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1. The golden rule (defined) . Always treat those who are lacking in skill, status, or learning as your equals; serve your peers as if you were their subordinate; regard all officers as emissaries of the Prince; and reverently regard the Crown Prince and Princess as your rightful Sovereigns. 2. Always use ROC names and titles when addressing others. Using ROC names and titles adds to the ambiance of our meetings and gives respect to those who have worked hard to receive their title. Nicknames should never be used; in the Middle Ages such a thing was only common among peasants. If by chance you don’t know someone’s name and or title you should refer to them as “milord” or “milady” not “hey, you!” 3. Honor thy word when given. Have you ever heard the old saying “you’re only as good as your word”. If you find yourself constantly having to make promises, chances are your word is not good enough, and you probably have a reputation of a “continual let down”. Seek always to honor your word. 4. Gentlemen, honor all ladies; ladies remain worthy of all honors. Gentlemen should seek to assist, champion and complement all ladies of their virtue. If a gentleman sees a lady carrying a heavy chest he should offer his assistance. It is proper for a combatant to seek a token or favor from a lady as to fight in her honor upon the list field, you should kneel before her so she can tie it on. Extolling the virtue of ladies is a basic part of courtly behavior, especially of one’s own. Ladies should seek to make themselves a model of courtesy and respect if they are to receive praise from gentlemen of the court. It should be the intention of ladies to inspire a spirit of chivalry and romance by their grace and dignity in their acts of civility towards gentlemen. Ladies should dress modestly as to not attract scoundrels or to tempt gentlemen to burn with lust. A lady should bring a favor to tournament so a combatant can properly represent her honor upon the list field. 5. Ask permission before touching anyone’s property; give and receive with grace. I’m sure you wouldn’t appreciate someone walking into your home uninvited, or someone rooting through your refrigerator unasked. So be mindful of other’s pavilions and property in the ROC. At ROC events and activities members usually bring a lot of accouterments with them and keeping track of them is not always easy, which is why this basic trust in common courtesy is so integral to the overall enjoyment of the event. As a guest or member of the ROC you are charged with protecting that trust. 6. Be genteel at all times. Maintain an attitude befitting a Noble of the ROC even if you are not one yet. Carrying ones self with proper dignity, respect and honor while remaining humble and courteous in the presents of those who do not. When attending Court one’s attire should be that of resplendent in appearance, not smelly, wrinkled, and stained. Keep your language free from vulgarity, such vocabulary makes one appear ignorant and unlearned. Rid yourself of gossip which leads to slander, for it is a tactic employed only by cowards. If you are not brave enough to address the person face to face then the matter shouldn’t be brought up at all. Lastly, do not force anyone to live up to your level of gentility; rather force yourself to become an example for others to follow. 7. Be hospitable to guests. Hospitality shouldn’t be the sole responsibility of the ladies; all should strive to make our household courts and events an inviting atmosphere were people feel apart of what ever is taking place. If you see someone who looks new introduce yourself to them and take them around and introduce them to others in the Order. Take some time to explain what the ROC is about, our customs and traditions as they could be quite confused as to what we are doing (remember at one time you were new to the ROC). Let us not forget that the ROC is an evangelical ministry, it is incumbent upon us to be Jesus to this lost and dying world. You could be the one to lead them to our High King and life everlasting in His eternal Kingdom. 8. Remain civil at all times. We of the Royal Order of Chivalry are to exemplify civility at our courts and events, which is why it is never appropriate to raise ones voice in anger or hurl insults! Do not allow your anger get the best of you, you must control it and fight the temptation to raise your voice and argue in emotionally charged situations. When you lose your temper and shout it is a sign of immaturity and a lack of respect and self-discipline which is not only unbecoming as a member of the ROC but makes you look like a cad and a fool. 9. Consider all to be honorable until proven otherwise. During armoured combat it is very difficult for an observer to be able to determine who has been hit, whether it was deflected by the shield first, and whether it was landed with sufficient force to be considered a score. The best person suited for this determination is the person being struck. In the spirit of honor and chivalry, each competitor in the ROC is responsible for determining when his opponent has landed a blow. One should never feel it appropriate to determine that for anyone else, this is not only rude but distracting to the combatants. If a combatant is cheating it will soon become obvious to all. 10. And finally, reverence your Overlords. Your overlords are anybody who is a higher rank than you. They have worked long and hard to become a noble of the ROC most likely spending long hours making sure that events were properly planned and executed. It is said in the ROC that the higher ones title the more one is expected to serve so it behooves us in the Order to honor those who have served so diligently. One common way is to reverence them; a reverence is a bow or curtsey when you come in contact with them. It is appropriate to reverence when being presented at court, a royal procession or ceremony. A reverence outside ROC functions is rather inappropriate and not encouraged,
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