Policy, Organisation and Rules

10.1.1.1
The purpose of uniform is to help members:

1. feel they belong in Scouts - locally, nationally, and internationally
2. be seen, recognised and trusted in our communities
3. feel comfortable, welcome and proud while taking part in activities and events.

Therefore, uniform needs to be inclusive, flexible, practical and affordable. Scouts remains a uniformed youth movement and every reasonable effort should be made so that uniform is not a barrier to participation.

10.2.1.1
While formal uniform has a key purpose outlined in 10.1, there are times when Informal Scout-branded clothing may be worn, including:

1. Branded section, Group, or event polo shirts, sweatshirts, or hoodies
2. Neckerchiefs, either standalone or with the informal Scout-branded clothing described above.

10.2.1.2
There are occasions when informal Scout-branded clothing may be more appropriate, depending on factors such as:

1. Safety
2. Activities
3. Weather
4. Formality of occasion
5. Age range
6. Inclusion for cultural, religious or accessibility reasons
7. Affordability, to avoid what we wear being a barrier to taking part in Scout activities.

10.2.1.3
The decision on when formal uniform and when informal Scout-branded clothing can be worn should be made by the volunteer or staff member in charge of the meeting, activity or event.

10.3.1.1
The movement's uniforms are protected under the Chartered Associations (Protection of Names and Uniforms) Act 1926.

10.3.1.2
It is unlawful for persons not entitled as members of the movement to wear them, except for the purposes of entertainment and then only provided that they are not brought into disrepute.

10.4.1.1
The appropriate uniform, as described in this chapter, may be worn by all members of the movement.

10.5.1.1
In the organisation of all Scouting activities, priority is given to considerations of safety in what clothing is worn.

10.5.1.2
Weather conditions, especially heat, cold and rain, must be taken into account. The practical comfort and well-being of members must take precedence over formality. A coat or other overgarment (preferably navy blue) should be worn when weather conditions require it to make sure members feel comfortable, including on formal occasions.

10.6.1.1
Where a member does not feel comfortable wearing an item of Scout clothing (either official uniform or Scout-branded clothing) due to a specific need, their specific need should be given priority over uniform rules in POR. They may for example wear a different style of clothing or material that allows them to take part comfortably in Scout activities.

10.7.1.1
To meet cultural or religious needs, members of recognised faith communities may wear appropriate clothing in accordance with their beliefs during Scouting activities.

10.7.1.2
Knives must not be worn with uniform except for religious reasons.

10.8.1.1
Items of official Uniform for Squirrels:

1. Squirrels red crew neck sweatshirt
2. Group scarf and woggle.

10.8.1.2
Optional informal Scout-branded clothing for Squirrels:

1. t-shirt in Squirrels red with correct local or Group personalised branding
2. polo shirt in Squirrels red with correct local or Group personalised branding
3. hoodie in Squirrels red with correct local section or Group personalised branding.

10.9.1.1
Items of official uniform for Beavers:

1. Beavers blue crew neck sweatshirt
2. Group scarf and woggle that identifies the lodge or team.

10.9.1.2
Optional, informal Scout-branded clothing for Beavers:

1. t-shirt in Beavers blue with correct local section or Group personalised branding
2. polo shirt in Beavers blue with correct local section or Group personalised branding
3. hoodie in Beavers blue with correct local section or Group personalised branding.

10.10.1.1
Items of official uniform for Cubs:

1. Cubs green crew neck sweatshirt
2. Group scarf and identifying Six woggle.

10.10.1.2
Optional, informal Scout-branded clothing for Cubs:

1. t-shirt in Cubs green with correct local section or Group personalised branding
2. polo shirt in Cubs green with correct local section or Group personalised branding
3. hoodie in Cubs green with correct local section or Group personalised branding.

10.11.1.1
Items of official uniform for Scouts:

1. Scouts teal long sleeved shirt or blouse
2. any suitable navy blue trousers or skirt
3. Group scarf and woggle or friendship knot.

Optional informal Scout-branded clothing for Scouts:

1. t-shirt in Scouts teal with correct local section or Group personalised branding
2. polo shirt in Scouts teal with correct local section or Group personalised branding
3. hoodie in Scouts teal with correct local section or Group personalised branding.

