Q: Our Scoutmaster is concerned whether the new position of OA Troop/Team Representative is actually a position of leadership that is eligible for advancement to the rank of Star, Life and Eagle Scout. I can find no official publication from the National BSA office that states a change in advancement requirements since April 1, 1999. We have several candidates that are ready and willing to take on this job but we need some official document from the National BSA Office that will spell out what advancements this position can be used toward. Where may I get official documentation that says the OA Troop Representative is an official leadership position qualifying for advancement for the ranks of Star, Life and Eagle Scout?

A: The official OA web site page on the OA Troop/Team Representative Basic Information states:

Scouts may use the Order of the Arrow Troop/Team Representative position to meet the leadership position requirements for the Star, Life, and Eagle ranks. As BSA publications are revised and updated, they will include this new position.

Essentially the same statement is given in the OA National Bulletin issue of September - November, 1999 (Volume LI, Issue 3), page 1. (This issue is also available on this web site.)

The current (2001) printing of the Eagle Scout Rank Application, #58-728, lists the Order of the Arrow Troop/Team Representative as one of the approved leadership positions for requirement #4. ( This form is available from the National BSA web site in PDF format).

If you want another document, you can wait until the next edition of the Boy Scout Advancement Requirements comes out, or the next printing of the Boy Scout Handbook comes out.

If your local council Staff Adviser or Scout Executive has any questions on this position, he or she may contact the Order of the Arrow Director at the BSA national office. The director will confirm that the position can be used for rank advancement as noted.

Back to the FAQ Index

Revised 12/24/01