Clause 19 of Article XI, Section 3, of the Rules & Regulations of The Boy Scouts of America reads: 

Clause 19. Mentally Retarded or Severely Physically Handicapped Youth Members. In the discretion of the Executive Board, and under such rules and regulations as it may prescribe upon consultation with appropriate medical authorities, registration of boys who are either mentally retarded or severely physically handicapped, including the blind, deaf, and emotionally disturbed, over age 11 as Cub Scouts and over age 18 as Boy Scouts, or varsity Scouts, and registration of young adults who are either mentally retarded or severely physically handicapped, including blind, deaf, and emotionally disturbed, over age 21 as Explorers, and the participation of each in the respective advancement programs while registered, is authorized.

Reference: Advancement Committee Policies and Procedures BSA # 33088D © 1989 Boy Scouts of America, 2002 Printing.

Charter & Bylaws of The Boy Scouts of America Article VII. Youth Membership reads:

Section 1.

Youth Membership in Boy Scouts of America is open to all who meet the membership requirements. Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Varsity Scouting are for boys.

Exploring is for young men and young women.

Section 2.

Both membership in Scouting and advancement and achievement of leadership in Scouting units are open to all boys without regard to race or ethnic background, and advancement and achievement of leadership is based entirely upon individual merit.

Reference: Charters & Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America, January 1997 BSA # 57-491.

Cub Scouts

MEMBERS WITH DISABILITIES  (Page 8-3)

Boys older than 11 who are either mentally or severely physically disabled (including those with visual, hearing, and emotional impairments) may register and participate in the Cub Scout advancement program if they meet the following criteria:

1. The chartered organization determines, with the approval of appropriate medical authorities, whether a youth member with a disability is qualified to register beyond the normal registration age.

1. The Cubmaster's signature on the boy's Cub Scout application or on the unit's charter renewal application certifies this approval of the chartered organization.

1. A licensed physician, using the Personal Health and Medical Record form, must certify the medical condition of all candidates for membership beyond the normal registration age.

1. In the case of membership for mentally disabled or emotionally disturbed candidates, a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist must certify their condition.

1. The local council service center retains all current health, medical, or certification records of all members with disabilities beyond the normal registration age.

1. All current requirements for advancement awards must be met. No substitutions or alternatives are permitted except those specifically stated in the requirements from current BSA literature. "Do your best" applies to all requirements.

For more information, see Chapter 17, "Cub Scouts With Disabilities' " Also check with your council service center for additional local information and resources.

Reference: Cub Scout Leader Book (BSA # 33221B ©2001) Chapter 8 POLICIES OF CUB SCOUTING.

GOVERNMENT REFERENCES 

• The U.S. House of Representatives, Office of the Law Revision Counsel, U.S. Code (searchable).The BSA charter is under U.S. Code Title 36, Chapter 2 the GSUSA charter is under U.S. Code Title 36, Chapter 2a.
• The Federal Charter can also be found at the Legal Information Institute, Cornell School of Law.