Protocol Manual

Protocol Manual

INTRODUCTION

The imperial Court system, founded in 1965 by Jose Sarria, has expanded over the last 35 years to include over 65 groups across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. This document is based on the Imperial Court System Manual of Protocol and Procedures.
Although the ISCANS is a proud member of the Imperial Court System, over the past 5 years, some of our protocol and procedure have evolved in slightly different directions that the majority of the system. Do not take that to mean that the ISCANS is doing anything incorrectly. The imperial Court System recognizes that there are regional differences in protocol across the system and their Manual of Protocol and Procedures is a recommendation of how things should be done while acknowledging the individuality of the separate chapters. The ISCANS version will focus on how protocol is handled by the ISCANS.

Furthermore, the Imperial Court System Manual of Protocol and Procedures spends a great deal of time focusing on protocol for Baronial and Ducal courts. As we are an Imperial Court, all the information in this manual will focus on protocol and procedures for an Imperial Court.

The basis for the many rules and practices come from the premise that we are structured and conduct ourselbves as a democratic monarchy. In the ISCANS, our figure heads, although elected to their titles, are referred to as “Emperor” and “Empress”. These individuals are given the power to run their reign with the understanding that they answer to the Members of Parliament of the ISCANS. Any position within the ISCANS may be held by people of either rsex, as well as any race, religion, ethnic background, or sexual preference. However, roles that the holders assume are fashioned after the typical rules of etiquette that the world at large subscribes to for the male and female gender.

As is a requirement to be a part of the Imperial Court System, the ISCANS conforms to the following mandates:
1. The group must be incorporated as a not-for-profit Society.
2. The Emperor/Empress must be elected in a vote open to all residents of voting age within a certain geographical region: namely the province of Nova Scotia.
3. All monies raised, less the cost of operating the Society, must be given to charity or community groups.
4. When using a court title won by either election or appointment, no one may personally profit from funds raised.
5. Each group must show reasonable membership, and have available, at all times, financial accounting for public scrutiny.

The administrative responsibilities are outlined in the By-Laws of the Society which are registered with the Government. Further administrative and Society guidelines are outlined in the Memorandum of Association and By-Laws of the ISCANS. These allow for election, from membership of a governing body (Parliament) which is responsible for the good of the Society. As both these documents are available to the membership of the Society, we will not deal with their contents here.
The purpose of using a structure of protocol is very basic. It gives each Society a structure of authority, names, rank and file, customs and vernacular to use. It is, first and foremost, a game that we have fun with, but a serious game with productive and positive results. The second reason for the monarchical structure is to give the ISCANS an undrstanding of how and with whom to interact as we visit each other’s empires.

It is hoped that this document serves to answer any and all questions you may have about protocol. That being said, understand that the Court System is not a static being, and these rules can and will change as the need arises.

STRUCTURE AND NAMES OF GROUPS

Society Name:

The official name of the Society is the Imperial & Sovereign Court of Atlantic Nova
Society Incorporated (ISCANS)

TITLES

GENERAL:

The Emperor and Empress are responsible for giving titles within their House. Only the Emperor and Empress are allowed to give titles. Monarchs may only give court titles during their reign.

Tha majority of the Titles given out by the Monarchs are given out at the Annual Investiture, usually held on the first Sunday in February. The Monarchs, however, do have the privilege of giving out titles in their house at any time during their reign, up to and including the night of Coronation when they step down.

Titles created by the Monarchs esist only for the year of their reign; however, at the end of their reign, Monarchs can make the title Perpetual by announcing it at Coronation.

Furthermore, with the consultation of Parliament, the Monarchs can remove any title if the holders do not live up to obligation set out by the Monarchs.

Only members in good standing are allowed to hold titles.

Titles are split into Upper House and Lower House titles.

THE UPPER HOUSE

EMPEROR AND EMPRESS:

Emperor and Empress are the two highest titles within the Court System. They are the figure heads of the Society, and are responsible for the Society of fundraising throughout the year. Although these title holders are the figure heads of the Society, and are seen by the community as the people who run the Court for the year, it can not be stressed strongly enough that the Monarchs are answerable to the Society of ISCANS, and do not have absolute authority.

