Alternate Requirements for the First Three Ranks

A Scout who has a permanent physical or mental disability and is unable to complete all of the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class rank may submit a request to the council advancement committee to complete alternate requirements. Below are the procedures for applying for alternate requirements.

1. Do As Many Standard Requirements As Possible. Before applying for alternate requirements, the Scout must complete as many of the standard requirements as his ability permits. He must do his very best to develop himself to the limit of his abilities and resources.

2. Secure a Medical Statement. A clear and concise medical statement concerning the Scout's disabilities or limitaions must be submitted by a licensed health-care provider. It must state that the disability is permanent and must outline what physical activities the Scout may not be capable of completing. In the case of a mental disability such as a learning disability, an evaluation statement should be submitted by a certified educational administrator relating the ability level of the Scout.

3. Prepare a Request for Alternate Requirements. A written request must be submitted to the council youth development committee for the Scout to work on alternate requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. The request should include the standard requirements the Scout has completed and the suggested alternate requirements for those requirements he cannot complete. This request should be detailed enough for the youth development committee to make an informed decision. The request should be prepared by the Scout, his parents, and his Scoutmaster, and should include a copy of the medical or educational statement as required in No. 2 above.

4. The Youth Development Committee Reviews the Request. The council youth development committee should review the request, utilizing the expertise of professional persons involved in Scouts with disabilities. The committee may want to interview the Scout, his parents, and the unit leader to fully understand the request and to make a fair determination. The committee's decision should be recorded and delivered to the Scout and the unit leader.

No council, district, unit, or individual has the authority to add to, or to subtract from, any advancement requirements. For more detailed information about alternate requirements, see the Advancement and Recognition Policies and Procedures book.