frequently asked questions tour permits
Tour Permits – Frequently Asked Questions
Q. A Scout was hurt during a unit activity. What does Scouting insurance cover?
A. The primary insurance for anyone injured on a Scouting activity is the person’s own (parents if a minor) accident insurance. A secondary insurance may be in place through the sponsoring organization who chartered the unit. The sponsor should be contacted about any additional insurance.
Q. My sponsor is the LDS Church. Who do I contact?
A. The Bishop of your local ward should have the information on who to contact regarding the Church’s accident insurance coverage. If additional information is needed, you should contact the LDS Church Risk Management department.
Q. Does Scouting cover insurance through the tour permit?
A. No. There is not “accident” insurance in place that is provided by completing a tour permit. The tour permit is a requirement from the National Council through the Risk Management division.
Q. What constitutes a “reportable” accident to the council?
A. Any serious or fatal accident injury or illness should be reported to the local council. This includes any period of unconsciousness; any hospital inpatient admission; or any surgical intervention other than suturing of the skin or setting of simple fractures.
Q. Who do I report an accident to?
A. You should report any accident to your district executive or the professional advisor over the event at which the accident occurred.
Q. When is a tour permit needed?
A. Any time a unit activity extends outside the local council boundaries, is overnight, or requires someone in the unit to have certification to supervise the activity.
Q. Are we required to have two adults in each vehicle when we are transporting youth?
A. No. You do need to have a minimum of two youth and one leader in a vehicle. You do Need to have two adults on all trips and outings.
Q. When is a National Tour Permit need vs a Local Tour Permit?
A. A Local Tour Permit is used for activities in which travel ONE WAY of the event is 500 miles or less. A National Tour Permit is used for activities in which ONE WAY travel is more than 500 miles.
Q. What is a float plan and where do I find information about it?
A. A float plan should be included as part of the tour permit when you are going on an outing in which canoe’s or kayak’s are used. You can find additional information on the safety of conducting these activities by going to www.scouting.org. Select the “Scouting Safety” tab, then enter a search word (such as kayaking). Several resources can be found by clicking on the links.
Q. Do I need a float plan if we are going to the Teton High Adventure Base?
A. No. Since we operate this camp, we have that information.
Q. On the National Tour Permit the form asks “Is accident insurance in force for this unit?” How do I find out about this?
A. You should contact your Charter Representative or Institutional Head to see if they purchased. Unit insurance at the time the unit charter was renewed. If your unit is sponsored by the LDS Church, they do carry accident insurance for your unit.
Q. Who would have the policy number?
A. Your Charter Representative or Institutional Head should have your policy number.
Q. Why do we have to have a leader in our group who has completed the Safe Swim Defense course when we are going to a public pool or hot springs?
A. Before a BSA group may engage in swimming activities of any kind, a minimum of one adult leader must complete Safe Swim Defense training, At a public pool the lifeguard may be looking another direction or at a private facility their may not be a life guard on duty. One leader needs current Safe Swim certification to make sure the area and those participating are safe. This training must be renewed every two years. Currently the training is available online through our website www.saltlakescouts.org or www.gslc-bsa.org and it takes most people less than 30 minutes to complete.
Q. Why should I use the most current version of the tour permit?
A. Scouting guidelines and policies are continually updated. The most current form will incorporate these changes.
Q. Can the boys drive snowmobiles on an activity or outing?
A. Snowmobiles are an age restricted activity and should only be used on outings and activities for older Boy Scouts (age 14 and above). Boys age 14 and 15 (in the state of Utah) must have completed the OHV course and have in their possession their certificate to be able to drive a snowmobile. Boys age 16 and above may drive a snowmobile if they have a current drivers license. All boys in this age group can be riders. All operators and passengers should wear protective head gear. For more information on Utah Laws can be found at www.utah.com/snowmobile/laws.htm.
Q What if we just have the leaders drive snowmobiles and boys (13 and under) ride?
A. This is not an authorized activity or outing for a group including boys under the age of 14.
Q. Can we pull boys on a toboggan or sled behind a snowmobile?
A. No. This falls into the same category as if the boys were in a trailer which must never be used for carrying passengers. Sleds and toboggans with people on them should not be connected to any other mode of transportation (including another sled or toboggan).
Q. When will we be able to file tour permits online?
A. The National Council has been working on providing a tour permit that can be filled out electronically. It is in the beta test stage now, they hope to have it rolled out in 2008.
Q. Does that mean I won’t have to call for tour permit approval?
A. No. At this time the electronically prepared permit will still need to be reviewed by someone at the Council before a permit number can be assigned to it.
Q. I don’t have access to a fax machine. Can I e-mail the council my tour permit?
A. If you need to e-mail a copy of your permit, please call the office and talk with someone who can print a copy of the e-mail. We do not have access to each other’s e-mail and we have several people who could go over your permit with you when you call.