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Home Troop Info Library Pictures Rosters Camping Other Links Discipline Policy of Boy Scout Troop 328 - Revised July 17, 2002

The members of the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) have developed a system to handle discipline problems in the Troop. This system was developed by the youth members of the PLC under the guidance of the Scoutmaster (S.M.) and Assistant Scoutmasters (A.S.M’s). This system consists of a set of guidelines for Junior and Adult Leaders to use in administering this policy. Each incident is unique and different; and, therefore, the actions taken in each case may differ. As with any policy dealing with people and disciplinary problems, a great deal of judgement must be used in ensuring that all incidents are handled in a consistent and fair manner.

  1. The following guidelines will be implemented for the resolution of discipline problems beginning immediately:

    2. Step No. 1: If a Scout does not comply with a request from a Registered Adult Scout Leader or Junior Leader (elected and appointed Junior Leaders filling leadership positions required for rank advancement) in the Troop, he will again be politely asked to comply. If the Scout does not comply to the second, or repeated, requests, he will then be taken aside by the Adult or Junior Leader and be told that failure to comply will result in a "Write-Up" and a meeting with the Senior Patrol Leader or ASPL and the Scout’s Patrol Leader. The "Write-Up" will then be forwarded to the S.M. to be filed for future reference and consideration. A "Write-Up" can only be issued by an Adult or Junior Leader who has attended JLT or a training session specific to the Discipline Policy. Refer to the attached "Write-Up" sheet for the form to be used for this purpose.

    Step No. 2: If a second incident occurs within three months from the first "Write-Up", then the Scout will be written-up again and have a meeting with his Patrol Leader, SPL or ASPL, and "Patrol Adviser" (designated Adult Leader; generally an A.S.M. or S.M.). The "Write-UP" will again be forwarded to the S.M. to be filed for future reference and consideration.

    Step No. 3: A third incident within three months of the first "Write-Up" will result in a third "Write-Up" and a Scoutmaster’s Conference. The Scout’s parent(s) will also be notified. This will result in what will be called, "Strike One" of a "Strike Three" Policy.

    Step No. 4: Subsequent incidents within three months from the first "Strike" will result in additional "Write-Ups" and Scoutmaster Conferences, depending on the severity of the violations. Additional "Strikes" will be assessed by the S.M. based on his judgement and consideration of the facts determined for each case. Each group of three minor incidents in a three month period will generally equate to an additional "strike".

    Step No. 5: A "Third Strike" will lead to possible suspension or dismissal from the Troop. Parent(s) will again be notified and be required to attend a meeting with the Scout, designated A.S.M.’s, the S.M., and Troop Committee or designated representative from the Committee. The facts related to each incident will be determined based on two or more Adult Leaders interviewing those adults and youths who were witnesses to the incident or events leading up to such events.

  2. The following incidents may start at step number 3, 4, or 5, above. The exact discipline to be administered will be determined by the S.M., along with at least one A.S.M. and the Committee Chair.
    1. Fights where another is injured.
    2. Any abuse allegations of a Scout by another Scout.
    3. Stealing.
    4. Drug use or possession (automatic suspension or dismissal).
    5. Any other major incidents.
    6. Deliberate destruction of Troop, Personal, Government, or Private Property.
  3. In addition to the system outlined above, the following consequences may also be used by both Adult and Youth Leaders for discipline in the Troop:
    1. TIME OUT: This may take the form of being sent outside from a Troop meeting, taking a Time Out in a tent on a campout, standing on the sidelines during a game, or sitting away from the rest of the Troop Patrol while taking the Time Out. Time Outs should be given in five minute intervals with additional time added if the negative behavior continues. The S.M. or an A.S.M. should be notified if a Time Out in excess of ten minutes is given. In order for time to be credited towards the Time Out, the Scout must do the Time Out quietly and where asked.
    2. WRITE-UPS: Carry out in accordance with the above guidelines. :Write-Ups" will be considered like "demerits".
    3. ESSAYS: Adult Leaders may require that a Scout write an essay about their behavior; what they did, why it was wrong, and what they should do to correct it. The essay should be related to the Scout Oath and Law. The written essay must be reviewed by the S.M.
    4. SUSPENSIONS: Suspensions from the Troop may be given by the S.M. A Scout may be suspended until other consequences are completed. Suspensions may last for one Troop meeting, for a special outing, Summer Camp, or campout for up to six months.
    5. APOLOGY LETTERS: Apology Letters may be assigned by Youth and Adult Leaders when deemed appropriate.
    6. SERVICE TO THE TROOP: Service to the Troop may be given as a consequence by the S.M. or an A.S.M.
    7. RESTITUTION: A Scout or his family may be asked to pay another person, family, or entity if property was damaged or destroyed, whether intentional, or not.
    8. REMOVAL FROM ACTIVITY: A Scout may be removed from a Troop or Patrol activity by either Adult or Youth Leaders.
    9. DISMISSAL FROM TROOP: Scouts can be dismissed from the Troop by the S.M. with the approval of the Troop Committee.
  4. The following consequences and activities are prohibited in the Troop:
    1. HAZING: This includes, but is not limited to, shouting, cursing out, ridiculing, excessive and inappropriate name calling, initiation activities or any other demeaning activity.
    2. EXCESSIVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Excessive physical activity, such as more than 25 push-ups, 25 sit-ups, or running more than 1/4 mile may not be used as a consequence. However, the PLC does agree that the use of some limited forms of physical activity, which does promote physical fitness, can be used.
    3. KITCHEN PATROL: Repeated K.P. Duty cannot be used as a consequence. However, the use of K.P. time, beyond that normally scheduled on the Duty Roster, can be used as a consequence; but only when approved by the S.M. or an A.S.M.
  5. A Scout can always appeal a pending disciplinary action should they believe they are being asked or directed to do something that they believe is wrong. The normal chain of command would be pursued, which is the Patrol Leader, SPL or ASPL, and then the S.M. or A.S.M. Ths use of appeals should not be abused by the constant questioning of each action or direction by a Junior Leader. The use of judgement is essential in each case.