Athletics


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Athletics Requirements
Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of June 6, 2026
as of June 6, 2026
1.
Do the following with your counselor:
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 with your counselor:
a.
Discuss the importance of having a physical examination each
year. Discuss why overall health, immunizations, medications,
allergies, and medical history are covered during an
examination. Tell your counselor when you last underwent a
physical examination.
b.
Explain how you maintain 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.
c.
Describe the elements of a nutritious, balanced diet, and
explain what you do to maintain 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.
Use a chart or other tracking method 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 activity
and the time of year.
d.
At the end of three months, review your records from requirement
3(b), 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.
Explain 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 before and
after each training session or event.
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 A—Sprinting. Do ALL of the following:
1.
100-meter dash
2.
200-meter dash
Option B—Long-Distance Running. Do ALL of the
following:
1.
3k run
2.
5k run
Option C—Long Jump OR High Jump. Do ALL of the
following:
1.
Running long jump OR running high jump (best of three
tries)
2.
Standing long jump OR standing high jump (best of three
tries)
Option D—Swimming. Do ALL of the following:
1.
100-meter swim
2.
200-meter swim
Option E—Pull-Ups AND Push-Ups. Do ALL of the
following:
1.
Pull-ups in two minutes
2.
Push-ups in two minutes
Option F—Baseball Throw. Do ALL of the
following:
1.
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
2.
Baseball throw for distance, five throws (total
distance)
Option G—Basketball Shooting. Do ALL the
following:
1.
Basketball shot for accuracy, 10 free-throw shots
2.
Basketball throw for skill and agility, the following
shots:
a.
Left-side layup
b.
Right-side layup
c.
Left side of hoop, along the key line
d.
Right side of hoop, along the key line
e.
Where key line and free-throw line meet, left
side
f.
Where key line and free-throw line meet, right
side
g.
Top of the key
h.
Another spot along the three-point line
Option H—Football Kick OR Soccer Kick. Do ALL
of the following:
1.
Goals from the 10-yard line, eight kicks
2.
Football kick or soccer kick for distance, five kicks
(total distance)
Option I—Weight Training. Do ALL of the
following:
1.
Chest/bench press, two sets of 15 repetitions each
2.
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.
7.
Do ONE of the following:
a.
Explore three careers related to athletics. Research one career
area by interviewing an expert in the field, visiting a site, or
using other resources. Learn about training, education,
expenses, job outlook, salary, and advancement. Discuss your
findings and career interest with your counselor.
b.
Explore how an area of athletics could contribute to a hobby or
healthy lifestyle. Research education, costs, and organizations
related to this activity. Discuss your findings and goals with
your counselor.