Scouts and Scouters alike have the right to be respected by others and to be safe from intolerance during our meetings and outings. Scouting is a wonderful place to help each other become the best that each Scout can be. The following guidelines are provided to make sure that we all understand what this means, and the consequences that can be expected when the guidelines are not followed.
Respect means being tolerant of others' differences. It means accepting that others don't think the way you do. Respect means looking for things you have in common, rather than making negative remarks about your differences.
Respect also means honoring others' rights to personal safety. It means not teasing or calling names, and it means resolving differences in a civil manner. Respect means not interrupting or being rude to speakers.
PHYSICAL VIOLENCE WILL NOT BE CONDONED. Any Scout who attacks another person in the Scouting environment will be immediately placed on a one-month's suspension from all Troop activities, and his parents will be contacted to pick him up. The Scout will be allowed to rejoin the Troop after a Scoutmaster's Conference on the issue. Consequences for other Scouts involved will be at the Scoutmaster's discretion, and may also include one-month's suspension from Troop activities.
VERBAL ABUSE is also unacceptable behavior. Verbal abuse can mean calling names or teasing someone about a weakness or a belief; it can also mean screaming at others or verbal threats in response to perceived harassment. Consequences of verbal abuse are on a "three strike" system. The first two verbally abusive situations at any one meeting or outing will result in a cool-down period and discussion with a Scouter. The third event will result in parental removal from the meeting or outing, and a one-month's suspension from all Troop activities. The Scout may rejoin the Troop after a Scoutmaster's Conference on the issue.
DISRESPECT or DEFIANCE directed to Scouters or adult volunteers is not in accordance with the Scouting Spirit. Consequences are on a maximum "three strike" system and at the discretion of the Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster in charge of the event. Depending on the severity of the offense, the first two incidents of disrespect or defiance during a meeting or outing will result in a discussion aside with a Scouter. The third event will result in parental removal from the meeting or outing, and a one-month's suspension from all Troop activities. The Scout may rejoin the Troop after a Scoutmaster's Conference on the issue.
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