Comments on: BSA Height/Weight Controversy

By: Kristin

Kristin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:51:11 +0000

I completely agree with the guidelines for two reasons. 1. Scout leaders are role models and with the childhood obesity epidemic, they should be able to serve as an example of healthy living. 2. It’s too hard to rescue fat people from rough terrain.

I don’t see what everyone is complaining about. At my height, I would have to gain almost 100 lbs to become ineligible. If you are that fat, I think leading scout trips should be the least of your concerns.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 18:13:34 +0000

I am an Eagle Scout for the past 43 years. I have 2 sons in Scouting. I have been active for the past 20 years. I am deeply upset with BSA as to the weight restrictions as a blanket rule used to prevent some people from events. Instead of using the physical conducted by a Physician where the Physical could state his objections based on professional evaluation. This goes against everything BSA stands for. To say NO to a certain group of people. They say this is for the good f everyone. Then PLEASE tell me why in the world an organization that accepts with open arms every sort of disability and behavioral issue. Will say NO to an able person that has proved over the past 8 years they are more than able to go on High Adventures with flying colors, pass every obstacle. Yet I have witnessed many a disabled or behavioral issue person risk the safety, lives, and well being of many others.

By: Teresa

Teresa — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 11:42:56 +0000

My only question is what about the boys who fall below the height weight chart altogether….my son at 12 in only 52.5 inches and 60 pounds. How does the chart extend below the 60 inch guide? And what about the scouts that are too skinny?

By: Kevin

Kevin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:25:32 +0000

If the intention was to encourage people to be more aware of their health in relation to the activities then that’s what they should have been written. Part C of the health form already states that there are risks to scouting activities. Part C of the health form also already includes a hold harmless release. If the BSA wanted to include a statement that each individual should be certain they are physically capable to participate in an activity then Part C would have been the place.

What they wrote, in bold red print, was a strongly worded recommendation that the height/weight limit be enforced for all activities. I do not understand why people only discuss the mandatory part never discuss the strongly worded recommendation; in fact they consistently insist that there is no intention to exclude boys or volunteers who do not meet the height/weight limit from participating in non “high adventure” activities. Again, that is not what the health form says. It clearly states “Enforcing the height/weight limit is strongly encouraged for all other events.”

My understanding of “enforcing the height/weight limit” is that if you do not meet the height/weight limit you cannot participate. Is your understanding different?

My understanding of “all other events” is any event that requires a health form and is not considered a “high adventure”. Is your understanding different?

I feel that in their zeal to keep adding legalese to the health form they are creating a less inviting environment for overweight people. And it doesn’t seem that any of the BSA officials I have tried to contact are concerned about the affect the wording has on participation.

Over the last year I have lost over 25 pounds in an effort to rejoin scouting, however during this time my 14 year old son has lost interest in scouting. He is a life scout and a brave in the tribe of Mic-O-Say and now has little to no interest in rejoining scouting, becoming an Eagle scout, or becoming a warrior in the tribe of Mic-O-Say. Which is sad since I am an Eagle scout, so are both my brothers, my step dad.

-Kevin

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 03 May 2010 22:21:24 +0000

I just lost 20 pounds to make sure I was under the max. I hope to lose another 20! Of course, there were many good reasons for a 50 year-old Scoutmaster to do this, but the thought of missing out on adventure was a powerful encouragement. I used a meal program, which is a big help for someone who has a place to be every hour of the day.

By: Kati

Kati — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:38:06 +0000

First off, I would say that for those of you who struggle to lose weight, my husband has had a lot of success with a low-carb diet (he’s lost upward of 40 lbs and is still losing). Second, while I acknowledge that there are a few elite athletes who wouldn’t “fit” this chart, men often suffer from “big guy” syndrome. They just think they are “big guys” when really they are (very) overweight. And frankly I call baloney on some of these claims of physical fitness from people, like Elliott, who are more than a hundred pounds overweight. I gained more than sixty pounds when I was pregnant with my first daughter and I could barely walk to the post office, let alone a hike. Third, due to the level of denial I see in a lot of these posts, perhaps requiring some rigorous physicals, not just a weight chart, would be the way to go, so that people who think they are “fit” “big guys” could have their limitations spelled out to them in black and white.

By: Elliot

Elliot — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:33:47 +0000

I am 17, and yes i am overweight im about 5′-11″ and i weigh over 300lbs. The W/H chart should be a guide line not a requirement, i admit im not in great shape, but that dose not mean i cant do everything that a fit person can do. i have been going on camp outs and hikes for the majority om my life, the only difference between me and a fit person is ill finish the hike in maybe 10 min more than everyone else. I should be aloud to do what i want, my wight is not putting any one else in danger, so why cant i go?

By: Okram

Okram — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:29:56 +0000

i am 17 and almost an eagle scout and i think that you are making a mistake with this by putting a weight limit on scout outings. this isn’t a truck or a plan this is life and you want to put a weight limit on it. i believe that is wrong. now i do think that we all need to be physically fit i really do but people should not be ostracized because of their weight and i am sure they know that they need to get into better shape but that should be up to them to decide when and how they are going to do that and should not limit them from doing things that they love.

By: Tim Miller

Tim Miller — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:31:15 +0000

I agree with Mr. G. I find it hard to believe that someone who falls outside this chart could honestly look at themselves in the mirror and say, “I am in GREAT SHAPE.” I am 46 years old, 6′3″, and about 200 lbs. I only do pushups, situps, and walk to stay in shape – Not a great athlete. I cannot believe that I could go to the limit of the chart – 260 LBS!!!! – and still feel great about my body shape. Scouts are not just about making to the end – right?? They are about leading others to the end. Set the example. The chart is an easy standard to meet!!

By: Randy O

Randy O — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:30:13 +0000

I am a Cubmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster, I am just under the max at 72″ and 235lbs. I am not in the best condition and could use a lot of improvement, but I am more fit than several of the Scouts. The recommended weights are a guideline, the maximums are an added 20 to 23 percent higher which is more than generous to account for some of the more muscular individuals and those off us that have been battling with weight for a long time. As scouters we need to take the bull by the horns and get ourselves in better shape for ourselves and to be examples for the scouts. I also believe that National should allow other tests such as a physician administer BMI tests and/or stress tests to determine your physical condition to attend functions.
Something else would be to require all participants or their parents outside of the guidelines to sign waivers of liabilities and to pay for all costs should they need to be rescued and have medical treatment due to their condition. And also pay for any extra expenses incured by the people they are with because their being overweight for their height.