The standard operating procedures clarify and/or further expand some of our adopted Bylaws. These procedures are not changes, merely clarifications to establish procedures and possibly dispel misunderstandings.

The SOPs of the corporation include the following additional documents:

1. The document titled Protocol Handbook (adopted 10/9/2023)
2. The document titled Candidate_Guide_UCA (dated 3/4/14)

These SOPs may be updated by any bylaw committee for technical errors (spelling, grammar, formatting) without further Board approval, provided the intent remains unchanged.

The code of conduct applies to all court members, who must reflect positively on the values of UCA by demonstrating respect and integrity at all times.

1. All meetings of the United Court of Austin, Inc. must be ALCOHOL FREE.
2. Any infractions considered morally, willfully, or ethically damaging to another party shall be a violation.
3. A written grievance will be submitted to the Board of Directors for review.
4. The Board must notify the accused within thirty (30) days of the written grievance.

Penalties

• 1st Penalty: A warning shall be issued by the BOD.
• 2nd Penalty: Suspension of title until end of the reign.
• 3rd Penalty: Revocation of membership for one (1) calendar year.

For COM or Lifetime title holders, a motion to the membership to revoke titles shall be raised. Appeals are heard by a committee of 2 line members, 2 COM members, and 2 directors.

UCA prohibits all forms of harassment, bullying, and discrimination, whether sexual, verbal, physical, or psychological. This policy applies to all members, volunteers, guests, and official communications.

• Bullying: A pattern of persistent, aggressive behavior intended to intimidate, belittle, or isolate.
• Reporting: Incidents should be reported to the President or any Board member; reports may be anonymous.
• Enforcement: Violations are treated as violations of the Code of Conduct and are subject to the established grievance and disciplinary procedures.

This entire document named "Protocol Handbook" shall be considered a part of the Standard Operating Procedures of the United Court of Austin, Inc.

This section "International Court Protocol" has been adapted from "Protocol Manual for Coronation and Adornment." It was prepared by H.I.M. Empress V of Toronto, Sophie de Lee, in consultation with H.I.M. the Absolute Empress I Jose, The Widow Norton, Founder of the International Court System.

Protocol is defined in the Webster's Dictionary as "rules of diplomatic etiquette." Since 1965, our court system has dealt with protocol decisions in a cooperative and respectful way. This handbook is adapted from that guide and has been developed to assist The United Court of Austin, Inc. (UCA), its monarch(s), minister(s) of protocol and event coordinator(s).

Coronation: An annual event held by Imperial Courts at which time an Emperor, Emprex and/or Empress are crowned.

Investiture: A ceremony of installing anyone into office. The UCA will present at least one major Investiture within 45 days after Coronation.

Barony: Under the guidance and sponsorship of an Imperial Court. They present an event called Adornment annually.

Royal Ducal Courts: Independent and sovereign courts that present an event where a newly elected Grand Duke and Grand Duchess are crowned.

Reign: Each fiscal year defined by the bylaws of the corporation. Each Reign forms a Royal Court of titles and lineage.

Introduction of the Flags

At the beginning of all international ceremonies, The Gay, American, Canadian, Mexican, Leather, and other local specific flags should be presented by flag bearers. The flags should be held firmly upright and presented with equality of time and space. The last flag to enter should be the flag of the country where the ceremony is produced.

Introduction of Anthems

Anthems are now requested by Queen Mother I of the Americas, Nicole the Great to be played in the order of Canada, Mexico, then The United States at state events within the United States. When an anthem is presented all flags must be lowered evenly with the exception of the country whose anthem is being played.

Attire

The code of dress for state functions is formal. Female persona should be presented in full-length evening gowns. Male persona should dress formally with white gloves. Persons identifying and presenting Non-Binary should present full body covering, tasteful fashion.

Presentation

If one carries a title indicated for female persona, she should present herself as a female and not walk in male or non-binary face, appearance or fashion. Likewise male persona titleholders should not be presented in female or non-binary face, dress, or fashion.

Bowing and Curtseying

When one of lesser title is presented to an Emperor/Empress, Grand Duke/Duchess, Baron/Baroness, a simple bow or curtsey is required. Male persona title-holders should present a slight bow from the waist. Female persona title-holders should present a small curtsey. Non-Binary persona title-holders may choose either to bow or curtsey. Those of equivalent or higher title do not bow or curtsey when presented.

