Board Of Review Mechanics

For all ranks (except Eagle) and Eagle palms, the Board of Review consists of at least three or more members of the Troop Committee. The Troop assigns a committee chairman to head up the Board of Review Committee.  Relatives or guardians may not serve on a related Scout's Board of Review. Unit leaders, (Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, Venture leader, Post Advisor, etc.) should not participate in a Board of Review; however, in small Troop, this rule cannot fully apply.

The Scout is introduced to the board by the Chairperson. To begin the Board of Review (BOR), the Chairman will go over the following basics that are common with every Board of Review.

1. Scout must be in Class A Field uniform and have his Scout Handbook.
2. Ask the Scout for his Recommendation Form. (See Troop web site for instructions and a download of the form)
3. The Scout is asked to Stand at Attention and recite the Scout Law or Scout Oath
4. Those wishing to move to Tenderfoot through 2nd Class Ranks will be asked about the Points of the Boy Scout Emblem.  1st Class through Life Ranks must describe the Points of the Boy Scout Emblem (it is in the Scout Handbook).
5. The scout is required to recite the Outdoor Code at his First Class BOR and describe one part of the Code. This signifies that the Scout has had adequate outdoor training. (Only the bold lines, not every sentence). Upper Ranks  are required to have knowledge of the Code by describing one or more parts of the Outdoor Code. Or, if the scout is an OA member, ask if he knows the Order Of The Arrow Official Song.
6. Ask the Scout to tie a knot. Describe the type of knot and a good use for the knot on a campout. (Be sure to have a small rope available)

The board members are invited to ask questions of the Scout (see the sections appropriate to each rank). The questions should be open-ended, offering an opportunity for the Scout to speak about his opinions, experiences, activities, and accomplishments. The Board should avoid questions which only require a simple one or two word answer. If an answer is too brief, follow up with a, "Why?" or, "How can that be done?" to expand the answer. The questions need not be restricted to Scouting topics; questions regarding home, church, school, work, athletics, etc. are all appropriate. The Chairperson should be made aware of any "out-of-bounds" areas or special needs of any particular scout; these should be communicated to the board before the Board of Review begins (e.g., if a Scout is experiencing family difficulties due to a divorce, it would be prudent to avoid family issues.)

The time for a Board of Review could be 15 to 40 minutes, with the shorter time for the lower ranks. When all members have had an opportunity to ask their questions, the Scout is typically excused from the room. The board members then consider whether the Scout is ready for the next rank; the board's decision must be unanimous. Once the decision is made, the Scout is invited back into the room, and the Chairperson informs the Scout of the board's decision. If the Scout is approved for the next rank, there are general congratulations and hand shakes all around, and the Scout is encouraged to continue advancing. If there are issues which prevent the Scout from advancing to the next rank, the board must detail the precise nature of the deficiencies. The Scout must be told specifically what must be done in order to be successful at the next Board of Review.  Typically, an agreement is reached as to when the Scout may return for his subsequent Board of Review.  The Chairperson must communicate to the Scout's parents and the Scoutmaster, regarding the deficiencies and the course of action needed to correct them.

The Eagle Rank

Scout Emblem