Scouts and their parents expect all Scouting America activities to be conducted safely. Scouting America expects leaders to use the four points of SAFE when planning and delivering Scouting programs:

Supervision - Youth are supervised by qualified and trustworthy adults who set the example for safety.

Assessment - Activities are assessed by adult leaders for risks during planning.

Fitness and Skill - Participants' Annual Health and Medical Records are reviewed by unit leaders to confirm that participants have the fitness and skill levels needed to take part safely.

Equipment and Environment - Safe and appropriately sized equipment and activity areas are used properly. Leaders monitor gear and the environment for changing conditions that could affect safety. Learn more about the SAFE guidelines.

Any time an incident occurs when persons are injured or when property damage occurs, leaders must submit an Incident Report. These reports are compiled to give volunteer and staff risk managers an overview of risk areas so that Scouting can continually improve safety. Please provide this form whenever ANY incident occurs, preferably within 48 hours of the incident. Send the form to  Jason.Baldridge@Scouting.org  Form available in the download section at the bottom of this page.

A 'near-miss' is an incident that does not result in injury, illness, or damage, but had the potential to do so. Reporting near-misses helps safety leaders learn and adapt Scouting programs. This form is a tool to gather information. If an injury has occurred, use the incident reporting form. Return your completed form to Jason.Baldridge@Scouting.org   Form available in the download section at the bottom of this page.

Scouting America provides liability insurance for leaders and chartering organizations. Atlanta Area Council also provides accident and sickness coverage for members:

Liability Coverage

Comprehensive General Liability - Primary general liability coverage for claims related to official Scouting activities. Provided by the National Council for all registered leaders. More details.

Automobile Liability - All vehicles used in Scouting activities must be covered by a liability policy that meets state requirements, with a recommended minimum of $100,000 combined single limit. Other requirements apply. Please visit the National Council insurance coverage page for more details.

Chartered Organizations - The general liability policy provides primary liability insurance coverage for all chartered organizations for liability arising from chartering a traditional Scouting unit. More details are available on the National Council insurance coverage page.

Accident/Sickness Coverage

Atlanta Area Council provides accident and sickness coverage for registered Atlanta Area Council members through Health Special Risk (HSR). This coverage for Scouts and Scouters furnishes medical reimbursement in case of death, accident, or sickness within the policy amounts. HSR coverage is secondary coverage and excess to any and all other available sources of medical insurance or other healthcare benefits. The coverage has maximum limits and a maximum benefit period, usually 52 weeks from the date of the incident. Claims must be submitted within 90 days directly to HSR as described on the claim form. Forms are available in the download section at the bottom of this page and are marked "HSR."

Understanding the incident in its entirety empowers you to respond effectively:

• Gather comprehensive information about what happened to establish a clear understanding.
• If minors are involved, inform parents and guardians of the situation promptly.

Accurate documentation is key to addressing incidents comprehensively:

• Collect all available information: document the who, what, when, where, and why.
• Construct a timeline that outlines the sequence of events leading up to and following the incident.
• Include the names of all individuals involved and detail the actions taken to address the situation.
• Enhance your documentation with photographs of the scene and witness statements.
• Complete the Incident Report Form (download below) as soon as possible so that details are not lost and witness information is collected.
  • The Incident Report Form is required whenever a person goes to the emergency room, urgent care, or any other medical office for injuries sustained during a Scouting event or activity.
  • The form is not required for simple first aid but may be submitted if there is something you feel should be reported to help prevent future incidents.
  • Complete the Incident Report Form as thoroughly as possible and submit it within 24 hours to info@ScoutingATL.org.
  • Report elevated situations requiring overnight hospitalization or involving loss of life as soon as possible to info@ScoutingATL.org. Call 770-989-8820 and follow the emergency prompts for incidents occurring after hours or on weekends.
  • Include photographs of the scene, witness statements, and additional pages as needed to support your documentation.

Whenever these occur, notify the council when safe to do so:

• 911 or another emergency medical service is called.
• A person requires medical care for a serious illness or injury beyond basic first aid or is hospitalized overnight.
• Call the council main number at 770-989-8820. If after hours or on a weekend, follow the prompts for emergency issues.

Continuing to provide support and care after the initial response is essential:

• Maintain open communication with the families of those affected by the incident.
• Address any questions or concerns they may have and ensure they feel supported throughout.