SCTP aims to keep shooting sports alive

Shooting Industry, Nov, 2007 by Lisa Parsons-Wraith

There has been a lot of discussion about how to keep the shooting tradition alive, and which aspects of the shooting sports will capture the interest of new shooters. Much attention has been focused on the popularity of cowboy-action shooting and programs that invite women to explore the outdoors--activities that have definitely infused the shooting sports with new life.

There may be a new kid on the block, however, in the form of the National Shooting Sports Foundation's Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). Sponsored by the governing bodies for trap, skeet and sporting clays, SCTP is poised to take the lead in introducing students and their families to the shooting sports.

The purpose of the SCTP is to give children in grades 12 and under the opportunity to become skilled at competitive shooting and to receive recognition at the state and national level. The program emphasizes safe firearm handling and character-building qualities, such as commitment, responsibility, leadership and teamwork.

SCTP began in 2001 and has experienced notable growth in the number of registered participants and volunteer coaches, as well as record-breaking attendance at the Grand American SCTP National Championships. At the end of 2006, there were 8,300 participants from 41 states in SCTP. Also of note, the NSSF reports there were only 384 females registered in 2004, compared with 1,071 females registered in 2006--an impressive increase. Young women are really getting involved with this program.

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Kids are involved with SCTP because busting clays is fun, but dealers should be involved with SCTP because it makes good business sense and it helps preserve the shooting sports.

Billie Barsotti and her husband, Bruce, own Triple B Clays in El Monte, Calif., where they have a very active youth program.

"We run about 400 kids through here a year, not including scouting programs," Barsotti said. "Kids are the future of shooting."

Triple B Clays' support of young shooters is remarkable. According to Barsotti, youths receive a discount on almost everything the range and pro shop have to offer. Preferential pricing on firearms, range time and accessories are the norm at Triple B.

Barsotti said she and her husband also make special arrangements with young shooters to use the range. "They shoot before and after hours, on days we're closed--we try to work around their schedule," Barsotti said.

The range also has sponsored tournament shooters and provided their equipment at cost.

Barsotti said she and her husband help out young competitive shooters, some of whom are Olympic hopefuls, because it's the right thing to do.

"It's our way of giving back," Barsotti said. "It's not a good business decision, it's good for the U.S. We want them to be the best." Several Olympic medalists and hopefuls have trained at the Triple B, including gold medal winner Kim Rhode.