Student Air Rifle Program (SAR)

Posted On: 03-01-2020

Shooting sports teach confidence, build self-esteem, and teach responsibility. With these outcomes in mind, the Missouri Youth Sport Shooting Alliance (MYSSA) developed the Student Air Rifle Program (SAR) in 2015 to facilitate an introduction to the lifetime sport of target shooting to school-aged youth in grades 4 through 12.

Modeled after the successful National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), SAR provides a tested format to provide target shooting and firearms safety instruction using standardized equipment, school aligned units of study, teacher training, universal whistle commands, and positive language.

Teachers are certified as Basic Air Riflery Instructors (BARI) using a curriculum specifically developed for school systems and aligned with Physical Education standards. Many SAR teachers have limited experience with shooting sports education, however, SAR surveys indicate 100% confidence in teaching the material after attending the training and gaining certification. Teachers progress their students through nine lessons including the foundational 11 Steps to Air Riflery Success where participants learn the fundamentals of safely participating in shooting sports allowing them to shoot for success on the range and in life.

Since the program’s national launch in 2017, over 10,000 students through schools and communities have participated. For Missouri schools, $1,500 grants towards the purchase of the SAR equipment kit is offered as well as free training for teachers. In addition to the in-school curriculum, students can also participate in SAR after-school clubs and tournaments.

To learn more about SAR and how your school or community can be involved, visit the website at www.studentairrifleprogram.org or follow SAR on Facebook and Instagram by searching “Student Air Rifle Program-SAR”. Missouri schools can also reach the MoSAR Coordinator, Pam Rowe, by email at pam@studentairrifleprogram.org.

Jake Hindman