Judging the requirements that are hardest to judge

Stage 1 of 7 Can start now

• 4.2.3.0. The requirements that are hardest to judge

  The Guide sets these apart from the camping, the first aid and the merit badges, and says they are generally the most difficult to administer and judge. They are judged independently of each other and in no particular order.

  Milestone

• 4.2.3.0. Reasonable, and within reason

  A unit may set expectations acceptable to its chartered organization and unit committee. For advancement purposes Scouts must not be held to expectations so demanding as to be impractical for today's youth and families to achieve.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.0. Ultimately a board of review decides what is reasonable

  Board members must use common sense and must take into account that youth should be allowed to balance their lives with positive activities outside Scouting. The judgment belongs to the board, not to whoever set the expectation.

  Approval

• 4.2.3.1. What the requirement is about is impact

  A member is determined to be active when their level of activity in Scouting, whether high or minimal, has had a sufficiently positive influence toward preparing them to make a positive difference in society. The Guide states the purpose before it states the tests.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.1. The reason must be other positive endeavours, or noteworthy circumstances

  Where a Scout has fallen below the unit's activity expectations, the reason must be other positive endeavours — in or out of Scouting — or noteworthy circumstances that have prevented a higher level of participation.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.1. If the UNIT takes time off, that time still counts Often forgotten

  Scouting is a year-round program. Regardless of a unit's expectations or policy, if the unit takes time off — over the summer or at any other time — that time must count toward the Scout's active participation.

  Requirement

  This catches units that stand down over the summer and then count only the months they met. Scouting is a year-round program, and if the unit chose not to run, the Scout must not be penalised for it. It applies to service in a position of responsibility as well.

• 4.2.3.1. Uniforming, dues and the rest must NOT be weighed here Often forgotten

  Units are free to set expectations on uniforming, supplies for outings, payment of dues and parental involvement. Those standards are extraneous to active participation and must not be considered in evaluating this requirement.

  Requirement

  A unit may absolutely require uniforms, dues and equipment. It may not weigh any of them when deciding whether a Scout was active. The two things are separate and the Guide separates them in a single sentence.

• 4.2.3.2. Begin by asking the Scout what it means to them Recommended

  The Guide suggests starting with the Scout's own account of what Scout spirit, living the Oath and Law, and duty to God mean to them, and then asking for examples of how they have lived them.

  Task

• 4.2.3.2. NOT measured by counting meetings or by the uniform Often forgotten

  The Guide says plainly that Scout spirit is not measured by counting meetings and outings attended, or by whether a uniform was worn. It is indicated by the way the Scout lives daily life.

  Requirement

  "Scout spirit" refers to ideals and values; it is not the same as "school spirit". A troop that scores it from an attendance register or from who wore the uniform is measuring something else.

• 4.2.3.3. Time spent helping on an Eagle project must be allowed to count

  Time that Scouts spend assisting on Eagle service projects must be allowed toward these requirements. A troop cannot rule that hours on somebody else's Eagle project were not really service.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.4.6. Why "responsibility" rather than "leadership"

  The Guide answers the common objection directly. Taking and accepting responsibility is the foundation of leadership; the requirement as written recognises that some are destined to lead a group and others give quality support behind the scenes, and that the work of the supporters is part of the leadership effort.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.4.1. A unit may NOT require a particular position Often forgotten

  Units do not have authority to require specific positions of responsibility for a rank. The Guide gives the example itself: they must not require a Scout to be senior patrol leader to obtain the Eagle rank.

  Requirement

  Units do this with good intentions and it is not allowed. Requiring senior patrol leader for Eagle, or ruling that scribe "does not really count", is adding to a requirement — and the position of responsibility requirement is one only the published list may define.

• 4.2.3.4.1. Lone Scouts are the one exception to the list

  Lone Scouts may use positions in school, in a religious organization, in a club or elsewhere in the community. They are the only exception the Guide gives.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.4.1. Provisional unit service does not count

  Service in positions of responsibility in provisional units — a jamboree troop, a Philmont trek crew — does not count toward this requirement.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.4.2. Holding two at once does NOT shorten the months Often forgotten

  Simultaneous positions do not halve the required period. Four months as patrol leader while also serving as instructor is four months, not eight.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.4.3. Something related to the desired results must happen Applies to you

  Holding a position and doing nothing, producing no results, is unacceptable. Some degree of responsibility must be practiced, taken or accepted. The Guide calls rewarding work that has not been done a disservice to the Scout and to the unit.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.4.5. Say so early, and ask rather than tell

  If a Scout is not meeting expectations this must be communicated early. The Guide suggests asking what the Scout thinks should have been accomplished, what they think the troop's youth and adult leaders expect, what has gone well and what needs improvement.

