The season is underway for 3,058 student-athletes participating in the New York State High School Clay Target League (NYSHSCTL) programs this spring. Those athletes are competing on 174 high school teams across the state, supported by hundreds of coaches, team staff, and other volunteers.
“The League provides schools with the opportunity to give their students a place to develop their confidence, sportsmanship, and teamwork without the high costs and limited playing opportunities of traditional sports. Clay target shooting sports are accessible to everyone, and the opportunity to participate on their school’s team influences athlete’s lives for the better,” said John Nelson, President of the USACTL.
The high school athletes’ nine-week spring season is already underway and will conclude on May 25th. Over 2,000 are then expected to participate in the State Tournament in June, with the top athletes in the nation eligible to compete at the USA High School Clay Target League National Championship in July.
About the USA Clay Target League
With over 54,000 participating athletes in the 2024-25 school year, the non-profit USA Clay Target League is America’s largest clay target shooting organization. The League offers trap, skeet, sporting clays, and 5-stand leagues to secondary and postsecondary schools across the country.
The League, the only 100% school-approved clay target shooting sport program in America. Every team must have school approval to participate. Most participating schools have lettering programs as well as yearbook inclusion for the teams. In addition, tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships are provided to qualifying seniors by the League and post-secondary institutions each year.
The League’s co-ed and adaptive nature are key attractions to schools nationwide: it’s fully Title IX compliant with both male and female athletes competing on the same team, and it’s an ‘adaptive’ sport, which allows students with physical disabilities to take part.
The League’s priorities are safety, fun, and marksmanship – in that order.
The League is the safest sport in school, with not one reported injury since the inception of the League in 2001. Each athlete must complete firearm safety certification before participation.
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