Also, let it be stressed here that the title of Emperor and Empress are equal titles in the eyes of both the Imperial Court System and the ISCANS. At no time should the Emperor ever be considered of lesser importance than the Empress. Regardless of the actual sex of the title holder, Emperor is always referred to as “His” and Empress is always referred to as “Her”.

The Emperor and Empress are elected in October of each year, with the results of the election announced at Coronation, also held in October. The winner of the vote must obtain a greater number of votes than their competitors.

The ISCANS will always have both a Reigning Emperor and a Reigning Empress. Should there be no candidate for the title a Regent Monarch will be appointed by asking the College of Monarchs. The position of Regent Monarch in the ISCANS is equal to that of an Elected Monarch. Regent Monarchs have the same responsibilities of an Elected Monarch, and receive the same privileges and respect of an Elected Monarch. At any time during a Regent’s reign, up to and including the night of the Annual Coronation Ball where they step down from the position of Regent, the Members of Parliament of the ISCANS can choose to remove the word “Regent” from the title, at which time they shall be known simply as an appointed Monarch.

As Monarchs are elected by the community, that title and their number will remain with the bearers for life, unless the title holder is formally impeached and removed from their title by the Society of ISCANS.

The Monarchs have the responsibility of being the figure heads of the Court for one year. It becomes their opportunity to direct the fundraising activities, represent the Court publicly both in and out of town, and take a responsibility generally for the accomplishments of the Society for the past year. In return, they are afforded throughout the year a great deal of privilege and courtesy. For example:
1. All title holders, except other Monacrchs, usually greet them with a bow on formal occasions.
2. At their discretion, they have the privilege of opening and/or closing all ISCANS run shows.
3. At out of town functions, they are introduced last in ISCANS introductions and shown particular respect by other Monarchs.
4. At out of town Coronations, all reigning Monarchs have the privilege of performing over any other members of their court.

The Monarchs have certain obligations as set out in the By-Laws of the ISCANS. The are as follows:

1. Be goodwill ambassadors and answer to the Society.
2. Serve on the Members of Parliament during the year of their reign.
3. Uphold and promote the Aims and Objectives of the Society to the community at large.
4. Establish a set of priorities to be presented to the Society for approval. These priorities will form the basis of the activities to be undertaken during their reign.
5. Host, or delegate the hosting, the events of the Society known as Investitures and the Coronation.
6. Undertake functions to support the Aims and Objectives of the Society.
7. Attend a minimum of two (2) out of town Coronations.

Each Monarch has a title that they are referred to during their reign. Again, although there are some exceptions to this, the title generally follows this formula:

His Most Imperial Sovereign Majesty, The (Reign Number) Emperor of Halifax, (Personal Title) (Name)

Or:

Her Most Imperial Sovereign Majesty, the (Reign Number) Empress of Halifax, (Peronal Title) (Name)

For Example:

His Most Imperial Sovereign Majesty, The Mystical Bloodstone Warlock-The Burger King Emperor. Emperor V of Halifax & all of Nova Scotia Gary Turner

Only reigning Monarchs are allowed usage of the word “Most”. Upon stepping down from the position of Monarch, the title reverts to His/Her Imperial Sovereign Majesty.

Of late, many of our Monarchs have taken the title Monarch of Halifax and all of Nova Scotia. Since anyone living in Nova Scotia is allowed to vote in the election for Emperor and Empress, the title is technically true, and therefore is allowable usage.

The person part of your title is used to reflect you, and define you separate from other monarchs. It should be of importance to you. It is recommended however to keep this part of your title short. Long titles cause people to stop listening, and therefore the actual name and rank of the Monarch can be missed by the audience. Also, it tends to lengthen an already long evening at a Coronation.

Each Monarch receives two (2) pages in the Coronation Ball program for a thank you message to the community. They also receive a last walk at the Coronation Ball.
After step-dow, monarchs may be invited into the College of Monarchs, and become part of the Line of Succession of the ISCANS.

EMPEROR ½ AND EMPRESS ½

Emperor and Empress ½ are honorary titles given out by the Reigning Emperor and Empress. These titles are given out to people on the circuit who have earned the Emperor and Empress’s respect and friendship. The purpose of these titles is for the recipient to use them to represent Halifax’s Monarchs at functions that Halifax’s Monarchs are unable to attend.

