The Arizona Game and Fish Department Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) is a team-based youth development program that uses the shotgun sports to instill discipline, safety, teamwork, ethics, self-confidence and other life values. Team members can participate in any or all of three clay target disciplines: trap, skeet and sporting clays.
Overview
Arizona's program began in 2004 and is sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and administered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. It is based on the national program developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, in cooperation with the Amateur Trapshooting Association, the National Skeet Shooting Association, and the National Sporting Clays Association.
Arizona's SCTP is popular, having grown from 400 young shooters to an expected 1,000 participants in 2006-07, making it one of the largest SCTP programs in the country. Nationally, more than 8,000 youths from 41 states participate.
Joining a team
All young people 9 years and older are welcome to participate in three divisions: Fifth-graders are in the rookie division, sixth- to eighth-graders are in the junior division, and grades nine through 12 shoot in the senior division. No limit is placed on the number of people who can be on a team.
Teams are sponsored by clubs. Currently, 16 clubs support SCTP teams throughout Arizona. To find out what clubs are in your area, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department shooting sports coordinator at (623) 236-7305 or alynch@azgfd.gov.
Practices and competitions
Practices begin each fall and continue through early summer. Coaches are volunteers who are certified by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. They are responsible for organizing club activities and practices, and for teaching team members how to shoot trap, skeet and sporting clays. |
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Each club decides where to hold practices, typically at shooting facilities that have shotgun fields. Coaches without access to a shotgun facility may hold practice where it is legal and safe to conduct shotgun shooting using portable shooting equipment. Competitions will be scheduled and held at a nearby shooting range.
Each season concludes with the Commissioners' Cup state championships in trap, skeet and sporting clays, where youths compete against their peers from across the state. Winning teams at these events are eligible to compete at the national championships.
Becoming a coach
Coaches must be 21 years or older and interested in working with young people. Coaches are required to attend a training and certification workshop taught by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. They must also submit to a background check.
Once a coach has been certified, he/she can request equipment and supplies, such as shotguns, ammunition and targets to start a program. Any coach can join an existing club or start a new one by contacting the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Benefits
Arizona's SCTP teaches youth the importance of firearms safety while instilling values they will use through their lives. The program provides team leaders and team members with the opportunity to participate in an activity that promotes the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior. Parents and participants are enthusiastic about the benefits of the program.
 Once graduating from SCTP there are several opportunities to continue shooting though collegiate programs. For an interactive map of programs throughout the nation please click on the map to the left.
How to get started
Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department shooting sports coordinator at (623) 236-7305 or alynch@azgfd.gov. You can also contact your local shooting range or gun club to find out if they offer the program.
Forms
General forms
- 2009 Arizona SCTP Dates
- Arizona Scholastic Clay Target Program Guidelines
- Code of Conduct and Safety Rules
2009 registration forms - turn in to your coach
- Medical Release
- Parental Consent and Waiver - Not yet available
- Parental Release
- Program Guidelines
2009 “Fun Shoot” registration forms and information
- “Fun Shoot” Information
- Ben Avery "Fun Shoot” Application – Feb. 28, 2009
- Red Mountain “Fun Shoot” Application – Jan. 24, 2009 at Ben Avery
- Tucson “Fun Shoot” Application – Dec. 14, 2008
Archives
Links
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