Catalina Council Internet Guidelines

View a PDF version of the guidelines.

Article I 

Member / Youth Protection 

Ø      Last names, last initials or any identifying information about youth members shall not be published on the web without parent’s signed approval. Names and information about any adult shall be published only with the written approval of that individual.

Ø      Pictures of youth may appear on the web as long as no name or other personal information is associated with the picture(s).

Ø      Under no circumstances shall the address or personal phone number of any youth be published on the internet.

Ø      Phone numbers of adult members may be published with written permission.

Ø      Email addresses of members may be published, with written permission of the holder and/or legal guardian, only if an obvious worthwhile benefit to the Scouting program would be achieved.

 Be Prepared by Being Aware, Let’s Keep Our Kid’s Safe! 

Article II 

Commercialism on the Web 

Ø      National’s Policy on Commercialism states “A site cannot contain any advertisements of commercial endorsements what-so-ever.”

Ø      This means that in no way may a unit, district or council page be involved in any type of relationship of a commercial nature. Nor may units, districts or councils give endorsement to any business, corporation, commercial agency, or individual, unless duly authorized by the National Executive Board.

Ø      The Scouting Logo may not be used on any product, flier, or advertisement in any way as to resemble or imply that the Boy Scouts of America is sponsoring any commercial product or company.

Ø      No commercial logos, commercial links or links are permitted on Catalina Council approved web pages, unless an approved disclaimer is placed between each link prior to departing the site. Browser and reader logos/links are acceptable as long as no one specific type is suggestively preferred over the other.

Ø      We would further suggest that a site not use a provider that will target advertisements to your page. Remember a site is not free if the provider uses your page for advertising their product or services. Units should seek community support from their local Internet provider if possible.

Ø      The following is Catalina Council’s guidelines on how to place a “Thank You” to your internet provider or sponsor for donated web space: 

It should be done in such a manner that it is still effective without the use of their company logos or endorsing their business. Place a footer on your web page.  e.g. 

                        Thank you to our Internet Sponsor

                        Internet Provider’s Name – Address – Phone # 

                        Or 

                        Site donated by / hosted by

                        Internet Provider’s Name – Address – Phone # 

This should be in small (not larger than 12pt) text at the bottom of your web page. No links or logos, text only (text information set in a graphic is OK). 

Article III 

Linking to Other Sites 

Ø      The ability to use hypertext links to connect your site to other sites is what makes it the “Web.” You have no control over who places links to your Web page. A person in any country can place a link right to your units/districts front door for anyone who reads his page. You could do the same, pointing electronically, anywhere. On the other hand, your placement of links “downstream” could cause you embarrassment-since you never know what files you may be linked to from that point on. National’s concern is that your scout unit’s page may be just 2 clicks away from an inappropriate web site or Adult XXX rated material.

Ø      The safest course of action would be not to link at all. At the very least, councils should review any site to which they link to ensure its content is appropriate to the Scouting movement, and should be prepared to delete links in a timely manner in the event the content of these sites changes.

Ø      Another significant implication about links is that a link to a third-party site implies an endorsement.

Ø      There are numerous Scouting-oriented sites on the Internet that are not maintained or authorized by the BSA. These sites provide a wealth of general-interest information on topics of interest to members and program participants (camping, games, songs and skits, crafts, etc.). Some of these sites also provide information such as program helps, advice for leaders, requirements, procedures, forms, publications, ceremonies, and other resources that would seem to be of an official nature, but which are not authorized by the BSA. In some cases, this information is misleading or incorrect, and could cause conflict with members who refer to unofficial sources.

Ø      No links to sites with “free” services. "Free" site components tend to be commercial. Certain sites offer services such as statistics, hit counters, guest books, animations, and the like to other Web sites. Like the bogus "awards," sites and sites offering "free" Web space or e-mail, the primary purpose of these giveaways is to advertise and plant links to the "donor" site on a wide range of Web sites in order to draw audience away from its "benefactors."

