Skating Merit Badge issue

My name is Dan Meyer, an assistent scoutmaster with Troop 2 in
Downingtown, PA. I just subscribed to the SCOUTS-L listserv
because I have an issue I'd like to discuss concerning the Skating
merit badge.

I have 4 scouts who have been working on the badge and are at the
point where the only requirement left is to "Shoot The Duck". Of
the 4 scouts, IMO, two of them will never be able to physically
accomplish this requirement because of their size: they simply
cannot get their center of gravity sufficiently forward enough to
balance on a skate.

All 4 boys are good skaters - they've been on roller blades for over
four years. One of "two" has been playing ice hockey for the last
year and can quickly and easily demonstrate every requirement, EXCEPT
"Shoot the Duck".

Of all the merit badges I've counciled or reviewed requirements for,
this is the first one where I feel the requirements are unfair and
inconsistent. "Shoot the Duck" is a fairly difficult move to
learn. It requires more balance than normal skating; it requires
considerable leg strength; they could probably learn a sit spin
quicker, and easier than "Shoot the Duck". Oh, and its practically
impossible to do on roller blades because of the skate construction.

There is one requirement for skating that says to "do it to the
best of your ability". But there are no "Do 1 of the following"
or "Do 2 of the following". It simply says "Do the following".
And "Shoot The Duck" is at the end of the list.

These scouts have worked hard to earn this badge. What do I do?

+------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Dan Meyer Assistent Scoutmaster |
| (610) 648-4580 Troop 2, Downingtown, PA |
| MEYER%TRPROGB@ECCSA.Tr.Unisys.com |
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