Anonymous wrote:With respect, I disagree. It is the athlete's responsibility to make sure they are within the rules.
Yes, but!
As Rob writes, 'It is both of theirs responsibility', and too often the coaches do not give shooters good information when it comes to the rules, and at some point the shooter gets the warning, penalty, or worse.
As this thread started in relation to safety matters, many shooters know only enough of the rules to keep out of trouble, and most of this by word of mouth, and unfortunately some coaches do not bother to know much more of the rules than the average shooter.
Imagine if a driving instructor did not bother to stress to learner drivers
the need to comply with speed limits, traffic lights, the use of turn signals before changing lanes, which side of the road to drive on, etc. Outside of sports, this attitude could be interpreted as unprofessional...
Worse, there are some shooters (and coaches) who consider that rules that suit them are important rules, and the rules that do not suit them are not important. In the long run, it is easier for everybody if the shooter knows the rules, and in the matters of safety complies with them.
Perhaps a volunteer coach (god bless them and their dedication) can be forgiven for not being an expert in the rules, but...
Off the soapbox and have a happy 2006
Regards,
Spencer