Conduct and Discipline Policy
Troop 567 follows BSA rules and policies in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
This Conduct and Discipline Policy is designed to further clarify conduct and discipline at the troop level.
Scout Conduct
Good behavior is essential to any program and will be strongly supported by Troop 567’s youth leaders (scouts) and adult leaders (Scouters). Good behavior is a primary element of showing Scout Spirit, and is a requirement for advancement.
The troop’s level of authority is as follows:
- Troop Committee
- Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster
- Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
- Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL)
- Patrol Leader (PL)
- Assistant Patrol Leader (APL)
In each instance, the Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or any adult will have the final authority. The purpose of the authority structure is not to remove authority from the scouts, but to augment and uphold their responsibility. It is not to be construed as bossing other Scouts around or making some Scouts do more than their fair share. However, fellow Scouts must recognize this structure and be willing to participate and assist others as requested.
Scouts will not participate in any activity that could be considered dangerous to their fellow Scout. These include but are not limited to hazing, harassing, abuse of fire or flammable materials, or abuse of sharp instruments.
Scouts will conduct themselves properly during all Troop 567 activities. If the behavior isn’t allowed at school or church, it’s not acceptable behavior. During all meetings and activities, when the Scout sign is held up, all Scouts and adults shall immediately cease talk and movement, and display the same sign.
The Scout Field Uniform (Class A) is to be worn at all Troop 567 events from August – May. From June – August Scouts are required to wear their Field Uniform (Class A) while traveling to and from any event related to BSA. Scouts must wear their uniforms in a manner that will reflect credit upon themselves, the Troop, the Charter Organization, and BSA. This means: Clean, neat, tucked-in, buttoned, and with appropriate insignia.
During the patrol activity session of the troop meetings, Scouts will be with their assigned patrol unless given permission by their Patrol Leader to meet with the Scoutmaster, go to the restroom, etc. It is necessary for the Patrol Leader to know the whereabouts of his Scouts.
Discipline
The approach to discipline in Scouting is simple and the doors of Scouting are always open to those who strive to follow the ideals of Scouting. Adherence to the Troop 567 Conduct and Discipline Policy is required to maintain safety, preclude property damage, and avoid disrupting other organizations activities. The Scout leaders will primarily handle adherence to Troop policies. Adults will intervene only to maintain safety, preclude property damage, avoid disrupting other organizations’ activities and/or to restore order in extreme cases of unruliness.
Obedience
Obedience in Troop 567 means to follow the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. The Oath and Law make being a good citizen of the troop, camp, or community possible. Obedience to the Scout Law includes respect for Scout (youth) leaders and adult leaders and all members and guests of the troop. Respect for adult and Scout leadership is expected. Under NO circumstances will adult or Scout Leaders administer physical punishment for any reason. Hazing, of any type, will not be tolerated. Scouts or adults observing such activity will take immediate measures to stop such activity.
Enforcing Discipline
Scout leaders should remember and use their chain of command.
1. Scout leaders, (SPL,ASPL,PL) are responsible for maintaining troop discipline.
2. Discipline in patrols will be handled by the Patrol Leaders. Patrol Leaders have the authority to ask any patrol member to shape up and/or leave a patrol meeting and report to the SPL (Senior Patrol Leader). An adult leader must be notified of actions taken.
3. When the Patrol Leader cannot handle the problem, he must obtain help from the Senior Patrol Leader. The Senior Patrol Leader has the authority to ask a Scout to leave the meeting area and report to the Scoutmaster.
4. When the Senior Patrol Leader cannot handle the problem, he must obtain the help of the Scoutmaster.
5. When the Scoutmaster determines that a Scout requires discipline, the following actions are taken:
a. First Instance – Conference with the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster. All such conferences should be attended by an appropriate Boy Scout Leader and by another adult leader.
b. Second Instance – Conference with the Scoutmaster and a phone call to parents explaining the problem and stating that one more complaint may result in suspension for a period of time established by the severity of the offense. A written explanation of the offense will also be prepared to back-up the phone call. One copy will be given to the parents, another to the Troop Committee Chair (in case further action sis necessary). Parents may be requested to attend meetings to help supervise their Scout. The Scout may be assigned to appear before a board of Committee members or the PLC as a lesser disciplinary action prior to suspension from troop activities.
c. Third Instance – Conference with the Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, and parents. Based on the Scoutmaster’s recommendation, the Scout may be suspended from all Troop activities for a period of time as established by the Scoutmaster.
d. Fourth Instance – The issue is referred to the full Troop Committee by the Scoutmaster and Committee Chair with a recommendation of action and the circumstances for the referral.
The Troop Committee may proceed immediately with any level of discipline without conducting previous lower levels of discipline, if the Committee deems the severity of the circumstances warrant such action.
6. The above steps are not meant to discourage either the Patrol Leader or Senior Patrol leader from seeking advice from the Scoutmaster or any adult leader when they are having leadership challenges, but are intended to state discipline options in advance.
7. In extreme cases, a Scout may be recommended for dismissal from the Troop. This action means that only by agreement from the Troop Committee will the Scout be permitted to return to the troop. Dismissal will only be carried out by the Troop Committee. In the case of a dismissal, a letter to the Scout’s parents will be sent outlining the reasons for the dismissal and the alternatives for returning to the troop.
