Cap Law

§1 Definition

The official symbol of membership in OTY ry is the Teekkari cap. All Teekkari students at the University of Oulu shall wear an identical cap, which must meet the following requirements: The colors are white and black. The outer fabric is continuous white velvet, connected to the
cap’s edge by white velvet side pieces. The edge is lined with black velvet. The visor is made of black lacquered plastic. The sweatband must be leather or leather-like material. The lining is light blue fabric at the top. The cap is held in place by a black elastic band. The tassel cord must be 36 ± 1 cm long. The tassel itself must be thick—approx. 1600 threads, weighing 45 g ± 1 g, and 20 ± 0.5 cm in length. The lyre (guild cockade) is placed above the visor in the black edge, and only the lyre approved by OTY ry may be used.

§2 Right of Use

The right to wear the cap may only be granted to regular members of Oulun Teekkariyhdistys ry who have completed the required rituals. In addition, honorary and senior members may wear it. According to OTY ry’s rules, the right is granted by the board during the annual May Day morning ceremony at 05:00, when the caps are distributed to first-year students. The right to use the cap is lifelong. Alumni may apply for a cap permit (lakkilupa) for themselves and other alumni by submitting an informal request to the OTY chair or cultural officer at least five (5) days prior to use. The application must state the event, time, and the alumni using the cap. The board may also grant permits for specific events. Alumni in this context refers to a person with a master’s degree in engineering or architecture, or an OTY member who is no longer part of the student union and began studies at least 10 years ago.

§3 Period of Use

The cap may be worn starting April 30th at 12:00, when all Oulu Teekkaris gather at a location specified by the OTY board for the official declaration of Teekkari Wappu and the simultaneous donning of the caps. The usage period ends September 30th at 24:00, at the official “cap-decending” ceremony. At all other times, public use of the Teekkari cap is prohibited unless specifically permitted by the OTY board.

§4 Renewal

The cap must not be altered or refurbished. If the cap is no longer usable, it must be burned or buried, and a new cap acquisition agreement must be made. That’s how it is.

§5 Other Rules

At the cap distribution ceremony, a first-year OTY member receives:
1. The title Teekkari.
2. The right to address senior Teekkaris informally (sinutteluoikeus).
3. Permission to tie the first knot in their tassel cord.
Before this, the person is referred to as a fuksi (freshman). After four knots, the earlier knots are untied and replaced with a slipknot. Upon graduation as a Master of Science in Technology or as an architect, all knots are untied. The tassel cord may not be braided or otherwise modified.

§6 Penalties

Disrespecting the cap, or violating the letter or spirit of the Cap Law or Cap Decree, results in a personal and public reprimand at a Teekkari event. During this, the reprimanded has the opportunity to request pardon to restore their honor.