As part of his Pre-Collaring Inspection, every potential House Boy will be evaluated for stationary muscle endurance. This includes (but is not limited to) arm strength while holding weights or weighted items, and is a separate evaluation from physical exercise or mobility assessments.

Protocol for evaluation of arm muscle endurance calls for the candidate to stand naked in the Report Position, with feet under shoulders. Footwear is optional and jewelry need not be removed. He will be handed two identical weights or weighted items and directed to grip or hold them at a specific height for as long as the candidate can comfortably do so. This is not a pass-fail test, but only a measurement of endurance which will be recorded on the candidate’s evaluation forms for future reference and comparison purposes. Each fifteen-second increment will be noted as a ‘Level’ achieved as a baseline for future improvement. (Example: Level One is 1-15 seconds, Level Two 16-30, and so on). The actual weight and type of weight or weighted item will be noted on the evaluation form. The Master may choose to combine this evaluation with the taking of body measurements if the time for the inspection process is limited.

Following completion of the endurance evaluation, the candidate will be given a three-minute break prior to submitting to the ‘blind-balance’ test (an associated evaluation). This is a pass-fail evaluation to determine whether the candidate is suitable for service without further physical evaluation for balance issues. The protocol calls for the boy to again stand naked in the Report Position, this time with eyes closed or covered and his feet together. The candidate will again be handed the weights or weighted items and instructed to hold them and remain stationary until the evaluation is completed. A candidate must maintain Level Two Balance (16 seconds or greater) to pass and is given up to three attempts if necessary. The boy may request lighter weights for this portion of the evaluation since it to evaluate balance and not strength or endurance.

Should a candidate meet all qualifications for service but fail only the Blind Balance test, he will be permitted a retry (three attempts) following completion of the Pre-collaring Inspection. Retries must be taken in front of an adult witness for verification, and the candidate will either find a witness or request that the Master find one. The boy will not be excused from nudity, but the retry may be postponed to another day or time if no witness can be found.

The Blind Balance evaluation is not used for in-service House Boys unless a balance issue is observed by or reported to the Master. In the rare case where an in-service House Boy needs to be Blind Balance evaluated at a location where nudity is prohibited, the boy is allowed to retain a single item of clothing or go to the nearest location where nudity is allowed, at the discretion of the Master or the reporting party. The Emergency Underwear kept in the Master’s vehicle may also be used as an alternative.