CPSA chair investigated after alleged abuse of position

Formal complaints

The Clay Pigeon Shooting Association has investigated its own chairman after allegations that he sought to influence voting in this year’s CPSA Awards.

Dr John Martin sent personal Facebook messages to colleagues in the shooting community urging support for Coach of the Year finalist Ali Schwind, prompting at least one formal complaint on 17 January and multiple calls for his resignation.

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Internal review and voting decision

In a written statement, the CPSA noted that canvassing support for nominees is commonplace in awards processes, but stressed that Ms Schwind had no knowledge of the messages. The association reviewed the voting record and concluded the messages did not appear to have made a material difference to votes cast, but removed all votes for Ms Schwind received after the messages were sent.

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Reaction from finalists and shooters

Prior to the CPSA’s response, one of the other coach finalists, Bryce Blandford-Corp, had described the situation as “not only disappointing but also sickening”, while shooter Charlotte Trowbridge, who first raised the issue publicly, had said the episode made the awards ceremony “a laughing stock”. Nevertheless, the CPSA’s chief executive Iain Parker said all three coach finalists had since expressed a wish for the category to go ahead.

The CPSA said that Dr Martin regretted the shadow cast over the voting process and any embarrassment caused to Ms Schwind, and added that the episode would be included in an ongoing review of its awards.