This title is not a lifetime title, but can nbe made perpetual by the Monarchs with an announcement at the Coronation ball. The only privilege afforded the ½ monarchs, besides being allowed to walk representing the ISCANS at Coronations, is a five (5) minute last walk at Halifax’s Coronation ball.

Although many Monarchs name their ½ title upon stepping up, there is no rule that says they must do so. If there is noone who seems like a good fit for you to name as your half, it is better to wait until you meet the right person in your travels.

IMPERIAL CROWN PRINCE AND IMPERIAL CROWN PRINCESS

The titles of Imperial Crown Prince and Imperial Crown Princess (ICP) are given by the Emperor and Empress.

These titles are vitally important to the ISCANS. The primary roles of the ICP are:
1. Be goodwill ambassadors for the ISCANS
2. Assist the Monarchs in fulfilling their duties whenever requested to do so by the Monarchs or the Members of Parliament of the ISCANS
3. Host a minimum of two (2) functions to support the Aims and Objectives of the ISCANS.

Each ICP has a title that theya re referred to during their reign. Again, although there are some exceptions to this, the title generally follows this formula:

“His/Her Most Imperial Sovereign Highness, Imperial Crown Prince/Princess (number) of Halifax (Personal Title), (Name)”.

For Example:
“Her Most Imperial Sovereign Highness, The Second Diamond in the Empress’ Crown and Keeper of her Sanity-The Aurora Borealis Princess-Just Give her a REV and She’s Good To Go!!!! Imperial Crown Princess V, Amanda Benzova”

Only reigning ICPs are allowed usage of the word “Most”. Upon stepping down from the position of ICP, the title reverts to His/Her Imperial Sovereign Highness.


The person part of your title is used to reflect you, and define you separate from other ICP’s. It should be of importance to you. It is recommended however to keep this part of your title short. Long titles cause people to stop listening, and therefore the actual name and rank of the ICP can be missed by the audience. Also, it tends to lengthen an already long evening at a Coronation.

The ICPs receive one (1) page of the Coronation Ball program each year to give a thank you message. Also the ICP’s receive a last walk at the Coronation Ball. This ititle is a perpetual title, and all holders of this title will be listed in the ball program each year.

IMPERIAL GRAND DUKE AND DUCHESS

The titles of Imperial Grand Duke and Imperial Grand Duchess (IGD) are given by the Emperor and Empress.

The responsibilities of the Duke and Duchess, as outlined in the Rules and Regulations of the ISCANS include:
1. Be goodwill ambassadors for the ISCANS.
2. Assist the Monarchs in fulfilling their duties whenever requested to do so by the Monarchs or Members of Parliament of ISCANS.

Each IGD has a title that they are referred to during their Reign. Again, although there are some exceptions to this, the title generally follows this formula:

His/Her Most Imperial Sovereign Grace, Imperial Grand Duke/Duchess (Number) of Halifax (Name)

For Example:
“Her Most Imperial Sovereign Grace, Imperial Grand Duchess 1 of Halifax, Deva Station”

Only reigning IGD’s are allowed usage of the word “Most”. Upon stepping down from the position of IGD, the title reverts to His/Her Imperial Sovereign Grace.

This title is a perpetual title, and the holders of this title will be listed in the Coronation Ball program each year.

THE LOWER HOUSE

The Lower House is made up of the workers in your Court. These are members of the Society who maybe are not ready to hold an Upper House title, or may be former members of the Upper House whom the Monarchs choose to honour in their reign with titles.

Following is a listing of Lower House titles available, and when necessary, some comments upon them.

PRINCES AND PRINCESSES:
Prince and Princess titles are generally given out include (but not limited to):
Prince and Princess of the Realm
Personal Prince and Princess to the Emperor
Personal Prince and Princess to the Empress
Prince or Princess Consort to the Emperor
Prince or Princess Consort to the Empress

ARCH DUKE AND ARCH DUCHESS:
Although these titles carry no authority or responsibility, they have been traditionally though of as the heads of the Lower House.

