Shooting Sports Scout Interest Badge

The Shooting Sports Scout Interest Badge will introduce you to the exciting world of safe and responsible shooting sports. You will learn important skills like safety rules, marksmanship, equipment care, and ethical behaviour, all while developing focus, patience, and self-discipline. This badge is about precision, responsibility, and respect—not using weapons for harm. You will take part in age-appropriate shooting activities under the guidance of qualified instructors, helping you build confidence, skill, and enjoyment in a safe, structured environment.

(Previously Marksman Scout Interest Badge and Sharpshooter Scout Interest Badge)

Badge Requirements

Shoot Safe, Shoot Smart
1. Demonstrate an understanding of shooting safety principles by explaining the four fundamental rules of safe shooting and showing how they are applied in practice.
2. Identify and explain the main safety features of the firearm or airgun (air rifle or air pistol) being used, including any mechanical safeties and safe handling practices such as correct trigger discipline (keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to shoot).
3. Explain the importance of personal protective equipment, including why eye and ear protection must be worn at all times when using any firearm on a shooting range.
4. Demonstrate correct behaviour on a shooting range, including the use of range commands, effective muzzle control, and safe movement on and off the firing line.
5. Explain the principles of safe and legal storage for firearms and ammunition.
6. Before taking part in any live firing, successfully complete a written or verbal safety assessment conducted by the Badge Examiner or the qualified instructor or range officer supervising the activity.
Shooting Equipment and Care
1. Correctly identify and name the main parts of the firearm or airgun being used.
2. Demonstrate safe handling and an understanding of shooting equipment and its care, including basic maintenance and routine cleaning of the firearm or airgun being used.
3. Explain how ammunition is handled, and stored safely, appropriate to the firearm or airgun being used.
Responsible and Lawful Shooting
1. Explain, in simple terms, the legal requirements for firearm ownership and use in South Africa.
2. Discuss with the examiner a basic understanding of the Firearms Control Act, specifically relating to:
  - the acquisition and ownership of firearms
  - the lawful carrying of firearms
  - the safe and responsible use of firearms
  - the legal requirements for the safe keeping and storage of firearms
3. Explain why Scouts are expected to show restraint, discipline, and respect when handling firearms or airguns.
4. Describe appropriate and inappropriate uses of firearms or airguns, with emphasis on sport, safety, and responsible behaviour.
Mastering the Basics
1. Practise dry-firing drills under supervision to develop safe handling habits, trigger control, and concentration.
2. Demonstrate correct shooting technique by showing proper stance or position, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control, appropriate to the firearm or airgun being used.
3. Explain the importance of breathing control and follow-through, and how these affect accuracy, consistency, and safe shooting.
Cooperation, Leadership, and Safe Range Practices
1. Demonstrate Scout values on the range: Show honesty, respect, and responsibility while participating in all shooting activities, and demonstrate encouragement, patience, and consideration towards other range users.
2. Support range operations by assisting with setting up and packing away equipment safely and efficiently under supervision.
3. Function as a range assistant or safety spotter ensuring others’ safety, under supervision, while following instructions carefully.
Certified Marksmanship Test
Apply learned marksmanship skills safely, responsibly, and accurately under the supervision of a qualified instructor or range officer.
Successfully complete a certified marksmanship test using either an air rifle or a small-bore rifle, meeting the standards set out below.
Produce two certified targets, shot within a four-week period, either on the same day or on two different days.
For each target, achieve a minimum score of 60 out of 100, calculated using the edge of the shot-hole nearest the centre of the target.
Each target must be signed and certified by a qualified instructor or range officer.
Complete ONE of the following:
Option A: Small-bore Rifle - .22
Firearm: .22 calibre, single loading, any sights except telescopic

Position: Prone

Distance: 25 metres

Target: Standard .22 Practice Target

Rounds: 10 rounds per target

Minimum Score: 60/100

Option B: Air Rifle - 4.5 mm (.177)
Firearm: 4.5 mm (.177) air rifle, single loading, any sights except telescopic

Position: Standing or prone

Distance: 10 metres

Target: International Air Rifle Target

Rounds: 10 pellets per target

Minimum Score: 60/100
Reflect, Learn, and Improve
1. Reflect with the examiner on what has been learned while completing the Shooting Sports Scout Interest Badge, including key skills developed and challenges faced.
2. Describe how the lessons learned from this badge can be applied to other Scouting activities and everyday life.
3. Explain why safety and responsibility are essential in shooting sports, both on and off the range.
4. Describe how the lessons learned from this badge can be applied to other Scouting activities and everyday life.

Recommended Age Range: The Shooting Sports Scout Interest Badge is designed for Scouts who have an interest in precision shooting sports and who wish to develop disciplined firearm and airgun handling skills, strong safety awareness, concentration, self-control, and respect for the law and the environment. The badge emphasises responsibility, safety, and personal development rather than combat or aggression.

Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge should be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed.

The ideal Examiner should be a certified shooting instructor or coach with formal training in firearm or target shooting safety, or an experienced Scouter with recognised shooting qualifications and practical experience in shooting sports. They should be knowledgeable about firearm handling, range safety, and scoring, able to demonstrate correct techniques, enforce strict safety standards, assess Scouts' competence accurately, and provide constructive feedback to help Scouts develop skill, discipline, and confidence in a safe shooting environment.

Note to the Examiner

This is a Scout Interest Badge intended to introduce Scouts to the fundamentals of shooting sports, with emphasis on safe firearm and airgun handling, responsible behaviour, marksmanship, and personal discipline. It is not intended to assess the competency of a competitive shooter, firearms instructor, or professional marksman.
Safety is the highest priority throughout the assessment. No live firing may take place until the Scout has successfully demonstrated an understanding of the required safety principles and completed the safety assessment in Requirement 1.
The Examiner must stop the assessment immediately if any unsafe behaviour is observed.
Practical handling and shooting activities must take place at an approved shooting range or another suitably controlled environment, under the supervision of a suitably qualified instructor or range officer.
Examiners must ensure that all activities comply with SCOUTS South Africa's Constitution, Policies and Safety Framework, applicable range rules, and South African legislation, and that the necessary approvals are in place for any firearm or airgun used.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

Shooting Sports Scout Interest Badge (PDF)

Last Update

July 2026

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