Darn email (message board etc.), it always makes you seem more harsh than intended. LOL

I did not mean offense. It was more of a statement about our current membership policy than personal. If you allow those who do not meet the "ideals" (and believe me I am included here) in some categories such as physically strong why don't you allow those that you believe do not meet the ideals in other categories such as "morally straight." I was using it as an opportunity for all of us to take a look in the mirror and to stop casting stones.

If I cast a stone of my own in the process, I am truly sorry (and I mean that). I did not mean to hurt anyone's feelings in the process.

Although, we do that every day with our current policy.

I am a District Commissioner and have a 34 inch waist at 6 foot. Still too big but working on it.

Should someone with a 56 inch waist really be in Scouting?

This person needs to look at the "physically strong" part of the Scout oath. Isn't this at least as important as "morally straight?"

As usual no one has helped you. The information you are looking for is in this publication [URL="http://www.oa-bsa.org/resources/pubs/GOA-2012.pdf"]http://www.oa-bsa.org/resources/pubs/GOA-2012.pdf[/URL="http://www.oa-bsa.org/resources/pubs/GOA-2012.pdf"]

This is the guide for OA Officers and advisors. Look at Page 20 (Unit Leader Approval). It states, "To become eligible for election, a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout must be registered with the Boy Scouts of America and have the approval of his Unit Leader prior (bolded in the original) to the election. The Unit Leader must certify his Scout spirit (i.e., hius adherance to the Scout Oath and Law and active participation in unit activities). The Unit Leader must also certify that the nominee meets all specified requirements at the time of this annual election.

It is important to note that unlike advancement criteria there is no appeal process for this certification so what the Unit Leader decides goes, and you can tell the parents to pound sand if they do not agree, or better yet refer them to the CC as it is not the SMs job to deal with the parents.

That being said further reference is made on page 22 #4 "...who meet all eligibility requirements including attitude and participation..." I believe BSA chose the word "attitude" carefully and the Unit leader has a lot of leeway as to who has the right attitude for OA and who does not. Again, ther eis no appeal process.

This is definitely an area where the good Unit Leader needs a spine and needes to stand up to the parents. BSA and the OA give the Unit leader a lot of discretion in this area, and it is up to the Unit leader to maintain the integrity of the OA.

If not you, who?