"Impossible Shots" safety issue

[alfsauve]

But we don’t (and can’t) extend that example into certain shooting competitions and demonstrations.  Example: NRA / CMP service rifle competition does not require eye protection and the top Army team shoots without eye protection, more like combat conditions.

Not really. NRA rules (high power rifle) do require eye and ear protection.  And while CMP rules (not NRA) does not address eye and ear protection, the range owner or the match director may and in local cases does require same.

And this is the burr I have about CMP,  if it's suppose to be "combat conditions" why do they allow those stiff "shooting" jackets and gloves?

[texcaliber]

No offense but.....

Watching an exhibition shooter for gun safety tips is like watching Evil Knievel for safe driving tips.  Use this as a learning experience for your daughter not a time to slam a show for doing what it says it is doing..... exhibition shooting. 

If you do not approve and do not see the writing that says do not do this at home then do not watch the show.

Just my .02

No offense taken, but I love how you thought  you didn't mean any.  As for a Evil Knievel comparison he was the front runner of safety for his sport at the time.  Which is why the man crashed so many times and lived to become the Icon he is.  No offense but........ to argue an "Stunt Rider to Shooter" is absurd at best and shows a true lack of effort toward topic,    especially when one whom is the leader of safety of his field and the other is sans safety entirely.

 

[texcaliber]

At the end of the day it is the parent that must decide how and what their youth shooter is going to shoot.  If a TV show is able to undermine that responsibility, then perhaps there are bigger problems underlying.

   
 

By this statement you use the same argument that every politician seems to use in the downfall of society.  People of all ages have free will and if a 7yr old can question the safety issue, I decided it necessary to take a little more proactive approach then someone like

If you do not approve and do not see the writing that says do not do this at home then do not watch the show.

Just my .02

to make sure to bring it to your and others attention .

I am far from political, but I tried my best. You tell me "period correct B.S. and its what he wants, can't argue with that." and the fuse on my tampoon was officially lit. Now I am not looking for retribution, apologies, autographs, blame, hard feelings or "proof" that this show is better/wrong/lesser than compared to that one.  As sure as it is cold out side in NewEngland, I am not looking for parenting advise from those whom have not a clue.

[Fastmover13]

So ultimately what are you looking for?

Make your kid wear eye-pro.

[tombogan03884]

I think he is seeking equal dedication to safety from people who are supposed to be PROMOTING the shooting sports, not making the practitioners look like a bunch of careless chumps.

[Sponsor]

[MikeBjerum]

I'm going all the way back to the beginning, and this will be lengthy ... Not sorry about either!

I have been to several matches with professional photographers and a couple with a film crew.  I understand these people make their living capturing these images and producing media.  However, they need to keep in mind that they are subject to the same safety rules as anyone else on the range.  The same goes for the shooters.  Many a sport super star has complained about being looked at as a role model, but when you reach a certain level that is what happens to you.  Like it or not those that become the "spokesman" of the sport or industry through their media attention need to live up to this privilege.

#1  Media type - You need to decide if you are there to produce a show or be a part of the activity.  It is possible to do both.  I have seen photographers and film crews warned to stay back in safe areas; I have seen Range Officers (RO's) need to decide if they should penalize a competitor by stopping the course of fire because a crew puts themselves in a potentially dangerous position.  This gets so bad that I have sat in RO briefing and heard warnings about the media, and in shooter briefing I have heard apologies in advance for the possibility that an RO may use the stop command based on an observer (camera crew) rather than a DQ by the shooter.

#2  Producers and Editors - You need to take a lesson from "do it yourself" (DIY) shows.  To quote Norm Abram, "Read, Understand and Follow all the safety rules for your power tools."  "And, the most important safety rule is to wear these ... Safety glasses!"  Compare this to Tom Knapp and his disclaimer, that he states at the beginning of and during every event he participates in "Do not try this at home"  "I am a trained and sponsored professional."  By this he is stating that he has worked with others, evaluated his performance and is subject to the liability issues of sponsors that are both paying his expenses, but also providing with his grocery money.  The next statement from DIY is the roll that safety guards and/or shields have been removed for photographic clarity.  Compare this to American Rifleman and their little on screen statement "Remote Camera."

#3  Overall Media - You need to decide if you are in business to promote the hunting and shooting sports, or are you there just to cover an event and make a buck off the interest and profession of others.  If you care about the sport and the industry, beyond the buck, you need to insure it is done properly.

#4  Viewers - We need to decide what we want out of the productions.  If we want correct information and to use it as a learning tool, we need to hold the producers accountable.  If all we are looking for is general entertainment we need to accept it as that.

