Frequently Asked Questions

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What Is the Elks National “Hoop Shoot” Program?

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The Elks “Hoop Shoot” Free Throw Contest is the largest and most visible of the many youth activities sponsored by Elks Lodges. More than three million boys and girls, ages 8-13, will participate this year. The Elks “Hoop Shoot” highlights the Elks commitment to America's youth. From the millions of youngsters who participate and advance through local, district, state and regional competition, six national champions are named — one boy and one girl in each of three categories: ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. The winners each receive a trophy and their names are inscribed on a plaque at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Parents accompany contestants throughout the competition. The parents of finalists at the state, regional and national levels attend the competitions as guests of the Elks.

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How Will the “Hoop Shoot” Benefit Our School and the Children Who Participate?

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The Elks desire, through their “Hoop Shoot” program, to provide an interesting, character-building, competitive program for all girls and boys in the contest regardless of their previous athletic competition or abilities. This nationwide, sanctioned program gives these youngsters an opportunity for spirited competition, fine relationships with their peers, and travel statewide, regionally and nationally — at minimal expense to their parents or school. Not only are the participants involved in this wholesome, individual-effort program, but parents, classmates, teachers and community are included.

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What Are Our School's Obligations in Having a “Hoop Shoot” Program?

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In most cases schools conduct their own contest under the direction of the physical education instructor, using “Hoop Shoot” rules and school helpers, declaring winners in each of the girls and boys divisions. These school champions then enter the sponsoring Elks Lodge contest to compete with champions from neighboring schools. Your sponsoring Elks Lodge will furnish the necessary materials and assistance for you to conduct your school contest.

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Who Organizes and Runs the “Hoop Shoot” Program?

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Your sponsoring Elks Lodge will assist you in organizing and running your school contest. The Elks will also see that your school winners are notified of their next level of competition, from the local level right up to the national finals.

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Who Can Participate in the “Hoop Shoot” Program?

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The Elks National Free Throw Program is open to all boys and girls, ages 8 through 13, regardless of race or creed.

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What Rewards Do the “Hoop Shoot” Winners Receive?

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The “Hoop Shoot” program provides a constructive, character-building experience for young people who participate. The program allows competition with peers, free from outside influence of parents, coaches, or teammates. It teaches young people the importance of developing individual skills. In addition to the mental and physical benefits provided by competing in the “Hoop Shoot” program, all contestants at every level of competition receive certificates of participation and achievement. Winners receive trophies and plaques. The names of national champions are displayed at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

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What Is the Cost of Conducting a “Hoop Shoot” Contest, and Who Is Responsible for it?

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Most schools are equipped with the recess facilities to conduct a “Hoop Shoot” program. School physical education personnel, often assisted by Elks volunteers, normally conduct the school's contest. For district contests and beyond, costs for materials, transportation, food, and housing are borne by the Order of Elks. The “Hoop Shoot” program is funded by the Elks National Foundation, which is supported by individual and group contributions of members of the Elks.

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How Do the Elks Benefit from the “Hoop Shoot” Program?

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The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has always considered the youth of our nation its most treasured natural resource. By affording America's children an opportunity to sharpen individual athletic talents through the largest noncommercial youth coeducational sports program in the nation, we are teaching them lessons of self-discipline, respect, dedication, loyalty and individual responsibility. The contestants are better prepared for the challenges of today's world and tomorrow's productive opportunities.

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What Is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks?

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The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the United States. Today there are more than 1.3 million men and women in 2,300 local Elks Lodges located in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Elks provide recreational facilities for the entire family and are the focal point for many community service and charitable programs that are an Elks tradition. The Elks devote a great deal of attention to youth programs. Lodges and individual members today sponsor more than 1,000 Boy and Girl Scout troops and 3,000 youth sports teams, as well as Boys and Girls Clubs and Campfire groups. One of the most important youth programs in recent years has been the annual Elks "Hoop Shoot," a national free throw shooting contest for boys and girls from ages 8-13. More than three million youngsters from all 50 states participated in last year's "Hoop Shoot," from local contests to the national finals where six champions were named.