II.  PURPOSE
To attain proficiency in all of the weapons of war that a Gentleman or Lady should know.  To continuously strive for the pinnacle of chivalrous behavior.  To serve our Patrons with honor and skill.  To be better than any school that Master Julio can put together.
Above all, to have fun!

III.  PLEDGE
I ____________________________ do hereby swear loyalty and service to Le Couer de Noire.  I will ever seek chivalry, skill, and honor on and off the battlefield.

IV.  RANKS
Recruit:  A Recruit must express a desire to be in the school and be accepted by its members.  A Recruit has to pass a majority vote of confidence at an official school meeting and must then fight the CaptainGeneral, Pilot Major, and all members present.
Privateer:  Privateers are authorized fighters in at least one style of Rapier Combat.  They will have their own gear and will show a sincere attempt to dress in period fashion.  A Privateer must be accepted by peers and demonstrate honorable behavior on and off the lists.
Sergeant At Arms:  Sergeant At Arms must advance from the rank of Privateer and be authorized in all styles of Rapier Combat.  A Sergeant At Arms will have a minimum of one year fencing experience, have a high level of participation in the school, and be nominated by school peers.
Lieutenant:   Lieutenants must advance in rank from Sergeant At Arms.  A Lieutenant must have a high degree of Rapier accomplishment, or be a Marshal or Marshal in Training, or has attained the level of skill required for teaching, or be a skilled fighter and tactician.  A Lieutenant must be nominated by school peers, and have a high level of involvement with the school.
Pilot Major:  The Executive Officer for the school is second in command to the Captain General.  The Pilot Major will have advanced through all of the lower ranks and have an insane level of devotion to the Couer de Noire.  The Pilot Major will hold office as long as is desired by the Captain General, with the acquiescence of the school, and as long as he or she is physically and mentally capable of doing so.
Captain General:  The Commander Le Couer de Noire will have advanced through the preceding ranks and will hold office for as long as he or she desires with the acquiescence of the school, as long as the Captain General is physically and mentally capable of doing so.
Rapier Champion:  The Rapier Champion will hold the temporary rank of Lieutenant and be treated accordingly.  The Rapier Champion may be challenged by any school member that has been accepted by the school and is not an officer in the school.   The Rapier Champion must accept at least three challenges from individuals.  Duels will be fought on an individual basis.
Noble Patron:  Noble Patrons of the School will be strictly limited.  Noble Patrons will be from the rank of Royalty or Past Royalty.  A Noble Patron of the Couer de Noire will be able to wear the Noble Patrons Badge and will be entitled to all the rights and privileges thereof.
Supporting Patron:  Supporting Patrons of the Couer de Noire will be strictly limited.  A Supporting Patron will have contributed an extraordinary amount of time and resources to the school and will be able to wear the Supporting Patrons Badge and will be entitled to all the rights and privileges thereof.
Partisan:  Partisans are contributing non-members of the school.  They may wear the Partisan’s Badge, and are entitled to bragging rights and to party with the Couer de Noire.  There can be an unlimited number of Partisans.

IX.  DISCIPLINE
First and minor offenses will draw verbal counseling.  Major offenses will draw a sharp verbal reprimand.  Numerous offenses and complaints regarding a member’s behavior will be considered insubordinate and mutinous.  Mutineers will be asked to walk the plank.  Any member of the school found guilty of Mutiny will immediately surrender the school cloak, any insignia of rank or office, any school property, and will forfeit any dues to the school.  It is sincerely and genuinely hoped that none of this will ever be necessary.

X.  CHARTER
Charter may be amended by two thirds of the current membership vote and approval of the Pilot Major and Captain General.

XI.  MAY LE COUER DE NOIRE FOREVER SAIL PROUD AND FREE!