#5  Everyone - We all need to develop a little tougher skin and accept the criticisms of others.  Whether it is a producer that has been called on the carpet for something they put on the airwaves or in print, or if it is Mr. Bogan that has been slammed for calling someone on something.  Also, there is nothing wrong with the anonymity that forums give, but we need to not be trolls ... and this is a thread that could very easily head that way.

Out of "daddy" mode, but still pissed over much of this situation!

[texcaliber]

So ultimately what are you looking for?

First, Look, I do not know if there is a something other than that of effort on your behalf.

Second, smart-mouth-no-sh*t statements like this

Make your kid wear eye-pro.

leave a bad feeling toward you and your intelligence. Did i offend you because if so send me a personal message and I will send you my Cell# ASAP so you articulate it better. There is no need to insult my intelligence or parenting with verbal barbs no matter how subtle.

[Fastmover13]

As sure as it is cold out side in NewEngland, I am not looking for parenting advise from those whom have not a clue.

Here is the first direct shot at anyone's parenting skill.  

You made this a public matter when you took our e-mail correspondence and posted it on this forum, now you want me to PM you for a phone number so we can take it back private? Well you have my office number and my e-mail so I'll leave that ball in your court.

Here is my point once again.  The Impossible Shots TV program is strictly for entertainment, and under no circumstances should it be considered instruction, sport, or competition.  The exhibitionists portrayed on the show are doing their act, and at times the act is dangerous.  Doubly so in the case of George Sutton because he does his act without the benefit of eye or ear protection.  Just like it says at the beginning of the show, no one should attempt to recreate or duplicate these stunts.

The deviation from the safety guidelines for shooting that you as a parent have spelled out and are enforcing with your youth shooter should be simple to explain.  "That guy on the TV is doing it his way, but that is not our way and this is why..."  If at that point your youth shooter still refuses to follow the rules that you dictate than a new hobby is probably in order.

As far as me making an effort, I can't say it any more clearly than that is not my show.  I have no more say about what happens on that show than you or anyone else.  I produce the Sighting In half hour and the episodes of Shooting USA that involve practical shooting.  The safety guidelines for the shows I produce are not in question here.  I made my opinion known before George Sutton debuted on Impossible Shots and it went by the way side.

[tombogan03884]

Here is the first direct shot at anyone's parenting skill.  

You made this a public matter when you took our e-mail correspondence and posted it on this forum, now you want me to PM you for a phone number so we can take it back private? Well you have my office number and my e-mail so I'll leave that ball in your court.

Here is my point once again.  The Impossible Shots TV program is strictly for entertainment, and under no circumstances should it be considered instruction, sport, or competition.  The exhibitionists portrayed on the show are doing their act, and at times the act is dangerous.  Doubly so in the case of George Sutton because he does his act without the benefit of eye or ear protection.  Just like it says at the beginning of the show, no one should attempt to recreate or duplicate these stunts.

The deviation from the safety guidelines for shooting that you as a parent have spelled out and are enforcing with your youth shooter should be simple to explain.  "That guy on the TV is doing it his way, but that is not our way and this is why..."  If at that point your youth shooter still refuses to follow the rules that you dictate than a new hobby is probably in order.

As far as me making an effort, I can't say it any more clearly than that is not my show.  I have no more say about what happens on that show than you or anyone else.  I produce the Sighting In half hour and the episodes of Shooting USA that involve practical shooting.  The safety guidelines for the shows I produce are not in question here.  I made my opinion known before George Sutton debuted on Impossible Shots and it went by the way side.

 Two points, First off, if it isn't your show, why are you getting so defensively hostile ?
Second, since you basically agree that shooting, especially flintlocks, with out proper safety gear is stupid, same question. Why are you getting so defensively hostile ?

Actually I have a third point as well and that is that the whole point of this thread revolves around M58's #4

"#4  Viewers - We need to decide what we want out of the productions.  If we want correct information and to use it as a learning tool, we need to hold the producers accountable.  If all we are looking for is general entertainment we need to accept it as that."

It seems we want to see our sport portrayed SAFELY. We have written to hold the producers accountable and they brushed our our concerns, which I think says something about their view of the show (as just a source of money ) and their viewers (as chumps who will watch what ever they feel like producing ).
If that IS their attitude, and not just a mistaken impression, I have a tip for them.
There's far more money in porn.

[texcaliber]

You made this a public matter when you took our e-mail correspondence and posted it on this forum, now you want me to PM you for a phone number so we can take it back private?

Just to make sure you are not speed-reading my post reread it then ask yourself if I want anything, that is including a PM, from you?