Optional items a Group may decide to have as part of its official uniform:

1. Scout belt and buckle.

10.11.1.2
Items of official uniform for Sea Scouts:

1. dark blue jersey
2. light blue long sleeve shirt or blouse
3. any suitable smart navy blue trousers or skirt
4. Group scarf and woggle
5. Scout belt and buckle
6. Seaman's Class 2 round cap with ‘Sea Scout’ tallyband.

Optional items a Sea Scout Group may decide to have as part of its official uniform:

1. lanyard (worn only with Bosun’s call).

10.11.1.3
Items of official uniform for Air Scouts:

1. light blue long sleeve shirt or blouse
2. any suitable navy blue trousers or skirt
3. Group scarf and woggle
4. Air Scout beret with cloth badge.

Optional items an Air Scouts Group may decide to have as part of its official uniform:

1. Scout belt and buckle.

10.12.1.1
Items of official uniform:

1. Special Groups can decide to wear some or all of the items of official uniform as appropriate to their specific needs.

Optional items a Group may decide to have as part of its official uniform:

1. Special Groups can decide to wear some or all of the optional items of official uniform as appropriate to their specific needs.

10.13.1.1
Items of official uniform for Explorers:

1. beige long sleeve or short sleeve shirt or blouse
2. Explorer Unit scarf and woggle or friendship knot (a Group scarf may be worn if specified in the Partnership Agreement)
3. Any suitable navy blue trousers or skirt.

Optional, informal Scout-branded clothing for Explorers:

1. t-shirt in navy blue with correct local section or Group personalised branding
2. polo shirt in navy blue with correct local section or Group personalised branding
3. hoodie in navy blue with correct local section or Group personalised branding.

Optional items an Explorer Unit may decide to have as part of its official uniform:

1. Scout belt and buckle
2. Explorer Belt and buckle or Young Leader buckle once achieved.

10.13.1.2
Items of official uniform for Explorer Sea Scouts:

1. light blue long sleeve shirt or blouse
2. Explorer Unit scarf and woggle (a Group scarf may be worn if specified in the Partnership Agreement) or blue tie
3. Any suitable smart navy blue trousers or skirt
4. Seaman's Class 2 round cap with 'Explorer Sea Scout' tallyband or peaked Officer's hat with white top and Sea Scout cap badge. Each Explorer Unit member to wear the same headwear option.

Optional items an Explorer Sea Scout Unit may decide to have as part of its official uniform:

1. Lanyard (worn only with Bosun's call)
2. Scout belt and buckle
3. Explorer Belt and buckle/Young Leader buckle once achieved.

10.13.1.3
Items of official uniform for Explorer Air Scouts:

1. light blue long sleeve shirt or blouse
2. Explorer Unit scarf and woggle (a Group scarf may be worn if specified in the Partnership Agreement) or blue tie
3. Any suitable smart navy blue trousers or skirt
4. Air Scout beret with cloth badge.

Optional items an Explorer Air Scout Unit may decide to have as part of its official uniform:

1. Scout belt and buckle
2. Explorer Belt and buckle/Young Leader buckle once achieved.

10.14.1.1
Items of official uniform for Scout Network and adult members:

1. stone long sleeve or short sleeve shirt or blouse
2. Group scarf (or scarf for Explorer Unit, Scout Network or Gilwell, as entitled) and woggle or friendship knot
3. any suitable smart navy blue trousers or skirt.

Optional items a Scout Network or adult member may decide to have as part of their official uniform:

1. on formal occasions, a blue tie
2. Scout belt
3. Explorer Belt and buckle once achieved.

10.14.1.2
Items of official uniform for Sea Scout Network and adult members:

1. light blue long sleeve shirt or blouse
2. any suitable smart navy blue trousers or skirt
3. Group scarf (or scarf for Explorer Unit, Scout Network or Gilwell, as entitled) and woggle
4. on formal occasions, a blue tie
5. peaked Officer hat with white top and Sea Scout cap badge
6. Naval pattern tricorn hat option for females holding uniformed appointments.

