St. Maries Saddle Club
Royalty Rules and Obligations
Introduction
To hold the titles of St. Maries Saddle Club (SMSC) Queen, or Princess is not only an honor but an obligation. This was prepared to provide a set of guidelines for the Royalty Court in order for them to meet obligations. The SMSC Royalty holds many responsibilities. Those who hold these titles:
· Are Queen, Sr. Princess and Jr. Princess representing SMSC at all times.
· Need to conduct themselves professionally and as positive role models, as they will be looked upon as such by members of the community for the entire year that they serve in this capacity.
· Will need to know the SMSC gymkhana and pleasure show rules.
· Should have a strong commitment and dedication to SMSC.
· Will have their own horse (owned or leased) and participate in SMSC activities. Horse must be able to lope around entire arena in a controlled and safe manner and be safe to take in parade.
Queen’s Responsibilities
- Coordinate Royalty activities and assign duties to the Sr. & Jr. Princess.
- Ensure that the other members of the Royal Court are present for club events, and have all their equipment and are properly attired.
- Keep track of all Royalty funds, and organize one fundraising event for Royalty Court.
Royalty Code of Conduct
- Conduct yourself as a LADY or GENTLEMEN at all times, whether in Royalty attire or not. You are a representative of SMSC. Behave in a polite and gracious manner at all times. Arguing with anyone, (including parents or siblings); yelling in anger and “goofing around” will be considered inappropriate behavior. Remember you are in the public eye and you must represent SMSC at all times. Inappropriate behavior will result in grounds for dismissal.
- Attend all required events in order to promote the SMSC. If you are unable to attend an event you should contact the SMSC Royalty advisor and let them know that you will be absent at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled event. Unexcused absences are subject to review by the Board and Royalty advisor and disciplinary actions can result.
- You and your mount must always be neat and well groomed.
- ALWAYS wear attire designated by the Queen & Royalty advisor when representing SMSC. Dress code includes boots, hat with crown, and sash.
- Remember – You are always in the public eye even when not in official attire. Swearing, smoking, chewing tobacco, or drinking alcohol is not appropriate.
- Handle your horse with proper horsemanship. The display of anger when handling your horse is inappropriate and will be grounds for dismissal. Signs of abuse to your horse will not be tolerated and can also result in dismissal.
The Royalty should not violate any of the above rules. If there is a violation it will be investigated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. In the event of a serious violation the board of directors of the SMSC may dismiss the Royal Court member immediately. If that shall occur the offending member will surrender their crown, sash, and suroppy immediately.
General Rules
All general rules and by-laws of the club shall apply to Royalty.
Members shall be between the ages of 13 and 19 as of January 1 of current year to hold the title of Queen. Members shall be between the ages of 8 and 15 for Jr. and Sr. Princess as of January 1 of the current year.
You must be a member in good standing at the time of SMSC Royalty tryouts.
A Royalty member shall not serve as Royalty for any other similar organization or club during their reign. Exceptions will need to be voted on by the SMSC Board of Directors.
Royalty members must agree to be available for appearance and functions for the promotion of the Club throughout their reign. The Royalty will be required to attend the following club functions:
- At least one member of the Royalty Court and/or Royalty advisor shall be available at each SMSC general meeting to provide the Board of Directors with the Royalty report.
- Be present at all SMSC horse shows and Omoksees and assist in duties assigned to them by members of the SMSC board including handing out awards, and riding in grand entries.
- Participate in all fund raising.
- Be present at local parade on Labor Day.
- Be available for SMSC media coverage.
- All other activities as assigned by the Board of Directors and/or Royalty advisor.
Members of Royalty must be single at the time of selection and remain single throughout the year. If a member of Royalty marries or a female member becomes pregnant during her reign, she will forfeit her crown, and all other attire.
Members of Royalty must be enrolled in school, a graduate, and hold or be working on a G.E.D.
Royalty must provide their own transportation to and from events and minors must have a chaperon who is 18 or older.
The Board reserves the right at its sole discretion to remove any member of the Royal Court. The reasons may include, but are not limited to:
- Unbecoming behavior
- Bad Sportsmanship
- Use of illegal drugs or alcohol
Club Royalty is expected to:
- Exhibit high moral standards at all times.
- Present a pleasant personality and positive attitude
- Look their best and act professionally
- Arrive on time to designated events
Royalty is required to report all Royalty activities to the Board of Directors and/or Royalty advisor by presenting a monthly Queen’s report at the general meetings. This time should also be used to discuss any problems or concerns the Royal Court might have.
Once selected as a member of Royalty you will be expected to fulfill your obligation to the St. Maries Saddle Club.
Parent or Guardian Responsibilities
Parent or Guardian is responsible for getting their child and horse to the required function or making other arrangements if necessary.
Parent or Guardian is responsible for helping their child carry out functions of their position.
Parent or Guardian is responsible for their own actions as it reflects back on their child and the SMSC.
Parent or Guardian will supply their child with the suitable tack that is clean and in safe riding condition.
Parent or Guardian is responsible for providing, at their expense, attire for their child that is appropriate for the Royal Court. SMSC Royalty fund account provides each member with a $75.00 dollar check to purchase a shirt which is selected by the Queen and Royalty advisor. The attire at a minimum must include:
- Black Cowboy Hat
- Black Pant
- Black Cowboy Boots
- Black Belt
SMSC will provide:
- A sash (matching the other members of the Royal Court) bearing the name of the SMSC, the member’s title, and the year they are serving.
- $75.00 to purchase shirt.
Other optional attire may be selected by the Royal Court. The optional attire must be agreed upon by each member of the Royal Court, and the Royalty advisor as well as Parent or Guardian. The SMSC requires only that the attire be neat and presentable and that all members of the Royal Court match their clothing during club events.
By signing below I have read and agree to follow the Royalty Court Rules and Obligations during my reigning year.
_______________________
SMSC Royalty member
_______________________
Parent or Guardian
_______________________
SMSC Royalty Advisor