Boy Scout Troop 346

Parish of St Michael, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Troop 346 Handbook

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Discipline Policy

(Click here for a print copy with space for Scout and parent signatures)

Purpose:

To provide a safe haven for boys that is of a consistent standard. How Scouts are disciplined, by whom, when, and where are important issues that must be clearly established and communicated to all Scouts, parents, and leaders. Scouts have a "right" to know what the consequences are if they break the rules. Scouts who follow the Scout Oath and Law have a "right" to expect a Troop that disciplines Scouts who disrupt Troop programs and activities or threatens the safety or well being of other Troop members. Physical/emotional discipline is not an option.

General Philosophy:

The principle first line of discipline is to be conducted by the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC), Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders. Their job is to clearly communicate Patrol and Troop expectations in reference to Scout behavior. If poor behavior persists, the PL and APL should give a "verbal warning" to stop. If the problems continue, the PL or APL will contact the Troop's Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader (ASPL) who will start observing the situation. The SPL or ASPL will issue coaching and then a second "verbal warning" to the offending Scout if poor behavior continues. If the behavior persists then the SPL or ASPL will inform the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster of the problem.

All along the physical presence of an adult leader is necessary to monitor the behavior of all Scouts in the area. The adult leader should then decide what course of action is necessary to improve the situation.

It is hoped that most discipline be conducted by the boys themselves. If adults must be involved, the first course of action is to try to get the boy leaders to resolve conflicts. For Scouts who do not respond to warnings by boy and adult leaders, they are to be reported to the Scoutmaster who will have a conference with the Scout as soon as possible. If poor behavior continues, the Scoutmaster shall have the authority and discretion to suspend any Scout from the remainder of the activity. In the event such a suspension occurs, the parents of the Scout are contacted immediately and will be required to make arrangements to take custody of the Scout. The troop shall not be liable for any cost involved; these will be solely the parents' responsibility. Any Scout who has been suspended may be reinstated at the discretion of the Scoutmaster, but only after the Scout and his parents have discussed the situation in detail with the Scoutmaster and are prepared to recommend a course of action to ensure that the behavior will not be repeated.

Should the behavior persist, the Scoutmaster and Troop Committee Chairman will meet with the parents to inform them about a final suspension that will lead to the dismissal of the Scout from the Troop. Dismissal from the Troop is subject to final approval by the Troop Committee.

Discipline sessions are to be conducted off to the side but in full view of Scouts or adults and never in private behind closed doors unless other adults are in attendance. Adults always have the right and responsibility to immediately step into any situation they consider unsafe. These situations include: fighting, hazing, foul language, bullying, sexual misconduct, or inappropriate behavior in public.

Review of Discipline Steps:

Patrol or Assistant Patrol Leader - COACHING
Patrol or Assistant Patrol Leader - VERBAL WARNING
Senior Patrol or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader - COACHING
Senior Patrol or Assistant Senior Patrol Leader - VERBAL WARNING
Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster - OBSERVE SITUATION & COACHING
Scoutmaster - CONFERENCE
Scoutmaster - 2ND CONFERENCE & PARENT CALL
Scoutmaster - SUSPENSION
Committee Chairperson - 2ND SUSPENSION
Committee Chairperson - DISMISSAL FROM TROOP