We recognize that for our boys to grow into responsible men, they need to be held accountable for their actions. Therefore, any Scout who intentionally participates in an activity that has the potential to cause harm to himself or to other Troop members, or behaves in a manner that reflects negatively upon Troop 220 or the Boy Scouts of America, or intentionally participates in any activity that may cause damage to public or private property, will be disciplined. Behavior which is cause for disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Not following Scoutmaster’s or other adult or junior leader’s instructions. (Scouts shall obey adult and junior leaders. Scouts should work as a team.)
- Significantly unsafe actions.
- Physical or verbal hazing or harassment of another person.
- Leaving designated areas without the Scoutmaster’s permission, including:
- Not telling the Scoutmaster or other adult leader of their whereabouts at all times
- Going to another area without permission
- Entering property marked “No Trespassing.”
- Exploring physical hazards without permission and supervision (creeks, cliffs, etc.)
- Scouts should not curse, use foul language, or offensive or indecent gestures.
- Excessively rowdy, unruly, loud, disrespectful, disobedient, or disruptive behavior.
- Scouts do not fight or tease each other; all Scouts should respect one another.
- Smoking or use of any controlled or illegal substance.
- Behavior in opposition to the stated aims of the Scout Oath or Law, and the Outdoor Code.
- Practice the Scout Oath & Law, and the Outdoor Code at ALL times. (You are always a Scout, even when not in uniform.)
- Obey adult and junior leaders—without arguments and with respect. (Remember, to get respect, show it!)
- Work as a team.
We expect that with the policy clearly stated, Scouts will know where they stand and be comfortable with an atmosphere of tolerance toward other’s rights that helps build a secure feeling of trust and brotherhood in Scouting. Efforts should be made by the Scoutmaster or other responsible adult to apply the leadership skills of Counseling and Reflection to help boys better understand their behavior and the role of good citizenship in the Troop, and in all social interactions.
Behavior and Discipline Procedure
The basic rules of conduct stated above are ones that every Scout should follow. The following consequences will occur if they are not followed:
- SPL will give a verbal warning.
- Three warnings during a single activity (meeting, campout) of disruptive behavior will result in a conference with an adult leader. The adult leader in charge will discuss the infraction with the Scout at the time of violation, reminding him of the Behavior and Discipline policy. The Scout will not be permitted to attend the next meeting. The Troop Committee Chair and parents will be notified.
- Scoutmaster Review – The offending boy will first have a parent or guardian notified by the Scoutmaster that the boy is not welcome back to a meeting unless the parent or guardian stays at the meeting the entire time with the boy. Then if unacceptable behavior continues to persist, and a boy is barred from attending a second meeting during a single Scouting year (September-June), the boy will receive continued disciplinary action, such as additional required attendance of a parent/guardian at scout meetings and suspension from selected activities. It is vital to recognize that our adult Scout Leaders are unpaid volunteers, working for the good of the community, and parents and guardians are expected to support our Scouting program if they wish their son/s to participate.
Serious Infractions
A Scout who is involved in serious misbehavior that endangers himself or others, or flagrantly and knowingly violates the principles stated above, whether on a campout or at another Troop function, will be subject to having his parents called to come get him from the activity. In such a case, the Scoutmaster or adult in charge will notify the Troop Committee Chair as soon as possible for review.
Depending on the nature of the infraction, the Scoutmaster or adult in charge may suspend the Scout from attending any future Troop activities until a Board of Review has met with the boy and his parents. In addition to the adult present at the time of the infraction, this meeting should consist of the Scoutmaster, and other Committee members as appropriate, to discuss the event.
The purpose of this meeting would be for the boy to explain his behavior. The circumstances should be clearly and honestly stated. This is not a court of law, but a fair and honest review of what occurred. Appropriate discipline will be assigned at this meeting. Possible actions include: temporary suspension
from future activities, requiring the Scout’s parent to attend the next activity, or expulsion from the Troop.
Please remember, these are working guidelines. We are not trying to establish a police state; by the same token, Troop 220 is not a baby-sitting service. We hope never to have to take the most extreme steps stated above, but unless there is a clear understanding of expectations and consequences on all sides, confusion and bad feelings can result in disgruntled families and a poor Scouting experience for everyone. Our desire is to make this Troop a great one, and for our boys to have a rewarding, positive time as members of the Boy Scouts of America.