Coaches who are registering at sssfonline.org are reminded that their paperwork is not done until all steps have been completed. This includes submitting the required background check every two years and completing the one-time Double-Goal Coaching Course for new coaches. Until these steps have been completed, a coach is not considered registered and is not covered under SSSF‘s liability insurance. For a complete “how to” list for team registration, go to:https://sssfonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Registering-a-new-team-instructions.pdf
The Scholastic Pistol Program (SPP) hosted 19 new coach candidates from five different states through the NRA Level I Pistol Coaches class on December 12-13, 2015 in Pacific, MO. The coach school consists of two days of sports-specific lessons and practical coaching exercises designed to teach the coach candidate the basics of coaching a pistol team and is the preferred course for new coaches looking to start or join a Scholastic Pistol Program. Our thanks go out to Mike Seevers, head coach of the Arnold Jr. Shooters, for sponsoring the class and for the good folks at the Gemmer Muzzleoading Range for hosting the live-fire practical portion of the class. The class was taught by Ben Berka, SSSF executive director and Michael Perkowski, Illinois SPP state advisor. For more information and a current schedule of upcoming courses, go to https://sssfonline.org/scholastic-pistol-program-spp/spp-coaches-training/. To host a course in your area, please contact Rick Leach at 262-894-4284 or rleach@sssfonline.com
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation is implementing some changes in how the organization conducts background checks on participating volunteers. Individuals registering with the SSSF as a volunteer (i.e., head coach, assistant coach, or other adult volunteer) must now conduct a secure background check that includes local county checks for a seven-year address history. In the past, SSSF has conducted checks only with the National Criminal Database (NCD). However, due to the variability of information across states, the NCD may or may not reveal all pertinent criminal history concerning eligibility of a volunteer. Thus, the new county-level background check will be used in addition to the national check.See Our Background Check FAQs With the changes in screening comes a price increase. Starting December 12, 2014 volunteers will be required to pay a portion of the cost directly to our background check provider, Intellicorp, when they submit to a check. Volunteer fees paid to SSSF will remain at $30. SSSF volunteer registration is not considered complete until background checks are completed. The SSSF wants to ensure it upholds the highest standards in youth protection on behalf of its programs and young athletes. The SSSF also must ensure that all of its volunteers are screened with the same level of background check, regardless of their state of residence or past residence history. To complete or renew your check go tohttps://sssf.volunteerportal.net/ and enter password scholastic.
Volunteer coaches are the backbone of the programs of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, as we couldn't have teams or events without them. They largely determine what kind of experience our student athletes will have in the shooting sports, and their work with teams often goes far beyond shooting instruction and conducting shoots. One way that SSSF promotes a positive coaching environment for our teams is by providing PCA Double-Goal Coach training for all our coaches. We know there are many coaches out there who deserve to be recognized for their extraordinary work in developing better athletes and better people. We would like to share a way for athletes and parents to reward these exceptional coaches -- the PCA National Double-Goal Coach Award. Each year PCA selects and publicizes 75 finalists. The 25 winners of this prestigious national award receive $250, a trophy, recognition in PCA's website, newsletters, and media campaigns, and the chance to accept the honor in California during PCA's National Youth Sports Awards Dinner and Auction Presented by Deloitte. The award also recognizes the organizations and schools of the award-winning coaches. You can show your appreciation for a coach who deserves a big "thank you!" Nominate your coach for PCA's National Double-Goal Coach Award. Click here to learn more and nominate a coach.
The Ankeny Izaak Walton League in Elkhart, Iowa, will host a Level I Coaches Course on November 8-9, 2014. The training will be provided by the Iowa Shotgun Coach Development Team, who are select members of the NRA/USA Shooting National Coach Development Staff (NCDS). The Level I Coaches Course is a comprehensive program which covers American trap, American Skeet, Sporting Clays, International Skeet, and International (Bunker) Trap. Registration fee is $180. A 50% tuition reimbursement for Iowa-based SCTP-registered coaches is available through the Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program, Inc., upon successful course completion. Successful completion requires 85% on the written exam and recommendation from the coach trainer. The two-day course will run 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day. Candidates should bring their own shotguns, eye and ear protection, shooting vest/shell pouch, and note-taking materials with them. Targets, 12 and 20 gauge target loads, and lunch will be provided each day. Junior Trainers are also encouraged to attend. The Junior Trainer provides support to the coach, helping younger shooters learn safety and helping the coach at team activities. The Junior Trainer is recognized only to work under the direct supervision of a Coach (Level 1), Certified Coach (Level 2), or Advanced Certified Coach (Level 3). This level of the Coach Education Program is designed for young people, age 15-17, who show leadership in shooting programs. The Junior Trainer must successfully complete the discipline-specific Level 1 Coach School and obtain the recommendations of a parent and a coach.
Barry Kelly, general manager of Delta Resort and Spa in Tillar, Ark., has recently been named Arkansas State Advisor for the Scholastic Clay Target Program, as well as becoming an SCTP Head Coach. Through his work with the national SCTP organization, Kelly will be helping give the state’s youth teams more options in advancing their target shooting opportunities. Delta Resort and Spa, in southeastern Arkansas, is a destination for shooters, hunters, and other outdoors enthusiasts who want to enjoy their sports in a luxury setting. The resort has over 140 sporting clays stations and three bunker traps, and it is currently adding several trap and skeet fields. When not running clay target competitions, the facility focuses on waterfowl hunting in an area known to have some of the best in the world. As an SCTP coach, Kelly will serve as the head coach for the University of Arkansas at Monticello shooting team, a registered SCTP program. In addition, Delta Resort has been chosen to host the Fall Selection Match for USA Shooting in November. On behalf of Delta Resort, Kelly has donated two four-person waterfowl hunts to be auctioned off at SCTP banquets in Wisconsin and Kansas to benefit SCTP’s Scholarship Fund. “We appreciate Barry’s dedication and commitment to our program in getting Arkansas involved with the SCTP, and we especially appreciate his donations that will make it possible for us to award scholarships to deserving student athletes,” remarked Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Program Director. “We have great people doing a great job for our program.”
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing shooting-sports education and opportunities to school-age youths around the United States to encourage young athlete personal growth and development. Tax-ID number 20-8484121.
