1 Air Rifle as a Varsity Sport A presentation for: High Schools

2 Introduction Why your High School should consider Three Position Air Rifle as an addition to its varsity sports Presented by: GSSA – Georgia Shooting Sports Assn USA Shooting Civilian Marksmanship Program Riverside High School

3 History GHSA varsity rifle teams have existed for >80 years Smallbore (.22) rifle up to 1980’s 3 Position Air Rifle introduced in Smallbore dropped in 1995 Three Position Air Rifle has grown to 115 varsity teams

4 Team Basics Team Size 5 Co-ed team members 4 top scores count for team score Title IX neutral Total team = ~ 1-3 per class

5 Equipment Basics Air Rifle & sling Kneeling roll & mat Spotting scope & stand Rifle stand Target trap Shooting jacket Pellets & targets

6 Equipment Costs Initial investment = $400 - $1400 per athlete Equipment life 5-15 years Annual operating costs = <$75/yr/athlete True annual cost = ~ $ 200/yr/athlete

7 Basic Rules Rules: Standard 3 Position Air Rifle Rules Published by the National 3 Position Air Rifle Council Sporter & Precision Rifle Categories GHSA uses open category rule

8 Basic Rules Three positions  10 minute prep period  Prone 10 shots/15 minutes  Standing 10 shots/20 minutes  Kneeling 10 shots/15 minutes  5 minute transition periods  Complete match ~ 90 minutes

9 Basic Rules Firing line to target = 10 meters Target = AR5/10 (Olympic) Pellets =.177 cal (Olympic)

10 Shooting Teaches: Focus Concentration Self reliance Emotional control Positive self esteem

11 Shooting is Egalitarian Boys & girls compete equally Shooting is 85% mental Athleticism is not important Good shooters make good students Good students make good shooters

12 Why your High School Should Add Shooting to its Sports Small team size Inexpensive operation Co-ed sport All students can participate Readily available resources FUN!

13 We are prepared to: Provide leadership training Provide coaches training Provide ongoing informational support Provide local, hands on training for booster clubs/parents