Entry to the Scheme:

Entry to the Scheme is open to all young people for all 3 Awards subject to the respective minimum age requirements. To start off, one has to buy a Record Book from a recognized Operating Authority. Then, he/she can plan for the different Sections and start the activities with the approval of the User Unit Leader.

Any activities undertaken before the Record Book is issued to the participant cannot be counted towards an Award, unless undergone during the previous 3 months in accordance with the conditions of the appropriate Section with a view of entry into the Scheme.

Participation in the Scheme:

Voluntary Time

The Award Programme should be voluntarily undertaken during those parts of the day, month or year when the choice of activity or occupation is at the option of the participants.

Activities

Participants choose their own activities and set their goals. Each challenges requires a special dedication, both physical and mental.

With growing maturity, it is expected that participants at the Silver level will be more involved in organizing and arranging their activities, and at the Gold level, they are expected to take a major part in planning and arranging what they want to do. At the higher levels of the Award an increasing proportion of Award activities should be conducted outside the immediate environment of school's or work's premises.

Work for a Section of the next higher level

In order to start a Section of the next higher level, participants must have completed the same Section and at least one other Section of the lower level, provided that these participants are over the minimum starting age for the next higher Award.

Instruction and Assessment

Instructions and assessment of participants should be undertaken by suitably experienced persons holding appropriate qualifications where approved by SOA.

Authorization of Awards

The Record Book is used to record successful progress through the Programme and entries should be made only when the requirements of each Section have been satisfactorily met.

A participant qualifies for an Award when all the requirements have been completed to the satisfaction of SOA.

Participation by the Disabled

There is no discrimination against participation on grounds of abilities. The disabled should attempt as much of the Scheme as possible under normal conditions, making full use of the wide choices of activities available in each Section.