Crowning/Accolades

By proclamation of Queen Mother I of the Americas, Nicole the Great, any crowning or accolade requiring a person to kneel and be dubbed shall be done with the person kneeling before their community, and facing their community, rather than facing throne(s) or a dais.

Presentation of Gifts

It is customary to present stepping down Monarchs with a gift. At state functions there should be attendants to receive and organize such gift presentations. Most often the step-down Monarchs give a souvenir pin to all presented to their dais. Such pins should never be pinned onto the recipients.

Guests presented at any state event should walk only once and with their highest title. Any member of the United Court of Austin may use any and all titles they have received when presented at Coronation for the UCA.

Section 1 – College of Monarchs

Dowager(s) are the Monarch(s) who reigned the previous year. They walk first and their title should recognize them as the "Dowager Emperor, Dowager Empress and/or Dowager Emprex." The College of Monarchs is presented from the Dowagers down through the lineage to the first monarchs. The most commonly used address/greeting is "HHTY Most Imperial Majesty."

The term "Absolute" shall be reserved only for Monarchs that were elected or appointed without any counterpart, and served their entire reign without a counterpart as a "solo" Monarch, and stepped down with no counterpart.

Section 2 – Lifetime Titles

The most recently appointed or elected titleholders walk first. This section includes ultimas and any lifetime title holders. Acceptable addresses for these titles are "HHTY Imperial Highness."

Section 3 – Peerage and Noble Titles

Section 4 – The Imperial Family Titles

Imperial Family titles are: Crown Prince/Crown Princex/Crown Princess (HHTY Serene Highness), Imperial Prince/Imperial Princex/Imperial Princess (HHTY Imperial Highness), Prince Royal/Princex Royal/Princess Royal (HHTY Royal Highness), and Prince/Princex/Princess (HHTY Highness). These should be presented lowest to highest.

Section 5 – Heirs Apparent

This section is reserved for the Heirs Apparent to the Sovereigns. In the UCA these are the current ICPs (Imperial Crown Prince/Imperial Crown Princex/Imperial Crown Princess), addressed/greeted as "HHTY Most Imperial Highness."

Section 6 – The Sovereign(s)

The elected and reigning monarch(s) always walk last and should be addressed as the sovereigns with their title. The most commonly used address when presenting or referring to a reigning monarch is "His/Her/Their Most Imperial Sovereign Majesty." A Regent Monarch will carry that designation until such time as they step down.

Anniversaries will be celebrated at the completion of increments of five years from any Monarch "Step Up."

• Monarchs of Reign 5, 10, 15, 20, & 25 shall be celebrants for Coronation XXX
• Monarchs of Reign 1, 6, 11, 16, 21, & 26 shall be celebrants for Coronation XXXI
• Monarchs of Reign 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, & 27 shall be celebrants for Coronation XXXII
• Monarchs of Reign 3, 8, 13, 18, 23, & 28 shall be celebrants for Coronation XXXIII
• Monarchs of Reign 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, & 29 shall be celebrants for Coronation XXXIV

Each monarch reaching such a milestone shall be granted a choice of presentation: "Walk Presentation" (not to exceed 2 minutes) or "Performance Presentation" (not to exceed 6 minutes). Monarchs who reach multiple milestones in the same year shall only be allowed one presentation.

Please remember that Coronation Ceremonies are a show and consideration to your audience must be given. Length is a major problem. It is expected that crowning ceremonies happen before midnight whenever possible.

Common reasons for lengthy Coronations

• Very late starts
• Long intermissions
• Improvising emcees who wander from the script or disregard it
• Very long step-down numbers (Recommended: 5 minutes for ICPs, 10-12 minutes for Monarchs)
• Too many or long command performances
• Manipulated or lengthened tip acceptance
• Excessive and long protocol
• Disorganization

Command Performances should be given to outstanding entertainers. Five minutes is an acceptable time restriction for Command Performances. Emcees should be given an advance copy of the script so they can rehearse title pronunciation and consider the pacing of the evening.

