Tenderfoot Requirement... Is it 1/4-mile or 500 yards?

[RWSmith]

The 2010 handbook indicates on page 96 and 99 that the tenderfoot physical fitness requirement has changed from a 1/4 mile run/walk to a 500 yard run/walk. However, in the advancement sign-off section on page 433, it still references a 1/4 mile. Did the requirement change?

[RWSmith]

The 2010 handbook indicates on page 96 and 99 that the tenderfoot physical fitness requirement has changed from a 1/4 mile run/walk to a 500 yard run/walk.

Huh? That's odd? IDNKT.

However, in the advancement sign-off section on page 433, it still references a 1/4 mile. Did the requirement change?

No; it's still 1/4-mile.

P.S. Regardless of what the BSH might indicate, which is only updated "as needed" (roughly every decade, or so), the "[insert current year here] Boy Scout Requirements" (BSR), which is released annually, should be used for the official requirements, unless(!)... National issues "Rank" advancement changes sometime "during the year" with special "effective-date" instructions. (Yeah, it's happened before.)

[smtroop168]

The 500 yards is a misprint. There used to be a 500 yd requirement in the mid 1990s. I guess they figured 1 lap around a track was easier than figuring out 500 yds.

[RWSmith]

Yeah... what he said.

[smtroop168]

Yeah... what he said.

Gotta get 3000 posts somehow.

Anyway..Chip...the error you found in the handbook has been sent to my POC at National for action.

[FieldSports]

Aren't most tracks now 400 meter?

[FrankJ]

A quarter mile is 402 meters so I don't think that would make much of a difference.

[PaulSWolf]

Aren't most tracks now 400 meter?

Yes. The international standard for outdoor tracks is indeed 400 meters, although many tracks in the USA are still 1/4 mile - 440 yards - 402.336 meters long. (400 meters is 437.11 yards or 0.2485 mile).

[RWSmith]

I agree...

• 440 yards = 0.25 miles;
• 400 meters = 0.248548477 miles .... IMHO, mox nix(sic?); but,
• 500 yards = 0.284090 miles .... Eh, 60 yards is just too much of a difference.

For the very reasons mentioned above, maybe the requirement should read (next time around), "440 yards (1/4-mile) -or- 400 meters".

That way, both tracks are covered. And smtroop168, don't you dare chime in with "two furlongs!"

[John F.]

I agree...

• 440 yards = 0.25 miles;
• 400 meters = 0.248548477 miles .... IMHO, mox nix(sic?); but,
• 500 yards = 0.284090 miles .... Eh, 60 yards is just too much of a difference.

For the very reasons mentioned above, maybe the requirement should read (next time around), "440 yards (1/4-mile) -or- 400 meters".

That way, both tracks are covered. And smtroop168, don't you dare chime in with "two furlongs!"

Sorry, there is only one of me.

[ThunderingWind]

Aren't most tracks now 400 meter?

A lot around here are 1/4 mile but DUAL painted.

[RWSmith]

And smtroop168, don't you dare chime in with "two furlongs!"

Sorry, there is only one of me.

Arrrrgggghhhh!!!!!

I was trying to cut Matt (and his trusty steed, aptly named Snarky) off "at the paddock." (I mean, if anybody was going to jump in here and mention adding two furlongs, it would've been him. Right?)

But, nnnooooooo!!!!! I have to admit it John, you truly got me there... that was absolutely, positively, once-in-a-lifetime PRICELESS.

==============

P.S. Does this mean that, in your Troop, your Scouts have to walk/run you twice around the track?

[FrankJ]

Oh NO. I hear the GTA just got pulled back for furlong changes. Good thing it's published in PDF rather than paper & ink

[smtroop168]

Man! I thought we were more civil than some of the "other forums" but I'm a big boy and can take a shot.

Now it's time to go pick on the Personal Fitness MB where the run requirement is 1 mile (8 furlongs) vice 1500 meters. You also have the option of running as far as you can in 9 minutes which for some is 400 feet.

[ronin718]

So if a Scout can find a large [>8] family named Furlong and runs them out the door, does he fulfill the mile-run requirement?

[John F.]

P.S. Does this mean that, in your Troop, your Scouts have to walk/run you twice around the track?

They make me lay down, and start running from my toes to my head, then turn around and run back. For the length of two Furlong.

[Fred Johnson]

Man! I thought we were more civil than some of the "other forums" ...

Laughing. I haven't seen that. I always thought there was an excessive use of and .

[smtroop168]

Man! I thought we were more civil than some of the "other forums" ...

Laughing. I haven't seen that. I always thought there was an excessive use of and .

That's just Wagion and he's harmless.

I think we will callout someone when they are blantantly wrong but there are a few posters on other forums who tend to attack the poster. We also are good at revoking your membership and deleting posting that cross the line.