Athletics and the Trail to Eagle
Athletics is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Athletics Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 5 main requirements for Athletics. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in athletics activities.
- b.Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while participating in athletics events.
- 2
Explain the importance of warming up and cooling down, maintaining a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and body composition, and staying hydrated.
- 3
Select a sport and follow a training program for one season. Create a chart showing your progress.
- 4
Do the following:
- a.Explain the purpose and importance of rules in athletic competition.
- b.Explain what good sportsmanship means.
- 5
Do ONE of the following:
- a.Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge related to athletics.
- b.Identify how you might use skills related to athletics to pursue a personal hobby and/or healthy lifestyle.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Athletics Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Athletics, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Athletics is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 3 months for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 11 Athletics requirements for you.
Athletics Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Athletics merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Athletics is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Athletics merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Athletics in about 3 months, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Athletics merit badge?
Athletics is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Athletics can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Athletics merit badge have?
Athletics has 5 main requirements with 6 sub-requirements, for 11 items in total.