Ø      There are a number of Web sites that offer "awards" or "certification" for other sites. These awards/certifications often require the honoree to display an URL or provide a click-through link that promotes the grantor's site. In many cases, such "honors" are ploys to draw traffic to other sections of the grantor's site, with a commercial or political motive. These should be avoided. 

Article IV 

Political Concerns 

Ø      The Boy Scouts of America shall not, through its governing body or through any of its officers, the chartered councils, or members, involve the Scouting movement in any question of a political character. However, this shall not be interpreted to prevent the teaching of the ideals of patriotism and good citizenship as required in fulfilling the Boy Scouts of America's purpose. This policy shall also not limit the freedom of thought or action of any official or member as an individual.

Ø      Basically this means leave our political opinion out of the mix, let's teach our children about the facts of our government. Make your political stands out of the Scouting arena whether at a scouting function or in the web pages. No political stands will be tolerated in Catalina Council web sites.

Article V 

Who can do a Scouting Web Site? 

Ø      Basically any one can build and post a web site.

Ø      The big question is "Does your Unit or District know you have built a web site in their name, and are representing them?"

Ø      The proper route to becoming a Unit or District Webmaster is to contact the Unit or District Committee chairman about your offer. Just offer your services to build their web site and don't forget to get input from all committee members in your Unit or District. The site should not just be one persons' opinion it should be a reflection of the unit or district.

Ø      After a letter of intent, explaining the purpose of the website, and the proposed webmaster(s) is signed and turned in, FTP instructions will be sent to that Council Committee's or District's Webmaster. All council committees', districts' and OA Lodge web sites, since they are a direct part of council, shall be maintained on the same server under the direction and authority of the Catalina Council Technology Committee. This is for the protection of the Catalina Council and a security measure ensuring the correct type of information is being placed on the web page(s).

Ø      Council Committee, District or OA Lodge Sites not on this server shall not be considered Official and shall not be linked to the Council Site. We also ask that the same look and feel be used for District and Council Committee Sites as they are a direct part of the Catalina Council Web Site.

Ø      Site building for a Scouting Site should remain simple and contain good information. Our job is to make current correct information available to the Scouting Public, no matter what browser they are using. Not so many bells and whistles, but just good page construction.

Ø      All home pages MUST contain a hyperlink back to the Catalina Council homepage (http://www.catalinacouncil.org) prominently displayed. There is only one official Catalina Council home page. All sites claiming to represent the council in its entirety will be addressed by the Catalina Council Executive Board's Legal Committee. All approved web pages must clearly identify the unit that it represents and a contact person with e-mail address for comments.

Ø      These guidelines must be followed for the unit [i.e. pack, troop, crew and ship] to have a link established from the Catalina Council's Web Site to the unit's home page.

Ø      Council approved status may be withdrawn by the Council Internet Web Site Committee without notice for failure to comply with these rules.  

Article VI 

Liability 

Ø      The Technology Committee, like other Council Committees, provides general oversight of this program. Members operating Internet sites are responsible for their content. The Council shall not be held liable for the contents of any web site whether or not such web site has obtained Council approved status. The Catalina Council shall not be held liable or responsible for any costs accrued, or damages incurred out of operation of any site.

Helpful Hints 

Ø     Be careful and monitor how you use sarcasm or humor on your page because your message may not be received in the spirit that it was meant.

Ø      Check your spelling. A misspelled word can change the mood of the message.

Ø      Observe grammar and rules of punctuation to the best of your ability.

Ø      Do write in a non-opinioned format. Save the attitude for a different venue.

Ø      Use of non-standard writing will hamper the ability and desire of others to receive the information you are sharing.

Ø      Keep paragraphs short and succinct.

Ø      Focus on one subject per message area.

Ø      Separate subjects by lines or spaces. Just make sure the themes do not run together and confuse the viewer and convey incorrect information.

Ø      Make sure calendars have correct information. If you are not sure… don't post. Most would rather have no information and keep looking for it than the wrong information and miss the event.