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The Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) is a team-based youth development program that uses the clay target sports of trap, skeet, and sporting clays to instill life skills such as discipline, safety, teamwork, ethics, mental focus, self-discipline, and self-confidence in Iowa's youth. The program uses these shooting disciplines to teach hunting skills through the safe use of hunting equipment including firearms and their relationship to hunting situations. Athletes from grade school through college may participate in any or all of these clay target sports. The International games of International Skeet and International Trap are also available in Iowa.
In Iowa, the Department of Natural Resources serves as the State Advisor for the SCTP program, and is responsible for providing assistance to new teams, training coaches, overseeing competition leagues, and the state championships. In 2022, over 4,200 athletes across Iowa participated in the Scholastic Clay Target Program.
Participants may choose to only attend practices and not compete in the clay target sports, but most of the athletes compete in head to head competitions throughout the season, as well as attend the State Championship events in May and June.
Back to topProgram Links
- 2025 SCTP General Info & League Guide
- Iowa SCTP League Standings
- 2025 Senior Spotlight Link
- ISTA SCTP Youth Mass Membership Form
Benefits
The Iowa SCTP teaches youth the importance of the safe use of hunting equipment while instilling values they will use throughout their lives. The program provides team leaders and team members with the opportunity to participate in an activity that promotes the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior. Parents and participants are enthusiastic about the program.
After graduating high school, there are opportunities across Iowa for graduates to shoot at the collegiate level. In 2022, there are 20 collegiate teams in Iowa.
SCTP Information
Find a Team
In 2022, there were 146 SCTP teams in Iowa that are organized and managed by local volunteers. Each club sets their own practice times and locations as well as team fees. To find a team in your area, you may contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Shooting Sports Coordinator at 515-313-8048, or review the list of Iowa teams online at http://mysctp.com/. You can also contact your local shooting range or gun club to see if they host a local team.
Signing Up
All registration for the Scholastic Clay Target Program must be done through the SCTP website.
Iowa DNR Basic Shotgun Coaches Certification Training
Scholastic Clay Target Program coaches must be 18 years of age or older. The coach's first and foremost responsibility is to ensure the safety of all participants. Coaches must hold a current certification as a DNR Basic Shotgun Coach or hold shotgun shooting coach/instructor credentials from the NRA, USA Shooting, 4H Shooting Sports Instructor (Shotgun Discipline), National Skeet Shooting Association, or National Sporting Clays Association. Regardless of prior certification, all coaches are encouraged to complete the DNR Basic Shotgun Coach Certification Program.
The Basic Shotgun Coach Certification training course is administered through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The course is designed to teach basic shotgun coaching techniques and team management fundamentals for leading youth trap, sporting clays and/or skeet teams. The course is designed for experienced shooters/coaches and novices alike. Course content includes an overview of the Scholastic Clay Target Program, safety, range orientation and setup, eye dominance, gun-fit, coaching fundamentals, teaching the new shooter, risk management, coaching logistics and equipment.
The Basic Shotgun Coaches Certification Training is an online course with an in person field day. Registration for the online class and field days can be found at https://mysctp.com/coaches-training/
Rules
- SCTP Official Handbook and Forms
- Amateur Trapshooting Association Rules and Forms
- National Skeet Shooting Association Rules
- National Sporting Clays Association Rules
- USA Shooting Rules
Membership Applications
- Iowa State Trapshooting Association Membership
Please have Athletes Join the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) and National Shooting Clays Association (NSCA) through the SHOT system. - USA Shooting Membership
Additional Downloads
Season
The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) season starts September 1 each year. In Iowa, while some teams shoot through the fall, most teams begin practice in March, with competitions in April and May. The State Championships are during the last half of May and all of June. National Championships are held each July.
2024-25 Clay Target Leagues
Starting on September 1, 2024, all teams registered with SCTP are invited to participate in the state-wide Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays, and 5-Stand Leagues. These leagues allow local teams to get together and conduct competition matches. Results from each match will be recorded and posted to the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation website creating a friendly, state-wide competition. Top teams and individuals from the state-wide leagues will be recognized and awards will be presented at each respective state event.
