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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 2025, over 4,500 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
- 2027 Iowa SCTP League Guide (932.56 KB) .pdf
- Iowa SCTP League Standings (3.3 MB) .xlsx
- 2026 Senior Spotlight Link
- ISTA SCTP Youth Mass Membership Form (5.66 KB) .xlsx
- Youth Shooting Sports Recruiting Toolkit
Coach Conference Materials
- Iowa SCTP Recap
- Team App & Communication Methods
- Fundraising Panel
- Iowa DNR Update
- 2025 Iowa SCTP Recap Handout
- MidwayUSA Foundation Update
- National SCTP Update
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 compete at the collegiate level. As of 2025, there are 19 collegiate teams in Iowa, with 14 of those teams competing in the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Clay Target Program.
SCTP Information
List items for 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.
2026-27 Clay Target Leagues
Starting on September 1, 2026, 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
- All events must be published on the SCTP SHOT system two days prior to the event.
- All events must be between two or more registered Iowa SCTP teams.
- For a Senior Division Shoot, there must be Senior Division athletes from at least two Iowa teams competing.
- Due to fewer teams having Rookie and Intermediate athletes, this requirement does not apply to those divisions, only that there are athletes from at least two different Iowa teams competing.
- Scorekeepers shall be assigned by the event venue/host team.
- Scorekeepers must print their name, phone number, and team affiliation on each scorecard they fill out.
- The Main Contact of an event must be able to provide a copy of a scorecard at the request of the DNR at any time through the end of the discipline's annual state championship event.
- An athlete that scratches during a round(decides to stop shooting mid round) will be done shooting for the remainder of the event. You cannot scratch mid round and start a new round.
- All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within one 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 two days prior to the event.
- An athlete must be registered for the event in SHOT in order for the targets to be used for SCTP.
- There must be athletes from at least two different Iowa teams participating at the event.
- 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.
- The requirement for Senior Division athletes does not apply to shoots that are registered with the ATA, NSSA, or NSCA.
- Discipline specific requirements can be found in this program for each individual league.
- Iowa DNR, as the SCTP State Advisor, reserves the right to alter or change league rules at any time, for any reason.
- Iowa DNR officials reserve the right to make on site determination of any situation not covered by these rules. Iowa DNR officials' decisions are final.
- Unless otherwise stated a reverse run will begin from the final score in an event, a forward run will begin from the first score of an event, and a longest run can occur anywhere between the first and last score of an event.
American Trap
Singles trap league is available to all athletes and teams registered with the SCTP. For scores to qualify, the shoot must be created within the appropriate League two days prior to the event. The 2027 League season begins on September 1, 2026 and ends on May 31, 2027. All coaches and athletes must be registered in the SHOT system for the 2027 season prior to practice and competition. League score updates will be posted at a minimum on November 17th, 2026, April 6th, 2027, May 4th, 2026, and June 1st, 2027.
The course of fire for the league is American Trap Singles (16 yard singles), and the governing rules are that of Scholastic Clay Target Program and the Amateur Trapshooting Association.
The league will consist of 300 targets (six scores of 50 targets). The highest six scores, from at least three different facilities, will determine each athletes’ total league score. Athletes may shoot as many events as they wish over the season, but no more than two 100 bird events a day per discipline. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams. Matches must be set up as 50 or 100 bird events and published on the SCTP SHOT system two days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within one day of the conclusion of the event.
Handicap Trap
Handicap trap league is available to all athletes and teams registered with the SCTP. For scores to qualify, the shoot must be created within the appropriate League two days prior to the event. The 2027 League season begins on September 1, 2026 and ends on May 31, 2027. All coaches and athletes must be registered in the SHOT system for the 2027 season prior to practice and competition. League score updates will be posted at a minimum on November 17th, 2026, April 6th, 2027, May 4th, 2026, and June 1st, 2027.
The course of fire for the league is SCTP Trap Handicap as designated by the SCTP. Rookie athletes will shoot all targets from 19 yards, Intermediates 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 league will consist of 300 targets (six scores of 50 targets). The highest six scores, from at least three different facilities, will determine each athletes’ total league score. Athletes may shoot as many events as they wish over the season, but no more than two 100 bird events a day per discipline. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams. Matches must be set up as 50 or 100 bird events, entered as two or four rounds of 25 targets, and published on the SCTP SHOT system two days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within one day of the conclusion of the event.
