BACKGROUND: In 1913 the Deutscher Reichs Ausschuß für Tauglichkeit, (German National Committee for Physical Training), introduced the DRA, Deutscher Reichs Ausschuss, (German National Elite), sports badge in two grades of Gold and Bronze for award to males who had successfully passed the national physical fitness tests. In 1920 a silver grade of the badge was introduced and in 1921 females became eligible for award of the badge. In 1933 regulation of national physical training was passed to the DRL, Deutscher Reichsbund für Leibesübungen (German National Union for Physical Training) and the sports badge was altered by replacing the "A" with an "L". In 1937 the badge was modified once more with the inclusion of a swastika. The badges were intended to act as an incentive for physical training, and was issued to both males and females between eighteen and thirty-two years old who passed the required level of physical training in a twelve month period.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A 1937 pattern, gilt washed, die struck award. The badge is in the form of a 50mm tall, vertical oval oak leaf wreath, with a mobile swastika and bow to its base, encompassing the stylized, cut-out letters, "DRL." To the reverse is a vertical pin-back device, hinged to its top and with a catch to its base. Embossed to the left of the reverse is "D.R.G.M. 35269" ("Deutsche Reichs Gebrauchsmuster," or, German National Registered-design [Patent] 35269), and "Wernstein Jena" is to the right.