Policy and Rules 2015 7TH REVISED EDITION

RULES ON HOW TO PLAY THE GAME OF SCOUTING 2015

Issued by the order of the National Council of The Scout Association of Australia by virtue of the powers vested in it by the Royal Charter NB: This edition includes amendments and changes approved by the National Council up to and including its June 2015 meeting.

AN AUSTRALIAN SCOUT PUBLICATION Published by authority of the National Executive Committee of The Scout Association of Australia. Copyright (c) The Scout Association of Australia 2001 No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage, mailing or retrieval system, without written permission of The Scout Association of Australia. First Australian Edition of PO&R printed in 1961, 2nd Edition 1966, 3rd Edition 1969, 4th Edition 1976, 5th Edition 1981, 6th Edition 1984, 7th Edition 1986, 8th Edition 1989, 9th Edition 1993. 1st Edition of Policy and Rules 1996, 2nd Edition 2002, 3rd Edition 2005, 4th Edition 2008 “The Year of the Scout”, 5th Edition 2012, 6th Edition 2013, 7th Edition 2014, 7th Edition (Revised) 2015 ISBN 978-1-920745-42-4 National Scout Catalogue # GNP 50231 PREFACE

The Scout Association of Australia was inaugurated on 15 December 1958 and was subsequently incorporated by a Royal Charter granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 17 October 1967. The Association functions in accordance with the provisions of the Royal Charter and By-Laws. Policy and Rules (P&R) has been adopted by the National Council of The Scout Association of Australia in accordance with the Royal Charter, as a statement of policy and practice for the conduct of Scouting in Australia and is binding on all Formations, members and supporters of the Movement. There are two main parts. One part deals with matters of policy, the second part provides rules for the practice of Scouting in Australia. It is recognised that the distinction between a 'policy' and a 'rule' is sometimes difficult to make. Each Branch of The Scout Association of Australia functions in accordance with its constitution and by-Laws, and shall prescribe such further policy and rules, not inconsistent with those contained in this manual, as required for the organisation and practice of Scouting within the Branch. The Scout Association of Australia

CONTENTS

Preface 3

Vision 12

Mission Statement 12

Definitions 13

Explanation of Abbreviations 15

POLICY 17

P1 THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA 17

P1.1 Status 17 P1.2 National Council 17 P1.3 Membership of the National Council 17 P1.4 Branch Associations 18 P1.5 The Branches 18 P1.6 New Branches 18 P1.7 Resources 18

P2 AIM AND PRINCIPLES 19

P2.1 Preamble 19 P2.2 Purpose 19 P2.3 Principles 19 P2.4 Duty to God 19 P2.5 Duty to Others 20 P2.6 Duty to Self 20 P2.7 Method 20 P2.8 Program for the Development of Youth 20 P2.9 Association Values 21 P2.9.2 Australia recognises: 21 P2.9.3 Child Protection and Protection from Harm 22 P2.9.4 Health 23 P2.9.5 Earning Your Way 24 P2.9.6 Environment 24 P2.9.7 Spiritual Awareness 24 P2.9.8 Access and Equity 24 P2.9.9 Obligation to Parents and Guardians 25

4 - Policy and Rules 2015 The Scout Association of Australia

P2.9.10 Parental and Family Involvement 25 P2.9.11 Leader’s Rights 26 P2.9.12 Citizenship 26

P3 MEMBERSHIP OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF 27 AUSTRALIA

P3.1 Members 27 P3.2 Supporters 27 P3.3 Membership of the Branch 28 P3.4 Undertaking by Adult Members 28 P3.5 Right to Wear Uniform 28 P3.6 Scout Promise 28 P3.7 Cub Scout Promise 29 P3.8 Joey Scout Promise 29 P3.9 Scout Law 29 P3.10 Cub Scout Law 29 P3.11 Joey Scout Law 29 P3.12 Making the Promise 30 P3.13 Admission Procedures 30

P4 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES 31

P4.1 National Organisation 31 P4.2 Branches 32 P4.3 District or Alternative Support Structure 33 P4.4 Scout Group 33<