every other club has held one, unless some club is willing to forego its turn in favor of some other club. The next shortest complete schedule is where clubs shoot in pairs, each club meeting every other club once, when each club will contest in as many shoots as there are other clubs in the league. Leagues having a large membership that does not desire to shoot over once a month and cannot all shoot together can adopt a schedule of this kind, which, if carried over two years, can be made quite fair by reversing the schedule the second year. The Philadelphia Trapshooters' League of ten clubs finds this plan a very good one. The longest complete schedule that may be practical is where each club meets every other club once on its home grounds and once on the grounds of the other club during one league season, when each club will shoot in twice as viaiiy meets as there are other clubs in the league. Where the clubs are all close together, and not more numerous than would require over two shoots a month, this schedule may be acceptable. It is, in effect, the same as a baseball schedule. Twelve clubs would be the limit that could operate under it. Some Active Trapshooting Leagues ' To give you an idea of the Trapshooting' Leagues that are operating- nearest your territory we inckide the following partial list of such organizations, with their approximate location. We can send you the names of the clubs and the name and address of the Secretary of any league you may wish to get in touch with: Tri-Club League, Massachusetts. Alberta Provincial Trapshooters' Assn., Alberta, Canada. Toronto Interurban Trapshooters' League, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Trent Valley League, Ontario, Canada. Columbia-Willamette League, Portland, Oregon. Chicago Interurban League, Chicago, Illinois. Illinois Valley Trapshooting League, Illinois. Central Illinois Trapshooters' League, Illinois. Eastern Illinois Trapshooters' League, Illinois. Rockford-P)eloit-Janesville-Capron Federation of Gun Clubs, Illinois- Wisconsin. Maryland Trapshooters' League, Maryland. Oxford-Rising Sun-Providence League, Maryland-Pennsylvania. West Jersey Trapshooters' League, New Jersey. The Central Ohio Trapshooters' League, Ohio. Central Pennsylvania Trapshooters' League, Pennsylvania. Fayette County Trapshooters' League, Pennsylvania. 18 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES Intercollegiate Trapshooters' League, Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, Dartmouth, Yale. Philadelphia Trapshooters' League, New Jersey, Penna.-Delaware. Susquehanna Trapshooters' League, Pennsylvania. Western Penna. Trapshooters' League, Pennsylvania. Inland Empire League of Gun Clubs, Wash.-Idaho-Mont.-Ore. Northwestern Trapshooting League, Washington-Oregon. Gloucester County Trapshooting League, New Jersey. Middlesex County Trapshooting Association, New Jersey. Monmouth County Shooting Association, New Jersey. League of Yacht Clubs, Long Island, New York. Some Suggestions and Things to Remember Always bear in mind that the league was organized and should be conducted for the best interest of all the members of all clubs in the organization, and not for any particular club or individual. Encourage the mediocre or poor shot in every way possible. Do not make the league season too long, or each tournament com- prise too many targets. The majority of shooters have limitations to* their purses, as well as a limit to their craving for competition. Too much shooting will hurt any organization. The most successful leagues are those which offer a liberal assort- ment of prizes and trophies for which to shoot, and give everyone an equal opportunity of winning. On the club holding the tournaments rests the responsibility for pro- viding proper help, etc., and all arrangements should be completed before the shoot is scheduled to start. Keep before the public. Whatever interests the league should interest the people in its territory. See that all tournaments and scores are reported in detail and promptly — while they are still news. Invite New Clubs to Join Experience shows that many new clubs are formed in sections where successful leagues are in operation. In fact, this, more than any other one thing, proves the popularity of the league idea with shooters. Such clubs should be extended an invitation to join the league. The more clubs and shooters interested the more prizes can be offered, which will result in larger attendance at league shoots, keener compe- tition, and greater enjoyment for all concerned. Make it a point at the 19 TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES beginning" of each league season to extend an invitation to all clubs, old and new, within a reasonable distance, to join the league. If they don't join the first year, invite them the next. Eventually they will be glad to come in. They will help and strengthen the league as much as the league will help them. Advise With Us We have made a close study of the Trapshooting League proposition. Write our Trapshooting Division, whenever you are in doubt as to how to proceed. We will gladly assist in any possible way, both during the organization of your league and afterward. Our traveling repre- sentative will shoot at your tournaments whenever they can, and may be depended upon for advice and help in conducting the same. We suggest that you keep us advised at all times of the progress of your league, when we will endeavor to obtain national publicity for such of your tournaments and other happenings as are exceptional or important. 20 V ^-^^ .^^ , "V ="'° ^^° / .v-^^ A > A^^ -^^ ^.^ ^ -- o-^^. " O N - «JJ , -^ °;^ * = «<' A^ ^ "^ ^.V ^' ^- ^3T(^^ '^ \ v ^P' 32084 .'V^^^mS . ^^ n^ . '^m'^^^ iy v:,. ::^r i\'-h> mmmm