Letter to Boy Scouts of America

Voice Your Concerns to Boy Scouts of America (* required fields)

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To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to you in regard to the Boy Scouts of Americas (BSA) decision to disallow doctors of chiropractic (DC) from providing physical examinations to those involved in the scouting program.  As a doctor and supporter of BSA, I believe this decision hinders my ability to do my part to serve the scouting program.

In addition to the extensive educational training that DCs receive in performing physical examinations, I feel there are other reasons relating to the principles of the Boys Scouts which support a DC’s performance of this service for scouts.   The third point of the BSA’s 12 points of Scout Law is to be helpful to other people at all times.  As part of the Scout Oath, scouts pledge to help other people, even when there is no benefit for them.  One way doctors of chiropractic commonly fulfill this duty is to provide physical examinations to adult leaders and scouts.  By being precluded from performing scout examinations, I believe a violation of Scout Law is occurring.

It is important to remember that many doctors of chiropractic are involved in scouting, be it through volunteering or contributing financially to troops, councils or summer camps.  Many scouts, adult leaders and scouting institutions rely on doctors of chiropractic for their services so that they may be able to participate and enjoy various scouting activities.

I understand that the ACA, via a letter, has made BSA aware of the educational training that makes doctors of chiropractic qualified providers of examinations, and I wanted to contact you today to remind you of the long and service-centered relationship that exists between the BSA and the chiropractic profession. I strongly urge BSA to reconsider its stance regarding this new policy and look forward to many years of future service to the BSA.  I would appreciate hearing from the BSA within ten business days regarding steps that will be taken to reevaluate and overturn this policy.  

Thank you for your time.

Your assistance is appreciated!

For calling Boy Scouts of America, here are some helpful suggestions:

1. Call 972-580-2000 and ask for Robert Mazzuca, who is the Chief Scout Executive at BSA headquarters in Irving, Texas.

2. Inform either Mr. Mazzuca or his assistant (or voicemail) of the following:

a. It has come to your attention that Boy Scouts of America will not allow doctors of chiropractic (DCs) to perform annual examinations for Scouts or Scout Leaders.

b. Explain that, as a member of the Scouting community, you would like to oppose this policy. Give examples of any examinations you have received previously by a doctor of chiropractic (their thoroughness, adequacy, the fact that when appropriate DCs do refer to other specialists, etc.)

c. Explain that you also understand that BSA has been unwilling to meet with the American Chiropractic Association to discuss this issue after numerous requests. i. State that you find this objectionable (if so). ii. Urge the person you speak with to set up a meeting with ACA, so that both respected organizations can discuss this issue to work out any differences.

d. Thank him/her for their time.