Requirements
If meeting any of the requirements for this merit badge is against the Scout’s religious
convictions, the requirement does not have to be done if the Scout’s parents
and the proper religious advisors state in writing that to do so would be
against religious convictions. The Scout’s parents must also accept full responsibility
for anything that might happen because of this exemption.
Requirement 2a is being added for health and safety, and to provide consistency
with the Personal Fitness merit badge.
1. Do the following:
(a) Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter
during athletics activities, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent,
mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
(b) Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur
while participating in athletics events, including sprains, strains, contusions,
abrasions, blisters, dehydration, and heat reactions.
2. Do the following:
(a) Before completing requirements 3 and 5, have your health-care practitioner
give you a physical examination, using the Scout medical examination form.
(b) Explain the importance of a physical exam.
(c) Explain the importance of maintaining good health habits, especially
during training—and how the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and other
harmful substances can negatively affect your health and your performance
in athletic activities.
(d) Explain the importance of maintaining a healthy diet.
3. Select an athletic activity that interests you, then do the following:
(a) With guidance from your counselor, establish a personal training program
suited to the activity you have chosen. Follow this training program for
three months.
(b) Create a chart to monitor your progress during this time.
(c) Explain to your counselor the equipment necessary to participate in this
activity and the appropriate clothing for the time of year.
(d) At the end of four months, review the chart you created for requirement
3b, and discuss with your counselor what progress you have made during
training. Tell how your development has affected you mentally and physically.
4. Do the following:
(a) Give the rules for two athletic activities, one of which is the activity you
chose for requirement 3.
(b) Discuss the importance of warming up and cooling down.
(c) Explain to your counselor what an amateur athlete is and the differences
between an amateur and a professional athlete.
(d) Discuss the traits and importance of good sportsmanship. Tell what role
sportsmanship plays in both individual and group athletic activities.
5. Complete the activities in FOUR of the following groups and show improvement
over a three-month period:
Group 1: Sprinting
(a) 100-meter dash
(b) 200-meter dash
Group 2: Long-Distance Running
(a) 3k run
(b) 5k run
Group 3: Long Jump OR High Jump
(a) Running long jump OR running high jump (best of three tries)
(b) Standing long jump OR standing high jump (best of three tries)
Group 4: Swimming
(a) 100-meter swim
(b) 200-meter swim
Group 5: Pull-Ups AND Push-Ups
(a) Pull-ups in two minutes
(b) Push-ups in two minutes
Group 6: Baseball Throw
(a) Baseball throw for accuracy, 10 throws at a target (distance to be determined
by age): ages 11 to 12, 20 feet; ages 13 to 15, 30 feet; ages 16 to 17, 40 feet
(b) Baseball throw for distance, five throws (total distance)
Group 7: Basketball Shooting
(a) Basketball shot for accuracy, 10 free-throw shots
(b) Basketball throw for skill and agility, the following shots as shown on
the diagram:
(1) Left-side layup
(2) Right-side layup
(3) Left side of hoop, along the key line
(4) Right side of hoop, along the key line
(5) Where key line and free-throw
line meet, left side
(6) Where key line and free-throw
line meet, right side
(7) Top of the key
(8) Anywhere along the
three-point line
Group 8: Football Kick OR Soccer Kick
(a) Goals from the 10-yard line,
eight kicks
(b) Football kick or soccer kick for distance,
five kicks (total distance)
Group 9: Weight Training
(a) Chest/bench press, two sets of 15 repetitions each
(b) Leg curls, two sets of 15 repetitions each
6. Do the following:
(a) Prepare plans for conducting a sports meet or field day that includes
10 activities, at least five of which must come from the groups mentioned
in requirement 5. Outline the duties of each official needed and list the
equipment the meet will require.
(b) With your parent’s and counselor’s approval, serve as an official or
volunteer at a sports meet to observe officials in action. Tell your counselor
about your responsibilities at the meet and discuss what you learned.
Resources:
Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements
boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges