Middle Kingdom Silent Herald Code of Conduct
Last Updated 28 September 2007
Hiordis Reginsdottir

The Silent Heralds should adhere to these standards to the best of 
their abilities.

CONFIDENTIALITY
As a Silent Herald you have two voices.  First is the Voice of the 
Populace, and second is the Voice of the Crown.  It is important to 
remember this distinction.  You serve the Populace first.

When serving as a Silent Herald, use discretion.  Please remember that 
information that you get because you are the herald for court is often 
SECRET until it is announced in court.  Information that you receive 
as a Silent Herald that has to do with your Deaf or HoH "clients" may 
be of a medical nature and it is not appropriate to share that with 
others.  If a deaf person tells you something in private, they may 
want to find a secluded place, because vision travels much farther 
than sound!  When in doubt if the knowledge is public information or 
private, ask.

As deafness is sometimes considered a medical concern, please be aware 
that you cannot require that people sign their name or otherwise 
indicate that they are deaf on signup sheets, public information 
databases, or anything else that is available to the public.  While 
you are a Silent Herald, you are an interpreter, and a professional.

PROFESSIONALISM
At least a basic knowledge of ASL or your regional sign language is 
highly encouraged before you begin doing Silent Heraldry, including 
the alphabet and numbers, and a few basic signs.  As a Silent Herald, 
you are a volunteer.  Any help that you can provide is welcomed and 
needed.  Your knowledge of ASL may not be vast, and that is okay.  If 
your vocabulary is shaky, and you will be interpreting one-on-one, it 
may be a good idea to have a pad of paper and pen handy, in case you 
need it to communicate clearly with the deaf person.  It's much easier 
that fingerspelling everything.  If you are signing a court, do your 
best to faithfully interpret the content and sentiment of the words of 
the Crown and the Vocal Herald.

CONDUCT
As a Silent Herald, your conduct should be sober and professional.  
You should demonstrate respect for all those around you.  Remember 
that you represent the Crown, the SCA and the Deaf and HoH community.  
Conduct yourself in a manner appropriate to the situation.  Please 
wear tasteful clothing that makes a good background for your signs and 
is not distracting.

A Silent Herald must use EXTREME discretion in accepting gifts for 
their services.  Monetary gifts are prohibited.

RESPECT
Show respect to your consumers and your fellow heralds.  Deal with 
disagreements in a pleasant manner.  Respect the wishes of the Crown, 
and the wishes of the people you may be interpreting for.

KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT

Silent Heralds are highly encouraged to foster and maintain 
interpreting competence and the stature of the profession through 
ongoing development of knowledge and skills.