Doubles Trap
Doubles trap league is available to all athletes and teams registered with the SCTP. For scores to qualify, the shoot must be created within the appropriate League two days prior to the event. The 2027 League season begins on September 1, 2026 and ends on May 31, 2027. All coaches and athletes must be registered in the SHOT system for the 2027 season prior to practice and competition. League score updates will be posted at a minimum on November 17th, 2026, April 6th, 2027, May 4th, 2026, and June 1st, 2027.
The course of fire for the league is American Trap Doubles, and the governing rules are that of the Scholastic Clay Target Program and the Amateur Trapshooting Association.
The league will consist of 300 targets (six scores of 50 targets). The highest six scores, from at least three different facilities, will determine each athletes’ total league score. Athletes may shoot as many events as they wish over the season, but no more than two 100 bird events a day per discipline. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams. Matches must be set up as 50 or 100 bird events, entered as one or two rounds of 50 targets (25 pairs), and published on the SCTP SHOT system two days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within one day of the conclusion of the event.
Skeet
Singles Skeet League is open to all athletes and teams registered with the SCTP. For scores to qualify, the shoot must be created within the appropriate League two days prior to the event. The 2026-27 League season begins on September 1, 2026 and ends on June 7, 2027. All coaches and athletes must be registered in the SHOT system for the 2027 season prior to practice and competition. League score updates will be posted at a minimum on November 17th, 2026, April 6th, 2027, May 4th, 2026, and June 8th, 2027.
The course of fire for the league is American Skeet, and the governing rules are that of the Scholastic Clay Target Program and the National Skeet Shooting Association. The 2027 Competition Season begins September 1, 2026 and will end June 7, 2027.
The league will consist of 300 targets (six scores of 50 targets). The highest six scores, from at least three different facilities, will determine each athletes’ total league score. Athletes may shoot as many events as they wish over the season, but no more than two 100 bird events a day per discipline. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams. Matches must be set up as 50 or 100 bird events, entered as two or four rounds of 25 targets, and published on the SCTP SHOT system two days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within one day of the conclusion of the event.
NSSA registered shoots can count toward league scores and be entered in SHOT. 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.
Skeet Doubles
Doubles Skeet League is open to all athletes and teams registered with the SCTP. For scores to qualify, the shoot must be created within the appropriate League two days prior to the event. The 2026-27 League season begins on September 1, 2026 and ends on June 7, 2027. All coaches and athletes must be registered in the SHOT system for the 2027 season prior to practice and competition. League score updates will be posted at a minimum on November 17th, 2026, April 6th, 2027, May 4th, 2026, and June 8th, 2027.
The course of fire for the league is American Skeet Doubles, and the governing rules are that of the Scholastic Clay Target Program and the National Skeet Shooting Association.
The league will consist of 300 targets (six scores of 50 targets). The highest six scores, from at least three different facilities, will determine each athletes’ total league score. Athletes may shoot as many events as they wish over the season, but no more than two 100 bird events a day. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams. Matches must be set up as 50 or 100 bird events, entered as one or two rounds of 50 targets, and published on the SCTP SHOT system two days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within one 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 2027 Competition Season begins on September 1, 2026 and will end June 14, 2027. League score updates will be posted at a minimum on November 17th, 2026, April 6th, 2027, May 4th, 2026, and June 15th, 2027.
The league will consist of 300 targets (three scores of 100 targets). The highest three scores, from at least three different facilities, will determine each athletes’ total league score. All of the scores must be shot on a walking course. Athletes may shoot as many events as they wish over the season, but no more than two 100 bird events a day per discipline. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams. Matches must be set up as 100 bird events, entered as 1 round of 100 targets, and published on the SCTP SHOT system two days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within one 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 5-Stand sporting, and the governing rules are that of the national Scholastic Clay Target Program and the National Sporting Clays Association. Each 5-stand course must have eight machines. Each station must consist of five targets - one single, one report pair, and one true pair. Athletes have full use of gun for the single target (two shells). Events shot on a walking course should be registered in the Sporting Clays League. The 2027 Competition Season begins September 1, 2026 and will end June 7, 2027. League score updates will be posted at a minimum on November 17th, 2026, April 6th, 2027, May 4th, 2026, and June 8th, 2027.
