When to wear an OA sash

[Eagle1984]

Is there a right time and a wrong time to wear your sash. It has always been my understanding when I was a youth in the program and now as an adult, you only wear the sash when you are involved in an official OA function. I see pictures of youth's and/or adult's wearing them in pictures taken for Court's of Honor, at regular Court's of Honor.

 

I recently attended an Troop COH to present an award to a scout in this particular unit and found those that were OA wearing their sash. This same unit wore them at another COH when I did an FOS presentation. When I asked why them why they were wearing the sash, I was told "because our OA members were the opening ceremony !!" and we can do what we want. I then informed them that the sash was only to be worn at "official OA functions" and a troop activity was not and "official function" of the OA.

 

Is there anything that is on paper that states this particular OA rule as to when you can wear a sash ?

 

If so, where can I find a copy to hand out to units in my district ??

 

 

Eagle1984

[hunting wolf]

This is similiar to a thread that was recently up here. I agree that the sash is worn for official OA events, but that includes many things. For example, if a youth is the Troop/Team Representative and is at a COH to fulfill that capacity he can wear his sash. When the boys in our Lodge go to Troop meetings to make Camp Promotion presentations, they wear their sashes. At our monthly Roundtable the OA does the opening and the boys are expected to wear their sashes.

These are a few examples from our Lodge.(This message has been edited by hunting wolf)

[Eagle1984]

So what you are saying is that each OA Lodge in the US makes up their own rules as to all apects of the Order.

 

I try and make sure that unless it is an official OA function that NO ONE, adult or scout wears their sash unless it is what I previously stated.

 

Eagle1984

[mdutch]

No, there is one national policy on when the sash is to be worn. If you check in the main OA forum on this site I think you will find a discusion on it. I realize that you wanted a source on where this policy is found, but I can't seem to find it right now. However, below, is my understanding of it (I will follow up if I find the source).

The sash is worn when it is neccesary to identify you as a member of the OA and you are acting in some capacity as a member of the OA. Except for serving as an elangomat you only wear the sash when in uniform or regalia. If you are at an event b/c of your membership in the OA you would were the sahs (examples: OA meeting, running a unit election, giving a speech as a Chapter officer ect...) In your situation where they said they were wearing the sash b/c members of the OA were doing the opening, I would say that only those who participated in the opening should be wearing their sash.

 

As I said earlier I will post if I find the source I was looking for.

[hunting wolf]

This can be found at http://www.mninter.net/~blkeagle/oasash.htm

 

"The Order of the Arrow sash is worn with the official scout uniform or Scouting's official adult dress wear (a blue blazer and gray slacks). The sash also may be worn by Elangomats who are not in uniform at an Ordeal, youth wearing ceremonial attire, and in such other instances as approved by the Scout Executive. The sash is worn over the right shoulder so that the arrow is pointing over the right shoulder. The sash is worn diagonally across the chest. It is not worn in any other manner...

The sash is worn at Order of the Arrow functions and special Scouting activities, when members need to be identified as Arrowmen rendering special services."

 

It references the Order of the Arrow Handbook (#34996B), page 57

Revised 2000

2000 Printing

 

I know there have been later printings and this resource, to my knowledge, is not available on-line. They are only available through the local council, however, I have never seen one that said anything different since I was inducted in the mid-60's.

 

Hope this helps.