Table of Contents
Glossary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………1
Program Objectives............................................................................................2
Team Requirements………………………………………………………………………...………………3
Safety Rules & Requirements………………………………………………………………………4 - 5
Costs………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
Discipline Overviews……………………………………………………………………………………..7-8
Eligibility………………………………………………………………………….………………………………8
Shooting Divisions & Disciplines……………………………………………...........................9
MSSP Events and Regulations…………………………………………………………………………10
Awards…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Shoot Offs and Key Dates……………………………………………………………………………..12
Forms…………………………………………………………………………………………..Attachments
1 | P a g e
Glossary
Team - The school or club you represent Squad - 3-person group determined by the coach HOA – High Over All Divisions - This consists of Varsity and Junior Varsity, and School and Club
Teams Substitution - Personal illness/injury of a shooter (or) unforeseen,
Exceptional circumstances
2 | P a g e
Program Objectives The Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program (MSSP) is a team-based, youth
development program that uses the shotgun sports of Skeet, Trap and Sporting
Clays to instill life skills such as discipline, safety, teamwork, ethics, self-
confidence, and other life values. The program also utilizes these disciplines to
teach hunting skills through the safe use of hunting equipment, including
firearms, and their relationship to hunting situations.
The MSSP is not designed to compete with 4-H or other youth-based
organizations but should complement those in schools. The MSSP will provide
youth an opportunity to compete for their schools in a scholastic shooting sports
program and be able to win prizes and scholarships in a variety of categories.
3 | P a g e
Team Requirements Teams consist of schools wanting to compete in Skeet, Trap and Sporting Clays.
Each shooter is required to attend at least eight (8) practices before competing in
a shoot. The Proof of Practice Attendance Sheet are required when turning in a
team roster (available on the MDWFP webpage). Each team must have at least
one coach with one of the coaching credentials listed below.
• Head – Head Coaches must have completed at least the Mississippi
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) 2-Day Shooting
Coach Class, before they can be a team coach on event day. MDWFP will
also accept 4-H Shotgun Instructor Course, National Sporting Clay
Association (NSCA)/National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) Level I, II, III
or Scholastic Instructor Course Training, and NRA Shotgun Instructor
credentials, as well. However, we encourage at least one representative
from each school to attend the MDWFP 2-Day Shooting Coach Class, so we
can go over any program changes from year-to-year.
• Coaches Meeting – There will be a mandatory coach meeting prior to all
events. Any coach not attending the meeting will result in his/her squad
being disqualified from participating in the event.
• Primary Responsibility – The coach’s primary responsibility on event day is
always to create a safe environment for shooters, spectators, coaches, and
range personnel. Teams are also responsible for a minimum of eight
(8) practices per year.
• Coaching the Squad – The coach can coach the squad between stations, or
while watching other squads shoot, but once the shooter enters the
shooting box, all coaching must stop.
• Assistant Coaches – All teams will need at least one head coach that meets
MDWFP coaching credentials. However, teams may utilize assistant
coaches, but a Coach’s Registration Form must be filled out for each
assistant coach. Each squad must be accompanied by a coach during a
competition.
4 | P a g e
Safety Rules & Requirements
1. The Four Basic Firearm Rules are ALWAYS in effect at all MDWFP events:
• All guns are always loaded! Treat them that way!
• Never let your muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy!
• Keep your finger off the trigger, until your sights are on target!
• Always be sure of your target!
Ear and Eye Protection – Both are required by everyone on the course -
shooters, coaches, parents, spectators, and range personnel. No
exceptions!
2. Actions Open - Automatic and pump guns must have their actions always
open, with the barrel pointed up, when walking or riding. The ejection port
must be facing forward, to be visible, when carrying the shotgun. Over/under
shotguns must be carried over the shoulder, with the barrel in front of the
shooter, controlled by the hand on the barrel, and pointed down.
3. Slings and Straps - Slings or straps attached to the shotgun are NOT allowed
at any MDWFP shooting event. (Toe tabs are strictly prohibited!)
4. Vehicles - To operate a cart or any ATV, the operator must have a valid
driver’s license and meet all requirements of the host club to operate any
onsite vehicle. All guns will be transported in a vertical position, while on
vehicles.
5. Muzzle of Shotgun - The muzzle is always to be controlled and pointed in a
safe direction. The shotgun’s muzzle cannot be rested on any part of the
body, including but not limited to, the foot area, chin, hand or arm. 6. Footwear - Open-toed shoes, such as flip-flops/sandals, etc., are NOT allowed
at any MDWFP sponsored shooting event.
5 | P a g e
7. Shooters Can Load 2 Shells, Maximum - Do NOT load your shotgun, until you
are within the confines of the shooting station/platform, with the barrel
pointed down range. Load only TWO shot shells at a time and do NOT step
off of the platform, until your gun is unloaded!
8. Hunter Education Requirement - All shooters must have completed a Hunter
Education Program to be eligible to shoot in any competition.
9. Disqualification - If any of these rules are broken, it will result in shooter(s)
being disqualified. No exceptions!
10. Shoot Rules – Our Sporting Clays, Skeet, and Trap competitions will follow
NSCA, ATA, and NSSA Rules, unless they conflict with MSSP Rules, in which
case MSSP Rules will supersede the rules of the aforementioned bodies.
11. Factory Ammunition Only – Maximum loads for any gauge event may not
exceed Gauge Ounce Lead:
12 1 1/8 20 7/8 28 3/4 .410 (2 1/2" Maximum) 1/2
No lead shot smaller than U.S. No. 9 (nominal diameter 0.080) or larger than
U.S. No. 7-1/2 (nominal diameter 0.095) shall be used in any load. No steel
shot smaller than U.S. No. 9 or larger than U.S. No. 6 (nominal diameter
0.110) shall be used in any load. Shot shall be normal production spherical
shot. Plated shot is permitted.
12. Malfunctions - Shooters are allowed three (3) malfunctions per round. If a
shooter has a malfunction while shooting, the shooter must keep the muzzle
of their firearm pointed down range for 30 seconds. Once the trapper gives
the OK to clear the firearm, both the trapper and the shooter will work
together to determine the cause of the malfunction. We do not consider a
“safety left on” to be a malfunction, if a shooter’s shotgun fails to fire, due
to a “safety being left on.” The shooter will be allowed to repeat the pair.
6 | P a g e
Cost Estimates
1. Shotgun: Each shooter will need a shotgun. They can shoot a pump,
semiautomatic, or a double-barrel shotgun, but no single-shot shotguns are
allowed, as they would be inappropriate for use in these sporting events.
2. Shells: Teams are required to have at least eight (8) practices per year. We
suggest at least 100 rounds per shooter, per practice session. That would
work out to be 800 shotgun shells/year, for practice sessions, and at current
prices, would cost approximately $208.
3. Clay Targets: Target fees at all MDWFP ranges are 25¢ per clay target.
Thus, 800 clay targets/year would cost $200. (This cost may be higher at a
non-MDWFP range.)
4. Competitions: There will be no charge for clay targets at state
competitions. However, shooters must provide their own shotgun shells. If
a shooter participates in each of the annual events, it will take 350 shotgun
shells, at a cost of approximately $91. (We strongly suggest bringing extra
shells for each shooter for gun malfunctions and trap malfunctions.)
5. Uniforms: This is up to the school or club to which the shooter belongs.
Uniforms can be anything from a tee shirt to a high-end shooting vest.
Uniforms are not required.
6. Total Minimum Cost: The total minimum cost per shooter, per year,
meaning the cost of shotgun shells and clay targets (if you are shooting at
an MDWFP range) for each shooter, will be approximately $499. Again, this
amount may be higher if you do not have access to an MDWFP range.
Contact your local range to determine fees/rates. Eight (8) practices is a
minimum practice amount. We highly suggest more practices.
7. Offsetting the Cost: Schools can offset costs by applying for Youth Program
Initiative (YPI) grants through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife,
Fisheries, and Parks. We welcome teams to reach out to sponsors, as well.