The league will consist of 300 targets (six scores of 50 targets). The highest six scores, from at least three different facilities, will determine each athletes’ total league score. Athletes may shoot as many events as they wish over the season, but no more than two 100 bird events a day per discipline. All events must be between two or more registered SCTP teams. Matches must be set up as 50 or 100 bird events, entered as two or four rounds of 25 targets, and published on the SCTP SHOT system two days prior to the event. All scores for teams and individuals must be posted to the SHOT system within one day of the conclusion of the event.
2027 State Championships
Junior Olympic Skeet Championships - May TBD, 2027, TBD, IA
The 2027 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 TBD, 2027, TBD, IA
The 2026 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 7-13, 2027, Iowa State Trapshooting Association Homegrounds (ISTA), Cedar Falls
There will be three competition events conducted from June 7-13. Camping, parking, and vendor information is available in the 2027 Shoot Program.
Handicap Trap Championships - June 9, 2027, ISTA, Cedar Falls
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 10, 2027, ISTA, Cedar Falls
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 7-8, 2027, ISTA, Cedar Falls
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 11-13, 2027, ISTA, Cedar Falls
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 24-26, 2027, TBD, IA
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 17-19, 2027, TBD, IA
The Skeet Championship will consist of 50 skeet targets for rookies, 150 for intermediates and 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 19 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: [email protected] or 319-270-9845
- https://kohawkathletics.com/sports/ctt/schedule/2020-21
- Dordt University Defender Clay Dusters
- Tom Prinsen, Head Coach: [email protected] or 574-377-2206
- https://www.dordt.edu/news/59215
- Grand View University Vikings Shooting Sports
- Charlie Mundy, Head Coach: [email protected] or 515-452-7594
- http://www.gvvikings.com/sport/0/39
- Hawkeye Community College RedTails Sports Shooting
- Troy Emley, Head Coach: [email protected] or 319-296-2320 ext. 1181
- https://www.redtailathletics.com/sports/rifle/index
- Indian Hills Community College Sports Shooting
- Jake Stalzer, Head Coach: [email protected] or 641-856-2143
- https://indianhillsathletics.com/sports/rifle/index
- Iowa Central Community College Tritons Sport Shooting
- Jessica Gunderson, Head Coach: [email protected] or (712)269-6520
- http://www.ictritons.com/sports/rifle/index
- Iowa Lakes Community College Lakers Sports Shooting
- Rick Kalsow, Head Coach:[email protected] or 712-330-7775
- https://www.iowalakesathletics.com/sports/trapskeet/index
- Iowa Western Community College Reivers Shotgun Sports
- Derek Pollock, Head Coach: [email protected] or 712-325-3284
- https://www.goreivers.com/sports/sportshoot/index
- ISU Trap and Skeet Club
- Barry McCroskey, Advisor: [email protected] or 515-294-3882
- https://www.stuorg.iastate.edu/498
- Kirkwood Community College
- Darren Zabloudil, Head Coach: [email protected] or (563) 320-4129
- Northeast Iowa Community College Sports Shooting
- Anthony Sisneros, Head Coach: [email protected] or 563-313-1136
- https://www.nicc.edu/sports-shooting/
- Northwest Iowa Community College Thunder Sports Shooting
- Brian Lauck, Head Coach: [email protected] or 712-324-5061 ext 110
- https://nwicc.edu/sports-shooting/
- Simpson College Shooting Sports Club
- Dan Martin, Head Coach: [email protected] or 309-645-5078
- https://www.simpsonathletics.com/sports/sportshoot/index
- Southeastern Community College Blackhawks Sports Shooting
- Tim Weaver, Head Coach: [email protected] or 319-208-5111
- https://www.sccblackhawks.com/sports/rifle/index
- Southwestern Community College Spartan Sports Shooting
- Josh Purdy, Head Coach: [email protected] or 641-745-0099
- https://www.southwesternspartans.com/sports/sportshoot/index
- University of Iowa Shooting Sports Club
- Jared Vanspeybroeck: [email protected]
- https://www.facebook.com/UiowaShootingSportsClub/
- Waldorf University Warriors Trapshooting Team
- Dean Mueller, Head Coach: [email protected] or 641-585-8119
- http://www.waldorfwarriors.com/sport/0/32.php
- Wartburg College Knights Clay Target Sports
- Russell Malterud, Head Coach: [email protected] or 651-363-1306
- https://go-knights.net/sports/clay-target-sports
- William Penn University
- Colten Uitermarkt, Head Coach: [email protected] or 515-971-2389
- https://www.statesmenathletics.com/sports/sportshoot/index
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