Program Details
Safety Rules
Firearm safety is no accident.
1.Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
2.Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
3.Always keep your finger off the trigger & outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.
4.Always keep the gun unloaded and open until ready to fire (Open or Out rule: Keep the gun open our your out for the day!)
5.Know your target and what’s beyond it
6.Know how your gun safety operates
7.Be sure your gun is safe to operate (keep it clean)
8.Use only the correct ammo for your gun (know the 12/20 rule)
9.Wear eye and ear protection at all times
10.Guns and Alcohol or Drugs don’t mix.
11.Do not rest the barrel of any gun on your foot/toe. This can disqualify the entire team at an SCTP Shoot!
12.Regular cleaning is important for the safe and correct operation of your gun. Never put a gun away dirty. Make absolutely sure that a gun is unloaded before attempting to clean.
13.Learn the SCTP gun and range safety rules. There are others that are required of registered SCTP teams which we will review during practice sessions.
14.No Open Toed footwear of any kind is allowed, including sandals.
Program Details
The ultimate goal of the team is to prepare shooters to compete in the Mass State Shoot and ultimately the National’s so the program is geared toward that end.
First off, we’ll begin with Firearms Safety. No Athletes will handle firearms until Coaches/instructors are satisfied that the athlete understands and practices safe gun handling and have completed the Safety Training portion of the program. Safety won’t stop there, though. Coaches will constantly monitor and re-enforce safety at all times. Safety violations will be addressed immediately. Violations will result in suspension for the remainder of the day’s events at a minimum, and progress from there. Safety is #1.
Next, we’ll introduce the sport of Trap Shooting. Group instruction is the norm, though some individual instruction is a component. Athletes will learn the fundamentals of Trap shooting (mechanics), the rules of the game, shooter etiquette, what it’s like to compete, setting, meeting and exceeding individual and team goals, know the expectations of the coaches, fellow shooters and the clubs we’ll be shooting at. The first 4-5 practices will consist of “Beginner” training. Subsequent practices will hone the basic skills learned while learning more advanced techniques and begin low level competition within the team. As the season progresses there will be inter-club competitions and travel will be involved. Parents are expected to provide transportation to these events.
There will be weekly practice shoots at the club along with inter-club events and participation in State Trap shoots as well as a couple of “fun shoots”. Shooters will be able to register ATA targets towards the required minimum for the MA State Shoot. We’ll take a trip to Addieville Farms in Smithfield RI where the regions premier sporting clay’s course is located. These and other events will be scheduled and announced at the beginning of the program. Fees for additional shoots will not be included in the membership and will be extra.
Skill levels
There are those who already have experience, and those who don’t. The coaching staff will provide instruction and skills coaching for each skill level so that all shooters, regardless of current skill level will improve and ultimately be able to compete effectively at their level. For example a youngster who’s never held a shotgun before will get more one on one attention in the first year; will compete against similarly experienced shooters. Age is not a factor when it comes to skill levels. However age (school grade) can determine the division a shooter is placed in. Keep in mind that novice shooters will occasionally shoot next to more experienced shooters. In this sport, learning by example is sometimes the best way to learn and improve. We’ll also level the playing field during practice rounds and “Fun Shoots” by creating handicaps so that the inexperienced shooter can compete against the better, more experienced shooters between team members. In competition between other clubs and in Registered Trap shoots, those handicaps will not apply, however, shooters will be completing against others in their own division and skill level. SCTP and ATA trap rules will apply.
The Scholastics Clay Target Program has defined 3 divisions (skill levels) which are base on time invested and school grade level. The WSA program will adhere to these divisions and categories.
SCTP DIVISIONS & CATEGORIES
3 Divisions:
•Rookie (Grades 5 & 6)
No categories
•Intermediate (Grades 7 & 8)
o Entry Level - 1st year shooter in grades 7-8
o Advanced - 2nd or 3rd year shooter in grades 7-8
•Senior (Grades 9-12)
o Jr. Varsity - 1st year shooter in grades 9-12
o Varsity - 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year shooter in grades 9-12
Division and Category Definitions
•Time in the Rookie Division will not to be counted.
