PART
V.
DISTRICT
ORGANISATION.
THE
DISTRICT.
General
Scheme
121.
The County is divided into Districts, each of which is in charge of a
D.C. with one or more L.As.
Size
122.
The extent and boundaries of Districts are settled by the C.C.
Districts must be confined to such limits that the D.C., or one of his
assistants, can have constant personal touch with all L.As., Groups and
Scouters, within it.
DISAGREEMENT
OF
L.A.
AND D.C.
123.
If the
L.A.
and D.C. are unable to agree in any case, the matter must be referred to the
C.C., who will decide it and report his decision to I.H.Q.
DISTRICT
COMMISSIONER.
Appointment
124.
D.Cs. are appointed by I.H.Q., with warrants in accordance with Part III.
Functions
125.
The functions of the D.C. in his District are, generally, to be
responsible to the C.C. and to I.H.Q. for the welfare and progress of the
Movement and for the maintenance of the policy, organisation and rules of the
Association, in particular:--
(1.)
To encourage the formation of L.As., Groups, and Old Scout Branches, and
to secure their effective working.
(2.)
To secure the harmonious cooperation of all L.As., Groups, and Scouters
in the District.
(3.)
With the cooperation as far as possible of the
L.A.
, to be responsible for the training of Scouters and to supervise the training
of all Scouts.
(4.)
To visit Groups and advise how to conduct them on the lines laid down in
"Scouting for Boys," the "Wolf Cub's Handbook," "Rovering
to Success, " and P.O.R.
(5.)
To test the wearer of any proficiency badge in his knowledge of the
subjects, with power to withdraw the badge if the knowledge is insufficient.
(6.)
To deal, as laid down, with all matters allotted to him under P.O.R., and
in particular, with:--
Warrants
under Part III
Non-executive
and Honorary ranks under Rules 155-166, and Old Scouts under Rules 167A-167E and
274B-274E.
Membership
of Scouts under Rules 197-200
Decorations
and Awards under Part X.
(7.)
To grant at his discretion, camping permits to Scouts and Scouters of his
District, and to supervise all camps held in his District, whether by his own or
by visiting Scouts or Scouters.
(8.)
To exercise control over all visiting Scouts whether camping or not, and
if necessary, to report the circumstances to the C.C., who will thereupon inform
the D.C. of the District from which the Scout has come if in the same County, or
I.H.Q. if from another County.
(9.)
To combine with his own functions those of the
L.A.
in any part of his District in which there is no such body.
Vacancy
126.
Where the office of D.C. is vacant, the C.C. will either depute one of
the A.D.Cs. or some other Commissioner to act, or will himself perform the
duties.
Uniforms
and Badges
127.
D.Cs. wear uniform as in Rules 291-292, and badges as in Rules 320-322.
ASSISTANT
DISTRICT COMMISSIONER
Appointment
128.
A.D.Cs. are appointed by I.H.Q., with warrants in accordance with Part
III.
Functions
129.
Such appointments are made for the assistance of the D.C. in the
following ways:--
(1.)
For general duties, for the whole District.
(2.)
For general duties, for a specified part of the District.
(3.)
For Special duties, i.e., Cubs, Scouts, Sea Scouts, Rovers, Deep Sea
Scouts, Handicapped Scouts.
(4.)
In cases under (2) and (3) the special nature of the appointment is
indicated on the warrant.
Uniform
and Badges
130.
A.D.Cs. wear uniform as in Rules 291-291, and badges as in Rules 320-322.
LOCAL
ASSOCIATION.
131.
The area to be administered by a
L.A.
is settled by the C.C. in consultation with the D.C.
It may be, but it is not necessarily, coterminous with the D.C's.
District, which may include two or more L.As.
Registration
132.
(i) L.As.
are registered, and their warrants issued by I.H.Q. at its discretion, on the
recommendation of the C.C. in consultation with the D.C.
(ii.) Three copies of Form A.B.
must be completed and signed by the prospective L.A. Secretary and by the D.C.
They are forwarded to I.H.Q. through the
County
Secretary
who signs them as evidence of the approval of the C.C.
(iii.) After approval of the forms, a
warrant for the
L.A.
is issued by I.H.Q. and sent to the L.A. Secretary.
I.H.Q. retain one copy of Form A.B., and send to the County Secretary the
other two, of which one is to be kept with the County records and one to be
transmitted to the L.A. Secretary with the warrant for retention with the L.A.
records.
Cancellation
133.
L.A.
registrations are cancelled, and their warrants withdrawn, by I.H.Q., on the
recommendation of the C.C. in consultation with the D.C.
Suspension
134.
The C.C. has power to suspend any
L.A.
pending consideration by I.H.Q. of his recommendation for the cancellation of
its registration.
