MINNESOTA – -(AmmoLand.com)- 26,678 student-athletes representing 1,042 high school teams are taking part in high school clay target leagues affiliated with the USA High School Clay Target League (USAHSCTL) this spring.
The League is the largest high school clay target shooting sport program in the nation, with over 32,000 students participating in League programs during the 2018-19 school year.
High Schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, North Carolina, and Wyoming joined the League this spring, bringing the total number of League-affiliated state programs to 25. Participating students are guided by more than 7,200 volunteers who serve as coaches, range safety officers, and additional support.
“Clay target shooting as an activity for high school athletes continues to grow by rapidly,” said John Nelson, President of the USAHSCTL, “The record-setting growth we’ve seen shows the demand for alternative high school activities related to America’s longstanding outdoor traditions.”
The League’s co-ed and adaptive nature are key attractions to high schools nationwide. The League is fully Title IX compliant with both male and female athletes competing on the same team. Additionally it’s an ‘adaptive’ sport, which allows students with physical disabilities to take part.
“We take pride in that athletes of all types are able to participate in clay target shooting,” said Nelson, “The League’s True Team® scoring system is designed so that everyone’s score matters, not just the top shooters on a team.”
The League is the safest sport in high school, with not one reported injury since the inception of the League in 2001. To participate in the League, each team must have the approval of their school’s administration. The League is the only 100% school-approved clay target shooting sport program in America.
The League attracts student-athletes to participate in shooting sports while creating a ‘virtual’ competition among high school teams throughout each state. Family travel is minimal because practice and competition are conducted at a shooting range near the school’s location. Conferences are determined by team size rather than geographic location for fair competition. Athletes earn True Team® scoring points as determined by their performance and ranking against all athlete scores within their team’s conference. The team score and overall standing are calculated by adding the earned points from qualifying athletes and posted on the League’s website. Athletes and their families track their individual and team performance on their phone, tablet or computer via the Shooter Performance Tracker®.
USA High School Clay Target League
The USA High School Clay Target League is a division of the USA Clay Target League – a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The League is the independent provider of clay target shooting sports as an extracurricular co-ed and adaptive activity for high schools and students in grades 6 through 12. The organization’s priorities are safety, fun, and marksmanship – in that order. Each student is required to pass a comprehensive firearm safety education course prior to participation
For more info visit https://usaclaytarget.com | Contact: Drew Tri at 320-291-9148| Email: dtri@usaclaytarget.com