OTHER LOWER HOUSE TITLES:
The Monarchs can name as many people to the Lower House as they want in order to fulfill the needs of the Reign. Titles the Monarchs may give out include, but are not limited to:
Duke/Duchess
Marquess/Marquessa
Earl
Count/Countess
Viscount/Viscountess
Baron/Baroness
Knight (Sir)/Dame
Lord/Lady in Waiting
Esquire/Squire
Lord/Lady
Lordling/Damsel

CAMP TITLES AND POSITIONS

Camp titles and positions are any title which does not fall into the hierarchy of the Monarchy we follow. Camp Titles are generally fun titles.

MZ SKAG DRAG & MZ BIG WIG
Mz Skag Drag and Mz Big Wig are camp titles selected at the respective contests. The holders of these titles are either people brand new to the Society who have come out for one of their first presentations, or established Court members.

There are no responsibilities to these titles, and no privileges extended with these titles.

KEEPER:
The title of Keeper is given to someone who is not overly active within the court, but whom the Monarchs still want to acknowledge with a title in the reign. Examples of the Keeper titles include:
Keeper of the Emperor’s Play Things
Keeper of the Empress’s Wigs


AMBASSADORS:
Ambassadors are generally title holders from other Courts that the Monarchs want to honour with a title in their house. Ambassadors have no rights or obligations with the ISCANS, although they are allowed to represent the ISCANS on the circuit.

ULTIMA TITLES
The title “Ultima” is a special honour bestowed upon individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Court Life.

The title survives only for the life of the bearer.

REGALIA

REGALIA FOR CROWNING CEREMONIES:
There are certain pieces of Regalia that are used for the purpose of crowning title holders only. They include:
-the Sword of State (donated by Nina Diamonds)
-The Orb of State
-The State Crown (donated by Bev Wilson)
-The Robes of State (donated by Empress IV Boom Boom Lubalicious)
-The State Scepter

REGALIA FOR UPPER HOUSE MEMBERS:
The reigning Emperor, Empress, Imperial Crown Prince and Princess and Imperial Grand Duke and Duchess will supply their own regalia. The male titles wear shoulder crowns appropriate to their position. The Empress will wear a crown appropriate to her position, and the IC Princess and IG Duchess will wear tiaras appropriate to their position.

As a general tradition, only reigning Male title holders wear their crowns on their left shoulders. Once a male title holder steps down, the crown should be worn on his right shoulder.

The State Regalia of the ISCANS is only used at Coronation and during Investiture.

Upon stepping down from the position of a reigning title holder, Monarchs are allowed to wear whatever regalia they feel is appropriate.

REGALIA FOR LOWER HOUSE TITLES:
It is the policy of the ISCANS to encourage everyone’s participation in the Society, and to never actively discourage anyone who wants to represent the Society with the dignity the Society deserves.

With that in mind, we now allow any title holder within the ISCANS to wear regalia they feel is appropriate to their title. Generally speaking, that indicates the wearing of a crown shaped pin or broach. This is encouraged of the members, as it shows their association with the ISCANS.

If a lower house title would like to wear a crown or tiara, there are a couple of rules of thumb to follow which will help avoid awkward situations.
1. No title holder other than the Empress shall wear a crown, but will only wear tiaras. (Crowns are full round circle, while tiaras are open in the back)
2. If title holders in the lower house are insistent upon wearing tiaras/crowns, please snsure they are smaller than the Regalia worn by the Imperial Grand Duke and Duchess. To ear regalia larger than the IGDs would lead to the impression that the lower house title is of a higher station than they actually are.

CORONATION
1. DRESS CODE:
a. Simply put, the code of dress for state functions is formal.
b. Female titles should be presented as females, and not in male face or dress. There are some exceptions to this, such as illness, preparation for special presentations, or retirement from active involvement in the drag community. By the same token, male titles should not walk in female face or dress. Unless special situations demand otherwise, if you will not walk in the mode of your title, you should not use that title.
c. Female titles should be dressed formally in *bleep*tail length or longer dresses. Gloves are optional. Empresses should always walk in full length gowns, unless the Court is doing a production number and the Empress will not have time to change before the walks.
d. Male titles should be dressed in formal garb. Tuxedos or suits are acceptable. Leather, cowboy gear, or uniforms may also be worn, as well as manyh beaded outfits.

