12 rules for classifying point system behaviors

Rule 1

Each action or sentence is evaluated as a single behavior

Rule 2

The context in which a child exhibits a behavior is used to determine which, if any, category should be used to classify a behavior

Rule 3

Negative categories take precedence over positive categories

Rule 4

When a behavior is directed toward both peers and adults, adult-directed behavior categories take precedence over peer-directed behavior categories

Rule 5

When a single behavior meets the criteria for more than one negative verbal category, only one negative verbal category should be used to classify the behavior. Use the hierarchy of negative verbal categories

Hierarchy of Negative Verbal Categories

Lying→ Verbal Abuse to Staff→ Name Calling/Teasing → Cursing/Swearing → Interruption→ Complaining/Whining

Rule 6

When a single behavior meets the criteria for more than one negative physical category, the behavior should be classified using all negative physical categories

Rule 7

When a single behavior meets the criteria for both a negative physical and a negative verbal category, the behavior should be classified using both categories

Rule 8

When a single behavior meets the criteria for both noncompliance or repeated noncompliance and any other negative behavior category, the behavior should be classified as both the noncompliance and the other category

Rule 9

When a single behavior meets the criteria for both compliance and any other positive category, the behavior should be classified as both

Rule 10

When a single behavior violates more than one activity rule, the behavior should be classified using all applicable rule violations. When a single behavior meets the criteria for both violating activity rules and another negative behavior category, the behavior should be classified as both

Rule 11

When a single behavior violates more than one criterion for poor sportsmanship, the child should lose points only once. When a single behavior meets the criteria for both poor sportsmanship and any other negative category, both should be used to classify the behavior

Rule 12

Ignoring a negative stimulus should be awarded only one time for a single behavior directed toward the child, even if multiple negative point system categories are used to classify the behavior

Example for rule 3

If a child contributes to discussion by saying “the problem we are having is that Mike is a dickhead” he loses points for name calling/teasing and does not gain points for contributing to discussion

Example for rule 1

If a child says “you’re a jerk. I didn’t steal those cookies” they would lose points for both verbal abuse and for lying. Each sentence counts as a separate violation

Example for rule 8

If a child runs away when a counselor tells them to catch up with the group, the child loses points for noncompliance, leaving w/o permission, and for violating activity rules

Should noncompliance/repeated noncompliance ever be classified by itself?

It’s normally classified in conjunction with another negative category

Which rule should you generally avoid having to use?

Rule 9. Avoid issuing commands for positive behaviors; we want them to occur voluntarily

Example for rule 11

If a child says “you suck at this game” to a peer he loses points for name calling/teasing and for poor sportsmanship, even though two criteria of poor sportsmanship were met

If you hear a child say fuck, fuck, fuck the counselors, how is that classified?

Once as verbal abuse, since a counselor heard the interaction and that takes precedence over swearing. Although there are three curse words, it’s one sentence so it can only be classified once