8. If a Scout is disruptive during any event (meeting, camping trip, day trip, etc.) and it is determined by the adult leader of the event that the Scout’s continued presence will continue to be disruptive, the parents of the scout will be called (anytime; day or night) to come and get the Scout.
9. If a Scout feels he has been subjected to inappropriate discipline by another scout, he may seek help from the Senior Patrol Leader. A Scout who feels that he has been subjected to inappropriate discipline by the Senior Patrol Leader may seek help from the Scoutmaster, and a Scout who feels that he has been subjected to inappropriate discipline by the Scoutmaster may seek help from the Troop Committee Chair.
Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco
Any Scout guilty of using, possessing and/or distributing drugs, alcohol, and/or tobacco products during a Troop event/activity, will be subject to immediate disciplinary action. The Scout’s parents will be advised of all actions taken.
If a Scout is required to take prescription medication during the period of a Troop event, his parents will discuss the requirement with the Scoutmaster/Activity coordinator. Serious medical requirements may require a parent to attend an event and personally administer medication.
Prior to an Event parents of scouts needing prescription medication are required to present the medications required during the event to the Activity coordinator along with a troop medication form indicating medication type, dose, frequency and emergency contact information prior to any Scout leaving with the Troop on an event.
Fighting
Troop 567 has a zero tolerance policy for fighting. Fighting is not permitted and is grounds for immediate disciplinary action. Parents will be called and asked to take their Scout home.
Language and Respect
Foul language, swearing, cursing and abusive/suggestive/offensive gestures are not in keeping with the ideals of Scouting and will not be allowed. A Scout is Reverent, Courteous, and Clean.
Disrespectful language to any Scout or to any adult is not allowed.
Knife Policy
Scouts in Troop 567 will be allowed to carry knives to scout functions as long as they demonstrate safe practices in use of the knife. Scouts are very highly encouraged to carry smaller folding pocket knife, such as a Swiss army knife. Many scouts find a pocketknife that has scissors rather than a huge knife is more useful since the scissors will most likely be used more than the knife. Scouts carrying pocket-knives must have their Totin’ Chip card in their possession as prescribed by the BSA training requirements. If the Totin’ Chip is not on the Scout’s person, the knife will be confiscated and returned at the end of the activity.
Blade length may NOT exceed FOUR inches. The troop will allow knives with lockable blades and/or a pocketknife with a folding blade such as a Swiss Army knife.
The following are NOT permitted:
- Double-edged blades
- Spring-loaded blades
- Switchblades
- Sheath Knives
Large fixed blade knives may be used for cooking but must remain in the “kitchen” area.
Camping Activities Policies
No Scout will leave the campsite without the permission of the Patrol Leader or his designate. Patrol Leaders will get permission from the Senior Patrol Leader in order to leave the area. Disciplinary problems on campouts and activities will not be tolerated. Scouts who cannot behave themselves will be sent home.
Scouts who become a behavior or discipline problem at a camp out or activity will be sent home. Parents will be called and asked to pick-up their son. It is expected that this pick-up will occur regardless of the distance involved.
Buddy System: Scouts will follow BSA’s Buddy System whenever appropriate. Examples include water activities, whenever a Scout is to go beyond visual range of a campsite, instances where Scouts are interacting with large groups of people not known by the troop, and whenever the Scoutmaster declares the Buddy System is in effect.
Dos and Don’ts / Electronic Devices
- The Boy Scouts of America prohibit the securing, use, and display of fireworks in conjunctions with programs and activities, except where the fireworks display is conducted under the auspices of a certified or licensed fireworks control expert. Scouts of Troop 567 are prohibited from possessing or using fireworks on any Troop 567 activity.
- Scouts are not permitted to possess firearms. Firearms will be permitted at troop meetings only if the troop program calls for such activities. Any such activity must have prior approval of the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee.
- Sexually explicit materials in ANY media format shall not be brought to Scout activities. If found, such materials will be confiscated and returned to the parents of any scout involved.
- Troop 567 policies prohibit Scouts from bringing electronic devices on activities. Examples include but are not limited to: radios, televisions, CD players, cassette players, cell phones, iPad’s, iPod’s, video games. For long trips, arrangements can be made for the use of the above equipment during travel to and from the activity. Equipment will be held by the Scoutmaster or adult leader during the activity and will be returned to the Scout for traveling.
- Troop 567 discourages their Scouts from bringing soda drinks, energy brinks, and candies to Troop campouts and activities. Hydration drinks like Gatorade are OK.
- The Scoutmaster or adult leader has the authority to confiscate all items deemed inappropriate or dangerous. Personal items confiscated may be returned to the Scout’s parents.
- Each Scout is responsible for making restitution for any damage caused by his actions or negligence. A Scout is trustworthy.
- Any Scout transported to and from a Troop event is the guest of the driver. Scouts will follow the rules set by the driver, e.g., eating, drinking, seating arrangements and noise levels. Seat belts must be worn at all times.
- Any clothing or other personal items displaying or promoting satanic, drug, alcohol, tobacco, sexual, or obscene messages will not be worn during any Troop activity. If discovered, the item will be confiscated and returned to the Scout’s parents.
- The use of mobile phones are discourage on outings and at meetings. In some cases, they detract from the scouting experience, from the Scout’s ability to listen to instructions, and from his participation. The majority of adult leaders carries cell phones and can be used in the case of emergency. The adult leader in charge of the outing will set the policy for cell phone use by the scouts on the outing.
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