Policy, Organisation and Rules

12.1.1 Permitted Flags

12.1.1.1 The following flags may be used:

1. The Union Flag on land
2. The Red Ensign at sea
3. The World Scout Flag
4. Group, District and County flags

12.1.1.2 Royal Navy Recognised Groups and Units may use a Red Ensign defaced with the Arrowhead Badge surmounted by an Admiralty Crown in the fly.

12.1.1.3 Royal Air Force Recognised Groups may use a light blue pennant bearing the Arrowhead Badge, the Scout motto 'Be Prepared' and the Royal Air Force roundel in the fly.  

12.1.1.4 When travelling internationally, groups may use the Union Flag and the flag of the host nation displayed equally.  

12.1.1.5 Groups may use the flags of the constituent nations of the United Kingdom, together with their own corresponding flag, when in another United Kingdom country.  

12.1.1.6 The use of these flags is in addition to the Union Flag rather than in place of it.

12.1.2 Pennants

12.1.2.1 Green camp pennants, Explorer, and Scout Network pennants and blue Scout pennants may be used as appropriate to suitable occasions. 

12.1.2.2 The blue pennant is the burgee to be flown with the Royal Navy Recognised Group Ensign. 

12.1.3 Scout Flags 

12.1.3.1 Flags used by Groups, Explorer Units, and Scout Networks (except Beaver Colony flags and Squirrel Drey flags) must be: 

1. uniform size
2. mounted on poles bearing the Arrowhead Badge as a mount
3. must bear the Arrowhead Badge, consisting of a white Arrowhead to the approved specification on a purple circle, and the Scout motto 'Be Prepared'

In addition, they may only bear the words ‘Cub Scouts’, ‘Scouts’, ‘Explorer Scouts’, ‘Scout Network’ and the appropriate group, District or County title.

12.1.3.2 Squirrel Drey flags consist of a white Squirrels logo beneath a white fleur de lis on a Squirrels Red background. The flag measures 90cm x 60cm. The name of the Squirrels Drey may be added beneath the Squirrels logo.   

12.1.3.3 Beaver Scout Colony flags must be 90cm x 60cm mounted on poles bearing a polished wooden pike mount and must bear the Arrowhead Badge, consisting of a white Arrowhead to the approved specification on a purple circle, and the Beaver Scout motto 'Be Prepared'. In addition, they may only bear the words Beaver Scouts and the Group title.  

12.1.3.4 Flags used by Scout Districts and Counties are of a similar design and may bear the name and emblem of the District or County in addition to the Arrowhead Badge as described, and the Scout motto 'Be Prepared'. 

12.1.3.5 The colours to be used on flags, except in Scotland, are as follows:

1. Squirrel Dreys: white lettering on a Squirrels Red background
2. Beaver Colonies: white lettering on a turquoise background
3. Cub Packs: white lettering on a yellow background
4. Scout Troops: white lettering on a green background
5. Explorer Units: white lettering on an olive green background
6. Scout Networks: white lettering on a warm grey background
7. Air Scout Troops, Explorer Air Scout Units and Air Scout Networks: yellow lettering on a light blue background
8. Sea Scout Troops, Explorer Sea Scout Units and Sea Scout Networks: white lettering on a navy blue background.

12.1.3.6 In Scotland, Scout flags are matriculated by the Lord Lyon King of Arms and consist of the St. Andrew's Cross at the hoist with green fly and the Arrowhead Badge in yellow. Scottish Region flags have the name of the Region in a bar above the badge in the colour of the Region. The colours on flags in Scotland are: 

1. Squirrel Dreys: white lettering on a Squirrels Red background
2. Beaver Colonies: white lettering on a turquoise background
3. Cub Packs: yellow background with the badge in green and with yellow lettering on green bars
4. Scout Troops: green background with the badge in yellow and with the name of the Troop in black lettering on yellow bars
5. Explorer Units: white lettering on an olive green background
6. Scout Networks: white lettering on a warm grey background

12.2.1 Limitations

12.2.1.1 In the conduct of normal Scouting activities, only those ceremonies described in The Scout Association's handbooks should be used.  

12.2.2 The Scout Sign

12.2.2.1 The Scout Sign is made during the making or reaffirming of the Squirrel, Beaver, Cub and Scout Promise and at no other time. 

12.2.3 The Scout Salute

12.2.3.1 The Scout Salute is made only by members of the movement in uniform on formal Scout occasions, as a mark of respect at the hoisting of National flags, at the playing of National Anthems, to uncased Colours, Scout flags and to funerals.  .

12.2.4 Parades

12.2.4.1 On all parades of a public nature, other than in a place of worship, the Leader calls the party to the alert and the Leader alone salutes.