In the
past, some Chapters were in the practice of Initiating local
"star athletes" just before an athletic event,
thereby providing themselves with a "ringer" in
the competition. It was apparent that these athletes were
not involved in DeMolay in any way before or after. Clearly,
this is not consistent with the purposes of DeMolay athletic
competitions. It was, in part, to prevent this problem,
that the Obligation Card requirement was introduced as a
way of showing that participants in tournaments had indeed
invested some time and effort into DeMolay prior to the
tournament.
Although
we have not had significant problems with Chapters using
"ringers" in some time, we still feel the Obligation
Card requirement is valuable, not only to prevent problems,
but also as another means of emphasizing the teachings of
DeMolay, and encouraging members to give time to learning
about the organization. Many men, later in life, have credited
the ritual and teachings of DeMolay with having a great
influence on their moral and social development. We should
take every opportunity to solidify those teachings in the
minds of our members.
That
being said, it is not the intent of this regulation to bar
individuals or Chapters from athletics because they are
not good at memorizing, or perhaps are very new to DeMolay.
All Chapters should review and understand the Executive
Officer's policy on Issuance of Obligations Cards,
which says:
In accordance with Section 315.13 of
the DeMolay International Rules and Regulations which
allows and Executive Officer to specify the requirement
for an Obligations Card, the following policy shall be
observed in all PA DeMolay Chapters: An Obligations Card
shall be issued to any active DeMolay who can prove a
working knowledge
of the Obligations and Examination Queries of the Order.
A working knowledge is defined as the ability to name
the important concepts
in each Degree Obligation, to prove an understanding
of the promises made, and to demonstrate the
Step, Signs, Password and Token of the Order. The method
followed must be consistent for all Chapter members, and
may be decided by Advisory Council policy or by amendment
to the Chapter's bylaws.
In the Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania
it shall NOT be necessary to hold an Obligations Card
in order to vote or hold office. Members shall NOT be
denied the right to vote on applications for membership,
motions, or election of officers. In particular, members
should first be encouraged to learn the ritual work assigned
to their office, to ensure that the Chapter can properly
open and close its meetings, and confer degrees.
This
is not to minimize the value of memorization of the Obligations.
Members should be encouraged to memorize the Obligations,
prior to running for an elective office, as a demonstration
of their leadership and ability to serve. However, in
no case shall a Chapter take time in a Stated Meeting
to hear and vote on Obligations proficiency. It is recommended
that the Chairman of the Advisory Council assign to an
Advisor the duty to examine and approve the issuance of
Obligations Cards.
Briefly
stated, no one will be quizzing your athletes at a competition
to see if they can recite the Obligations. Your athletes may
never be asked to show an Obligation Card ... an Advisor's
certification (by registering them) that they hold one
is sufficient.
More to the point, Chapters should realize that although memorization
of the Obligations is important, it is not the requirement
for receiving a card. The card is given in recognition of
a member's UNDERSTANDING of the promises they took.
Memorization can (and generally should) come later.
If you
need further clarification on this policy, you may contact
the Director of Athletics,
the Executive Secretary,
or the Executive Officer.
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