Athletics
Merit Badge Workbook
This Scoutmaster Bucky Merit Badge Workbook is based off the 2020 Scouts BSA 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 1: Do the following:
Requirement 1a: 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.
Requirement 1b: 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.
Requirement 2: Do the following:
Requirement 2a: Before completing requirements 3 and 5, have your health-care practitioner give you a physical examination, using the Scout medical examination form.
Requirement 2b: Explain the importance of a physical exam.
Requirement 2c: 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.
Requirement 2d: Explain the importance of maintaining a healthy diet.
Requirement 3: Select an athletic activity that interests you, then do the following:
Requirement 3a: With guidance from your counselor, establish a personal training program suited to the activity you have chosen. Follow this training program for three months.
Requirement 3b: Create a chart to monitor your progress during this time.
Requirement 3c: Explain to your counselor the equipment necessary to participate in this activity and the appropriate clothing for the time of year.
Requirement 3d: 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.
Requirement 4: Do the following:
Requirement 4a: Give the rules for two athletic activities, one of which is the activity you chose for requirement 3.
Requirement 4b: Discuss the importance of warming up and cooling down.
Requirement 4c: Explain to your counselor what an amateur athlete is and the differences between an amateur and a professional athlete.
Requirement 4d: Discuss the traits and importance of good sportsmanship. Tell what role sportsmanship plays in both individual and group athletic activities.
Requirement 5: Complete the activities in FOUR of the following groups and show improvement over a three-month period:
Group 1: Sprinting
Requirement 5a: 100-meter dash
Requirement 5b: 200-meter dash
Group 2: Long-Distance Running
Group 3: Long Jump OR High Jump
Requirement 5a: Running long jump OR running high jump (best of three tries)
Requirement 5b: Standing long jump OR standing high jump (best of three tries)
Group 4: Swimming
Requirement 5a: 100-meter swim
Requirement 5b: 200-meter swim
Group 5: Pull-Ups AND Push-Ups
Requirement 5a: Pull-ups in two minutes
Requirement 5b: Push-ups in two minutes
Group 6: Baseball Throw
Requirement 5a: 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
Requirement 5b: Baseball throw for distance, five throws (total distance)
Group 7: Basketball Shooting
Requirement 5a: Basketball shot for accuracy, 10 free-throw shots
Requirement 5b: Basketball throw for skill and agility, the following shots as shown on the diagram:
Requirement 5b1: Left-side layup
Requirement 5b2: Right-side layup
Requirement 5b3: Left side of hoop, along the key line
Requirement 5b4: Right side of hoop, along the key line
Requirement 5b5: Where key line and free-throw line meet, left side
Requirement 5b6: Where key line and free-throw line meet, right side
Requirement 5b7: Top of the key
Requirement 5b8: Anywhere along the three-point line
Group 8: Football Kick OR Soccer Kick
Requirement 5a: Goals from the 10-yard line, eight kicks
Requirement 5b: Football kick or soccer kick for distance, five kicks (total distance)
Group 9: Weight Training
Requirement 5a: Chest/bench press, two sets of 15 repetitions each
Requirement 5b: Leg curls, two sets of 15 repetitions each
Requirement 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.
