Shooting
Sports Team
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The purpose of this program is to introduce NHSRA members to shooting sports. It allows Junior High and High School participants to use .22 caliber rimfire rifles that meet specific weight, trigger pull, and sight limitations. Only standard, commercially available .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle ammunition is allowed; specialty or dangerous bullets are prohibited.
Shooting must take place at an NHSRA-approved range. While specific training like NRA Rifle courses or Hunter’s Safety is recommended, it is not required. Eye and ear protection is mandatory.
All live fire must be directly supervised by an NHSRA-approved coordinator or certified range safety officer, with a supervision ratio of 1 adult per 8 shooters (or 1 per 5 at National Finals).
All rifle events must follow NHSRA Light Rifle Rules.
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This program aims to introduce NHSRA high school members to shotgun shooting sports. Participants may use youth or adult-sized 20, 16, or 12-gauge shotguns with appropriate, non-explosive ammunition.
Shooting must occur at an NHSRA-approved range. While shotgun training courses (such as NRA Shotgun FIRST Steps or Hunter’s Safety) are recommended, they are not required. Eye and ear protection is mandatory.
Live fire must be directly supervised by an NHSRA-approved coordinator or certified range safety officer, with a supervision ratio of 1 adult per 5 shooters.
All events must follow NHSRA Shotgun Rules.
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Prone: - Both elbows resting on shooting table. The chest and/or abdomen may also rest on the table (in prone only). Note: - The shooting table does NOT have to be attached to the wheelchair, it may be freestanding.
Sitting: - This position is the same as the prone position, except that the chest or abdomen may NOT touch the table in any way. Kneeling: - Only one elbow may rest on shooting table. Chest or abdomen may not contact the table in any way. The sidearms of the wheelchair must be removed when competing.
Standing: - Competitors must sit up against the back of the wheelchair in this position. The shooting table cannot be used in this position; however, an “offhand stand” may be affixed to the wheelchair. The sidearms of the chair must be removed. No part of the competitor’s arms may come in contact with any part of the wheelchair. Rifle sling cannot be used in this position. Note: - All outlined positions may also be fired while seated on a stool or stationary chair without arms.
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The Scopos Orion Scoring System will be used to determine a competitor’s score utilizing their automatic scoring system for both the NJHFR and NHSFR shooting competitions. For more information, please visit the following link:https://www.scopos.tech/orion
The NHSRA established shooting sports as part of the activities scheduled for National Finals Rodeo(s) in 2005 in partnership with the NRA (National Rifle Association). No longer supported by the NRA, this program continues to thrive and in January 2022 became an event within National High School Rodeo Association that will be offered in all States/provinces where interest is shown.
NRA Youth Award
The award is designed to promote a greater appreciation of the programs the NRA has to offer and to increase awareness of the shooting sports activities in which youth can participate. Deadline is May 1st of every year. Every Youth that submits receives a certificate.
Awards:
Once a participant meets the requirements, he or she will be eligible for National prizes. National award winners will receive:
1st place - $5,000
2nd place - $3,000
3rd place - $2,000
Download the 2026 NHSRA Shooting Sports Rules/Guidelines
NHSRA Shooting Sports Dress Code
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Yes. Junior High and High School kids can become members and JUST do shooting sports. Typically our season is before the rodeo season starts and after to better allow those to join in shooting sports with a busy summer!
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Light Rifle and Shotgun (Trap Shooting) is available to High School and light Rifle only to JR High.
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These requirements are for competitors.
Shooting sports contestants are required to wear contestant/back numbers at all times. If they are not wearing their contestant/back number, the contestant WILL be disqualified.
Jeans/long pants or trousers, wrist length sleeve shirts with collar and cuff are required, shirts must be tucked in. Shirt cuffs can be unbuttoned/ unsnapped during competition. Sleeves may be rolled one time to allow flexibility, no more than a 4” roll. All footwear must be closed toe.
Any messages on clothing MUST be positive and cannot advertise alcohol or tobacco products.
Western boots and cowboy hats are optional during the competition; cowboy hats can prove to be a safety issue if they are blown off during a flight. Spurs are HIGHLY discouraged, and contestants may be asked to remove them at any time.
Baseball caps are acceptable.
Shooting Coats - Are not permitted. OUTERWEAR IS NOT ALLOWED AT THE NATIONAL FINALS EVENTS.
In addition, outer clothing, for example but not limited to vests, sweatshirts, and jackets, worn that may be used to provide support or advantage are not allowed unless weather conditions dictate. It will be up to the sole discretion of the Arena Director and CRSO to determine this need.
Western attire must be worn when accepting awards during the year-end awards ceremony to include jeans, long sleeved shirts buttoned at the wrist, belt, boots and cowboy hat.
Just a reminder: These events are outdoors, and, in most cases, there is little to no shelter. Please remember to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Portable shades such as umbrellas, visors or hats for spectators is recommended. Severe, inclement weather may cause delays or postponements.