First tournament set in N.D. for National Archery in Schools Program

The state Game and Fish Department invites all North Dakota schools participating in the National Archery in the Schools Program to register for the first annual state tournament.

Jeff Long, NASP coordinator, said the 2009 tournament will be held in February in a local school.

“We are holding a virtual tournament, meaning you don’t have to travel to participate as it’s held at your school or one nearby,” Long said.

Tournaments are conducted by local coaches or physical education teachers.

Schools can enter teams in the following grade level divisions: elementary (4-6), middle (7-8) and high school (9-12). Teams must have between 16-24 members, with at least five from the opposite gender. Archers may participate up one grade division.

Small schools of 100 students or fewer (all grades combined) may assemble teams from schools in the same town, county or district. Schools that cannot form a team may register students for individual competition.

All-star teams and teams from multiple schools (with the exception of the small school rule) are not permitted.

Recognition will be given to the top placing team in each division, the top five males and females in each division, and the top scoring male and female regardless of division. Top scoring individuals and teams win an automatic national tournament bid. Additionally, teams that achieve minimum scores set by NASP also win a national tournament bid. The national tournament takes place May 8-9 in Louisville, Ky.

“Holding an archery tournament is a great way for students to put their archery skills to the test, and it allows them to be part of a competition just like athletes in other school sports,” Long said. “Studies have shown that kids have a much higher chance of turning archery into a life long pursuit if they are given multiple opportunities to participate, especially outside of their physical education class.”

For more information regarding the tournament, schools should contact Long by e-mail at jrlong@nd.gov, or call 701-328-6322. To learn more about the archery in the schools program, visit the NASP Web site at nasparchery.com.

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