The Hash Commandments

1    The GM is always right

2    When the GM is wrong, Rule 1 applies

3    The RA is always right except when Rule 1 applies and there shall be no defence.

4    The RA checks on proper behaviour before, during and between runs. It is left to the RA's discretion as to whether he/she will ignore any transgression, give a private reprimand or make a charge. If a charge is made a penalty will probably follow.

5    The penalty for any transgression is one down-down, except when the charge is severe, when a penalty with shame shall apply. A penalty with shame is a down-down taken kneeling down (or on ice if any is available).

6    Beer is to be drunk when down-downing or poured over your own head. Excessive waste may result in a second down-down with shame.

7    No Whingers!.

8    With joyous heart, every Hasher will give Hash Cash their subscription before or after every run. New Hashers and guests have one free run.

9    Anyone having knowledge of a transgression by a fellow Hasher may make a charge during the down-downs. A charge should always result in a penalty for either the accused, the accuser, or both, at the discretion of the RA. Charges from the pack can be defended, but poor defence may result in a penalty with shame (see 5).

10   Intelligence is not required or appreciated on the Hash trail. Application of said intelligence on the run is a punishable offence.

11   Short-cutting is allowed. Being caught short cutting is a serious offence (see Rule 10). A short-cutter will be known as an SCB (Short Cutting Bastard).

12   At more or less regular intervals, every Hasher will be asked to set a run. Since being a Hare is a great honour, refusals are neither expected nor accepted. If the run is passably good (this is extremely rare), the Hares might escape a down-down. If the run or anything about the run is considered to be below standard, the Hares may be awarded custody of suitable Hash artifacts.

13   Extreme violators will demonstrate the art of down-downing from a large wide drinking vessel or other suitable item.

14   Silent running is a punishable offence.

15   After completing 50, 500 etc. runs, a Hasher will be awarded a trophy that will be theirs to drink from and to keep.

16   Every Hasher will be given a Hash Name after 25 runs or before if that hashers has committed an act of worthy of a Hash Name. They will subsequently be known only by this Hash Name. Failure to observe this rule could result in a charge.

17   The Hash has Internationally accepted forms of communication on the run:- When ON flour shout 'On-On'. When Checking shout 'Checking'. When calling someone back to the correct trail shout 'On Back'. All calling must be at an appropriately high decibel level. Failure to comply will result in a charge under (see 14). Hashers caught shouting 'On-On' when not in sight of flour will be charged with misleading the Hash. (See 23).

18   All Hashers should be strongly committed to the Hash and attend gatherings whenever possible. Irregular attendance (i.e. two consecutive absences) will be noticed and likely charged.

19   The Hash is a non-competitive run through the designated area in order to enhance a thirst for beer that should already exist. Aggressive running is totally banned and is a punishable offence. Aggressive runners will be called FRB's (Front Running Bastards). Persistent FRB's may be awarded a down-down prior to a run to curb their enthusiasm.

20   No crop bashing will occur during the run. Down-downs with shame should be awarded to offenders.

21   Stationary checking or refusal to check when so required by the RA is likely to result in a charge.

22   If the cars are sighted on the run, then the run is ‘officially’ over and the Hash may proceed to the beer by the most direct route. Hares will automatically find themselves punished (see 12 and 13).

23   Leading the Hash astray is easy. However, the perpetrator of this crime will surely be made to suffer.

24   These Commandments are not comprehensive and require considered interpretation (see 25 below).

25   The GM can add, delete or freely interpret, any rule, at any time. No public announcement will be deemed necessary and transgressions may still result in a charge.

26   The Hash is democratic and fair according to the direction of the GM in all matters.