7 | P a g e
Discipline Overview Sporting Clays
Sporting Clays date back to the early 1900s and is often described as golf with a
shotgun. Unlike the confined fields of Trap and Skeet, Sporting Clays is set on a
walking course in a natural environment. The shooter moves from station to
station where targets are presented differently at each station to mimic hunting
situations for species such as quail, grouse, pheasant, dove, ducks, geese, and
rabbits. Target presentation names have root in game species, such as “springing
teal” and “running rabbit.”
Sporting Clay Course
Skeet
Skeet dates back to the early 1900s as a way to simulate the crisscrossing hunting
action of flying upland birds, such as dove. The shooter rotates through different
stations along a semi-circle, as targets from two opposing houses (one at each
corner of the semi-circle) “pass” across the field. The 2-target presentations are
thrown one-at-a-time, and at the same time, for an additional challenge.
8 | P a g e
Trap
Dating back to the late 1700s and was designed to simulate the flight path of
flushing game birds, such as grouse, pheasant, and quail to hone a hunter's skills.
The targets are thrown from a single location, in front of the shooter, who moves
in a semi-circle to change the angle and difficulty of the going-away shot.
School Title
Each year there will be an Overall School Champion. This title will only be
awarded to schools and will be determined by taking each school’s top three (3)
individual shooter scores in each event and totaling them to determine the
highest score encompassing all 3 events at the State Championship Shoot.
Clubs
Clubs are welcome to bring teams to compete in this program; however, they are
NOT eligible to win the title of Overall School Champion and any student who
attends a school that has a team participating in MSSP is required to shoot on
his/her school team.
9 | P a g e
Shooting Divisions and Disciplines
Divisions for Qualifiers (The State Championship Shoot will not be broken into Senior Varsity and Junior Varsity. All shooters that
qualify will be shooting in one division.)
Senior Varsity - Grades 10, 11, & 12 Junior Varsity - Grades 7, 8, & 9
Senior Varsity Team - Grades 10, 11, & 12 (3-shooter squads determined by the
coach) with a maximum of 4 squads per school.
Junior Varsity Team - Grades 7, 8, & 9 (3-shooter squads determined by the
coach) with a maximum of 4 squads per school.
- To participate on a Senior Varsity Team, a shooter cannot be 19 years old
BEFORE August 1st of the school year in which he/she wishes to participate.
- To participate on a Junior Varsity Team, a shooter cannot be 16 years old
BEFORE August 1st of the school year in which he/she wishes to participate.
Disciplines
Individual Sporting Clays, Skeet and Trap – In this event, individual shooters
compete against each other in each discipline. The winner is the shooter that has
the greatest number of hits, for their division. [If a shooter competes in squad
events, the score that he/she shoots in squad event is his/her score for the
Individual event.]
Squad Sporting Clays, Skeet and Trap – In this event, 3-shooter squads compete
against each other for the best combined score in each of the 3 disciplines. The
winning squad is the one with the greatest number of hits. The composition of
each squad must be decided by the coach, prior to registration. Each squad
member must be in the same division.
10 | P a g e
Qualifiers for State Championship Shoot
Due to the increased number of participants in the MSSP, two Qualification
Shoots/Qualifiers will be implemented in the fall to place squads for the Spring
State Championship Shoot.
The top fifty (50) squads will advance to the Spring State Championship Shoot,
based on accumulated scores at the two Qualification Shoots/Qualifiers.
The top ten (10) of the fifty (50) qualified squads will have earned the honor of
representing the State of Mississippi at the Southeastern Clay Combine.
Substitutions at Qualification Shoots/Qualifiers
Each head coach may submit up to two (2) substitution shooters per division
(Varsity and Junior Varsity) to be listed on the Qualification Shoot/Qualifier roster.
If a substitute shooter is to be utilized by a coach, then said shooter must be
submitted to the tournament director prior to the coaches meeting the day of the
shoot.
If no alternates are available, due to the number of team members, then only one
(1) lateral move is allowed.
