Challenge coins

Rules of the challenge coin

To maintain the tradition and honor of the challenge coin, we have established a set of rules that all members must follow.

1. Initiating a Challenge

   The challenge is initiated by drawing your coin, holding it in the air by whatever means possible, and stating, shouting, or otherwise verbally acknowledging that you are initiating a coin check. You may also place it or strike it on a hard surface such as a table. If you accidentally drop your coin and it makes an audible sound, it is still considered a challenge.

2. Responding to a Challenge

   The response consists of all those present responding in a like manner within 15 seconds. At the time of the challenge, you are allowed one step and an arm’s reach to locate your coin. All coin holders present will participate in a challenge.

3. Failure to Respond

   If there is a challenge and a person is unable to respond, the individual(s) without their coin is required to buy a meal and/or beverage of choice for the individual who issued the challenge. If everyone being challenged responds with their coin, then the person who is challenged is required to buy a drink/meal for all those he/she challenged.

4. Obligations

   Failure to buy a meal and/or beverage is considered despicable and a failure of unit trust. Some units require that you return your coin should you do so. Coin checks are allowed anytime, anywhere, and any place. There are no exceptions to the rule.

5. Definition of a Coin

   An organization or unit coin is a coin. Belt buckles are belt buckles, key chains are key chains. However, a coin placed in some fashion around the neck is considered a coin.

6. Responsibility for the Coin

   You are responsible for your coin. If someone else is looking at your coin or accidentally drops your coin on a hard surface, you are responsible for the consequences of the challenge. However, no one can borrow your coin and force a challenge.

7. Obligation of Loyalty

   Once you agree to carry a coin, it comes with an obligation of group loyalty and traditions of the coin. Don’t accept a coin if you do not share the values and beliefs of the group with a willingness to respect the traditions of the challenge coin.

8. Explanation of Rules

   The rules of the game should be given or explained to everyone given a coin. It’s rude to call out a challenge if you haven’t broken down the way it works ahead of time.

9. Stating the Challenge

   The challenger must clearly state whether the challenge is for a meal or a drink. If everyone who is challenged manages to produce a coin, the challenger is on the hook to buy the drinks. Be careful of who you challenge.

10. Honoring the Challenge

    If the person challenged fails to produce the coin, the challenge must be honored, and drinks must be purchased. Each person can only be challenged once.

11. Handling Coins

    Never hand someone else a coin in response to a challenge. Doing so is the same as giving the person the coin. The coin can be placed on the table, and anyone who wants to examine it is honor-bound to return it to its original location.

12. Replacing Lost Coins

    If you lose your coin, you’re responsible for replacing it as soon as you possibly can. Losing your coin doesn’t absolve you from the responsibility to follow the rules of the game. In other words, you’re buying a lot of drinks if you lose it.

13. Zero Exceptions

    There are zero exceptions to these rules. They apply whether you’re wearing clothes or not, so think ahead. Remember, you’ve got four steps to get within arm’s reach of your coin.

14. Controlling Your Coin

    You must control your coin at all times. It indicates honor, so you shouldn’t give it to just anyone.

15. No Drilling Holes

    You may not drill holes in your coin.

16. Applicability of Rules

    These rules apply to anyone worthy to be given a coin, anyone who’s known to own a coin, and anyone who buys a coin.