Optional items a Sea Scout Network or adult member may decide to have as part of their official uniform:

1. Scout belt and buckle
2. Explorer Belt and buckle once achieved.

10.14.1.3
Items of official uniform for Air Scout Network and adult members:

1. light blue long sleeve shirt or blouse
2. smart navy blue trousers or skirt
3. Group scarf (or scarf for Explorer Unit, Scout Network or Gilwell, as entitled) and woggle
4. on formal occasions, a blue tie
5. Air Scout beret with cloth badge.

Optional items an Air Scout Network or adult member may decide to have as part of their official uniform:

1. Scout belt with buckle
2. Explorer Belt and buckle once achieved.

10.15.1.1
Uniform:

1. Members of Scout Marching Bands have two options from which the Band as a whole must choose one option:
   • youth members wear the official uniform shirt for their section or the approved sweatshirt (for Cubs and Beavers only). Adults wear the adult official uniform shirt
   • all members, including adults, wear the official Scout, Explorer or adult official uniform shirt.
2. members wear a blue tie or the Group or other approved scarf and woggle
3. members wear any suitable smart trousers or skirt or kilt.

10.15.1.2
Badges:

1. the Membership Badge and the appropriate County, District and Group name tape must be worn on the shirt selected by the band.
2. individual badges earned, emblems and awards may also be worn on the uniform selected by the band.

10.15.1.3
Additional options:

1. protective clothing for drummers
2. sashes, music pouches, white gloves, belts and socks as appropriate
3. berets with the arrowhead badge only, for competitions where the rules necessitate the wearing of headgear
4. lanyards are not permitted except as part of Sea Scout uniform
5. In Scotland, a dark blue Balmoral bonnet with the metal Arrowhead Badge may be worn. The Balmoral should have short tails and a navy blue "toorie", but not a diced border.

10.16.1.1
Kilts and pleated tartan skirts may be worn as part of the appropriate uniform, subject to the following colour requirements:

1. members who are entitled to wear uniform may wear a tartan kilt or tartan skirt of any tartan.
2. in Northern Ireland, members who are entitled to wear uniform may wear the saffron kilt
3. outside Northern Ireland, where members are entitled to wear saffron, holders of appointments may wear a saffron kilt.

10.16.1.2
The following items are correct wear with the tartan kilt:

1. sporran
2. plain lovat green knee length socks and green garter tabs
3. black or brown shoes
4. outer jacket tailored for wear with the kilt (optional).

10.16.1.3
The following items are correct wear with the saffron kilt:

1. sporran
2. plain knee length socks of a traditional colour (for example green, fawn, white or black)
3. black or brown shoes
4. outer jacket tailored for wear with the kilt (optional).

Where a section is wearing saffron, the sock and shoe colours must be the same for the whole section. This decision is to be taken by the Section Team Leader after consensus has been sought.

10.17.1.1
Members aged 10-18 and adult volunteers are permitted to wear the UK Contingent uniform including in the training before the event after selection.

For UK Contingents participating in the World Scout Jamboree or other major international events, a special UK Contingent uniform may be defined by the UK Event Management Team considering climate and other factors. When the contingent's age range crosses normal section age ranges, all members can wear the older age range uniform, including in the training after selection and before the event.

10.18.1.1
All Scout award medals including the Award for Merit and its Bar, Silver Acorn and its Bar and the Silver Wolf, are worn around the neck. Medals that are pinned to the uniform are worn above the Membership award on the left breast.

10.18.1.2
Scout award cloth badges are worn on the uniform shirt in the following order from the wearer's shirt buttons to the wearer's right shirt sleeve, left to right: awards for gallantry, meritorious conduct, good service, the Chief Scout's Personal Award, Commendation Award, Chief Scout's length of service awards. Awards may be placed on multiple lines following the same award order if they do not fit within the space on the shirt as described.

10.18.1.3 The Bronze Wolf (awarded by the World Scout Committee) may be worn on Scout uniform. The medal is worn around the neck and the cloth badge worn above this line of emblems.

10.18.1.4 The Cornwell Scout Badge and its emblem are worn above this line of emblems.

10.18.1.5 Only the highest award received for good service and its emblem and the highest award for long service may be worn.

10.18.1.6 King's and Queen's medals (ie National Honour), war medals, decorations and orders, and decorations conferred by foreign governments may be worn on Scout uniform on appropriate occasions. They are worn on uniform above the Membership Award on the left breast.

