Jump to content

Cyber chip for Star in 2016


Go to solution Solved by 5yearscouter,

Recommended Posts

Ok I know what BSA says about the new ranks for 2016+

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/2016BoyScoutRequirements_8.14.2015.pdf

 

and for transition to the new ranks

http://www.scouting.org/filestore/program_update/pdf/Transitioning_New_Requirements_2016.pdf

 

So I read that for those who are currently working on Star from 2015 they can continue to finish star with old requirements thru Dec 2016.  Under the old requirements there is no need for Cyber Chip. correct?

 

EXCEPT we have an ASM who is also a district commissioner so he likes to try to pull rank,

and he's saying that he got something by email from council/BSA that says anyone going for star in 2016 has to have Cyber Chip.  He says the email said that the cyber chip part was going into effect in January for everyone wanting to get Star.

 

I've asked for him to forward this email he received so we are all on the same page, but I don't think it exists.  Or maybe it just doesn't say what he thinks it says.

 

He's trying to hold up advancement for the few boys who are finishing Star but haven't completed Cyber Chip.

 

Anyone seen anything that might back up what he's trying to say?

 

Otherwise I'm printing the transition page from BSA and pinning it on the bulletin board and daring anyone to hold up a Star rank due to cyber chit as they'd be adding to the requirements.

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

 

EXCEPT we have an ASM who is also a district commissioner so he likes to try to pull rank,

and he's saying that he got something by email from council/BSA that says anyone going for star in 2016 has to have Cyber Chip.  He says the email said that the cyber chip part was going into effect in January for everyone wanting to get Star.

 

I've asked for him to forward this email he received so we are all on the same page, but I don't think it exists.  Or maybe it just doesn't say what he thinks it says.

 

He's trying to hold up advancement for the few boys who are finishing Star but haven't completed Cyber Chip.

 

Anyone seen anything that might back up what he's trying to say?

 

 

I'd send him the BSA link about how the 2016 requirements are to be implemented. There's nothing there that says a FC Scout as of 1/1/16 has to even use the 2016 requirements. He can get Star under the 2015 requirements as long as he earns it in 2016. If he waits past 1/1/17 he has to use the 2016 requirements.

 

In fact the requirement can even be waived if a Scout does not have access.

 

Sound like the ASM is full of bull.

  • Upvote 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

You are correct. Those scouts who were FC and started working on Star in 2015 can complete Star under the 2015 requirements.

http://usscouts.org/advance/boyscout/bsrank5.asp

 

But this reminds me of the email from council/BSA that all adult leaders must complete Reading Comprehension in 2016. :unsure:

yeah I'm thinking that he needs to take Reading Comprehension in 2016

Link to post
Share on other sites

What is your role in the Troop? 

 

This ASM/Commissioner is not interpreting the rules correctly - makes me wonder how effective he can be as a Commissioner.

 

You've asked him to put his e-mail where his mouth is - if he hasn't responded by the next meeting, ignore him.  He's an ASM - he can't hold up anyone's advancement since the SM can override any of his sign-off decisions (if he has authority to sign off on requirements) and he can't serve on the Board of Review.  It's incumbent on the SM, the CC and the Advancement Chair to make sure the BOR understands the rules so that he doesn't try to undermine any of the Scout's advancements by "poisoning" the board and trying to "pull rank".

 

If you are the SM, the next time he tries to pull rank, your response should be immediate - you are the Scoutmaster - he is an Assistant Scoutmaster - and this is his only warning - if he tries to pull the District Commissioner card again, his services as ASM will no longer be needed.  Make sure your CC is on board.  This is exactly the reason that the BSA recommends that Commissioners do not hold positions in units. 

  • Upvote 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Although I agree with CP and HAWK that SMs and CCs should approach these things with a little swagger. They should also respectfully make clear that they are adhering to national guidelines. We just want the boys to be sure that there are no "unwritten rules."

Edited by qwazse
  • Upvote 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Folks are always spreading rumors. It doesn't take an advancement chair to stop them. Your strategy of pinning it on the board and directing the boys to it is perfect.

 

I've got in friendly disagreements with scouters over this stuff. All of them were solved by saying "Let's take a look at what is written, and if we disagree, let's have a boy come over and interpret it for us."

Link to post
Share on other sites
  • Solution

I emailed national advancement and didn't expect to get an answer.

I basically sent just what the op above says and the answer I got today is

 

"Simply, you are correct and your ASM/District Commissioner is incorrect. The FAQ’s located at www.scouting.org/programupdates under the Boy Scouting category answers this question."

Edited by 5yearscouter
  • Upvote 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I emailed national advancement and didn't expect to get an answer.

I basically sent just what the op above says and the answer I got today is

 

"Simply, you are correct and your ASM/District Commissioner is incorrect. The FAQ’s located at www.scouting.org/programupdates under the Boy Scouting category answers this question."

 

Love it...validation!

  • Upvote 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...