The American Legion's Junior Shooting Sports Program is a national activity administered through Post sponsored Junior Shooting Clubs. The program exists to provide gun safety and marksmanship training for young people, ages 14 through 18, as well as offering opportunities for competitive shooting which includes an annual national tournament.
The American Legion recognizes the fact that guns are a part of society and probably always will be. Proper instruction in the safe handling of firearms serves as a means of protecting youth and adults alike. Shooting is an attraction for all, and target shooting is not only safe and fun, it is a legitimate athletic discipline. The national network of Legion Posts provide a vehicle to conduct club operations, while Districts and Departments are encouraged to promote and supervise the overall operation of the program.
Junior Position Air Rifle Tournament
The American Legion conducts a Junior Three Position Air Rifle Tournament which provides the shooters with an opportunity to test their marksmanship ability in competition with other junior shooters from throughout the nation.
The tournament has three phases of competition:
1) State Championships
2) Qualification Round
3) National Championships
Both the state and qualification phases of the tournament are postal matches whereas the National Championship is a shoulder-to-shoulder competition. The State Championships and the Qualification Round will be conducted in accordance with the Official Match Program (OMP) and NRA Position Air Rifle Rules.
Categories
Competitors may participate in only one of two categories in the tournament based on the type of the rifle they wish to use. The categories are:
- Precision Air Rifle
- Sporter Air Rifle
Who May Compete
Sponsorship: Entry in the tournament is limited to individual shooters or teams who are active members of a Junior Shooting Club sponsored by a Florida American Legion Post.
Age Limits: All contestants must be at least 14 and under 18 as of January 1st of the competition year. Contestants must be enrolled in a junior or senior high school or be a high school graduate, of that competition year.
Other Limitations: Each competitor may fire on only one set of "official match targets" during the state championship phase of the tournament. A shooter is ineligible to compete in the National Championship in successive years UNLESS he/she is moving FROM Sporter to Precision Category.
How to Participate in The American Legion Shooting Sports Program
Simply complete the application form and return it to the address found on the form.
How to Order Official Targets
Official postal targets for the tournament must be ordered by January 15th of each year. Contact: The American Legion, Attn: Junior Shooting Sports Program, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Email the Department of Florida for a match brochure.