2. BOWING AND CURTSEYING:
a. When one of a lesser title is presented to a Monarch/Head of State, a simple bow or curtsey is a sign of respect.
b. Male titles should present a slight bow from the waist and be at least an arms distance from the person they are bowing to. Female titles should present a small curtsey also at arms length distance. A curtsey is done with a straight back, usually with the right foot behind the left foot. With the right knee directly behind the left knee, a small bend completes the curtsey.
c. Those of equivalent or higher title do NOT bow or curtsey when presented. For example, Emperors do NOT bow to other Emperors. An acknowledgement is done with a nod of the head and looking each other in the eye. Onvce one has become an Emperor or Empress, your days of bowing and curtseying are over.

3. ALCOHOL AND DRUGS:
a. Coronation weekends are an opportunity to get together with friends you haven’t seen in a while and have a good time. And while we understand that alcohol will be a part of your good time, we are also aware of the importance of representing the ISCANS with dignity. With that in mind, here are some guidelines to follow when it comes to alcohol at a Court function.
b. The Out of Town Show, the evening before Coronation, is your evening to get out and have fun. Feel free to drink and have a good time.
c. It is our wish, however, that the night of Coronation, drinking is kept to a minimum. Do not take this to mean that you cannot drink, just do so with moderation. Remember: Coronation night you are representing ISCANS in a regal setting. Please do so with dignity.
d. If you should happen to find that you do get drunk and out of control at any ISCANS function-Coronation or otherwise-it is important to recognize this fact and remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible. If you do this, there will be no repercussions to your actions. You will only face difficulties if you do not remove yourself from the situation, and cause embarrassment to the ISCANS.
4. PRESENTATION OF GIFTS:
a. It is customary to present stepping down Monarchs/Heads of State, etc. with a gift, either by the visiting courts or by the individual court members.
b. Most stepping down Monarchs/Heads of State give souvenir pins to all presented to their dais. Such pins should never be pinned onto the recipients. The decision to wear such pins is at the discretion of the recipient.

5. WALKING AT CORONATION:
a. When walking at a Coronation, protocol is that people walk from the lowest title to the highest title (See Walk/Entrance Protocol). As a convention, in equal titles, the male walks before the female title.
b. If you are walking as part of a couple, the male title is read first. The male title should walk to the end of the stage and wait for the female title. As the female title is read, the female title holder should walk out to the male title holder. At this point, the male title holder will take the hand of the femal title holder, and they will walk up to greet the Monarchs/Heads of State. Walk in order to mirror the Monarchs/Heads of State, so the male title holder greets the Emperor First and the female greets the Empress first. Bow or curtsey as appropriate. Any gifts may be presented at this time.
c. If you are walking without an escort, when you name is announced, you can simply walk onto the dais and greet the stepping down Monarchs/Heads of State.
d. Once the couple has greeted the Monarchs/Heads of State, move to the side of the stage and wait until all the titles for your Court have been introduced. After all titles are on stage, you may leave the stage as a group. If there are stairs on the side of the stage, please exit by those stairs, rather than walking back down the runway.
e. As a courtesy, it is acceptable for the stepping down Monarchs/Heads of State to walk forward on the stage to greet certain Monarchs/Heads of State, and then escort them back to the dais. This honour is usually reserved for reigning Monarchs/Heads of State, but can be given to anyone you hold in very high esteem.

5. NUMBER OF COURT WALKS
a. Individuals should never walk more than once at a Coronation event. If individuals are given titles from other Courts, such as Ambassador titles, the title holder must choose which Court they will walk with. Generally speaking, you walk with the organization in which you hold your highest title.
b. An exception to this rule is with Emperor and Empress ½ titles. If you hold a ½ title in another Court, we encourage you to walk with that other Court to show support for that Monarch/Head of State, as well as with your own Court.

