Athletics
Resources
- Athletics Class Preparation Page
- Athletics Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Athletics Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 8, 2025
as of March 8, 2025
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 parent or guardian and the proper religious advisors state in
writing that to do so would be against religious convictions. The Scout's
parent or guardian must also accept full responsibility for anything that
might happen because of this exemption.
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, heat reactions,
and concussions.
2.
Do the following:
a.
Before completing requirements 3 and 5, have your health-care
practitioner give you a physical examination, using the Scout Annual
Health and Medical Record 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 three 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 options and show
improvement over a three-month period:
Option 1: Sprinting
a.
100-meter dash
b.
200-meter dash
Option 2: Long-Distance Running
a.
3k run
b.
5k run
Option 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)
Option 4: Swimming
a.
100-meter swim
b.
200-meter swim
Option 5: Pull-Ups AND Push-Ups
a.
Pull-ups in two minutes
b.
Push-ups in two minutes
Option 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)
Option 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
Option 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)
Option 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 or guardian'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.