Iowa SCTP League Rules
- The governing rules for leagues are those of the SCTP and the applicable National Governing Body.
- All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams. For Senior Division athlete scores to count, there must be senior division athletes on both teams competing. This same division requirement does not apply to Intermediates or Rookies, only that athletes from two teams are competing.
- All competitions must occur in Iowa or within 15 miles of the Iowa border. The only exception is the inclusion of any Regional SCTP event with at least two Iowa teams competing.
- All events must be published on the SCTP SHOT system 7 days prior to the event.
- All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within 1 day of the conclusion of the event.
- Registered Shoots (ATA, NSSA, NSCA) can count toward league scores and be entered in SHOT under the following conditions:
- The registered event is entered in SHOT at least 7 days prior to the event.
- Registration is closed in SHOT at least the night before the event in order for targets to be used for SCTP purposes.
- An athlete must be registered for the event on SHOT in order for the targets to be used for SCTP.
- There must be athletes from at least 2 different teams participating at the event. The requirement for senior division athletes from two different teams does not apply to registered events, only that there are athletes from 2 different SCTP teams competing.
- The “host” coach must enter the scores into SHOT and is responsible for obtaining copies of the scoresheets from the host club for the SCTP athletes.
American Trap
The course of fire for the league is American Trap (16 yard singles), and the governing rules are that of the national Scholastic Clay Target Program and the Amateur Trapshooting Association. The 2025 Competition Season will end May 26. The league will consist of 200 targets (4 scores of 50 targets), with scores from at least two different facilities. Athletes or teams may shoot as many targets as they wish, with the highest four scores from at least 2 different facilities being selected to determine each athletes’ League Score. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams and published on the SCTP Shot system 7 days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within 1 day of the conclusion of the event.
Handicap Trap
The course of fire for the league is American Trap Handicap as designated by the SCTP. Rookie athletes shoot targets from the 19 yd line, Intermediate from 21 yards and Seniors from 25 yards. The governing rules are that of the national Scholastic Clay Target Program and the Amateur Trapshooting Association. The 2025 Competition Season will end May 26. The league will consist of 200 targets (4 scores of 50 targets), with scores from at least two different facilities. Athletes or teams may shoot as many targets as they wish, with the highest four scores from at least 2 different facilities being selected to determine each athletes’ League Score. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams and published on the SCTP Shot system 7 days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within 1 day of the conclusion of the event.
Doubles Trap
The course of fire for the league is American Trap Doubles, and the governing rules are that of the national Scholastic Clay Target Program and the Amateur Trapshooting Association. The 2025 Competition Season will end May 26. The Intermediate and Senior Division leagues will consist of 200 targets (4 scores of 50 targets), with scores from at least two different facilities. Athletes or teams may shoot as many targets as they wish, with the highest four scores from at least 2 different facilities being selected to determine each athletes’ League Score. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams and published on the SCTP SHOT system 7 days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within 1 day of the conclusion of the event.
Skeet
The Skeet League is open to all athletes and teams registered with the SCTP. The course of fire for the league is American Skeet, and the governing rules are that of the national Scholastic Clay Target Program and the National Skeet Shooting Association. The 2025 Competition Season will end June 8. The league will consist of 150 targets (3 scores of 50 targets), with scores from at least two different skeet facilities. Athletes or teams may shoot as many targets as they wish, with the highest three scores from at least 2 different facilities being selected to determine each athletes’ League Score. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams and published on the SCTP Shot system 7 days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within 1 day of the conclusion of the event.
Skeet Doubles
The Skeet Doubles League is open to all athletes and teams registered with the SCTP. The course of fire for the league is American Skeet Doubles, and the governing rules are that of the national Scholastic Clay Target Program and the National Skeet Shooting Association. The 2025 Competition Season will end June 8. The league will consist of 150 targets (3 scores of 50 targets), with scores from at least two different skeet facilities. The Rounds for Skeet Doubles consist of a Round of 24 and a Round of 26 and they should be recorded in SHOT as a score out of 50. Athletes or teams may shoot as many targets as they wish, with the highest three scores from at least 2 different facilities being selected to determine each athletes’ League Score. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams and published on the SCTP SHOT system 7 days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within 1 day of the conclusion of the event.
Sporting Clays
The Sporting Clays League is open to all athletes and teams registered with the SCTP. The course of fire for the league is Sporting Clays, and the governing rules are that of the national Scholastic Clay Target Program and the National Sporting Clays Association. The 2025 Competition Season will end June 8. The league will consist of 150 targets (3 scores of 50 targets), with scores from at least two different sporting clays facilities. Athletes or teams may shoot as many targets as they wish, with the highest three scores from at least 2 different facilities being selected to determine each athletes’ League Score. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams and published on the SCTP Shot system 7 days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within 1 day of the conclusion of the event.
5-Stand
The 5-Stand League is open to all athletes and teams registered with the SCTP. The course of fire for the league is Sporting Clays, and the governing rules are that of the national Scholastic Clay Target Program and the National Sporting Clays Association. The 2025 Competition Season will end June 8. The league will consist of 150 targets (3 scores of 50 targets), with scores from at least two different 5-stand facilities. Athletes or teams may shoot as many targets as they wish, with the highest three scores from at least 2 different facilities being selected to determine each athletes’ League Score. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams and published on the SCTP Shot system 7 days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within 1 day of the conclusion of the event.
2025 State Championships
Junior Olympic Skeet Championships - May 17-18, 2025, New Pioneer Gun Club, Waukee
The 2025 Iowa Junior Olympic Skeet Championship event will consist of 125 total targets. 75 targets will be shot on Saturday and 50 targets shot on Sunday. The event will conclude with a fun finale with flash targets after the 50 targets on Sunday. This is for fun only and will have no bearing on the 125 target competition. This event will be open to all eligible Scholastic Clay Target Programs and will have divisions for Sub-Junior (age 14 and under), Intermediate Junior (age 15-17), and Junior (age 18-20).
Junior Olympic Trap Championships - May 17-18, 2025, AVAD Hunt Club, Coon Rapids
The 2025 Iowa Junior Olympic Trap Championship event will consist of 125 total targets. This event will be open to all eligible Scholastic Clay Target Programs and will have divisions for Sub-Junior (age 14 and under), Intermediate Junior (age 15-17), and Junior (age 18-20).
Trap - June 2-8, 2025, Iowa State Trapshooting Association Homegrounds, Cedar Falls
There will be three competition events conducted from June 2-8. Camping, parking, and vendor information is available in the 2025 Shoot Program.
Handicap Trap Championships - June 4, 2025
This event will consist of 100 trap targets for all divisions. Rookies will shoot from the 19-yard line, Intermediates from the 21-yard line and Seniors from the 25-yard line. This event is open to all eligible SCTP athletes and programs. All divisions will compete on the same day, with shoot-offs and awards to follow.
Doubles Trap Championships - June 5, 2025
The Doubles Trap event will consist of 100 trap targets for all divisions. The event is open to all eligible SCTP athletes and programs. The doubles will be shot as two 50 target rounds (25 pairs each), with shoot-offs and awards to follow.
American Trap Singles Championships – Rookie and Intermediate Divisions - June 2-3, 2025
The American Trap Singles event will consist of 100 targets for the Rookie Division and 200 trap targets for the Intermediate Division. The event is open to all eligible SCTP athletes and programs.
American Trap Singles Championships – Senior Division - June 6-8, 2025
The American Trap Singles event will consist of 200 trap targets from the 16 yd line for the Senior Division. The event is open to all eligible SCTP athletes and programs.
Sporting Clays Championships - June 12-14, 2025, TBD
The Sporting Clays Championship will consist of 200 sporting clays targets for the senior division and 100 sporting clay targets for rookie and intermediate divisions. This event will be open to all eligible Scholastic Clay Target Programs and will have divisions for rookie (5th grade and below), intermediate (6th-8th grades), and senior (9th-12th grades).
Skeet Championships - June 19-22, 2025, TBD
The Skeet Championship will consist of 100 skeet targets for intermediates and rookies, and 200 targets for senior division athletes. This event will be open to all eligible Scholastic Clay Target Programs and will have divisions for rookie (5th grade and below), intermediate (6th-8th grades), and senior (9th-12th grades).
