SCOUT LAW POLICY

Boy Scouts of America
Troop 503
Winchester, Massachusetts

Boy Scouts Guidebook

SECTION 10: SCOUT LAW POLICY

1. The Scout Law says that a Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. A demerit is a point issued to a Scout by an adult leader for disobeying the Scout Law. The Scoutmaster will assign a work project for each demerit received. The Scout must immediately undertake work projects when they are issued. The Scout will also be required to print two copies of the long version of the entire Scout Law and capitalize that section (or sections) he disobeyed. The work project is assigned so that the Scout can provide some tangible, positive contribution toward his Troop. The writing of the Scout Law is provided so that the Scout can reflect upon his negative actions. The Scout cannot advance to the next rank with a demerit on his record. Advancement may resume when these demerit-related penalties are completed.

2. Troop 503's Scout Law Policy means that when a Scout has been issued three demerits within a period of one year, he will lose his privilege to attend the next major Troop activity. For every additional two demerits a Scout will lose the privilege to attend yet another major activity.

3. In a serious problem, such as a safety issue or insubordination to a leader, the leader must first stabilize the situation and inform the Scout that he is "on report". The leader should then "step back" and talk with the Scoutmaster (preferably) or another adult leader as to the handling of the situation.

4. The Troop Committee reserves the right to deal with and adjudicate serious problems, including disobedience of the Scout Law.

5. An adult leader will deal with minor problems as he sees fit and consistent with the existing situation and scout policy.

6. The Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) may deal with problems assigned to it by an adult leader. The PLC may meet anywhere, any time. The PLC must consider all sides of a problem, discuss the issue, and recommend to the Scoutmaster what action should be taken. The Scoutmaster will review the decision of the PLC, and, at his discretion, will enforce either that decision or a modified version of the decision. The PLC may take on issues on their own with permission from the Scoutmaster or Acting Scoutmaster.

7. Intimidation: The use by a Scout of his size, age, strength, weight, appearance or any other factor to frighten, coerce or force another Scout into taking or being subjected to any action(s) that would otherwise be against his will is strictly prohibited. The Troop Committee reserves the right to respond to one Scout's intimidation of another in any way appropriate including issuing demerits, suspension or expulsion from Troop 503.

8. To avoid future problems in behavior, the adult leadership and the Troop Committee reserve the right to do any or all of the following:

issue demerits
revoke a Scout's activity privileges
call in parents to confer
suspend a Scout from the Troop
terminate membership in the Troop, and only after a Committee meeting which the Scout and/or his parents may attend if they wish.

Termination of membership is reserved for the most severe problems or cases where undo risk would be taken by the Troop if the member remained enrolled.

9. To deal with a negative or unmanageable situation, the Committee and/or adult leadership reserve the right to issue three "strikes". The first strike is a warning. The second strike is a serious warning (the leader may choose to contact the Scout's parents). The third strike means "you're out" and the leader will call parents and have them pick up their son and take him home from an activity, even if the activity is still in progress. Parents should come as quickly as possible in this situation.

10. In a situation where a Scout violates the Scout Law in a public place or setting (such as where there are crowds or at a ceremony) or acts in a manner which adversely affects Troop 503, Boston Minuteman Council or the Boy Scouts of America, the Troop Committee will invite the Scout and his parent(s) to appear before the Committee to explain the Scout's actions.

11. Remember, the Troop's Scout Law Policy assures fair and predictable action by the leaders and is designed to make sure that no one person spoils the fun of scouting for others. Scouts who live by the Scout Oath and Law will have no problems with the Troop's policy, will have more fun, and will set a good example to others.