Ritualistic and Tactics Certification Program
Mission statement: To establish a ritual and tactics certification program to certify constituent Commandery members, enabling them to instruct their members on the ritual outlined by the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar for the U.S.A. and tactics of the Grand Commandery of Illinois.
Methods: Sir Knights shall work with constituent commandery instructors to refine their skills on the ritual and tactics for each position for which they would like to certify.
References: Ritual of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America and the Grand Commandery Knights Templar Illinois Asylum Tactics.
Certification: Prior to examination a candidate must be vouched for by a member of the Ritual and Tactics Committee, current Elected Grand Line Officer or Past Grand Commander.
Certification will be conducted prior to the Annual Conclave by at least three members of the Ritual and Tactics Committee serving as a Board of Grand Examiners. Two committee members will judge ritual while a third judges the tactics. Sir Knights will be expected to perform at least 98% of ritual and tactics correctly to be certified including full form Opening, Order of the Temple, Closing and full form Open Inspection for the position being examined.
Sir Knights may be certified in the levels listed below. Upon completion of their certification Sir Knights will be awarded cords to be worn on their Class A uniform. Sir Knights certified in multiple positions may be awarded intertwined cords of the appropriate colors. The cords will be presented by the REGC at the Annual Conclave.
Sir Knights not eligible to request certification are members of the Ritual and Tactics Committee, current Elected Grand Officers and Past Grand Commanders.
Certification Levels:
- Commander – Open/Close/ Order of the Temple and full form Open Inspection
- Generalissimo & Captain General (both positions) – Open/Close/ Order of the Temple and full form Open Inspection
- Senior & Junior Wardens/ Hermits and Guard (all Positions) – Open/Close/ Order of the Temple and full form Open Inspection
- Prelate – Open/Close/ Order of the Temple and full form Open Inspection
- West (all positions) – Open/Close/ Order of the Temple and full form Open Inspection
Shoulder Cords:
- Each Station will have a colored shoulder chord to designate the Sir Knight has passed the exam.
- Commander – Red Cord
- Generalissimo and Captain General – Green Cord
- Senior and Junior Wardens including Hermits and Guards – Royal Blue Cord
- Prelate – Silver Cord
- Standard Bearer, Sword Bearer, Warder, Sentinel and Flag Bearer – Light Blue Cord
Scoring: Each examiner will be provided a score sheet for the ritual being examined. Each score sheet will contain the ritual word for word from the Ritual of the Grand Encampment. As the Sir Knight performs the ritual, the examiner will note or strike through any incorrect word(s). A third examiner will observe the tactics of the examinee and provide written comments accordingly. The score sheets will be given to the Ritual and Tactics Committee Chairman for final scoring. The results of the examination will be forwarded to the REGC with a recommendation to certify or not.
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