135.
During suspension all functions of the L.A. cease and, except in so far
as I.H.Q. may direct to the contrary, all Scouters and persons holding
Non-executive or honorary rank under the L.A. are automatically suspended with
effect as under Rule 80, and similarly all Groups are suspended as under Rules
189-192.
Membership
136.
The following are members of the
L.A.
:--
(1.)
Ex officio.
The President and Vice Presidents, if such appointments are made.
The Chairman, Vice-Chairman (if any), Treasurer and Secretary.
The C.C. and any A.C.Cs. performing duties in the area.
The D.C., and any D.C.Cs. . District Scouters, G.S.Ms., and Scoutmasters,
holding warrants in the area.
(2.)
Elected.
Any person, including Scouters not specified in (I), elected by vote at a
meeting of the
L.A.
Such members may be require to pay an annual subscription, but do not require
annual re-election.
(3.)
Associate.
Associates with full rights of membership until the next Annual
Meeting:--On payment of not less than 1/-, { A Parent of Guardian of a Scout;
any Rover or Old Scout who has in either case attained the age of 21.
On
payment of not less than 1/-, A parent of guardian of a Scout; any Rover or Old
Scout who has in either case attained the age of 21.
On
payment of 5/-, Any person.
The
L.A.
has, however, the right to refuse membership to any person applying under this
clause without being under any obligation to state its reasons for such action.
(4.)
Co-opted.
A representative of the Old Scouts in the area and representatives of
bodies with which it is desired to maintain co-operation-e.g., Girl Guides,
local education authorities, religious bodies, and boys' or other organisations,
co-opted by the L.A. until the next Annual Meeting.
Assistant
Scoutmasters
137.
Assistant Scoutmasters.
Assistant Scoutmasters are not ex-officio members of the
L.A.
, but are entitled to attend its meetings and to speak.
Unless members under Rule 136, they may not vote except in the absence of
the Scoutmaster, in which case one Assistant may vote in respect of the section
concerned.
Functions
138.
The functions of the
L.A.
are as follows:--
(1.)
To safeguard and encourage the progress of the Movement within its area
and with the least possible interference with the independence and initiative of
the Groups,
(2.)
To deal, as laid down, with all matters allotted to it under P.O.R., and
in particular with:--
Warrants
under Part III,
Non-executive
and Honorary ranks under Rules 155-166, and Old Scouts under Rules 167A-167E and
274B,
Group
Registrations under Rules 177-196,
Membership
of Scouts under Rules 197-200,
Decorations
and Awards under Part X.
(3.)
To supervise Group finance, the appointment of Group Committees in
accordance with Rules 202-203, and the establishment of proper trusts of Group
property in accordance with Rules 204-206.
(4.)
To be responsible for the grant of all badges and to arrange examinations
for proficiency badges.
Annual
Meeting
139.
The L.A. will hold its Annual Meeting in October, or as soon as possible
thereafter, when the following business is to be transacted:--
(1.)
Election for the ensuing year of office bearers, of members and Chairman
of the Executive Committee (if any), and of any standing committees which shall
be sub-committees of the Executive Committee (if any).
(2.)
Consideration of all appointments of District Scouters and of persons to
hold Honorary rank under Rules 155-166.
(3.)
Election of new members under Rule 136.
Chairman
140.
(i)
The
L.A.
will elect a Chairman at the annual meeting each year.
(ii.) The Chairman may be a
Commissioner, but not a Scouter of any other rank unless with the special
sanction of I.H.Q.
(iii.) If desired, during his period in
office, the Chairman may be granted Non-executive rank by the
L.A.
and D.C., in accordance withRules155-157 and 163 and, in addition, with the
approval of the C.C., he may rank as an Honorary Commissioner, as in Rule 325.
(iv.) If granted under (iii), he may
wear uniform as in Rule 298, and badge as in Rules 323-324, or, if appointed
Honorary Commissioner, as in Rule 325.
Treasurer
141.
(i)
The
L.A.
will elect a Treasurer at the Annual Meeting each year.
(ii)
If desired, during his period in office, the Treasurer may be granted
Non-executive rank by the
L.A.
and D.C. in accordance with Rules 155-157 and 163.
(iii) If granted rank under (ii),
he may wear uniform as in Rule 298, and badges as in Rules 323-324.
Secretary
142.
(i) The
L.A.
will elect a Secretary at the Annual Meeting each year.
(ii)
I.H.Q. and the
County
Secretary
must be kept informed at all times of the name and address of the L.A.
Secretary.
(iii) If desired, during his
period of office, the L.A. Secretary may be granted Non-executive rank by the
L.A.
and D.C. in accordance with Rules 155-157 and 163.
