The Scouting program is designed for group activity in a team environment, with appropriately trained youth and adult leadership. Each Scout is expected to conduct himself at all Scout activities according to the Boy Scout Oath and the Boy Scout Law. These guidelines address discipline for conduct outside the Boy Scout Oath and the Boy Scout Law.

Inappropriate behavior may fall into one of two categories: 1) Disruptive Behavior or 2) Serious Behavior.

Disruptive Behavior

When a Scout’s behavior is disruptive, it will be addressed by the Patrol Leader or an Adult Leader according to the established Warning System. The Patrol Leader will inform the Senior Patrol Leader and/or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader that the Warning System has gone into effect for a Scout.

The Warning System is as follows:

First incident - -warning plus a 10-minute time out. During this time the Scout will fill out a form describing which parts of the Scout Law he broke. This will be discussed with an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Second incident - same as first incident plus letter home plus call to parents.

Third incident - same as second incident plus may not attend the next troop meeting.

Additional incidents - same as third incident or may be treated as a Serious Behavior at the discretion of the Scoutmaster or other Trained Adult Leader in the absence of the Scoutmaster.

After 3 months without incident, the Warning System will start as if a first incident.

For Patrol Leader Council members, the Warning System starts with the second incident level.

The following are examples of disruptive behavior:

• Talking out of turn or bothering others during meetings;

• Refusing to do fair share of work on troop outings;

• Any other action considered disruptive by the Patrol Leader or other Patrol Leader Council member.

Serious Behavior

If the discipline problem is serious, the problem will be referred immediately to the Scoutmaster or other Trained Adult Leader in the absence of the Scoutmaster. A conference will be held with the Scout to discuss the facts and will be documented in writing. The Scout's parent or guardian may be called to be informed of the incident and may be asked to come and pick up their Scout immediately, even if the troop is on a trip, regardless of distance or time of day/night.

A copy of the documented conference will be given to the Committee Chairperson who will notify the parents or guardian of the Scout regarding when the Committee will be discussing the situation. A parent must attend with their Scout in order for him to be readmitted to the troop. Probation of up to 6 months will be considered. After the Scout is reinstated, his parent or guardian must accompany him to the next meeting.

The following are examples of serious behavior:

• Inappropriate physical contact

• Stealing

• Pornography

• Inappropriate language

• Name-calling, hazing, bullying

• Possession or use of tobacco

• Possession or use of alcoholic beverages

• Possession or use of any controlled substance or drug other than prescription medicine

• Disruptive behavior that continues beyond the Warning System

• Any other action considered serious by the Scoutmaster or other Trained Adult Leader in the absence of the Scoutmaster.

These guidelines are intended to encourage the Scouts to practice self-discipline by striving to live the Boy Scout Oath and the Boy Scout Law, to assure personal growth and to benefit the troop as a whole.

Effective: 6/1/98

Revised: 5/25/00