10.18.1.7 Ribbons of decorations conferred by National Scout Associations in other nations are worn below the emblems of United Kingdom Scout Association decorations.

10.18.1.8 The life-saving medals of the Order of St. John and the Royal Humane Society, together with their ribbons, may be worn with uniform.

10.18.1.9 When not wearing uniform, the insignia of a Scout award is represented by a brooch with the same design as the cloth emblem and may be worn by award holders.

10.19.1.1
A Squirrel, on entering the Beaver Colony may continue to wear the Chief Scout's Acorn Award. This award must be removed when the Beaver gains the Chief Scout's Bronze Award. It is to be worn on the right breast (as illustrated in Positions of Badges on Uniform).

10.19.1.2
A Beaver, on entering the Cub Pack, may continue to wear the Chief Scout's Bronze Award. The award must be removed when the Cub gains their Chief Scout's Silver Award. It is to be worn on the right breast (as illustrated in Positions of Badges on Uniform).

10.19.1.3
A Cub, on entering the Scout Troop, may continue to wear their Chief Scout's Silver Award. The award must be removed when the Scout gains their Chief Scout's Gold Award.

10.19.1.4
A Scout on entering an Explorer Unit may continue to wear the Chief Scout's Gold Award. The award must be removed when the Explorer gains the Chief Scout's Platinum Award.

10.19.1.5
An Explorer on entering the Scout Network may continue to wear the Chief Scout's Platinum or Diamond Award or Queen's Scout Award or King's Scout Award badges. The Award must be removed when the next Award is gained.

10.19.1.6
Cubs, Scouts and Explorers may also wear the current Joining In, Participation and Moving On Awards.

10.19.1.7
The Explorer Belt and the badges for the King's Scout Award, Queen's Scout Award, Queen's Guide Award Badge and Scouts of the World Award may be worn on uniform by adults so entitled.

10.20.1.1
Badges and awards must be obtained through Scout Stores or local authorised suppliers or a designated local team (for example the District Support Team). Scottish-specific badges may be purchased direct from Scouts Scotland Headquarters or Glasgow Scout Shop.

10.20.1.2
The exception to 10.20.1.1 is the initial King's Scout Award, the Explorer Belt, the Scouts of the World Award, Good Service awards, Length of Service awards as well as Meritorious Conduct and Gallantry awards and wood beads which are only available from UK Headquarters. Replacements are available from the Scout Store.

10.21.1.1
The World Membership Badge is the symbol of membership of world scouting and of The Scout Association as a part of world scouting.

10.21.1.2
The World Membership Badge is the property of the World Scout Bureau and it may only be used or worn as permitted in these Rules.

10.21.1.3
A metal form of the World Membership Badge is available for members of the movement to wear with ordinary clothes.

10.22.1.1
The Arrowhead Badge is the symbol of The Scout Association and is part of The Scout Association's Armorial Bearings.

10.22.1.2
The Arrowhead Badge may be worn on activity or special garments.

10.23.1.1
The name of the Group, Explorer Unit, or Scout Network may appear in red, green, blue, white or yellow lettering on a single tape no more than 12mm deep on a green background.

10.23.1.2
The name of Sea and Air Scout Groups may appear in the same colours, but on a dark blue background.

10.24.1.1
Group, Unit or Network badges bearing distinctive identifying emblems and/or lettering and of any size up to 50mm deep by 38mm wide may be worn after approval by the County Lead Volunteer to whom a drawing or specimen of the design must be submitted.

10.24.1.2
District and County badges bearing distinctive identifying emblems and/or lettering and of any size up to 50mm deep by 38mm wide may be worn after approval by the County Lead Volunteer to whom a drawing or specimen of the design must be submitted.

A visual of all District and County badges should be submitted subsequently to UK Headquarters. Send to the Head of Brand and Ambassadors, Communications and Marketing Team at UK Headquarters.

10.24.1.3
A Scottish emblem consisting of a St Andrew's Cross with the word "Scotland" below is authorised for wear on uniform by members in Scotland. It is worn at the top of the right shoulder, immediately below any Group name tape and above any District/Region(Scotland) badge.

10.24.1.4
A combined District and County badge bearing distinctive identifying emblems and/or lettering and of any size, rectangular in shape up to 50mm deep by 76mm wide may be worn after approval by the County Lead Volunteer to whom a drawing or specimen of the design must be submitted. The District section must be on the left side of the badge, and the District and County sections must be equal in width.