  Task

• 4.2.3.4.5. If performance will not improve, remove the Scout from the position promptly

  Once it is clear performance will not improve, it is important to remove the Scout from the position immediately, and it is the unit leader's responsibility to address the situation promptly.

  Task

• 4.2.3.4.5. A Scout surprised at the end MUST be given credit for the time Often forgotten

  It is unfair and inappropriate to surprise someone after six months, who thinks their performance has been fine, with news that it is now considered unsatisfactory. In that case the Scout must be given credit for the time.

  Requirement

  Only in rare cases — if ever — should troop leaders inform a Scout that time, once served, will not count. If the adults did not raise it during the six months, the six months count.

• 4.2.3.5. Take part in — not pass, and not a retest Often forgotten

  A Scout must participate or take part in a conference. Requirements do not say the Scout must pass one, and it is not a retest of requirements already signed off.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.5. It need NOT be the last step before the board of review Often forgotten

  While it makes sense to hold one after the other requirements are met, it is not required to be last. The Guide flags this as important for Scouts on a tight schedule before their 18th birthday, where last-minute work can make it impossible to fit in.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.5. More than one may be held, and the Scout may count any of them

  Some leaders hold several along the way. The Scout must be allowed to count any of them toward the requirement, as long as it was a significant, substantial discussion.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.5. An assistant unit leader aged 21 or over may be designated Optional

  Where the Scoutmaster is unavailable for an extended period, or in a large troop where advancement would be unnecessarily delayed, it is appropriate to designate an assistant. Where the Scout is the leader's own child, ward or relative, delegation is highly recommended.

  Approval

• 4.2.3.5. No workbook, application or written statement may be required first Often forgotten

  Unit leaders must not require the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, the Eagle Scout Rank Application, the statement of ambitions and life purpose, or the list of positions, honors and awards as a prerequisite to holding an Eagle unit leader conference.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.6. Using one activity toward more than one requirement Optional

  At times it is appropriate for a Scout to apply what was done for one requirement toward another. Unit leaders and merit badge counselors decide, and the Guide gives three cases to decide between.

  Decision

• 4.2.3.6. Where they are safety-related, satisfy yourself the Scout remembers

  Where matching requirements are oriented toward safety, such as first aid or CPR, the person signing off should be satisfied the Scout remembers what was learned from the previous experience.

  Requirement

Stage 2 of 7

• 4.2.3.1. Be active in your unit for a period of months

  The Star, Life and Eagle requirement to be active for a stated number of months. Three tests decide whether it has been met: the first and second are required, along with either the third or its alternative.

  Requirement

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.0. The requirements that are hardest to judge.

• 4.2.3.2. Demonstrate Scout spirit

  Members who incorporate the ideals of the Scout Oath, Scout Law, motto and slogan into daily life — at home, at school, in religious life, in their neighbourhoods — are said to have Scout spirit.

  Requirement

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.0. The requirements that are hardest to judge.

• 4.2.3.3. The service project required for a rank other than Eagle

  Approved according to what is written in the requirement. It may be carried out individually or through participation in patrol or troop efforts.

  Requirement

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.0. The requirements that are hardest to judge.

• 4.2.3.4. Serve actively in a position of responsibility for a period of months

  An accomplishment every candidate for Star, Life or Eagle must achieve. Whether it has been met is decided by the six sub-topics that follow, not by the title the Scout held.

  Requirement

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.0. The requirements that are hardest to judge.

• 4.2.3.5. Take part in a unit leader (Scoutmaster) conference

  Conducted according to the guidelines in the Troop Leader Guidebook, volume 1. It is a forum for discussing ambitions, life purpose and goals, for counselling, and for feedback on the unit's program.

  Event

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.0. The requirements that are hardest to judge.

• 4.2.3.6. Where two requirements match exactly and share the same basic intent Optional

  It is appropriate and permissible, unless the requirements state otherwise, to use the same activity for both. The Guide's own example is camping nights for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class and for the Camping merit badge.

  Requirement

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.6. Using one activity toward more than one requirement.

• 4.2.3.6. Where they only appear to align, both must be done Often forgotten

  Seemingly similar requirements usually have nuances intended to create quite different experiences. The Guide's example is Communication and Citizenship in the Community: the same public meeting may be attended, but active listening and an objective report are one requirement and examining differences of opinion then defending one side is the other.

