Commands and Protocols — Three Point Position
The Three Point Position is one of several preparatory and demonstrative commands which may be abbreviated to a single number to quickly direct a House Boy into the numbered position, waiting silently for further instructions. A command to Three must be obeyed whether at home or away, regardless of who may be present and could observe, though nudity is not required when the House Boy is clothed and away from home.
Protocol for the Three Point Position requires the House Boy to immediately Squat as described in Rule #99, then place his primary hand (usually the right hand, unless the House Boy is left handed) onto the floor or other ground level surface while remaining upright. A House Boy who is properly in the Three Point Position will have exactly three body parts in contact with the floor — two feet and a single hand — which should be placed under his shoulders with both knees sufficiently spread to allow visual examination for potential Body Part Inspections which may follow. His free hand should be placed on his knee. On rare occasions, Master may designate which hand to place in contact by using the phrase Left Hand or Right Hand following the word Three. The command phrase Three Face Left (or Right or Backwards) would instruct the House Boy to execute the Three so that he will face a direction other than toward Master.
In the example photo, Master decides to conduct a surprise Ear Inspection (See Index below, Rule #27) to determine whether the House Boy is properly washing and bathing. Master gives the single-word command Three and the House Boy lowers himself into the appropriate position for easier examination. The two step process initially places his naked frame into the Squat Position and then steadies his body with his right hand resting onto the ground below. His knees are sufficiently spread to allow an unobstructed view of his thighs, scrotum and penis pursuant to protocol. A Scalp Inspection (Rule #288) or Spot Cleaning (See below, Rule #57) are examples of activities which commonly follow numbered commands like Three or Six (See below, Rule #218-F).
A Modified Three Point Command may be used in specific situations to prepare the House Boy for a specific circumstance or event. An example is the modified Racing Three Point Command — or Racing Three — to prepare the House Boy to engage in a traditional foot race. When this instruction is given, the House Boy assumes the traditional ‘On Your Mark’ and ‘Get Ready’ stance which is usually followed by ‘Go’. Before using any Modified Three Point Command for the first time, Master will explain the modified protocol and expectations to the House Boy.
(Rule #218-C)
Some Related Links...
Rule #218-F — Six Point Position