•A participant in their 1st year in the SCTP Intermediate Division (enrolled in grades 6-8) will register in the Entry Level category.
•A participant in their 2nd or 3rd year in the SCTP Intermediate Division (enrolled in grades 7-8) will register in the Advanced category.
•A participant in their 1st year in the SCTP Senior Division (enrolled in grades 9-12) will register in the Jr. Varsity category.
•A participant in their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year in the SCTP Senior Division (enrolled in grades 10-12) will register in the Varsity category.
Joining the team
The Season starts in April. Athletes who want to try trap shooting before committing to the team are encouraged to attend a practice as a spectator and ask a coach about a “trial round”. “Trial rounds” are only available at the coach’s discretion and the athlete will be expected to pay for the targets and ammo used.
The Athlete will be paired with a coach at all times for safety reasons. If you join the team late, then you must complete the safety training before you can shoot with the team. You might have to be a spectator for a few practices. The cost of the season will remain the same unless you join after July 1st.
Team Membership Fee’s
The WSA program starts in March with orientation and safety training for new members.
The formal practices and competitions begin in April and run thru the end of August. Athletes
who want to try trap shooting before committing to the team are encouraged to coordinate a visit
during open range time with the Head Coach. We will have a new member orientation in late
February or early March so Parents and Shooters can come down and see the facility, speak with
the coaches and get all your questions answered ahead of time.
New Athletes will be paired with coaches thru the first year of participation. As skill
sets increase, demonstrated safety behaviors engrained and coaches become more confident of
athletes and vice versa, boundaries will be extended. If joining the team late, Athletes must still
complete the safety training before shooting with the team. Athletes might have to be a spectator
for a few practices as a result. The cost of the season will remain the same unless you join after
July 1st, at which time, the entry fee will be pro-rated.
The Youth Program Membership fee is to be paid in full at the time of registration. Due to
the increasing cost of materials, especially targets and ammo, the 2011season fee is $500
per shooter. This fee covers the program, ammo, targets, includes safety glasses, hearing
protection, shooting vest, 1 year Youth membership in the SCTP, ATA & Mass ATA, and
Junior Membership in the Walpole Sportsman’s Association. Additional membership in NSCA,
NSSC, GOAL and USA Shooting is encouraged but not required. Practice Rounds not shot will
not be refunded therefore we encourage 100% participation. NOTE: USA Shooting membership
is required in order to compete in the Junior Olympic Trials to be held in May. Consult a coach
for more info on the J.O. program.
Targets and Ammunition are included in the registration fee except for two or three optional such
as the Bay State Games and Junior Olympic Trials and other fun shoots as well as the Nationals
(should we qualify). Additional charges apply to these events and need to be paid in full by no
less than one week before the event in order to participate.
The Club itself is providing sponsorship for the program to help defer the cost. As such, we
expect team members to contribute to our stewardship efforts and give back to the club in the
form of time and labor. There are several projects that need to be completed and our team is
more than capable of working those projects. More to follow.
Joining Late
The Fee for joining the program will remain $500 until after the Mass State Shoot. Fee for
joining after the State Shoot is $250. Exceptions are at the sole discretion of the Coaching Staff
and will be evaluated on an individual case basis. Coaches’ decisions are final.
Fundraising
Shotgun sports like many sports programs are expensive. Therefore the more we raise, the more
our Athletes and their families will save. Funds raised will go towards offsetting the cost of the
program, registration fees, targets, ammunition, awards, etc.
We will do everything in our power to minimize the cost of our program to its participants,
including fundraising activities. Therefore it’s in everyone’s best interest to participate in all the
fundraising activities. The more fundraising we can do, the less out of pocket expenses there
are. All members are expected to participate in fundraising activities to reduce the cost of our
program.
We will host a few "Fun Shoots" with Trap, Skeet, 5 Stand or Sporting Clays during the
season. These WSA hosted events will also be fundraising activities for our team. All team
members are expected to not only participate in the event, but also assist in set up, tear down and
additional fundraising activities such as running raffles, during the events. As host club it will
be our responsibility to ensure that our visiting teams know the program, the layout and location
of key areas and assist visitors with anything they need. Parents are encouraged to volunteer and
assist in these events as well.