Substitutions at the State Championship Shoot
At the Spring State Championship Shoot, alternates will be predetermined by the
highest scoring non-qualified shooter from the fall Qualification Shoots. In the
event of all eight (8) squads qualifying then one substitution can be made from
the alternates made available during the fall qualification shoot.
11 | P a g e
Awards for Qualification Shoots/Qualifiers
(All awards will be given to both Varsity and Junior Varsity for Sporting Clays)
• HOA Sporting Clay
• 1st -3rd Place Overall Female Sporting Clay
• 1st -3rd Place Overall Male Sporting Clay
• 1st – 3rd Place Sporting Clay Team (3 shooters each place)
• Top 50 Squads will advance to the State MSSP Championship Shoot.
• Top 10 Squads will advance to the Regional Southeastern Clay Combine.
Awards for State Championship
The state championship will NOT be divided into Varsity and Junior Varsity
• HOA Skeet
• 1st-3rd Skeet Male
• 1st-3rd Skeet Female
• 1st- 3rd Skeet Squad
• HOA Trap
• 1st-3rd Trap Male
• 1st-3rd Trap Female
• 1st-3rd Trap Squad
• HOA Sporting Clay
• 1st-3rd Sporting Clay Male
• 1st-3rd Sporting Clay Female
• 1st-3rd Sporting Clay Squad
• HOA MSSP Combine Champion (This will be the 3 discipline scores added together)
• 1st-3rd MSSP Combine Champion Male
• 1st-3rd MSSP Combine Champion Female
• 1st-3rd MSSP Combine Champion Squad
• MSSP Combine School Champion
12 | P a g e
Shoot Offs for Top 3 in Each Category
Skeet/Trap
Skeet shoot offs will be from ATA rules and NSSA rules, unless superseded by
MSSP Rules.
Sporting Clays / Combine
Sporting Clays and the Combine awards will be shot off on 5-Stand with 10 pairs
for each shooter, until a winner is determined.
Squad
Squad shoot-offs will be determined in a 30 target 5-stand shoot-off (10 targets
per shooter). At the conclusion of the 30 targets, if there is still a tie, the tie will
break by the longest run of hits from the start of the 30 bird 5-stand.
Key Dates
May 1st - YPI Grant application due.
October 1st - All team rosters are due for each team. All shooters must have
completed their hunter education requirements by this deadline. The coaches
must have completed their coaches training and send in their credentials with
their team roster. The parental release forms are also due currently. These forms
can all be found on the website.
Seven (7) days before any shoot - The Tournament Rosters and The Proof of
Practice Attendance sheets are due. We will not accept any changes to the
rosters or any rosters after the due date.
For Additional Information Contact:
Jad Touchton (601) 859-5164 or Michelle Carter (601) 665-2788
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
Scholastic Shooting Sports
STUDENT REGISTRATION AND WAIVER FORM
(To be turned in by October 1, as this is a legal document that can affect your rights.)
School Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Head Coach’s Name: _________________________________________________________________
Student’s Name: _____________________________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________________________ State: MS Zip Code: ________________
Phone: ___________________________________ Email: ____________________________________
□ Male □ Female Grade Level, as of 9/1 of Current School Year: ____ Date of Birth: __/____/____
MS Hunter Education Number: ________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Name: _____________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s E-mail: ____________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Phone Number: ______________________________________________________
T-Shirt Size: _______________________________________________________________________
Senior Varsity (10 - 12 grades): □ Junior Varsity (7 – 9 grades): □
Page 1 of 2
Safety Regulations
The Four Basic Firearm Rules are ALWAYS in effect at all MDWFP events:
A. All guns are always loaded! Treat them that way!
B. Never let your muzzle cover anything you’re not willing to destroy!
C. Keep your finger off the trigger ‘til your sights are on target!
D. Always be sure of your target!
1. Ear and Eye Protection - Required by everyone on the course - shooters, coaches, parents,
spectators, and range personnel. No exceptions!
