Fitness Challenge
Fitness Challenge Navigation

Events & Standard Operating Procedures

Competition rules and comprehensive procedures for the All-Service JROTC Fitness Challenge Championships

The All-Service National JROTC Fitness Challenge Championships will put the nation's top JROTC teams to the test on the shores of the world's most famous beach. This one-day championship operation assembles elite Male, Mixed, and Female teams for a demanding evaluation of physical readiness, teamwork, discipline, strength, speed, power, and mental toughness.

The JROTC Fitness Nationals tests cadets in two challenging team beach events and three indoor strength events, rewarding programs that strategize and execute with intensity. This is your opportunity to battle against the best of the best and close out the year strong. LEAVE IT ALL ON THE BEACH!

Fitness Challenge competition

Competition Divisions

Male Teams

Generally all male competitors, but no restrictions on adding female cadets

Female Teams

ALL female competitors

Mixed Teams

Minimum of FOUR female competitors in each event

Competition Events

Events are subject to change from year-to-year, especially in the event of inclement weather. Please refer to the Competition SOP to learn more.

5k Team Beach Run

5k Team Beach Run

Teams run together on the beach in this endurance challenge.

Physical Team Test

Physical Team Test

Comprehensive fitness assessment testing overall speed, strategy, and teamwork.

Weighted Ball Throw

Weighted Ball Throw

Power and technique event measuring throwing strength and distance.

Standing Double Broad Jump

Standing Double Broad Jump

Explosive power event testing lower body strength and coordination.

Pull Ups/Flexed Arm Hang

Pull Ups/Flexed Arm Hang

Upper body strength challenge testing muscular endurance. Male cadets will complete pull ups and female cadets will complete the flexed arm hang.

Event Scoresheets

View and download official scoresheets for all competition events.

View Scoresheets

Standard Operating Procedures

Comprehensive rules and regulations governing all aspects of the Fitness Challenge Championships

Competition SOP

Competition SOP

Detailed rules and regulations for all competition events, scoring criteria, and performance standards.

  • • Event-specific rules and regulations
  • • Scoring criteria and methodology
  • • Performance standards and expectations
  • • Competition procedures and protocols
Download Competition SOP
SOP Updates

SOP Updates

Stay informed about the latest changes and updates to our Standard Operating Procedures.

1 June 2025

Event Scoresheets Posted

Event SOP and score sheets are now posted on the website for the 2026 Championships. Please read through CAREFULLY and prepare as MANY items have undergone SERIOUS change. Thank you to the schools that took the time to send AAR comments as many of your suggestions went right into the 2026 event regs!

21 October 2025

FOUL for Weighted Ball Throw

The SOP states, "The opposing foot may lift off the ground on follow through, but the ball must be thrown before the second foot makes contact with the ground. This is guidance that you cannot "run up". You get one STEP and then the ball is thrown. Much like in most all track & field events, you CANNOT have any part of you touch the line or ground OVER the line at ANY POINT during your throwing action.EXAMPLE1: Ball Toss cadet steps FORWARD, releases the ball correctly, and the trailing foot lifts and comes down touching the line before or even even after the ball lands(FOUL); EXAMPLE2: Ball Toss cadet steps FORWARD, releases the ball correctly, and the trailing foot lifts and comes down BEHIND the line but the hand of the thrower touches the line after the ball lands(FOUL). Stay BEHIND THE LINE during all aspects of your throw.

21 October 2025

SAFE BEACH USE

SNI STRONGLY RECOMMENDS EACH TEAM BRING THE FOLLOWING to the BEACH if possible: - 10' x 10' pop-up tent to place on the beach to provide shade for your attending cadets between events. - Gloves and hats, as well as matching thin, long sleeve beach shirts for the cadets are a smart add. (especially for cadets from farther north unused to the intensity of the sun here in Daytona!)

26 November 2025

Weighted Ball Throw Size

After exhaustive testing, the specific balls in use for the Weighted Ball Throw competition have been selected. As promised, they are 10lbs. (male) and 6lbs. (female). They are stippled and rubberized on the outside so grip will be exceptional. The female ball is a smaller diameter as you can see. Several people have asked where they can get these exact balls for their team. They are from the Amazon Basics collection. They are very reasonably priced and can be delivered free of charge on-line. In fact, here is the direct link where you can buy the same ones we purchased for use at the Fitness Nationals. On this site, you can get the circumference and other details you may want as well, along with more general information on their product. Both the 6lb. and the 10lb. BALL TOSS BALLS are here.