Title: INTERNET SCOUTING
Author: Michael F. Bowman
Company: Attorney at Law

SCOUTS-L
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PERMISSION SLIPS

From mfbowman@CapAccess.org Fri Feb 21 00:44:33 1997
Date: Fri, 21 Feb 1997 00:44:32 -0500 (EST)
From: "Michael F. Bowman" <mfbowman@CapAccess.org>
To: Jo Ernst <njernst@NETSIDE.COM>
cc: Multiple recipients of list SCOUTS-L <SCOUTS-L@TCUBVM.IS.TCU.EDU>
Subject: Re: Permission Slips
In-Reply-To: <199702160506.AAA25711@ccs.netside.com>
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91-FP.970221002532.19920A-100000@cap1.capaccess.org>
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Status: RO
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Jo,

There is always a certain amount of debate over whether a permission slip 
is needed (or whether the medical release form on the Scout application 
is enough) and what form the permission slip should take.  Whenever this 
subject comes up and it does every three or four months, folks share what 
they have been doing and what works in their own area.  And all of its 
seems to sound a little different.  

So, is there a right way or single best permission slip? Probably not. 
This is because the laws in each State or territory are a little 
different about what constitutes a medical waiver, a release or permission.
A great looking permission slip from Virgnia might or might not be very 
good in say Washington State.  To have a really good permission slip that 
helps in the case where a Scout is injured and one that reduces the 
chances of a leader being liable for the injury, you need to consult your 
local resources to find out what works in your state and in some cases 
your city.  One of the best places to start is your District 
professional. He or she can use the resources of the Council's Risk 
Management Committee to help with finding a good permission/waiver form. 
The folks on this committee should be familiar with local laws and better 
able to help with what will or will not work.  Likewise, your Council has 
on its Executive Board a Counsel who is there to give legal advice to the 
Council. This attorney can also be a resource to be consulted via your 
professional staff.

All of that said, there seem to be some key features that can help in 
designing a permission form that are universal:

* Identify the Scout
* Identify the unit
* Identify the place where the event will take place and its nature
* Identify the transportation arrangements
* Identify dates and times
* If the activity is risky, like rappeling, include a statement about
  the risks and a place for the parent to sign acknowledging that both
  the parent and Scout acknowledge the risks and accept liabilty
* Provide for an specifically identified adult to be given permission
  to act in the parent's place for medical care (this is highly 
  dependent on your local laws as to how you write it)
* Be aware that in some areas a parent's signature is enough, in other
  areas the signature may need to be notarized for a leader to act
  in a parent's place for medical care

These are always a pain to use, because Scout's while eager to have fun 
are not always so good on paperwork.  Many Scout leaders have a few forms 
ready to hand at the jump-off point and an Assistant designated to get 
parent signatures just before leaving as practical solution. 

Speaking only for myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F. Bowman
Dep.Dist.Commissioner-Training, G.W.Dist., NCAC, BSA (Virginia)
U. S. Scouting Service Project FTP Site Administrator (PC Area)
ftp1 or ftp2.scouter.com/usscouts E-mail: mfbowman@capaccess.org