The Future of Horseshoe Pitching

by Gary Roberts, 1^st Vice President, By-Laws, Rules and Grievance Director

It is truly an honor to be an officer of the NHPA. My hope is that I may contribute to the viability of the NHPA.

However, I realize that this is a crucial time in the history of our sport. Our focus must be on stopping the continuing decline in our membership. I hear many opinions concerning the reason for this decline. Some believe the myriad of activities available to children and families have an impact. Some believe that 30-foot/40 foot controversy is to blame. Whatever the reason, membership must be our primary focus. No single NHPA officer or member has the answer to reverse the membership decline. We must look at all ideas and develop specific strategies. This will be a topic at the 2017 convention in St. George.

League and tournament direction are important in recruitment of new members. I have the utmost respect for those who do all of the hard work to assure that the rest of us have a place to pitch. Many of our new members in Ohio joined because of leagues.

Fred and Carol Sanford of the Ross County Horseshoe Club in Ohio are a good example of league and tournament directors that promote our sport and help bring in new members. As officers of the Ross County Club, they develop schedules, make sure the courts are in good shape, and keep all of the statistics. They also conduct a tournament at the Ross County Fair each year. They are at the fair every day for a week conducting the tournament. They also conduct the Ross County Open in Chillicothe. In addition, they attend almost all tournaments within a hundred mile radius. They not only pitch but also always help keep score. This year several new members joined the NHPA as a result of their efforts.

I would like to thank all of the league and tournament directors for their contributions. Without them, our membership would be even lower. also make