  Requirement

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.6. Using one activity toward more than one requirement.

Stage 3 of 7

• 4.2.3.1. Test one — the Scout is registered

  Registered in the unit for at least the period the requirement names. The youth should also have indicated in some way, by word or action, that they consider themselves a member.

  Requirement

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.1. Be active in your unit for a period of months.

• 4.2.3.3. Participation only — planning and leadership must NOT be required Often forgotten

  Service project work for ranks other than Eagle clearly calls for participation only. Planning, development or leadership must not be required. Those belong to the Eagle project and to nothing below it.

  Requirement

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.3. The service project required for a rank other than Eagle.

  The single most common overreach below Eagle. A unit that asks a Second Class Scout to plan and lead a service project has added a requirement the Guide expressly says must not be required. Eagle projects call for planning, development and leadership; nothing below does.

• 4.2.3.4.1. The position must be one of those listed

  The position must appear in the position of responsibility requirement shown on the Advancement and Awards web page. Because more than one member may hold some positions — instructor, for example — even very large units are expected to be able to provide enough opportunities.

  Requirement

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.4. Serve actively in a position of responsibility for a period of months.

• 4.2.3.5. A unit leader may NOT deny a timely conference Often forgotten

  Unit leaders do not have the authority to deny a Scout a timely conference when one is required for a rank. If one is denied, a Scout who believes all the other requirements are complete may still request a board of review.

  Requirement

  A conference is not leverage. If it is denied, the Scout who believes every other requirement is complete may still request a board of review — see 8.0.0.2, boards of review must be granted when requirements are met.

Stage 4 of 7

• 4.2.3.1. Test two — the Scout is in good standing

  Scouts are in good standing with a unit as long as they have not been dismissed or suspended for disciplinary reasons, and must also be in good standing with the local council and with Scouting America.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.4.1. For Star and Life only: a leadership project may be assigned instead Optional Applies to you

  For Star and Life ranks only, a unit leader may assign a leadership project that helps the unit as a substitute for the position. The unit leader should consult the unit committee and the unit advancement coordinator to arrive at suitable standards.

  Task

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.4.1. The position must be one of those listed.

• 4.2.3.4.2. Any number of positions, as long as the months add up

  The requirement calls for a period of months, and any number of positions may be held as long as total service time reaches it. Positions need not flow from one to the other and there may be gaps between them.

  Requirement

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.4.1. The position must be one of those listed.

Stage 5 of 7

• 4.2.3.1. Test three — the Scout meets the unit's documented expectations Applies to you

  If, for the period required, the Scout meets those aspects of the unit's pre-established documented expectations that refer to a level of activity, then they are considered active and the requirement is met.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.1. The alternative, which MUST be offered if test three is not met Often forgotten

  If a Scout does not meet the unit's reasonable documented expectations, which were communicated in advance, the alternative must be offered. It is not a concession within the unit's gift.

  Requirement

  The word the Guide uses is "must". If a Scout has not met the unit's expectations, the alternative has to be offered — a unit does not get to decide whether to allow one. What may be judged is whether the explanation offered is acceptable, not whether the Scout is entitled to give one.

• 4.2.3.4.3. Where the unit has documented expectations, the Scout meets those Applies to you

  If a unit has established documented expectations for positions of responsibility and, within reason and based on the Scout's personal skill set, they have been met, the Scout has fulfilled the requirement.

  Requirement

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.4.2. Any number of positions, as long as the months add up.

Stage 6 of 7

• 4.2.3.1. Time counted as active need not be consecutive

  Scouts may piece together any times they have been active and still qualify. Four months here and two there is six months.

  Requirement

• 4.2.3.4.5. When responsibilities are not being met

  Where a unit has clearly established documented expectations, a Scout must meet them, within reason, through the prescribed time. What follows is what the Guide requires of the adults when that is not happening.

  Decision

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.4.3. Where the unit has documented expectations, the Scout meets those.

Stage 7 of 7

• 4.2.3.1. The board may grant the rank whatever the Scout's activity is now

  A board can grant the rank regardless of the Scout's current or most recent level of activity, as long as they were active for the required length of time — or combination of times — during their tenure at that rank.

  Approval

• 4.2.3.4.5. If the Scout believes the expectations were unreasonable

  Where the Scout and the unit leader disagree, the possibility that expectations were unreasonable or not clearly conveyed should be considered. If after discussion the Scout still believes them unreasonable, then on completing the remaining requirements the Scout must be granted a board of review.

  Approval

  Usually comes after 4.2.3.4.5. When responsibilities are not being met.