A manufactured example of all such District and County badges should be submitted subsequently to UK Headquarters. Send to the Head of Brand and Ambassadors, Communications and Marketing Team at UK Headquarters.

10.24.1.5
Sponsored Groups may wear, as a Group badge, an appropriate badge produced by organisations approved as Sponsoring Organisations by UK Headquarters. The decision whether to wear such a Group badge is the responsibility of the Group Lead Volunteer in consultation with the Group Leadership Team and the Sponsoring Authority. Approval as in Rule 10.24.1.1 applies.

10.25.1.1
Scarves worn by members of a Group as part of the appropriate uniform must all be of the same colour(s).

10.25.1.2
For Groups, the colour(s) are chosen by the Group Leadership Team, subject to the approval of the District Lead Volunteer.

10.25.1.3
Explorer Unit scarf colours are chosen by the Explorer Unit members subject to the approval of the District 14-24 Team and the approval of the District Lead Volunteer.

10.25.1.4
Scout Network scarf colours are chosen by the Scout Network members in the District with the approval of the District 14-24 Team and the approval of the District Lead Volunteer.

10.25.1.5
Groups, Units and Scout Networks in the same District should wear scarves of different colours if possible.

10.26.1.1
An Air Scout identification badge may be worn by any member of an Air Scout Group.

10.26.1.2
Explorers, Scout Network members or adult members associated with an Air Scout Group may also wear the badge.

10.27.1.1
Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network members and adult members in or associated with a Group, Explorer Unit or Scout Network which is recognised by the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force may wear the appropriate R.N. or R.A.F. Recognition Badge.

10.28.1.1
Cloth badges of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award are worn on uniform by youth members who are entitled to wear them.

10.28.1.2
Only the badge of the highest Award gained may be worn.

10.28.1.3
In the case of the Gold Award only, the badge may be worn on uniform by adults so entitled.

10.29.1.1
Occasional badges in respect of national programmes, activities or events may be worn as directed and for such periods as decided by UK Headquarters.

10.29.1.2
Occasional badges for wear by members of a Group, a District or a County in connection with a special gathering, camp, activity or anniversary must be approved by the County Lead Volunteer to whom a drawing or specimen of the design must be submitted.

10.29.1.3
Such badges must not be worn after a period of three months from the date of the conclusion of the occasion unless exceptionally authorised by the County Lead Volunteer in respect of special circumstances for a further period not exceeding nine months.

10.30.1.1
The Union Flag badge may be worn on uniform when travelling to and during an international Scouts activity and indefinitely on return.

10.31.1.1
Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales badges may be worn on uniform by those entitled to wear these. No other Country or County badges may be worn in place of these.

10.32.1.1
To denote mourning, there are two options:

1. a black crepe band 50mm wide may be worn on the left arm above the elbow
2. a black neckerchief may be worn in place of the Group or other approved neckerchief.

10.33.1.1
On completion of the Growing Roots learning, uniformed adults may wear the Gilwell woggle purchased from Scout Stores.

For occasions when uniform is not worn, uniformed adults may wear a metal pin badge depicting the Gilwell log and axe purchased from Scout Stores.

10.33.1.2
On completion of the Growing Roots learning, non-uniformed adults may wear a metal pin badge depicting the Gilwell log and axe.

10.33.1.3
Uniformed adults holding the Wood Badge may wear the Gilwell Scarf and Gilwell Woggle purchased from Scout Store. Wood Badge beads may also be worn around the neck.

10.34.1.1
Unless specifically mentioned elsewhere in the Rules of The Scout Association, badges of other organisations are not worn with uniform.

10.34.1.2
Explorers, Scout Network members and adult members who have gained the Queen's Guide Award may wear the badge on their uniform and is positioned above the Queen's or King's Scout Award.

10.34.1.3
Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network members and adult members may wear with their uniform the approved proficiency badges of a number of organisations involved with first aid and the saving of life.

10.34.1.4
Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network members and adult members who hold approved First Aid or Life Saving qualifications for which there is no cloth badge may wear The Scout Association badge(s) as appropriate.

10.35.1.1
See the illustrations at Badge positioning on uniforms.