• Heir Apparent: An heir whose claim cannot be set aside by the birth of another heir.
• Crown Prince/Princex/Princess: An heir to a sovereign throne.
• Prince Royal/Princex Royal/Princess Royal: The eldest child of a Reigning Monarch.
• Prince/Princex/Princess: The child/grandchild of a Reigning Monarch.
• Grand Duke/Grand Dupri/Grand Duchess: A prince or princess or noble person ruling over a territory.
• Duke/Dupri/Duchess: A person holding the highest hereditary title of nobility.
• Marquis/Marquex/Marquessa: A noble person between a Duke and an Earl.
• Earl: A nobleman between Marquis and Viscount.
• Count/Countex/Countess: A nobleman corresponding to an Earl.
• Viscount/Viscountex/Viscountess: A noble person ranking between an Earl and a Baron.
• Baron/Baronex/Baroness: A member of the lowest order of nobility.
• Knight/Dame: A man/woman awarded a non-hereditary title in recognition of merit or service.
• Lord/Lux/Lady: A peer of the realm or a person entitled to the title Lord.

What is the Court?

A court is an organization centered around the form of a traditional monarchy. In Austin, the court, known as The United Court of Austin is a 501(c)3 non-profit. A coronation is annually held at which time an Emperor, Emprex and/or Empress are crowned and the new monarchs name their lines of succession.

What is the purpose of the Court?

The purpose is to provide support and/or raise charitable funds for other organizations of 501(c)3 non-profit status, as well as offer an outlet for social interaction among those who appreciate or participate in entertainment or fundraising activities.

What is the Imperial Court System?

The Imperial Court System (ICS) is composed of courts throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The ICS first began in the 1960's by Jose Sarria, known as Empress I, Jose the Widow Norton.

Who can be involved in a court?

Anyone can be involved in the court. Courts are open to all people regardless of race, religion, creed, nationality, gender, age, physical ability or sexual orientation.

What is coronation?

Coronation is an event held annually to show itself off to the public and to other courts in the system. It is an elaborate event with individuals attired as if to attend a royal event. It is a charity ball that typically raises several thousands of dollars each year for local charities.

How are Monarchs chosen?

In Austin, those that would like to reign as Emperor, Emprex, or Empress of Austin, campaign for approximately 4 weeks and are elected into office by vote of the community. Any person over 18 that resides in the realm of the organization is eligible to vote.

How does the court raise its money?

The court raises money by hosting various types of events including special parties, shows, raffles, and donations from contributors. Funds raised go directly to the agencies that the court helps. The people that participate in the court are 100% volunteers.

The Board of Directors has deemed these guidelines as acceptable practices, which will promote fairness, assure a healthy and positive campaign for all of the candidates, and meet the needs of this corporation and the organizations that support it. The Board has given the Candidate Coordinator the authority to assure that all candidates adhere to these guidelines.

This document is meant to be used as a source of information to clarify the candidacy process. These guidelines are not part of the bylaws that govern the United Court of Austin. This document is not meant nor does it supersede any regulation that is specifically stipulated in the bylaws of this corporation. The bylaws specifically cover the eligibility and application process for candidacy and should be referred to for this information.

The candidate may select an individual to serve as their campaign manager. The candidate may also obtain additional staff to assist with the campaign. Campaign managers and staff can be anyone from within the organization or the community at large.

The candidate, the campaign manager, and the staff are all subject to comply and adhere to all of the bylaws and guidelines that govern or clarify candidacy. Campaign managers and staff are bound by the same code of conduct as the candidate. Any infraction by a candidate, a campaign manager or a staff member will result in immediate disciplinary action, which may include disqualification of the candidate.

Once candidate applications are submitted to the Board of Directors at the general membership meeting the review process begins. During this period and until Candidate Announcement, candidates, managers and staff are prohibited from campaigning in any form or fashion prior to this date.

Campaigning is defined as (but not limited to) public announcements, statements, posters, cards, flyers, or the dissemination of any type of promotional materials. Candidates, managers, and staff are allowed to speak privately to any member of the College of Monarchs, the Board of Directors, or the Campaign Coordinator about any topics relating to candidacy or their campaign. These conversations are considered confidential.