6. NUMBER OF TITLES:
a. Generally speaking, when you walk, you only walk with your highest title. If a title holder is currently reigning with a lower title than a Perpetual title they have earned in the past, they may be asked to suspend their highest title for the reign (i.e.: Empresses who become Imperial Crown Princesses)
b. Monarchs/Heads of State are permitted to break the above rule, but it is recommended that they only break the rule in order to use any ½ titles they have received.

7. WALK/ENTRANCE PROTOCOL:
When writing protocol for an emcee at a Coronation to read, there is a simple format to be followed. If your Court is doing a production number, there is a bit more of an introduction required.

First, lets talk about doing a production number.
1. Begin with a welcome to the Monarchs/Heads of State and guests: Fellow Monarchs, Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
2. Then introduce the organization: Please welcome the Imperial Court of Halifax, Nova Scotia
3. Then, place a note to the emcee to start the music for your number.
4. From this point on, protocol becomes the same whether you are doing a production number, or simply doing a walk.
5. At this point, it is expected to offer a few congratulatory comments to the Monarchs/Heads of State stepping down, and, if appropriate, a few personal comments to them: Biff and Jane, congratulations on a wonderful year. Jane-you’ve been a dear friend to us all.
6. next once again get the audience’s attention, and identify your organization, city, and house: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome representing the Imperial Court of Halifax and the 5th Reign…

Start listing the titles and names of the members of your house who are present. Titles should be listed on individual cards so that if names need to be added or removed, it can be done easily. Titles walk in the following order:

• Camp titles and positions
• Lordling/Damsel
• Lord/Lady
• Esquire/Squire
• Lord/Lady in Waiting
• Knight/Dame
• Baron/Baroness
• Viscount/Viscountess
• Count/Countess
• Earl
• Marquess/Marquessa
• Duke/Duchess
• Arch Duke/Arch Duchess
• Prince/Princess Consort
• Personal Prince & Princess to the Emperor
• Personal Prince & Princess to the Empress
• Prince and Princess to the Realm
• Current Reigning Imperial Grand Duke and Duchess
• Imperial Grand Czar and Imperial Grand Czarina (in exile)
• Past Imperial Crown Prince and Princesses (oldest to newest)
• King Father Ultima & Queen Mother Ultima
• Current Reigning Emperor ½ and Empress ½
• Current Reigning Imperial Crown Prince/Princess
• Past Emperors and Empresses (oldest to most recent)
• Current Reigning Emperor and Empress

Any Perpetual title holders should be placed in protocol according to the rank of their perpetual title. They should walk before current reigning title holders with equivalent titles, and mention should be made of the reign in which they received their title.

And finally, wrap up your protocol with an invitation to the Court’s next Annual Coronation: Their Most Imperial and Sovereign Majesties, Emperor and Empress 5 Gary Turner and Deva Station, would like to invite you all to the Capital City of Canada’s Ocean Playground, Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 22, 2005 for Coronation 2- A Night in Ever After-Cinderella Goes to the Ball.

It is the responsibility of the title holders to inform the Monarchs/Heads of State or Minister of Protocol whether they will attend a Coronation. Titles should not be put into protocol “in case they arrive”. If a title holder does not show the courtesy of informing Monarchs/Heads of State of their presence, they forfeit the privilege of walking at that Coronation.


If you are doing a production number for a Coronation, please ensure that the number is in the theme of the evening, and that you meet any requirements set out by the Court hosting the Coronation.

This is just the format for protocol. Within this format, there is lots of room for the individuality of the reigning Monarchs/Heads of State to shine through.

8. LAST WALKS AND TIPPING:
a. Tipping is a sign of friendship and respect. There are no hard and fast rules on tipping, other than rules set out earlier regarding bowing and curtseying.
b. The time for hugs and kisses at a Coronation is while tipping a last walk, not during a Court walk.
c. Title holders who have a last walk should remember that the audience wants to be entertained, and too much hugging and kissing becomes self-indulgent quickly. Furthermore, unless you have a specific request not to be tipped in your protocol, show your tippers the courtesy of accepting their tips. Please do not ignore them.
d. It has become the custom of late for all Emperors to join the stepping down Emperor on stage for his final walk, and all Empresses to join the stepping down Empress on stage for her final walk. Please do not forget to acknowledge your peers as they stand beside you.