1. The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program (JSSP) – Department of Arizona

2. Introduction to JSSP Marksmanship
Objective:
To establish a vibrant American Legion JSSP air rifle marksmanship program throughout the State of Arizona

3. Why JSSP Marksmanship? Popular, fun, and uniquely challenging
Reinforce safety through responsibility
Develops life skills—respect, discipline, self-control, emotional control
Enhances human performance skills—concentration, goal setting, teamwork
An Olympic sport with a military heritage
A high school and NCAA college sport, cadets can earn scholarships

4. Goals and Objectives, 1st Year
Inform Posts, SAL, and Auxiliary on JSSP
Begin Public Relations with JSSP principals
Purchase JSSP equipment for 6 shooters
Conduct 3 Coaches and Shooter Clinics
Conduct 3 State Championship Meets
Sponsor possible American Legion Teams and Shooters at National Championship

5. Goals and Objectives, 2 to 5 years
Build relationships with NRA, CMP, 4H, BSA, USA Shooting, USOC, JROTC, ASRPA, AZ Game and Fish, Private Gun Clubs (e.g. Rio Salado, PRGC), etc
Form Statewide Committee of above and hold coordination meetings for support
Conduct 3 or more each Air Rifle Coaches and Shooter Clinics annually .

6. Goals and Objectives, 2 to 5 years
Develop over 20 AZ American Legion Teams at the Post Level
Conduct 3 State Air Rifle Championship Meets annually
Make AZ JSSP a Power House in 3 years

7. 1 2 3 All Sports Have Three Common Components Athletes
Sports Equipment
Scoring 3

8. SHOOTING IS A SPORT THAT DEVELOPS THESE ATTRIBUTES
CONTROL
SHOOTING IS A SPORT THAT DEVELOPS THESE ATTRIBUTES
DISCIPLINE
CONCENTRATION
CONCENTRATION
0.5mm 10-Ring, 10M Distance
EXTREME PRECISION

9. Qualities of Marksmanship
Safety—The safest of all youth sports
Open to All--Gender, size, speed, etc. do not determine success: Title IX
Training, not ability, makes the difference
Teaches life skills—discipline, responsibility, rewards of hard work
Teaches control, respect for others
It’s fun—scoring a ten is a big thrill!

10. Marksmanship Offers: 1. Safety Instruction
3. Practice Firing & Qualification
2. Marksmanship Instruction
4. Rifle Team Participation

11. JSSP Competition Opportunities
JROTC Competition Program:
JROTC Postal Competitions
Regional JROTC competitions and leagues
National JROTC Championship
Open Junior Competitions:
High School Rifle Team Competitions
Regional and National Junior Competitions
CMP, NRA, Jr Olympics, & American Legion Championships

12. JSSP & JROTC Air Rifle Marksmanship
Governed by NRA, CMP, and JROTC Regulations
Uses 4.5mm (.177 cal.) target air rifles
Firing at 10 meters distance
Jr Shooters learn gun safety & basic marksmanship in range firing activities
Competition firing in prone, standing, kneeling positions
Many High Schools have JROTC Rifle Teams
AZ American Legion Posts are setting up Teams

13. National NRA, American Legion, JROTC and CMP Championships

14. Minimum Equipment List
Item Cost
Air Rifle, Crosman Challenger
Bipod, Air Rifle
Sling, Daisy
Spotting Scope, CC
Spotting Scope Stand
Kneeling Roll
Shooting Mat, Universal
Shooting Stand, Offhand
Rifle Case, Plano

15. Minimum Equipment List
Item Cost
Targets, Airgun (100), 12 bull
Shooting Glasses, Venture
Shooters Equipment Case, Plano       
Shooters Glove, Deluxe Summer
Match Pellets, Vogel Merlin
Sweat Shirt (2)
Pellet Block
                         Total Cost      $

16. Summary
Vibrant Post level JSSP Programs will increase American Legion participation and membership
Good rapport with principal shooting organizations will elevate AZ JSSP
Quality Sporter Class JSSP Equipment & Training will facilitate:
+ Statewide Clinics & Competition
+ Sponsor AZ National Champions
+ Make Arizona a JSSP Powerhouse in 3 years

17. Start Up Checklist
Survey Post/District/Area for interest in JSSP- need 6 prospective shooters and 2 coaches to get a good start
Schedule a visit by the AZ Department JSSP Director or Committee member to brief interested members on initial steps, preliminary goals, expectations, and requirements 
Recruit youth through Legion membership, affiliations and networks
Locate/acquire access to a suitable range area, preferably indoor
Identify eligible members to serve as prospective coaches/boosters for teams
Encourage interested members to complete Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) complementary/no-cost JROTC Marksmanship Instructor Course (JMIC) training online < Training and Tech – JMIC.
Request AZ Department JSSP Director to schedule a 5-day coaches/marksmanship  clinic to successfully launch viable JSSP program at Post/District/Area level
Encourage coaches/boosters to attend NRA Air Rifle Level 1 training 
Schedule participation in postal and shoulders-to-shoulder matches