(iv)
If granted rank under (iii), he may wear uniform as in Rule 298 and
badges as in Rules 323-324.
Executive
Committee
143.
(i)
An Executive Committee may be appointed at the Annual Meeting each year.
(ii)
The Executive Committee shall consist of:--
Ex-officio
members. The ex-officio members of the
L.A.
, asset out in Rule 136 (1), with the exception of Vice-Presidents and Group
Scouters, shall be ex-officio members of the Executive Committee.
Elected
Members. The numbers of elected
members must be specified in the bye-laws of the
L.A.
either by a definite number or by a minimum and maximum.
These members are elected by the
L.A.
, at the annual meeting, but the Executive Committee shall have power to fill
any vacancy amongst elected members until the next Annual Meeting.
It is important that half of these elected members should be Group
Scouters holding warrants in the area, and half lay members.
(iii) A Chairman and if desired,
a Vice-Chairman of the Executive Committee (if any) shall be appointed by the
L.A.
at the Annual Meeting. Both
appointments are subject to the provisions of Rule 140 (ii).
(iv)
A quorum for, and the length of notice of, meetings of the Executive
Committee shall be specified in the bye-laws: subject thereto, the Executive
Committee shall make its own arrangements for the holding of meetings and for
the conduct of business thereat.
144.
The Executive Committee may perform all the functions of the
L.A.
with the exception of those relating to the adoption or variation of Bye-Laws
and those reserved by Rule 138.
Sub-committees
145.
(i) The
L.A. may appoint committees to deal with questions connected with Cubs, Scouts,
Rovers, finance, badges, and other matters, and secretaries for such committees.
(ii)
Such committees are to be regarded as sub-committees of the Executive
Committee, where such exists.
(iii) Persons may be elected
members of such committees although not members of the Executive Committee.
Sea
Scout Committee
146.
(i)
Where there are Sea Scouts or Sea Rovers, or boating is part of the
training of Scouts or Rovers, a special committee, which is subject to Rule 145
(ii), must be formed to provide for the issue and observance of necessary rules
for the use, condition, and equipment of all vessels and boats, so used,
including those privately owned, and for the safety of those using them.
(ii)
Subject to the approval of any C.C. concerned, a joint committee of this
nature may be formed where two or more L.As., even if in different Counties,
abut on the same the same piece of water; such joint committee will also
co-ordinate and advise upon all Sea Scout work in its waters.
and
Local Sea Scout Bye-laws
(iii)
Sea Scout committees under (i) and (ii), must in particular, provide, and
submit to I.H.Q. through the L.A. C.C. for approval, local bye-laws for:--
The inspection of all boats used in their area, and for approving or
disapproving their use with, or without, conditions, approval being given by
means of the Boat Certificate.
Restricting the sail area and the number of persons such boats may carry.
The provision of air tanks, life belts or other safety devices.
Ensuring that such vessels or boats when in use shall be properly manned,
and in charge of a competent person.
The proper care and maintenance of any vessels boats allotted to them by
I.H.Q., and for observing the conditions attached to such allotment.
Suggested
Sea Scout bye-laws will be found in the pamphlet, "Sea Scouting."
Bye-Laws
147.
(i)
The
L.A.
must on registration adopt bye-laws in accordance with the Model Form B
obtainable from I.H.Q. Three copies
of Form B must be submitted, after approval by the D.C., to I.H.Q. through the
County
Secretary
. Any alterations in the bye-laws
must similarly be submitted.
(ii)
Local variations of bye-laws will not be sanctioned by I.H.Q. unless good
reason can be shown for departure from model form.
148.
The
L.A.
will raise locally the amount required for working expenses or for helping the
Groups within the area. Subscriptions
and donations for this purpose are to be received by the Treasurer of the
L.A.
and not by any individual Scouter.
149.
The
L.A.
may require subscriptions from members under Rule 136, and from Groups under
Rule 186.
Property
150.
It is important that
L.A.
property should be vested in trustees under a Deed of Trust of which a working
model form is obtainable without charge from I.H.Q.
151.
Where there is no
L.A.
, the D.C. will combine its functions with his own.
DISTRICT
SCOUTERS.
Appointment
152.
District Scouters, i.e., D.C.M., D.S.M., and D.R.S.L. may be appointed on
the recommendation of the L.A. and D.C. with biennial warrants, in accordance
with Part III, provided they satisfy respectively the conditions for C.M. or S.M.
as in Rules 214 and 233, or for R.S.L. as in Rule 250, with the exception of
paragraphs (4) and (5).
Functions
153.
The functions of District Scouters are to perform any duties compatible
with P.O.R. with which the D.C. may invest the appointment.
