Sports and the Trail to Eagle
Sports 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.
Sports Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 6 main requirements for Sports. 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 risks you may encounter while participating in sports.
- b.Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while participating in sports.
- 2
Explain the importance of the physical exam, maintaining good health habits, and maintaining a healthy diet.
- 3
Discuss the importance of warming up and cooling down, weight training, what an amateur athlete is, and the qualities of a good sport.
- 4
Select TWO sports and discuss with your counselor how you will complete the requirements in 5(a) through 5(h) for each sport.
- 5
Do the following for each of your two chosen sports: establish a personal training program, create a tracking chart, demonstrate proper technique, list equipment needed, list rules and etiquette, draw a diagram of the playing area, participate in each sport, and share your chart at the end of the season.
- 6
Do ONE of the following: identify three career opportunities related to sports, or identify how you might use sport skills for a personal hobby.
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 Sports Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Sports, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Sports 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 8 Sports requirements for you.
Sports Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Sports merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Sports 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 Sports merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Sports in about 3 months, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Sports merit badge?
Sports is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Sports can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Sports merit badge have?
Sports has 6 main requirements with 2 sub-requirements, for 8 items in total.
