Sports Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 1.a
      Explain to your counselor the most likely risks you may encounter while participating in sports and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these risks.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 1.b
      Show that you know first aid or understand the treatment for injuries that could occur while participating in sports, including sprains; strains; muscle cramps; contusions; abrasions; blisters; dehydration; heat reactions; fractures; injured teeth; head, neck, and back injuries; and concussions.
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Explain the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 2.a
      The importance of the physical exam
   2. # Copy link to requirement 2.b
      The importance of maintaining good health habits for life (such as exercising regularly), and how the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and other harmful substances can negatively affect your health and your performance in sports activities
   3. # Copy link to requirement 2.c
      The importance of maintaining a healthy diet.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Discuss the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 3.a
      The importance of warming up and cooling down
   2. # Copy link to requirement 3.b
      The importance of weight training
   3. # Copy link to requirement 3.c
      What an amateur athlete is and the differences between an amateur and a professional athlete
   4. # Copy link to requirement 3.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.
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Select TWO of the following sports and discuss with your counselor how you will complete the requirements in 5(a) through 5(h) for each sport: badminton, baseball, basketball, bowling, cross-country, diving, field hockey, flag football, flag team, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, spirit/cheerleading, swimming, tackle football, table tennis, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, and/or wrestling. Your counselor may approve in advance other recognized sports, but not any sport that is prohibited by Scouting America. The sports you choose must include regular practice sessions and at least four structured, officiated, scored games, meets, or contests against other competitive individuals or organized teams during the period of participation.
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 5.a
      With guidance from your counselor, establish a suitable personal training program that you will follow throughout your competition season (or for three months).
   2. # Copy link to requirement 5.b
      Create a chart or other tracking system, and document your training, practice, and development during this time.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 5.c
      Demonstrate proper technique to play each sport effectively and avoid injury.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 5.d
      List and describe the equipment needed for each sport, including protective equipment and any specialized clothing.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 5.e
      List and explain the rules and proper etiquette of each sport.
   6. # Copy link to requirement 5.f
      Draw and explain a diagram of the playing area for each sport.
   7. # Copy link to requirement 5.g
      Participate in each sport as a competitive individual or as a member of an organized team for one season (or for three months).
   8. # Copy link to requirement 5.h
      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.
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Do ONE of the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 6.a
      Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge related to a sport. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 6.b
      Identify how you might use skills and knowledge related to a sport to pursue a personal hobby and/or healthy lifestyle. Research the additional training required, expenses, and affiliation with organizations that would help you maximize the enjoyment and benefit you might gain from it. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and share what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.