Junior Shooting Sports Program

The Department of North Carolina JSSP is modeled after the National Program and provides similar content as the National Program. The program emphasize safe firearms handling and provides postal competitions for those individuals, 18 years of age and younger (or high school seniors no older than 20) are welcome, within the State of North Carolina sponsored by and/or affiliated with a Department of North Carolina American Legion Post.

The program goals are to provide an opportunity for young people to learn firearms safety and basic marksmanship. To introduce the shooting sports to community members and educate them about shooting. To provide shooting competitions for existing and beginning shooting programs. To use the shooting sports as a vehicle to help young people develop discipline, concentration, sportsmanship, and responsibility.

The Department of North Carolina American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program is governed by the rules outlined in the National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle RuleBook. For a copy go to:
http://thecmp.org/air/national-standard-three-position-air-rifle-rules

Who Can Participate?
In shooting sports, you don’t have to sit on the sidelines: Anyone under 18 (or high school seniors no older than 20) can participate. Physical ability and size are no match for mental toughness and discipline in this co-ed skill sport.

Why Shooting Sports?
After demonstrating knowledge of safety techniques, you will join the centuries of Americans who have mastered marksmanship for survival and sport. But the appeal doesn’t stop at our nation’s borders — the best marksmen from around the globe vie for Olympic gold. In fact, 2002 American Legion Three-Position National Champion Jamie Corkish won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. As you become a better marksman, you’ll gain responsibility, confidence and self-reliance. To hit your mark, you will also have to improve your ability to concentrate. Plus, you’ll develop a skill you can enjoy and hone throughout your life.

What Will We Do?
You’ll practice and study with your Legion affiliated club, but get to compete as an individual.

Beginner: Safety First
All participants start with rifle safety and fundamentals. The Legion prides itself on safety. There has never been a rifle-related injury in Junior Shooting Sports Program history. You’ll learn the right way to handle, load, aim and fire a rifle.

Intermediate: Build Skills
Once you have mastered the basics, you can take air rifle courses from the National Rifle Association or the Civilian Marksmanship Program through your club. These will help you develop your skills, set personal goals and work to achieve established performance standards.

Advanced: Compete With Others
Your club may hold competitions among its own members, or it may host or attend regional matches. The two basic kinds of competitions are postal and shoulder-to-shoulder. In a postal match, you and fellow participants shoot at targets and then mail them off to be scored. Shoulder-to-shoulder matches are in-person and scored in real-time. The American Legion Junior Three-Position Air Rifle Tournament begins with postal matches. The best 30 junior marksmen from across the country earn an expense paid opportunity to contend for the National Championship in Colorado Springs, Colo. In the same facility where Olympians train, those junior marksmen will compete in a shoulder-to-shoulder match for the title.

How Much Does It Cost?
Some American Legion posts lend participants gear, including rifles, or some equipment. Many charge a registration fee to cover these costs and the cost of the practice facility. Often students are required to provide their own pellets and targets. Contact your local post for detailed information.

When Can I Start?
If your local Legion post supports a Junior Shooting Sports Program, contact them directly to check on practice dates and course schedules.

How to start a Junior Shooting Sports Club at your Post
1. Determine Your Goals
2. Identify Leaders
3. Get Insured
4. Select Facilities
5. Fund Your Program
6. Recruit Participants
7. Promote the Program
8. Expand

For more information on these items go to:
Publications. How to Start A Club

Fund Raising Resource
NRA Grants

Resources:

Junior Shooting Sports Chairman's Guide

3 Position Air Rifle Rules 2020-2022

JSSP Official Match Program 2021-2022

Risk Management Guidebook

NC Junior Shooting Sports Program Brochure
Junior Shooting Sports Program Affiliate Form

NC Junior Shooting Sports Posts

NC Junior Shooting Background Check

National Junior Shooting Sports Program

Past North Carolina State Champions