The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recently released a new YouTube video focused youth trapshooting and the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP).  The 35-minute video provides basic information on the sport of trapshooting, including the format of the games, safety and common rules.  The video is a great resource for athletes, coaches and parents who are new to the SCTP and the sport of trapshooting. The video project was created by Ray Dentlinger, who is a long-time SCTP coach and state-wide shotgun coach trainer appointed by the Iowa DNR and Iowa SCTP, Inc. To watch the video, go to: https://youtu.be/RT4A7LpyOg4

As a reminder, the annual registration fees are paid to the SCTP/SASP in the amount of $35 for all adult volunteers. Also, don't forget to complete your background check: https://sssf.volunteerportal.net/ Password: scholastic There is a fee of approximately $14 that is implemented by InteliCorp to complete the check, however, to help offset that additional cost, we have expanded the results to be good for two years!  Information on background check changes can be found at: https://sssfonline.org/new-background-check-policies-implemented-sssf-adult-volunteers. The Double Goals is only to be completed ONCE and can be done so by going to the link provided and inputting the voucher code.  You should not be charged again for this course.  Once you’ve completed this, please provide records to your head coach so he or she may update your profile. Please complete your double goal training: http://shopping.positivecoach.org/Courses/Double-Goal-Coach Voucher/Password: Scholastic2 Your head coach or team administrator can help provide the links if you need them.

The SSSF, NSCA and NSSA are extending college scholarship application deadlines until April 30, 2016. Time is running out, apply now! The SSSF is offering a scholarship program to reward deserving SCTP/SASP graduating seniors with needed college assistance. The main objective is to award as many scholarships as possible to qualifying SCTP / SASP graduating seniors. For general procedures and application instructions, click here. One deserving NSCA member and one deserving NSSA member, graduating from high school in 2016, will each be the recipient of a $5,000 college scholarship. The annual scholarship will be awarded to high school seniors who are enrolling in a four-year college program. The funds will be disbursed beginning with the fall 2016 semester. While applicants are expected to be active NSCA  and NSSA participants, selection will be based on a combination of scholarship, citizenship, and participation in NSCA  and NSSA activities. For more NSCA scholarship information and the application, click here. For more NSSA scholarship information and the application, click here.

NSSF is pleased to announce the release of the 2016 Industry Intelligence Report on the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF). SSSF promotes youth development in the shooting sports, with its Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) arm focusing on sporting clays, trap and skeet and the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) working with action pistol and rifle sports. The 2016 Industry Intelligence Report on the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation reports on the findings of a recent research project that examined the demographics, shooting habits and spending habits of those youths enrolled in the program in 2015. Indicative of the program's success and its importance to the continued viability of the shooting industry as a whole, some of the most important findings from the report include:

• From 2013 to 2015 the number of youth athletes participating in SASP grew 49 percent; growth in SCTP since the program's inception in 2001 is an impressive 1,682 percent, with current participant numbers standing at nearly 12,500.
• 93 percent of SCTP parents surveyed said that the program had had a positive influence on their children; 52 percent said they saw their child's grades improve after participating SSSF programs.
• Estimates derived from the survey indicate that those participating in SCTP will spend more than $8 million dollars in 2016; 97 percent have made a purchase relevant to the shooting sports since becoming involved in SCTP.

"We are very pleased with the results of this report," said Randy Clark, Managing Director, Business Development. "Both the hard numbers and the testimonials from parents, participants, ranges, manufacturers and state agencies tell us that this program is invaluable in getting youth involved in the shooting sports and retaining them. That translates directly to income and growth for the industry, both immediately and long-term." "The Industry Intelligence Report (IIR) is an outstanding resource for our staff, state advisors, volunteer program coaches and anyone considering starting or sponsoring a local team," said Ben Berka, SSSF President and Executive Director. "The report showcases how the Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting Programs recruit youth and families to the shooting sports, promote firearms education and make a positive impact on youth development across the country." The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation operates in all 50 states, coordinating teams at the elementary school through high school level, as well as with collegiate organizations. For more information, visit www.sssfonline.org. NSSF's 2016 Industry Intelligence Report on the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation is available to the public free of charge, and firearms industry retailers, ranges and manufacturers are particularly encouraged to download the report. "There's a tremendous amount of insight our members can gain from this report," said Clark. "It's a great foundation for creating fresh marketing and outreach plans." To download the report, click here. For more information on NSSF's Industry Intelligence Reports, visit www.nssf.org/research/IIR.

The Griffin Gun Club in Griffin, Georgia, welcomed the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) for a demo day on Saturday, March 19. The demo was held so we could introduce local parents and future athletes to our exciting program. Both the parents and the athletes were able to experience both the pistol and rifle disciplines and were able to shoot three of the SASP stages. Griffin Gun Club is a great facility and we look forward to teams starting in the local area. Thank you to Griffin Gun Club for inviting us to use the club, GLOCK for manning the stages and to the Alabama Privateers for helping us with the day and working the stages along with GLOCK. Pictures courtesy of Annie Unsell.