S1 E4 Holding Left Edge | Sponsorship in Precision Rifle 

I feel this a really interesting debate regarding prize tables, as someone who fits both demographics you talk about being both relatively new and to have been lucky enough to have won/podiumed at my fair share of matches I’d like to share my viewpoints. In honestly feel it’s a really hard task to award achievement fairly, as someone who doesn’t have any sponsorship/support from any big brands I really could do with every bit of help I can glean. Mike Norris has been a brilliant example of a very small company making a difference, his turnover is minute compared to the big multinationals but I simply could not compete without his help. I honestly believe you still have to award achievement, if you deviate too far from this you get in to the realms of attendance prizes which in my opinion take away from sport at a high level. We have tried to combat this with our divisions, which allows people to compete “in their lane” so to speak, I feel this was a happy mid ground between giving support all the way through the field and not venturing too far down the road of the afore mentioned. Equally, just because people place well doesn’t mean they won’t genuinely use the kit, I have been lucky enough to have won two gold triggers which I absolutely cherish! Ryan will speak to my excitement leading up to the match about potentially nabbing one 😂 I think going back to your earlier topic on gaining support, I’ve always seen support as a bi product of being a stand up dude. I would never like someone to talk of me just accepting help from brands I don’t truly believe in for the sake of “being sponsored” I value far too much the integrity of my opinion, if a shooter ever approaches me or asks me about any element of my kit. I can give them my honest and unbiased opinion (whether that good or bad) as I have purchased what I believe to be the best kit for me 🤙🏽

Hi mate just a quick one to say it was a really interesting podcast especially about the prize tables. It needs totaly redesigning as a prize / sponsorship / gift system. And I agreed with you about ‘less good’ shooters would benefit more from the top prizes like a banging optic etc. have a great day pal and see you soon!!

It's a very interesting debate! Personally as someone who is still new(ish) to the discipline, the big prizes on the prize table is what I want to aim to win and there does need to be a structure in place to award the top shooters as well as incentives for the 'mid pack' and the newbies as well. At most the matches I've been too, the top sponsored shooters do regularly hand prizes down to people and I have been a beneficiary of that and as someone who hasn't got financial flexibility to buy everything I need/want I was/am extremely grateful and that's as someone who is a 'supported' shooter. Likewise, the recent prize I won off the prize table for winning Mil/LEO Division.. I had every intention of keeping and using it, but when I assessed how much I needed it vs it's value (enough to fund me shooting another match).. I had to sell it. What I would say is even in the short time I have been competing, the industry has definitely been offering more and more support and that can only be a good thing the longer that continues.. onwards and upwards!

Enjoyed that 👏

What about sponsors offering reduced fees for future matches as a prize?

Great podcast guys 👌🏻

Would you say an invite only teams match is inclusive and to the benefit of growing the sport? Asking for a friend,

Graham Norton