The number of collegiate and universities in Iowa who have a shooting sports team has grown from 3 in 2015, to 20 today. These include both community colleges and 4 year colleges and universities. While some teams are club based teams, many are varsity sports and the team will cover all costs for practice, competition and travel. You can learn more about the collegiate programs in Iowa by contacting the teams below.
More information can be found on the National SCTP Website at https://mysctp.com/college-corner/
- Coe College Clay Target Team
- Patrick Cory, Head Coach: pcory@coe.edu or 319-270-9845
- https://kohawkathletics.com/sports/ctt/schedule/2020-21
- Dordt University Defender Clay Dusters
- Tom Prinsen, Head Coach: tom.prinsen@dordt.edu or 574-377-2206
- https://www.dordt.edu/news/59215
- Grand View University Vikings Shooting Sports
- Charlie Mundy, Head Coach: cmundy@grandview.edu or 515-452-7594
- http://www.gvvikings.com/sport/0/39
- Hawkeye Community College RedTails Sports Shooting
- Troy Emley, Head Coach: troy.emley@hawkeyecollege.edu or 319-296-2320 ext. 1181
- https://www.redtailathletics.com/sports/rifle/index
- Indian Hills Community College Sports Shooting
- Jake Stalzer, Head Coach: jacob.stalzer@indianhills.edu or 641-856-2143
- https://indianhillsathletics.com/sports/rifle/index
- Iowa Central Community College Tritons Sport Shooting
- Jessica Gunderson, Head Coach: gunderson@iowacentral.edu or (712)269-6520
- http://www.ictritons.com/sports/rifle/index
- Iowa Lakes Community College Lakers Sports Shooting
- Rick Kalsow, Head Coach:rickkalsow@mchsi.com or 712-330-7775
- https://www.iowalakesathletics.com/sports/trapskeet/index
- Iowa Western Community College Reivers Shotgun Sports
- Derek Pollock, Head Coach: dpollock@iwcc.edu or 712-325-3284
- https://www.goreivers.com/sports/sportshoot/index
- ISU Trap and Skeet Club
- Barry McCroskey, Advisor: barrym@iastate.edu or 515-294-3882
- https://www.stuorg.iastate.edu/498
- Kirkwood Community College
- Darren Zabloudil, Head Coach: Darren.Zabloudil@kirkwood.edu or (563) 320-4129
- Northeast Iowa Community College Sports Shooting
- Anthony Sisneros, Head Coach: sisnerosan@nicc.edu or 563-313-1136
- https://www.nicc.edu/sports-shooting/
- Northwest Iowa Community College Thunder Sports Shooting
- Brian Lauck, Head Coach: blauck@nwicc.edu or 712-324-5061 ext 110
- https://nwicc.edu/sports-shooting/
- Simpson College Shooting Sports Club
- Dan Martin, Head Coach: daniel.martin@simpson.edu or 309-645-5078
- https://www.simpsonathletics.com/sports/sportshoot/index
- Southeastern Community College Blackhawks Sports Shooting
- Tim Weaver, Head Coach: tweaver@scciowa.edu or 319-208-5111
- https://www.sccblackhawks.com/sports/rifle/index
- Southwestern Community College Spartan Sports Shooting
- Josh Purdy, Head Coach: purdyjoshuac@johndeere.com or 641-745-0099
- https://www.southwesternspartans.com/sports/sportshoot/index
- University of Iowa Shooting Sports Club
- Jared Vanspeybroeck: jared-vanspeybroeck@uiowa.edu
- https://www.facebook.com/UiowaShootingSportsClub/
- Waldorf University Warriors Trapshooting Team
- Dean Mueller, Head Coach: Dean.Mueller@waldorf.edu or 641-585-8119
- http://www.waldorfwarriors.com/sport/0/32.php
- William Penn University
- Colten Uitermarkt, Head Coach: coltenuitermarkt@wmpenn.edu or 515-971-2389
- https://www.statesmenathletics.com/sports/sportshoot/index