Can I get kicked out of my position in boyscouts for not wearing the right shoes?

Question

I am currently the ASPL (Assistant Senior Patrol Leader) in my BoyScout troop, which recently got a new scout master. The new scout master has imposed multiple new rules, such as wearing dress shoes to every meeting, and wearing the (uncomfortable) scout uniform during the 3 hour drives to campouts. I don't want to comply to these absurd rules, but if I don't, I will get kicked out of my position (, specifically for not wearing dress shoes). I was wondering if anybody had any experience with scouting rules and knows if this is allowed according to the BSA council? Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Hello MHS:

Your Scoutmaster cannot remove you from the position of SPL if the boys in the troop elected you, or if the SPL appointed you. If your troop has an official policy that has been ratified by the Troop Committee that permits the Scoutmaster to remove a Scout, you might have an issue. It should not come to this.

There is no rule in the BSA that a boy has to wear a uniform to participate in the program. There is only one Official uniform, but it is not required to be worn. You cannot wear a Greatful Dead T-Shirt and holey blue jeans with your awards however; these can only be worn on the uniform in the correct place.

Your Scoutmaster is trying to build up the troop, but the uniform is one of the Methods or Scouting, it is not the focus. I think that the SPL, you, and the other members of the Patrol Leader's Council need to sit down and talk with the Scoutmaster about your concerns. Dress shoes are impractical for meetings; Scouting is about fun, not schoolwork, and definitely not drill and ceremonies. You should be wearing athletic shoes, and doing outdoor activities. For Courts of Honor and parades, you should wear the dress shoes, but for weekly meetings you should be wearing an activity uniform.

Many Scouters are under the misconception that the troop is only insured if the boys are in field uniform while traveling. This is not true; the troop is only insured if the proper travel permit has been submitted; the boys can wear swimsuits and moose antlers if they want. Your Scoutmaster is most likely trying to show others that your troop is a group of Boy Scouts, and the uniforms identify you to others. Your PLC may request that an activity uniform be designed by the members of the troop such as the red activity shirt and BSA pants, or design your own distinctive T-shirt or collard T-shirt in your troop colors with an embroidered or silk-screen printed design. The boys can even make a stencil and use spray paint for a shirt (in good taste! of course). Like BSA on the front and Troop 100 on the back.

Communication with your Scoutmaster is the best way to resolve this. Don't approach him as a right/wrong situation; just present your arguments in a factual manner, and use the PLC.

Best of luck!

Keep on Scoutin'