The District Scoutmaster will generally take charge of Scouts at a
combined meeting or rally, unless the D.C. or A.D.C. wishes to do so.
Uniform
and Badges
154.
District Scouters wear uniform as in Rules 291-292, and badges as in
Rules 320-332.
NON-EXECUTIVE
RANKS
Ranks
155.
The following appointments may be made by the
L.A.
and D.C., and are known as Non-executive ranks:--
Lady
Worker.
Instructor.
Examiner.
Chaplain.
Surgeon.
In
addition, Non-executive rank may be conferred by the
L.A.
and D.C. on:--
L.A.
Chairman, under Rule 140 (iii).
L.A
Treasurer, under Rule 141 (ii).
L.A.
Secretary, under Rule 142 (iii).
Appointments,
etc.
156.
These ranks do not carry warrants, but the procedure to be observed and
the precautions to be adopted by the L.A. and D.C., and where occasion arises,
by the C.C., in all matters connected therewith and, in particular, in regard to
general qualifications, appointment, suspension, and retirement, are the same in
every respect except as in the case of District or Group Scouters under Part
III, except that:--
(1)
The appointment is concluded locally; if desired, a certificate for this
purpose is obtainable on payment from I.H.Q. (Equipment Dept.)
(2)
Notification of appointment or retirement will not be sent to I.H.Q.
unless under circumstances adversely affecting the character or efficiency of
the person.
Qualifications
157.
In addition to general qualifications as above and the special
qualifications laid down for each rank, a person to receive Non-executive rank
must be at least 18 years of age.
Lady
Worker
158.
The rank of Lady Worker may be conferred as above upon a person who has
expert knowledge of any subject necessary for a Scout proficiency badge.
Instructor
159.
The rank of Instructor may be conferred as above upon a person having
expert knowledge of some subject suitable for Scouts, and who has successfully
instructed Scouts in the area for at least three months.
Examiner
160.
(i)
The rank of Examiner may be conferred as above upon a person having
expert knowledge of any subject necessary for any Scout proficiency badge.
(ii)
An instructor or a Group Scouter may be appointed an Examiner, but may
not examine any Scout he has instructed except in cases which come under Rule
435.
Chaplain
161.
The rank of Chaplain may be conferred as above on a minister of religion,
including a lay reader, who acts as Chaplain of a Group.
Surgeon
162.
The rank of surgeon may be conferred as above on a member of the medical
profession who gives his services to any body of Scouts.
L.A.
Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary
163.
The appointment of the L.A. Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary lies with
the
L.A.
only, but if the holder of such an office is to hold Non-executive rank, the
concurrence of the D.C. is necessary, and in certain cases of Chairmen, under
Rule 140 (iii), of the C.C.
Uniform
and Badges
164.
Persons holding Non-executive rank may wear uniform as in Rule 298, and
badges as in Rules 323-324.
HONOURARY
RANKS.
Appointment,
etc.
165.
The
L.A.
and D.C. may confer the corresponding Honourary rank on a person ceasing to
hold a warrant as a Group Scouter, and not having any other rank as a Scouter in
the Movement.
166.
Such rank is open to revision each year on the occasion of the Annual
Meeting of the
L.A.
, and the provisions of Rule 156 apply.
Uniform
and Badges
167.
Persons holding Honourary rank may wear uniform as in Rule 298 and badges
as in Rule 325.
THE
OLD SCOUT BRANCH
167A. The L.A. and the D.C. may at their discretion form
an Old Scouts Branch of the
L.A.
; and similarly may disband such a Branch.
167B. The following persons are ex-officio members of the
Old Scout Branch of the
L.A.
:--
(1)
Old Scouts registered under Rule 274D by the Old Scout Branch of any
Group in the
L.A.
(2)
Scouter holding Warrants in the
L.A.
(3)
If the
L.A.
and the D.C. so desire, persons holding Non-executive or Honourary rank in the
L.A.
Members
Admitted
167C. The L.A Branch may at its discretion, but subject
to the approval of the D.C., admit to membership of the Branch any Old Scout
registered by the Branch of another L.A. or of a Group in another L.A.; and
similarly may at any time determine the membership of any person so admitted.
Registration
of Old Scouts
167D
The L.A. Branch may at its discretion, but subject to the approval of the D.C.,
register annually as an Old Scout any person qualified in accordance with Rules
274G and 274H, who is not already registered by any other Branch whether of L.A.
or Group; and similarly may at any time remove the name of any person from its
register.
Precautions
and Reports
167E. The Old Scout Branch and the D.C. in taking any
decision under Rules 167C and 167D must adopt the precautions required by Rules
72 and 73, and must report to I.H.Q. through the C.C. any case in which it
appears it is not desirable that nay person should become or remain a member of
the Movement.
