Mentor 101: Understanding Your Role & Responsibilities

The Vegas Shoot is one of the world’s largest and most exciting archery tournaments, and the Grow the Line program is designed to help first-time competitors feel confident, prepared, and welcomed. As a Mentor, your role is to provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support to help your Rookie navigate the event and make the most of their experience.

Equipment, Classification, and Practice

From the start, take time to understand your Rookie’s experience level, goals, and any concerns they may have. This understanding will guide how you support them through equipment selection and division choice. If possible, invite your Rookie to join you in practicing for the event. During this time, you can review how scoring is done, line etiquette, when and how to call a judge, managing the shooting clock, and what to do if equipment fails. Practicing together in this way gives your Rookie practical experience, helps build confidence, and ensures they feel more prepared for the tournament.

Sharing Your Vegas Shoot Experience

Use your own experiences at The Vegas Shoot to help your Rookie feel comfortable with the tournament environment. Talk about walking into the massive venue, shooting alongside hundreds of archers, and exploring the trade show. Highlight vendor booths, meeting industry pros, and all the unique aspects of the event beyond competition. Sharing these insights early can ease anxiety and build excitement for first-time participants.

Event Preparation and Planning

Help your Rookie plan each day of the tournament, including practice, competition, rest, and time to explore the trade show. Discuss logistical details such as bow storage, navigating the venue, and balancing competition with downtime. Encourage them to save the official Vegas Shoot web-based app on their mobile device so they have access to the most up-to-date schedules, announcements, and results throughout the tournament. Offer practical advice on travel and packing, including flying with equipment, bow case requirements, and important tools to pack.  Maintaining open communication in the lead-up to the event reinforces confidence and readiness.

Support During Competition

Be available to support your Rookie during their shooting times if they would like your presence. Your quiet encouragement and guidance can help them stay focused and confident. If you’re unable to be there during their shooting times, connect with your Rookie afterward to answer any questions, discuss their experience, and provide encouragement.

Encouragement and Positive Presence

Above all, mentorship is about connection, confidence, and support. Celebrate your Rookie’s progress — from completing their first full round of the big event to simply stepping onto the line with assurance. Your encouragement and guidance can turn a nervous first-timer into a confident competitor and help create a lasting positive experience at The Vegas Shoot.

Being a Grow the Line Mentor isn’t about being the best archer; it’s about helping your Rookie feel supported, confident, and part of the archery community. By guiding preparation, providing competition-day support, and maintaining open communication with your Rookie, you help grow both their archery skills and their love for the sport.

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