Re: A (not so) simple question.

<Quote From: Captain Jack cj123@TCONL.COM>
1. Has any Troop or group developed a written policy on content development
for their web page with regard to the use of photos of Scouts, Scouts
names, etc. I have communicated with a great number of people regarding
practices in this regard, and that is not really my interest. I have yet,
though, to find anyone with a written policy.
</Quote>

Troop 381 has no written policy on content for its web page. We DO have a
policy though. The only reason it isn't written is that we are waiting for
the release of the official BSA policy before committing our policy to
paper. Our policy IS written down for my own use as Scoutmaster and
Webmaster, but it hasn't been officially blessed by the committee or anyone
else.

<Quote>
2. What do the list members think about the role of a written policy for
net content in this age of litigation. Is there a Troop and Council safety
issue (apart from the child protection issues) or is my medical background
making me overly paranoid about the litigation potentials of web content
where young people are involved.
</Quote>

A written policy could be a good thing if several people will be responsible
for the content of the page. If more than one person will be posting updates
to the site, then a written policy should be discussed and approved by the
troop committee (and in some cases the chartering institution).

The reason you would want a written policy is not to avoid litigation, but
to communicate to the members of your troop. As you look over our policy (my
personal policy), you will be able to see why. Litigation would only be a
problem if the site presents a potential threat to the safety of your Scouts
or their families.

Our Policy Regarding Web Site Content:
1) Photographs of our Scouts will be included on the web site. Photographs
will only be posted if the Scouts depicted and their parents or guardians
agree.

2) Any mention of individual Scouts will include only their first name
unless the mention involves announcements of awards and special
recognitions. Individual and parental permission will be required to use a
Scout's full name.

3) No individual addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or information
pertaining to the school a Scout attends or outside activity schedules will
be permitted. All email pertaining to the troop and it's members will be
directed to the troop email address which is screened by the Webmaster
(Scoutmaster).

4) Individual Scouts or Patrols that contribute to the Troop web site will
be expected to follow these guidelines as well as the Scout Oath and Law.
All material submitted should pertain to troop or patrol activities.

5) Modification or addition to these guidelines concerning Troop Web Site
content will be approved by the troop committee and will follow other BSA
guidelines involving youth protection and web site content as they are
published or modified.

6) In all situations not covered by these guidelines, common sence shall be
used.

YIS
Anthony J. Mako, ajmako@apk.net
Scoutmaster, Troop 381
http://members.aol.com/Scouts381/
"Home of the Unofficial Boy Scout Desktop Theme!"
Great Trail Council - Akron, Ohio (Web Site coming soon!)
"I used to be an Eagle (C-7-97), but I'll always be an Eagle (1981)"


Thanks in advance for your thoughts on these questions.

YIS
Dean R. Adams, MD
Assistantant Scoutmaster
Troop 494, Omaha, NEE

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