27,577 Student-Athletes Participating In USA Clay Target League Spring Season

by
posted on April 14, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
usactl_2021-1.jpg

This spring, 27,577 student-athletes representing 1,308 high school and college teams will be participating in USA Clay Target League (USACTL) programs. In addition, more than 7,800 local volunteers will serve as coaches, range safety officers and team staff.

Governing virtual competitions between teams from 34 states, the USACTL offers trap, skeet, sporting clays and 5-stand leagues to secondary and post-secondary schools across the country. The virtual format cuts down on travel time and expense for families because practice and competitions are conducted at shooting ranges located near each school’s location. To keep things fair, conferences are determined by team size instead of location.

Over the course of each season, student-athletes earn points determined by their performances and rankings against all individual scores within their team’s conference. Team scores and overall standings are calculated by adding earned points from qualifying shooters. Student-athletes and their families can track individual and team performances online.

Over the course of the 2020-2021 school year, the USACTL says more than 38,000 high school and college students are participating in its programs. The co-ed and adaptive nature of the shooting sports are key attractions. A Title IX-compliant sport, male and female student-athletes in the USACTL compete on joint teams. Additionally, student-athletes must complete firearm safety certification before they can participate in an USACTL team event.

Says John Nelson, president of the USACTL:

“After a tremendously difficult 2020 for schools and student athletes, we are pleased to surpass our pre-COVID spring participation numbers. The record-setting participation this spring is the result of the incredible efforts of coaches and families to overcome ongoing issues with the pandemic and ammunition shortages.”

Learn more at usaclaytarget.com.


Read more: USA College Clay Target League Goes Nationwide

Latest

2025NRA Pistolbegin 1
2025NRA Pistolbegin 1

NRA National Precision Pistol Championships 2025 Begin At Cardinal Shooting Center In Ohio

The 2025 NRA National Precision Pistol Championships are underway at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio—marking a historic first for the venue.

New: Beretta 92X RDO Inox

Beretta’s new 92X RDO Inox fuses classic 90 Series reliability with stainless steel and red-dot optic compatibility.

Smith & Wesson Supercharges Pro Team, Signs Hunter Constantine & Nick ‘PewView’ Johnson

Smith & Wesson signs top shooters Hunter Constantine and Nick Johnson, expanding its pro team with both firepower and fan appeal.

Hillsdale College Halter Center Hosts 2025 WSPS Para Trap Grand Prix

Hillsdale College Halter Center hosted the 2025 WSPS Para Trap Grand Prix, where Sophia Bultema captured silver in a display of athletic skill.

Jerry McDonough Wins 2025 NRA National High Power Long-Range Championship

Jerry McDonough wins 2025 NRA Long-Range title with 1245-73X at Alliance Rifle Club in Ohio.

USPSA Membership Surges Past 40,000, Shattering All-Time Record

USPSA & Steel Challenge top 40,000 members for the first time, marking a major milestone and reflecting booming grassroots participation and competitive growth.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.