Rules of Conduct

The Rules of Conduct of the Kingdom of Onondaga exist for the overall safety and good of the Kingdom and the general populace. Members are required to abide by these Rules of Conduct. There are no exceptions other than those stated in the Rules of Conduct.

1. The objective of the Kingdom of Onondaga (hereafter the “Kingdom”) is to portray medieval or renaissance period historical, factual, and fictional or fantasy character personalities at various events such as but not limited to, Renaissance Faire's and Festivals through the use of costumes, armor, weaponry, dialogue, encampments, music and other activities. All members agree with this objective and use their skills, abilities and life experiences to help achieve the objective.

2. All members will abide by the laws and regulations of local, state and federal governments.

3. All members will abide by the rules and regulations of the individual faire, festival organization or other event sponsor while under the banner of the Kingdom.

4. No member may compromise or endanger the reputation or integrity of the Kingdom including the good standing of any member.

5. Adult members must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age. In the event that a minor child, anyone under 18 years of age, wishes to become an associate member, that person must be accompanied by his or her parent or guardian, who also must become as associate member of the Kingdom.

6. Each member will portray a character associated with the Medieval or Renaissance period, whether historical, factual, fictional or fantasy and shall wear appropriate clothing representative of their character.

7. Members are encouraged, but not mandated to attend character workshops and continuing research and education when applicable for the betterment of their character portrayal.

8. All members should assist in the setting up and dismantling of the encampment when applicable at any event.

9. All members will participate in the activities of the Kingdom to the best of their ability as directed by the Liege Lord or by their own initiative if no direction has been given. Participation and representation of the Kingdom will be in accordance with these rules of conduct and the rules of the event.

10. Parents will be held responsible for the actions of their minor children who are also members of the Kingdom. The Kingdom will not exercise any discipline against minor children. However, as the parent is held responsible for the minor child’s actions, discipline will fall against the parent should any be required. Since a child’s actions could bring the Kingdom’s integrity, viability or legality into question, such discipline may include expulsion from the Kingdom of both individuals.

11. Members will be held responsible for the actions of their invited guests or non-members. Since the actions of a guest could bring the Kingdom’s integrity, viability or legality into question, such discipline may include expulsion from the Kingdom for the Member.

12. The use of weaponry for the purpose of character portrayal is acceptable, however, said weapons should be piece tied to avoid accidental injury. (The rules governing the use of weaponry by the attending festival, faire or other event will be followed by members of the Kingdom). Weaponry in possession –either by ownership or borrowed - by the guest of a Member is the responsibility of that Member.

13. Members who require medication (inclusive of any doctor prescribed medications) for any reason are expected to bring and use their medication according to the directions. It is encouraged that members notify the Liege Lord, Master at Arms or any other Member of Court as to an existing medical condition in the event of a medical emergency.

14. No Member under the age of twenty one (21) years of age is to consume alcohol during any event in which the Kingdom participates. No Member shall purchase alcohol for anyone under the age of twenty one (21). No member shall consume any controlled substances during any event where the Kingdom participates. This rule will also apply during any “after-hours” activities as well as “formal event hours”.

a. Violation of this rule may result in immediate and permanent expulsion from the Kingdom, event and encampment when deemed applicable.

b. Due to the severity of the laws regarding these prohibited activities, each member will abide by them and commit themselves to the enforcement for the good of the Kingdom and general populace.

15. Members shall avoid an intoxicated state during official event hours. If the member’s alcohol consumption will directly or indirectly have a negative impact on the Kingdom’s reputation or the personal safety of the Member or other patrons then that Member is expected to exercise restraint by avoiding this physical state.

16. Members shall respect the honor of and come to the aid of one another at all times. Remember your oath – Always be loyal and true to thy brother!

17. Members shall assist in the oversight of those members - who are also minors – including intervention on the behalf of honor and protection from any and all compromising or dangerous situations when deemed applicable.

18. First and foremost, in matters sexual in nature “NO” means “NO” in all languages.

a. The Kingdom of Onondaga does not endorse or condone any harassment sexual in nature by any Member.

b. Sexual harassment will be further defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature made either explicitly or implied.

c. The Kingdom of Onondaga will not be held liable for the allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct against any Member.

d. Each member is expected to use good judgment and common sense when interacting with others.

e. Sexual misconduct, harassment or crimes against any minor are strictly prohibited. All allegations will be investigated and my result in immediate termination of membership in the Kingdom.