Troop 574 Policy on New Assistant Scoutmasters

1.      At any time a parent in the Troop expresses interest in becoming an Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM), the candidate should contact the Scoutmaster (SM) about his/her intentions.  The SM will note their interest and direct them to the Committee member coordinating adult training.

2.      All Candidates must submit the required BSA Volunteer Leader Adult Application Form and application fee.  This form authorizes a mandatory criminal background check, which is required by Council and the Chartered Organization.  There may be an additional nominal fee for the background check, which must be paid by the Candidate.

3.   Before being assigned to a Patrol to work directly with the Scouts, the Candidate must first complete "Basic Training," which consists of completing the Basic Adult Leader Training class and the Youth Protection Training course, reading the Guide to Safe Scouting, and attending at least 10 regular Troop meetings and one Committee meeting.  Additionally, a Class 1,2, or 3 Medical Exam form (as appropriate) must be submitted.  Candidates are strongly encouraged to also attend Outdoor Leader Skills training and to camp at least 5 nights with the Troop.

4.   Upon completion of training, the SM will assign the new ASM to a Patrol as needed.   A New ASM will be paired with an experienced ASM whenever possible.  Troop 574 policy is to not assign ASMs to their son's Patrol.  

5.   After the new ASM completes both Youth Protection and Basic Adult Leader Training, the Brown shirt with both the ASM and Trained patches may be worn. 

6.   The Troop understands that there may be unusual circumstances that prevent an ASM Candidate from timely completing the Basic Adult Leader Training course.  In these situations, the SM may authorize the new ASM to complete a minimal training program and wear the Brown shirt with the ASM patch, but without the Trained patch.  All ASMs are expected to ultimately complete the full Basic Training and are strongly encouraged to attend the Outdoor Leader Skills training course and to camp at least 5 nights with the Troop. The minimal training program includes:

      .          

a.   Youth Protection Class (certificate or signed card required);

b.   Fast Start for Boy Scouts (videotape);

c.   Troop Committee Guidelines (booklet);

d.   Guide to Safe Scouting (booklet or on-line);

e.   Attend at least 10 regular troop meetings;

f.    Attend at least 1 Committee meeting; and

g.   Participate in at least 2 Boards of Review.

These general policies have been in place for a number of years.  Recent minor revisions were agreed upon by the SM and Committee Chairman in October 2003, and approved by Committee vote on October 21, 2003.