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Up to scratch is used to mean of acceptable quality. Does anyone know why scratch?

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I've also heard this as "up to snuff" (and more frequently, I believe). – Robusto Nov 24 '10 at 18:39

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A google search shows:

The phrase used in pugilists' fights. A line was scratched on the ground to which the contestants had to put their forward foot before the fight could begin.

The Oxford Engl. Dict. confirms his story. Under "scratch" (noun):

'Sporting.' A line or mark drawn as an indication of a boundary or starting-point; in Cricket, a 'crease' (obs.); in Pugilism, the line drawn across the ring, to which boxers are brought for an encounter. Hence in various phrases (often fig.), as 'to come up to the scratch,' 'to bring to the scratch,' 'to toe the scratch,' etc.

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Please don't plagiarize. You should cite your source: phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/9/messages/53.html – Joshua Karstendick Nov 24 '10 at 18:45
Sure. Now it is cited. – Anderson Silva Nov 24 '10 at 18:54
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Many figurative senses (e.g. up to scratch) are from sporting use for "line or mark drawn as a starting place," attested from 1778.

This is also where we get the phrases starting from scratch and cooking from scratch.

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