HOOP SHOOT may not be the crown jewel in Elkdom, but it is certainly a jewel that we as Elks can be very proud of. The beauty of the program is that the participants need not be the best athletes in order to become a champion. With a lot of practice and a bit of good luck, a youngster possibly could have their name permanently inscribed on a plaque in the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. That is the ultimate prize in the Hoop Shoot Program, which happens for the six national champions each year. For the many thousands of participants not making it to the national finals, they too are rewarded. Parents have said that the competition is a character building experience by learning the value of respect and good sportsmanship. The kids also learn about setting goals and working to achieve that goal. Parents and participants love the opportunity to meet new friends that is afforded through the program. To learn more about this wonderful opportunity for kids, and to read testimonials from the kids and parents alike, log on to www.elks.org/hoopshoot.

The Elks Hoop Shoot is open to all boys and girls, ages 8-13. Contestants will be assigned an age group based on the age that they will be on April 1.

• See images from NC State Hoop Shoot under our “Photo Gallery”.

Lodge

Hoop Shoot contests begin with Elks Lodges. Eligible youth may compete in one Lodge contest per season. Local contests are typically held between the months of September and December each year. Get in it to win it and contact an Elks Lodge near you!

District

After winning a Lodge Hoop Shoot contest, local champions move on to compete at the district level. District contests are coordinated by District Hoop Shoot Directors and generally occur between the months of December and January. If you are a District Champion and need more information on your district contest or District Director, contact your State Hoop Shoot Director or email hoopshoot@elks.org.

State

At the state level, Hoop Shoot contestants compete for a chance to become the number one free-throw-shooter in their home state! For questions regarding your State Hoop Shoot contest, contact your Hoop Shoot State Director. To view a complete list of 2022-2023 state contest dates, click here.

North Carolina State Elks Association

Regional

The Regional Semi-Finals are some of the most exciting Hoop Shoot contests of all! 288 state champions compete in 12 different cities across the country for a chance to win the opportunity of a life time—a trip to the Hoop Shoot National Finals in Springfield, Mass. For questions regarding a Regional Hoop Shoot contest, contact your Hoop Shoot Regional Director. To view a complete list of regional contest dates, click here.

National Finals

The Hoop Shoot National Finals are held annually in Chicago Illinois. In the end, one boy and one girl from each age-group will win a national title and will have their names permanently inscribed at the Basketball Hall of Fame.  Click here to view a complete list of former national champions.

To learn more about the Elks National Hoop Shoot program, please visit elks.org/hoopshoot/.