2. Actions Open - Automatic and pump guns must have their actions open at all times, with the
barrel pointed up, when walking or riding. The ejection port will be facing forward, to be
visible, when carrying the shotgun. Over/under shotguns must be carried over the shoulder,
with the barrel in front controlled by the hand on the barrel and pointed down.
3. Slings and Straps - Slings and straps attached to the shotgun are NOT allowed at any MDWFP
shooting event.
4. Vehicles - To operate a cart/golf cart or any ATV, the operator must have a valid driver’s license
and meet all requirements of the host club to operate any vehicle onsite. All guns will be
transported in a vertical position, while on vehicles.
5. Muzzle of Shotgun - The muzzle is to be controlled and pointed in a safe direction at all times.
The shotgun’s muzzle cannot be rested on any part of the body, including but not limited to,
the foot area, chin, hand and arm.
6. Footwear - Open-toed shoes, such as flip-flops/sandals, etc., are NOT allowed at any MDWFP
sponsored shooting event.
7. Shooters Can Load 2 Shells Maximum - Do NOT load your shotgun, until you are within the
confines of the shooting station/platform, with the barrel pointed down range. Load only TWO
shot shells at a time and do NOT step off of the platform, until your gun is unloaded!
8. Hunter Education Requirement - All shooters must have completed a Hunter Education
Program to be eligible to shoot in any competition.
9. Disqualification - If any of these rules are broken, it will result in shooter(s) being disqualified.
No exceptions!
I have read and agree to follow/comply with all these requirements and all MDWFP rules, terms, and
conditions.
Parent/Guardian’s Signature: ___________________________________
Student’s Signature: __________________________________________
Page 2 of 2
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Scholastic Shooting Sports
COACH’S REGISTRATION FORM
□Head Coach □Assistant Coach (Please Check One) (Only One Head Coach Per Team)
School Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________
City: _______________________________ State: Mississippi Zip Code: __________________
Cell Phone: __________________________ Alternate Phone: _____________________________
E-mail: __________________________________________________________________________
TRAINING CERTIFICATION: (MUST HAVE AT LEAST ONE)
□ 4H Shotgun Safety Training Date of Certification: _______________________
□ MDWFP Coaches Training Date of Certification: _______________________
□ *Other (NSCA, SCTP, CSM, NRA) Date of Certification: _______________________
*If other, please list the type of training: _______________________________________________
Organization: ____________________________________________________________________
□ Public School □ Private School □ 4H □ Boy Scouts
□ Home School □ Church Group □ Gun Club
The information above is true and I agree to follow all MDWFP rules, terms, and conditions. (SEE ATTACHED
SAFETY RULES.)
Coach’s Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: ______________ (Required for everyone)
Name of Principal/Headmaster: _________________________________ Date: ______________ (Required for school teams only)
Principal/Headmaster Signature: ________________________________ Date: ______________ (Required for school teams only)
Page 1 of 2
Head / Assistant Coaches
Head/Assistant Coaches - Head/Assistant Coaches must have completed at least the MDWFP
1-day Shooting Coach Class, or the 4-hour Shotgun Training Course, before they can be a team coach on event day.
MDWFP will also accept NSCA/NSSA Level I, II, III or Scholastic Instructor Course training as well.
Coaches Meeting -There will be a mandatory Coaches Meeting prior to all Sporting Clay, Skeet, and 5-Stand events. Any
coach not attending the meeting will result in his/her team squad being disqualified from participating in the event.
Primary Responsibility- The coach’s primary responsibility on event day is always to create a safe environment for shooters,
spectators, range personnel, and themselves.
Coaching the Squad- The coach can coach the squad between stations, or while watching other squads shoot, but once the
shooter enters the shooting box, all coaching must stop.
Assistant Coaches - A team may assign assistant coaches, but we still need a Coach’s Registration Form from them.
Safety on Event Day
The Four Basic Firearm Rules are ALWAYS in effect at all MDWFP events:
- All guns are always loaded! Treat them that way!
- Never let your muzzle cover anything you’re not willing to destroy!
- Keep your finger off the trigger ‘til your sights are on target! - Always be sure of your target!
