Knighthood Code of Ethics

What is a code of ethics? A code of ethics is a set of guidelines written to help define the professional responsibilities of a group’s members. Codes of ethics often include remarks on difficult decisions that may arise, address how to implement ethical standards, and provide direction on what behavior is considered correct or right in a given circumstance. It is a plan for the vision a group hopes to achieve. A code of ethics is a stated set of principles that establishes expectations regarding how one makes decisions. However, unlike a code of conduct, it does not govern action. 

What should a knight be? A knight should be a person who is ethically vigilant. A knight strives to be a better person today than they were yesterday, and a better person tomorrow than they were today. However, it’s not enough that the knight do good themselves to only have that good unmade by others, and so, this means that a knight also tries to encourage this trait of ethical vigilance in others, in Amtgard, and in the world at large. This does not mean that a knight will always succeed, as all humans have failings. But the expectation is that they will try, and when they don’t succeed, that they will endeavor to make things right and improve.

The Code

A knight considers the knight-populace relationship as covenant.

This means that a knight should be distinctly aware of the moral obligations they have in response to the gift of trust bestowed upon them by the populace for allowing them to be a knight. A knight tries to respect the populace, commit themselves to the wellbeing of Amtgard, and maintain that trust.

A knight endeavors to act with honesty, integrity, and compassion.

A knight recognizes that they have a duty to the truth and to behave in good conscience. They attempt to behave with concern for the wellbeing of others and care about the wellbeing of Amtgard as a whole, as well as to build trust and credibility.

A knight seeks to communicate openly.

This includes communications about concerns, commitments, and their own flaws. A knight recognizes that without actionable feedback, others cannot reflect and improve. A knight recognizes that their acceptance of criticism can help to improve themselves.

A knight has a duty to try to maintain skill and knowledge competency. 

This does not mean continue to be the best 'X' in Amtgard, but instead to stay current on advances in Amtgard skills, technology, and abilities in order to better serve their populace and to better teach others.

A knight serves the community and societal needs of Amtgard foremost. 

While a knight may have a personal obligation to an individual or group of individuals, their primary obligation in our society is to the greater needs of Amtgard as a whole. A knight recognizes this responsibility and attempts to act accordingly. This does not mean that a knight needs to put Amtgard before personal health and wellbeing or non-Amtgard life as taking care of one’s self is both responsible and necessary.

A knight seeks justice, and endeavors to behave fairly and equitably. 

They seek to erase unjust practices or traditions when such practices and traditions are known to them.

A knight respects the autonomy and dignity inherent in all.

A knight understands and accepts the right to self-determination in others and so tries to act in a way that is free of discrimination. They endeavor to protect others from harassment, abuse, or offensive behavior and avoid engaging in such behavior themselves.

A knight is responsible for demonstrating the importance of these characteristics to others. 

Ethical behavior does not just happen. A knight recognizes this and actively ventures to fight against their own impulses to remain a bystander. A knight understands that clear communication and modeling of behavioral expectations are necessary to lead by example. A knight attempts to promptly address ethical concerns, to promote substance over form, and to normalize ethical dialogue.