Young Girls' League

The Young Girl's League (Jungmädelbund) was a unit under League of German Girls. This unit belonged to girls between the ages of 14 and 18. The creation of the organization was to support the German New Woman ideal.

## Recruitment and Organization

New members had to register for service between March 1 and March 10 each year, and this registration took place at a local League of German Girls administrative office. To be eligible, girls had to meet specific criteria:

* Be of racial/ethnic German heritage
* Be German citizens
* Be free of hereditary diseases

Once these criteria were met, the girls were assigned to a Jungmädel group based on their geographical location. To officially become a member, they had to attend preparatory service, which included participation in a Jungmädel meeting, a sports afternoon (including a courage test), and a lecture on the responsibilities of a Jungmädel. The official introduction of new members into the Jungmädel rank took place on April 20, Hitler's birthday. During this ceremony, new members were sworn in, received a membership certificate, and were personally welcomed by their group leaders.

At the age of 14, girls transferred to the League of German Girls.

## Jungmädel Challenge

### Overview

To become a "full" member, each girl had to pass the Jungmädel Challenge (Jungmädelprobe). This challenge involved participating in a one-day trip with the group and meeting specific sports requirements. Girls had six months to complete the Jungmädel Challenge. On October 2 each year, those who successfully passed became full members in another ceremony where they were granted the right to wear the black neckerchief and brown leather knot.

Regulations for the Jungmädel Challenge Participation in the Jungmädel Challenge depends on the medical fitness report. The Jungmädel Challenge must be completed in the first half-year after joining the Jungmädelschaft and must be concluded by October 1st. Jungmädel who have not completed the challenge by October 1st will be re-examined at a later date determined by the Jungmädel group leader.

Authorized to conduct the examination are the Jungmädel-Untergau and the Jungmädel-Ringführerin, as well as the Untergau-, Mädel-Ring-, and Mädel-Gruppen-[portwartin of the BDM. The Jungmädel-Gruppenführerin is generally present during the examination of the Jungmädel Challenge and confirms the achievements through her supervision.

The results of the Jungmädel Challenge are entered into the leadership book on the designated page by the conducting Jungmädelführerin or Sportwartin and are certified by the handwritten signature of the responsible Jungmädel-Gruppenführerin. Upon fulfilling the conditions, the leadership book is given to the Jungmädel-Gruppenführerin, who, through her signature, grants the right to wear the neckerchief, ribbons, and badges and thus performs the confirmation of Jungmädel. The confirmation depends not only on the completion of the Jungmädel Challenge but also on the general conduct of the Jungmädel during the first half-year of service in the Jungmädelschaft.

### 60 Meter Run

The 60 meter run is performed on an archery track or, if not available, on any flat and straight track. The conducting authority (outside the examination) must ensure the accuracy of the track. The finish line is marked with a white band. A girl gives the command: "On your marks - get set - go!" When "go" is called, the starting signal is given with a clap over the head. It must stand so free, preferably behind the runners, that it can be seen clearly by the girls who stop. If a runner crosses the starting line before "go," the start is invalid and must be repeated. A stopwatch is used for timing. A run is completed when the runner has crossed the finish line with her entire body. It is not sufficient to touch the finish line with the hands. Self-timed runs can only be stopped by as many girls as there are stopwatches available.

### Long Jump

The jump is made from a jump bar that is approximately 20 cm wide and at least 1.50 m long, embedded in the ground at the same height as the ground and not springy. The surface of the jumping pit must be at the same height as the take-off bar. The length of the run-up is arbitrary. Measurement is made from the point of the jump (closest to the jumping pit) of the bar to the next visible footprint in a perpendicular direction to the bar. The starting point of the measuring tape is placed at the jump point so that the jumping distance can be read from the jump bar. Overstepping makes the jump invalid.

### The Jumps

Each participant has 3 jumps. Passing is achieved if at least one of the 3 jumps is over 2 meters.

Ball Throwing The ball (80g) can be thrown with or without a run-up, and the release is from a clearly visible line. Overstepping occurs if, before the ball touches the ground, the thrower touches the ground behind the release line with any part of her body. The decision on whether a participant has overstepped or not is solely made by the conducting authority, who stands at the release line. The thrower is entitled to 3 throws. Passing is achieved if at least one of the 3 throws is 12 meters or more.

### Gymnastics

Skill a) The Jungmädel must perform 2 forward rolls on a gymnastics mat or on the floor and then stand up without using her hands. b) The Jungmädel must perform 2 backward rolls on a gymnastics mat or on the floor. c) The Jungmädel must run through a swinging rope that is being swung by 2 girls.

### The Journey

The Jungmädel must have participated in a one-day journey, which consists of an 8-kilometer hike with a 2-hour rest break.

## Structure

 Jungmädelgruppe
 Jungmädelschar
 Jungmädelschaft

## Training and Activities

Members engaged in various activities, including athletics, sports, and lessons in home economics. They also participated in charity collections. In addition to practical activities, groups held weekly evening meetings where they received explicit instruction in Nazi ideology. Topics covered in these meetings included German fantasy stories, famous figures from German history, and individuals and groups associated with the Nazi Party. During wartime, the organization encouraged newly recruited ten-year-olds, emphasizing their contribution to winning the war and building a greater Reich. Members were expected to show commitment in service, sports, trips, meetings, and war duties, even in everyday life situations, by being loyal and dependable.

Leadership