Walpole Team specific Fundraising
- Shoot-a-Thon. We’ll be scheduling a Shoot-a-thon sometime in May. The idea is to
sign up sponsors who will pledge $ for each target broken during the event. The more
targets you break, the more money you raise. A prize will be offered for the ones who
raise the most.
- WSA Hosted Shoots. WSA will host two or three shooting events thru ought the year.
These shoots will be WSA specific fundraisers.
- Our own 50/50 Raffles
What’s Expected from Team Members:
When you arrive at practice:
1.You are expected to be at the club on time.
2.Sign in on the attendance sheet.
3.Be ready to learn
4.Ask a coach how you can help set up (unpacking shotguns, loading the house, etc.)
5.Get your equipment on – safety glasses, ear plugs, ammo pouch, vest, etc.
6.When it is your turn to shoot: get the correct gauge ammo, select your shotgun, and report to the line. Always carry your gun in a safe manner. If a current shooter is using the gun you want to use, quietly stand at the back of field until the squad has finished the round. Once they finish, take their shotgun and report to the Coach for station assignment. Do not waste time running to the restroom or getting your safety equipment when it is your turn to shoot. Be Prepared.
7.When shooting, be ready when it is your turn, don’t waste time but don’t rush either. Trap shooting is about consistency. Do the same things, the same way, each and every time.
8.When you finish shooting, clear your shotgun (make it safe) and place it in the rack with the action open. If you are done shooting for the day, put your safety equipment away and ask a coach what you can do to help. (Load the trap house only under supervision; pick up empty shells, clean shotguns, pack up shotguns, etc.)
9.If a coach tells you it is okay for you to leave, then you may leave. Do not leave without getting permission from a coach. They need to know everyone has a safe ride home.
10.Clean your firearm at the end of practice or shoot to ensure safe and consistent operation when you need it. There’s nothing worse than having a dirty gun misfire or jam during a competition.
11.Reminder: No food or drink is allowed on the field itself.
Team Dress code
Team members are required to wear appropriate clothing and footwear to practices and competitions. Shorts and t-shirts are acceptable if they are clean and free from offensive pictures or language. Bathing suits and revealing tops or shorts are not appropriate. If you are not dressed appropriately, then you do not shoot. Coaches have the final say on what is and is not appropriate dress. Footwear should be comfortable and have good traction. No open-toe footwear. When we have team t-shirts and or vests please wear them. We’re a TEAM so we need to look like a team! Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Most of the range’s we will participate at are in the woods!
For Parents:
Clay target shooting is safe and fun sport when all safety rules are followed and the safety of
others is put above all else. Safety is the # 1 rule. There will be a Zero Tolerance Policy on
safety issues. Any violation of safety rules will result in a shooter either suspended for the
remainder of the day’s event, multiple events, or expulsion from the team altogether.
Parents are expected to provide transportation to and from the club and to and from inter-club
activities including the State Shoots. WSA does not provide transportation to these events.
If you are transporting firearms or ammunition, the driver must be in possession of a MA
FID or Permit to carry.
Patents are encouraged to volunteer and assist coaches with basic team organizational activities
and ensure participants are ready for the day’s events, whether they are practices or shoots.
Support your athletes and the team, however, unless volunteering at the request of a coach please
refrain from interrupting, coaching from the sidelines or interfering with the Coaching Staff. We
also request that parents stay behind the fence between the fields and the parking lot so as not
to distract the team members. Remember that Trap shooting is a game of concentration so our
athletes need to focus.
Volunteer to work a shoot. It takes a lot of manpower to run a shoot and the coaches need to be
with the team, not working a field. Therefore, parents will be encouraged to assist with shoot
preparation, scoring, food prep, set up and tear down, etc.
State Shoots and other competitions: These events can last all day. Your shooter will need:
- Transportation
- Bug spray
- Plenty of water (start hydrating the day before)
- Chairs
- Lunch & Snack food such as fruit and energy bars
- Hat, Sun Glasses, Sun screen, etc
- Clothing for whatever weather is expected. We shoot rain or shine during these events.
- Patience. Again, some of these event are long with downtime between rounds.
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