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Background to who we are
The SPA was formed in 1964 as the Governing Body for Pistol Shooting in Scotland. The initial aim of the association was to get a fair hearing for Pistol Shooters in selections for Scottish International Representation to the Commonwealth Games.
To achieve this aim the SPA set up a calendar of competitions and Championships to provide shooters with the opportunity to compete and train to improve their abilities, leading to the overall development of the sport of Target Pistol Shooting in Scotland.
Since 1964 we have developed greatly with a much wider remit and responsibilities.
The modern aim of the SPA is to promote ALL forms of Pistol Shooting (not just the ISSF disciplines as is thought by some) from grass roots level right through to international standard. We have an active Gallery Rifle Squad in addition to the National Pistol Squad.
The SPA is run by Office Bearers and a Committee, all of whom are voluntary workers elected annually at the AG.M.
The committee are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the association, organise all of the Competitions, Championships and the training of the National Squads, Range Officials and Coaches.
We are a member of
· The Scottish Target Shooting Federation
· The Scottish Sports Association
· We are Supported by SportScotland and
· Affiliated to the National Rifle Association
· Affiliated to the National Small-bore Rifle Association and
· Affiliated to the Muzzle Loaders’ Association of Great Britain
What we do
To carry out its functions the SPA:
· Runs a variety of Open Competitions for anyone to enter
· Runs Postal Leagues for members and affiliated clubs
· Manages and is responsible for training courses for Coaches and Range Officers
· Manages and trains the Scottish National Pistol Squads
· Selects Scottish teams for National and International matches
· Provides advice on subjects related to Pistol Shooting (Range design/approvals, new regulations etc.)
· Lobbies Scottish MP's on Firearms related subjects
· Publishes the SPA Newsletter (usually 3 or 4 times a year)
· Manages the SPA website
· Purchases targets and merchandise for sale to raise funds
· As an intermediary body we can processes CRBS disclosures for members and affiliated clubs – free of charge
· Run a merit badge scheme to encourage development
The SPA is always looking for ways to respond to the needs of the Shooting Community in Scotland. However, to do this we need the help of as many supporters as possible, even if you are not a shooter, help can be with donations of not only money but valuable time, equipment, stationery, knowledge or with membership as an individual or affiliated club.
What can we do for you? Remember ... If you do not let us know you are there and what you want, we cannot develop to meet your particular interests or needs.
Training
Some of the training available to members are:
Range Conducting Officer
This is a recognised range officer qualification that is issued by a National Governing Body.
For your information a ‘Range Officer’ is the person in charge of a range or part thereof and a ‘Chief Range Officer’ is the person in overall control of a range where there is more than one range officer working.
Club Coach
Some of the subjects covered are Safety, Law, Code of Conduct, Equipment, Stance, Aiming, Firing, Environmental Conditions, Child Protection, Equity, Communication, Presentation, documentation and of course the assessment.
For the Scottish Squads
We currently have two established coaches who work regularly with our pistol athletes and are working on improvements to be able to provide the same service for our Gallery Rifle shooters. The coaches work closely together to ensure the goals and aspirations of the Squad members and SPA are met.
Open Training Workshops for All
We also have volunteers with club and county coach qualifications who assist with the squad when required and who run our open training days. These are workshops held around the country, usually on request from members who are not in the squad but would like some assistance to improve their performance..... some of the squad ususally attend too!
The scores of everyone who attends our events are recorded and monitored. If a member shows interest and potential, they will be invited to join the squad for trials. If you are interested, please do let us know.
Scottish Target Shooting Federation (STSF)
The STSF are the overall voice for shooting in Scotland, they are made up of four Scottish National Governing Bodies for shooting who are:
SCTA - Scottish Clay Target Association
SPA - Scottish Pistol Association
SRA - Scottish Rifle Association (Full-bore Rifle)
SSRA - Scottish Small-Bore Rifle Association
STSF is the central link between the individual associations and such bodies as the Scottish Sports Association, SportScotland, Scottish Home and Health Department, Local Authorities, other Government Agencies and UK National Shooting Bodies such as British Shooting (formerly GBTSF) NRA, NSRA etc. on matters that affect all of the shooting bodies in Scotland. Our committee members that represent the SPA on the STSF board are there to give insight and input when required or to fight our corner when issues are raised.
Commonwealth Games 2014 - Legacy
Committee members that represent the STSF are currently working towards helping keep a permanent legacy after the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. To help the Government showcase Scotland as a Centre for Excellence with world class shooting facilities in a safe environment and for all the represented Scottish National Governing Bodies and their members.
The current status is to use the Commonwealth Games 2014 £3.5m budget for shooting, using a military or police site, which after the games will revert back to its original status.
Whereas delievering a legacy of a permanent shooting centre of excellence will allow not only our own elite teams to train on a long term basis under world class standards (who currently travel abroad to train for some disciplines), but will be available to provide services such as corporate facilities, training for international and possibly police teams and hold major international events.
The long term effect of a lasting legacy can only help showcase Scotland as a centre of excellence for world class standards attracting international teams. It also has great potential to boost the economy attracting tourism into the bargain.
Update 22nd July 2010
Representatives of the STSF and Glasgow 2014 had a meeting with Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill MSP today to discuss legacy.
The main point that came out is that the Barry Budden plans are currently estimated at around £4.2m, split roughly 50/50 between infrastructure and overlay. There is also a strong belief within the Glasgow 2014 team that the overlay costs can be reduced.
The STSF proposal costs came in at £4.5m, without the overlay.
Glasgow 2014 also will be using some of the temporary buildings used for the London 2012 Olympics.
It appears that Kenny MacAskill is not convinced by the legacy argument, swayed to some extent by the time and financial uncertainty 2014 feels surround the STSF (Morton) proposal.
The reason 2014 raised the lack of capital funding as an issue was that they would not be able to fund the total costs for our proposal therefore they were expecting the STSF to find the balance.
However, the tone of the meeting was very much one of cooperation and Glasgow 2014 has agreed to share their plans for Barry Budden with the STSF. They need to pass them by the Board first (we believe the board meeting is 28th July) and will be sending us the details shortly after.
In summary: Glasgow 2014 are saying that they can deliver at Barry Budden, what we are offering at Morton Clays for half the price and less
Policies
The SPA operates within its constitution and policies, including:
· Data Protection & Freedom of Information
· Code of Ethics and Conduct
· Health and Safety
· Child Protection
· Equity Statement
· Recruitment
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