Standard Ceremonial Positions
There are seven standard ceremonial positions, namely:
- the Stand at Ease;
- Stand at Attention / the Order;
- the Carry;
- the Slope;
- the Dip – during a Royal Salute;
- the Dip – as an Act of Homage;
- and the Dip – in Wet or Muddy Conditions.
Click to View
Stand at Ease
Heels will be 12 inches apart. The left hand will remain at the side, fingers curled but not clenched, the thumb in line with the seam of the trousers/skirt and the pole will be kept perpendicular at the right side (not pushed forward) with the bottom of the pole against, and in line, with the small toe.
Stand at Attention / The Order
Heels together, feet at an angle of 30 degrees, left hand will remain at the side, fingers curled but not clenched, thumb to the front in line with the seam of the trousers/skirt and the pole kept perpendicular at the right side; the bottom of the pole on the ground against, and in line with the small toe. The bunting should be allowed to hang naturally and held by the right hand so that it is not stretched; right elbow close to the body; the forearm and wrist parallel to the ground.
The Carry
The pole will be held perpendicular in the socket by the right hand, the bunting hanging naturally. The right forearm and wrist will be horizontal to the ground, the right thumb opposite the centre of the mouth and the back of the hand to the front. The left hand will be held at the side and the feet placed as for position of the Attention / Order.
On the march: quick march. The pole will be kept perpendicular, and the right hand and arm maintained in position as when at the halt. The bunting will be allowed to fly naturally. The left arm will be swung naturally waist high and normal marching drill movements will apply. Pace normally being 116 steps to the minute (full marching stride 30 inches).
On the march: slow march. As in the quick march except that the left arm and hand will be kept straight down by the side as at the Attention. Normal slow march drill will apply, i.e. pace 30 inches, point toe downwards and slightly outwards, toe touching the ground first, no pause between steps: 65 steps to the minute.
The Slope
The pole should lie at an angle of 45° on the right shoulder; the right elbow close to the side of the body the right forearm and wrist parallel to the ground; and the bottom fringe of the bunting as presented parallel to the ground. The bunting should hang over and cover the right shoulder and arm i.e. the pole should not be shown between the hand and the shoulder, but should be covered by the bunting. The left arm and feet should be as for the Attention. The pole should be extended directly in front of, and in line with the right side of the body.
Standard Bearer Health Declaration & Health & Safety
The Standard Bearer is appointed by the RMPA Branch committee for this important post, and it is essential that the person selected is physically strong and well able to handle the Standard under all conditions. The RMPA Branch / National Committee must carry out a risk assessment of the capability of the Standard Bearer. Standard Bearers are required to also conduct their own Dynamic Risk Assessments prior to participating in an event, especially where RMPA Committee members are not present to evaluate potential risks.
Key Hazards to be Considered
Manual Handling Injuries: Long periods of holding a heavy standard (flag), potential back strain, and arm fatigue.
Trip/Fall Hazards: Uneven ground, steps, or obstacles, particularly while focused on holding the standard rather than watching their footing.
Weather Conditions: Strong winds causing a “sail effect” on the standard, leading to loss of control, or wet, slippery surfaces.
Crowd Movement: Collisions with the public, especially in tight, crowded, or unsecured areas.
Environmental Hazards: Overhead power lines, low-hanging branches, or street furniture.
Risk Mitigation Measures (Control Measures)
Training & Competence: Ensuring the standard bearer is physically capable and trained in proper handling and manual handling techniques (e.g., using a sling/bucket).
Equipment Maintenance: Regular inspection of the pole, ferrule (metal tip), and harness for faults.
Safe Handling Practices: Advising the bearer to “ask for help” if tired, take regular breaks, and secure the standard during breaks to prevent it from falling.
Supervision & Support: Using marshals to guide the standard bearer, particularly in crowded areas, and ensuring they have assistance if needed.
Route Planning: Pre-walking the route to identify hazards, ensuring clear, flat pathways, and avoiding congested areas.
Weather Monitoring: Suspending, modifying, or cancelling the duty if wind speeds are too high.