Which of the following incurs a single demerit?

The choice indicating that failure to bring assigned items incurs a single demerit is based on established guidelines in drill team constitutions, which often designate specific infractions and their corresponding penalties. Failing to bring required items reflects a lack of preparedness, which is a fundamental expectation for team members. The emphasis on being prepared is crucial for the smooth functioning of drills and practices, and thus a single demerit serves as a fair consequence for this oversight.

Other infractions may lead to more severe penalties due to their impact on team dynamics or practice efficiency. For instance, turning in papers three days late can be viewed as a more significant breach of responsibility, potentially affecting the team's administrative functions. Arriving late, especially by a notable margin like ten minutes, can disrupt practice routines and encourage a lack of punctuality, which is often treated more severely. Leaving belongings at home might be seen as a lack of organization, but depending on how it affects the overall practice, it may result in varying levels of consequences.

In summary, the chosen answer reflects a common understanding in team environments that being unprepared, while important, typically incurs a lesser penalty compared to the more disruptive actions represented in the other scenarios.