A Candidate interview will be conducted by the Board of Directors at which time the candidates will draw numbers. This will become the candidate's official presentation number. The candidates will be presented at all activities and functions in this order, up and through the night of Coronation.

The annual event known as Candidate Announcement marks the official commencement of the campaign. Campaigning is not to begin until the candidate is officially sashed and presented.

Requirements for Candidate Announcement

A. Entertainment: The candidates are required to provide a presentation of some kind of entertainment during announcement, not to exceed seven (7) minutes total.

B. Announcement Poster Requirements

• Size – at least 11" X 17" and no larger than standard Poster board size
• Contain a photographic image of the candidate at least 3" X 5" in size
• State Candidate's name and moniker
• Identify office that the candidate is seeking (Emperor or Empress)
• Identify the name of the organization (United Court of Austin, Inc.)
• Coronation information (date, time, and location)
• Voting information (date, time, and location)
• The poster must not contain any lewd or obscene subject matter

Candidates will be provided with a sash designating their official acceptance as an aspirant to the office of Emperor or Empress of the United Court of Austin. The aspirants are required to wear the sash at all Official Court Functions and State Functions of the International Court System. If the sash is damaged or lost, the candidate will provide a $50.00 fine to cover the cost of replacement.

All campaign pieces must be approved by the Candidate Coordinator prior to distribution. All posters used for public view must contain the same information as the Announcement poster (no larger than 11" X 17").

Candidates are required to produce one fundraising event during their campaign for the 501-(C) 3 Charity of their choice. The fundraiser can be individual or jointly produced by the candidates.

Campaign parties, gatherings or other events must not be within 4 blocks of the polling place except in the case where the location is the candidate's personal residence.

On voting day, Candidates and/or their announced and recognized campaign manager will review the ballots, tally sheets, and/or any other materials presented by the election committee prior to the opening of the polls. Candidates or the campaign manager will sign a statement attesting to having witnessed all materials.

Candidates and/or campaign managers will then be allowed to cast their ballots. Upon completion of this vote, the candidates and/or campaign managers will remove themselves from the location of voting and will not be within 100 yards of the location of voting until 15 minutes prior to the closing of the polls. Campaigning within 100 yards of the polls is not permitted. Only your campaign poster (Only ONE) may be displayed in the designated area next to the polls.

Candidates and/or the campaign manager will return to the location of voting 15 minutes prior to the closing of the polls. Failure to appear for these duties by either the Candidate or Campaign manager may result in the disqualification of the candidate.

Appropriate Conduct

• Present themselves and the Court in a positive manner at all times
• Adhere to all by-laws and guidelines
• Notify the management of any and all establishments before actively campaigning

Inappropriate Conduct

• Disparage or negatively campaign against another candidate
• Campaigning while incapacitated due to ingestion or consumption of any mind-altering substances including alcohol
• Present themselves in a manner unbecoming the office for which they aspire

Once candidacy has been made official at candidate announcement, the aspirant will relinquish any title that they currently hold. Only perpetual titles will remain intact such as Monarch or Lifetime titles. In either case, the only title that the candidate may use during campaign and until the end of Austin's Coronation is "Aspirant to the Throne of the United Court of Austin."

Candidates are required to purchase and place a full-page ad in the program for the United Court of Austin's Coronation Ball. Candidates will host or co-host the bar/bus tour on Friday night.

The candidates are required to provide a presentation of some kind of entertainment during Coronation, not to exceed seven (7) minutes total. A production number containing 3 or more people is suggested but not required.

All candidates are required to present themselves in attire appropriate to the office which they seek, during the bus tour and at Coronation. Candidates should be aware that should they win election, they must provide an appropriate crown to be worn after they complete their reign. The crown must be presented to the Board of Directors prior to the re-crowning ceremony during their Coronation at which they step down.

All candidates, campaign managers, or campaign staff who have a grievance of any sort during the campaign shall first present it to the Candidate coordinator who has First Rule. If the results are unsatisfactory, the candidate may appeal to a Special Election Committee.

This committee is formed by creation of the Board of Directors and will consist of 1 representative from each of the candidates campaign staff (candidates are not permitted to serve), and 3 or 4 members of the Board of Directors, whichever will constitute an odd number. All decisions by this committee are final.