1. Ear and Eye Protection - Required by everyone on the course - shooters, coaches, parents, spectators, and range personnel.
No exceptions!
2. Actions Open - Automatic and pump guns must have their actions open at all times, with the barrel pointed up, when walking
or riding. The ejection port will be facing forward, to be visible, when carrying the shotgun. Over/under shotguns must be
carried over the shoulder, with the barrel in front controlled by the hand on the barrel and pointed down.
3. Slings and Straps - Slings and straps attached to the shotgun are NOT allowed at any MDWFP shooting event.
4. Vehicles - To operate a cart/golf cart or any ATV, the operator must have a valid driver’s license and meet all requirements of
the host club to operate any vehicle onsite. All guns will be transported in a vertical position, while on vehicles.
5. Muzzle of Shotgun - The muzzle is to be controlled and pointed in a safe direction at all times. The shotgun’s muzzle cannot
be rested on any part of the body, including but not limited to, the foot area, chin, hand and arm.
6. Footwear - Open-toed shoes, such as flip-flops/sandals, etc., are NOT allowed at any MDWFP sponsored shooting event.
7. Shooters Can Load 2 Shells Maximum - Do NOT load your shotgun, until you are within the confines of the shooting
station/platform, with the barrel pointed down range. Load only TWO shot shells at a time and do NOT step off of the
platform, until your gun is unloaded!
8. Hunter Education Requirement - All shooters must have completed a Hunter Education Program to be eligible to shoot in any
competition.
9. Disqualification - If any of these rules are broken, it will result in shooter(s) being disqualified. No exceptions!
** Please complete this document and attach a copy of your Coach’s Training Certification. **
Page 2 of 2
Tournament Roster
School or Club Name: ______________________ Tournament Date:__________
Senior Varsity A: _________________________ Junior Varsity A:_________________________
__________________________ _________________________
__________________________ _________________________
(coach)____________________
(coach)___________________
Senior Varsity B:__________________________ Junior Varsity B:_________________________
__________________________ _________________________
__________________________ _________________________
(coach)____________________
(coach)___________________
Senior Varsity C:__________________________ Junior Varsity C:_________________________
__________________________ _________________________
__________________________ _________________________
(coach)____________________
(coach)___________________
Senior Varsity D:__________________________ Junior Varsity D:_________________________
__________________________ __________________________
__________________________ __________________________
(coach)____________________ (coach)____________________
Proof of Practice Sheet
School: ____________________________________________________________
Coach: ________________________________ Date of Practice: _______________
Shooters:
1.) 20.)
2.) 21.)
3.) 22.)
4.) 23.)
5.) 24.)
6.) 25.)
7.) 26.)
8.) 27.)
9.) 28.)
10.) 29.)
11.) 30.)
12.) 31.)
13.) 32.)
14.) 33.)
15.) 34.)
16.) 35.)
17.) 36.)
18.) 37.)
19.) 38.)
Coaches Volunteer Hours Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Date Task Hours Mileage
Youth Participation Initiative
The Youth Participation Initiative (YPI) Program was established in 2009 to provide funding for
educating children in the areas of hunting, fishing, conservation, and safety. The MDWFP
encourages applicants to focus on the education, recruitment, or retention of youth in the
areas listed above or in any safety issues arising from the areas of hunting, fishing, or
conservation. Preference is given to those projects demonstrating focus on new ideas, new
programs, or programs directed at involving youth that have little or no prior experience in the
fields of hunting, fishing, or conservation.
The MDWFP is an active partner in many of these projects such as Youth Waterfowl Hunting &
Education Initiative Camp, Camp Fish, Golden Triangle Outdoors-Deer Hunt for Youth with
Disabilities, Youth Trappers College, Wildlife Conservation Camp, Youth Sea Camp, and YPI
Squirrel Hunt.
The MDWFP will be accepting applications beginning April 1st each year. Applications must be
submitted by May 1st.
Applications can be found online at:
http://www.mdwfp.com/education-outreach/youth-programs/youth-participation-
initiativegrants/