Meritbadge placement on sash

[pipestone1991]

Has anyone EVER seen MBs placed on a sash other than 3 across in rows as shown in the BSA handbook and BSA insignia guide?

Yes, I have. Look at all of the people on the Red Cross First Aid/CPR book. There is a by scout with mbs spirling down his sash.

[smtroop168]

Not a BSA Pub but I Haven't seen the pix you refer to. Where can I find it?

[pipestone1991]

Not a BSA Pub but I Haven't seen the pix you refer to. Where can I find it?

Heartsaver CPR by The American heart Association

[smtroop168]

Please scan it and email it to me if possible

[Fibonacci]

There is a photo of the Heartsaver book on amazon.com.
http://www.amazon.com/Heartsaver-First- ... 146&sr=1-2

Just the book: http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G ... 240_.L.jpg
The Scout is near the front.

[smtroop168]

Still can't make it out. maybe i'll find the book. Doesn't matter. Policy is 3 across in a row.

[wagionvigil]

[PaulSWolf]

Still can't make it out. maybe i'll find the book. Doesn't matter. Policy is 3 across in a row.

I clicked on the first link and then on the "show larger image" It looks to me like the Scout has the badges in rows of three, parallel to the ground when worn diagonally over the shoulder, rather than in rows of three perpendicular to the long edges of the sash.

[smtroop168]

I can see what he's talking about now. Technically not correct since it's not "as shown" in the IG which is parallel to the top of the sash but compared to what design I was dealing with it's at least in rows of 3.

[smtroop168]

If you want a great history on the MB sash check out Steve Henning's web link. He put this together after I asked him about my parent's pattern approach. FYI, her sons are now in compliance with the policy.


http://scouters.us/homemb.html

[wagionvigil]

Watch out she will be throwing another curve bal at ya

[jr56]

Most people can look at existing illustrations and figure it out, but some have to be stubborn.

[milominderbinder2]

When I filled the front of my three column sash long ago my mom continued sewing them right side up wrapping up from the bottom. I have also seen them start over again on the top of the back.

As to placement on the sash, the BSA Insignia Guide is now online:

http://www.scouting.org/media/insigniaguide.aspx

Under Merit Badges, the Insignia Gudie is silent except to say that:

"Cloth badges with silver border, Boy Scout, right sleeve, position 4 limited to six, merit badge sash no limit."

I can find no written restriction on where you can place merit badges on your sash. I would suggest that a Scout use the customary rows of three perpendicular to the sash sides. There are self designated "Uniform Police" at every district or council function and in the crowd at every parade. It is not worth the boy's embarassment.

I can think of no circumstance where it is appropriate to wear insignia upside-down. Protesters at our National Meetings sometimes wear insignia upside-down in protest. I would never want anyone to think I was protesting or trying to be disrespectful.

As to temporary patches, that is also carefully explained in the Insignia Guide:

http://www.scouting.org/media/insigniag ... px?print=1

Temporary Insignia
"Temporary insignia are issued for such events as summer camp, camporees, and Scouting shows. All temporary insignia must contain identification including one of the following: corporate name (Boy Scouts of America); corporate initials (BSA), BSA fleur-de-lis (universal with eagle or plain one-color), "Venturing BSA", or "Venturing"."

"Order of the Arrow regional and national meetings and training activities may also provide them (the totin chip patch is also temporary insignia). Only one such patch may be worn at a time. The patch is worn centered on the right pocket and must not exceed the dimension of the seams of the pocket, nor extend higher than the lowest tip of the pocket flap. It may be either sewn or suspended from under the flap attached to the button. "

There is no provision to wear more than one temporary patch or to place this patch anywhere but over the right pocket...i.e. not on a sash.

- Craig

[wagionvigil]

" I can find no written restriction on where you can place merit badges on your sash"

As we write this Councils are getting a written notice that they must be in straight rows straight across. It was left out of the uniform guide for some reason.

[PaulSWolf]

The Uniform Inspection Sheet (34823) states:

Merit Badge Sash. If worn, merit badges are attached to front (and back, if needed) of sash. Venture/Varsity letter is attached at bottom front corner. Temporary insignia may be worn on back.

[smtroop168]

Milo...go back and read my 11 April post. The issue came up because the Insignia Guide was mute (in words) on the sash even though there is a picture. I got National to recognize this and they are putting the wording back in the IG to clarify any confusion. Steve Henning went back and pulled references back to 1913 to show that it's never been authorized any other way and put the info on his web site.

As far as uniform police go, it's a uniform not a costume so we should strive to instill wearing the uniform correctly not however you want.

Cheers.

[milominderbinder2]

Paul,

I found the reference to the temporary patches on the sash:
http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34283.pdf

OK, so the Insignia Guide contradicts the Uniform Inspection sheet.

Which takes precedence?

- Craig

[wagionvigil]

AH Ha! Now we are getting the idea!

[joat]

What is the coflict between the inspection sheet and Insignia Guide?

[milominderbinder2]

SMT168,

I mean the reference to uniform police in jest. Regardless, if the Scout will follow the Insignia Guide and the photos, he can avoid embarrassment. I saw a Scout in a parade on Saturday with a patch of a huge knife dripping blood on the back of his sash. I guess it is a "temporary patch" but I will always feel that nothing other than a merit badge should ever go on a merit badge sash.

Often the problem with the discrepancies is that different committees do different books. So the Advancement Policies 33088 often disagrees with the Scout Handbook. While 33088 always takes precedence, few Scouts or parents have ever seen it until when it may be too late.

My favorite contradiction is that the Guide to Safe Scouting asks for parents to be involved and aware. But #33088 p.28-30 specifies when a parent is not allowed to be with their son.

Different committees with different agendas. Go figure.

- Craig