Scouting/BSA/Sports Merit Badge

The requirements to this merit badge are copyrighted by the Boy Scouts of America. They are reproduced in part here under fair use as a resource for Scouts and Scouters to use in the earning and teaching of merit badges. The requirements published by the Boy Scouts of America should always be used over the list here. If in doubt about the accuracy of a requirement, consult your Merit Badge Counselor.

Reading this page does not satisfy any requirement for any merit badge. Per National regulations, the only person who may sign off on requirements is a Merit Badge Counselor, duly registered and authorized by the local Council. To obtain a list of registered Merit Badge Counselors, or to begin a Merit Badge, please contact your Scoutmaster or Council Service Center.

Requirement 1

Show that you know first aid for and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur while playing sports, including sprains, strains, contusions, abrasions, fractures, blisters, muscle cramps, dehydration, heat and cold reactions. injured teeth, nausea, and suspected injuries to the head, neck, and back.

Requirement 2

Explain the importance of the following:

A. The physical exam

B. Maintaining good health habits, especially during training

C. Maintaining a healthy diet

Requirement 3

Discuss the following:

A. The importance of warming up and cooling down

B. The importance of weight training

C. What an amateur athlete is and the differences between an amateur and a professional athlete

D. The attributes (qualities) of a good sport, the importance of sportsmanship, and the traits of a good team leader and player who exhibits Scout spirit on and off the playing field

Requirement 4

Take part for one season (or four months) as a competitive individual or as a member of an organized team in TWO of the following sports: baseball, basketball, bowling, cross-country, field hockey, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, water polo. Your counselor may approve in advance other recognized sports, but not any sport that is restricted and not authorized by the Boy Scouts of America. Then with your chosen sports do the following:

A. Give the rules and etiquette for the two sports you picked.

B. List the equipment needed for the two sports you chose. Describe the protective equipment and appropriate clothing (if any) and explain why it is needed.

C. Draw diagrams of the playing areas for your two sports.

Requirement 5

With guidance from your counselor, establish a personal training program suited to the activities you chose for requirement 4. Then do the following:

A. Organize a chart to track your training, practice, and development in these sports for one season (or four months).

B. Demonstrate proper technique for your two chosen sports.

C. At the end of the season, share your completed chart with your counselor and discuss how your participation in the sports you chose has affected you mentally and physically.

External links

• Sports Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.
• How to Warm Up and Cool Down from the Mayo Clinic