In BDSM, protocols are established rules or expectations for behavior between participants in a D/s dynamic or in specific settings, such as scenes or public kink outings. These rules may include, but are not limited to the following:
using honorifics to address someone
adopting certain postures or positions
performing pre-determined actions when in each other's presence or at certain times
The Three Levels of Protocol
Low Protocol: casual/relaxed with minimal rules
Medium Protocol: consistent rules, but offers more flexibility
High Protocol: formal, ritualized, and structured
All protocol practices require trust, respect, maturity, emotional regulation, clear communication, and consent. No one protocol structure is more valid than the other, but rather one might have a more appropriate use at different times or within different dynamics.
Additionally, it is important to note that not every dynamic requires or benefits from the type of formal structure that certain protocols offer. So, it may be that you never find yourself addressing protocols as you communicate your needs and boundaries within your dynamic or scene.
In this post, I will discuss the differences between high and low protocol. As always, if I unintentionally left something out, or if there is anything you would like to add, please feel free to expand on my content through reblogs and comments.
Most healthy dynamics actually use both high (for scenes, public kink outings, rituals) and low (for everyday) protocols. These protocols exist to:
deepen the power exchange
support the submissive's headspace and the Dominant's leadership
offer stability in kink dynamics
Low protocol can be seen as the everyday, functional version of a power exchange. In fact, you might practice what we consider low protocol without even realizing it! Low protocol often looks like:
using honorifics only in private settings
gentle behavior expectation (respect, tone, check-ins)
small rituals (morning messages, evening reflections)
simple rules that support well-being (hydration, medication, sleep schedule, communication, meals)
tasks that don't require ceremony (making the bed every morning, writing a reflection after a scene)
submission expressed in energy and attitude rather than physical structure
Low protocol is ideal for individuals in long-term relationships, with busy schedules, neurodivergent* partners, and for everyday life where the power exchange weaves its way into the ordinary, "vanilla" side of things.
*While neither protocol practice is inherently better than the other, I will discuss in further detail why low protocol would be the better long-term approach for ND individuals later in this post.*
High protocol is a highly structured style of D/s built around strict rules, etiquette, rituals, and behavior standards the submissive is expected to follow. The major difference between high protocol and more casual structures (low and medium) is that it is characterized by precision, hierarchy, and ceremonial discipline.
In simple terms, high protocol is the consciously constructed "rules of engagement" that defines how the D-type and s-type behave with each other in a dynamic or a scene. It's often ideal for ceremonial scenes, training dynamics, power-heavy relationships (M/s), events or public kink spaces, and submissives who thrive on formality. High protocol often includes:
specific posture positions (kneeling, standing, sitting)*
explicit speech rules ("Yes, Sir/Ma'am," no profanity, no slang)
strict behavioral expectations
rules governing eye contact, movement, touch, and/or tone (often permission-based)
ritualized service (pouring drinks, presenting items, cleaning routines)
dress/appearance codes (specific clothing, makeup, hair, jewelry, nudity)
heightened etiquette** in scenes, events, or formal environments
clear hierarchy and explicit expressions of power
*See infographic below with protocol postures that I sourced from reddit.*
**I will be creating an additional post on etiquette in BDSM at a later date.**
Protocols and Neurodivergent Individuals
I mentioned earlier that low protocol is the ideal long-term structure practice for ND individuals. This is because low protocol reduces cognitive load. I will dive deeper into this below:
High Protocol: Requires tracking many rules, rituals, tones, and expectations simultaneously.
Low Protocol: Fewer rules, clearer priorities, simpler follow-through.
Why it matters: Reduces overwhelm, decision fatigue, and shutdown caused by limited executive function bandwidth.
High Protocol: Emphasizes correct presentation and “doing it right."
Low Protocol: Emphasizes intention, presence, and authenticity.
Why it matters: Lowers the need to mask or perform, allowing safer emotional expression.
High Protocol: Rituals may feel inaccessible during stress, triggering shame or fear of failure.
Low Protocol: Core expectations remain flexible during low-capacity moments.
Why it matters: Maintains safety and connection during CPTSD episodes, overload, or dissociation.
High Protocol: Often focuses on formal scenes or heightened moments.
Low Protocol: Integrates power exchange into daily life and routines.
Why it matters: Predictable rhythms are more regulating than sporadic intensity for ND nervous systems.
High Protocol: Can rely on implied rules or tradition-based hierarchy.
Low Protocol: Uses explicit, purposeful, agreed-upon rules.
Why it matters: Reduces ambiguity, anxiety, and misinterpretation which supports emotional regulation.
Protocols define how you express and embody power exchange through structure, meaning, and shared intention.
Purpose: gentle structure woven into everyday life
Vibe: intimate and sustainable
basic rules for well-being or conduct
tasks that support structure without interrupting life
submission shown through tone, energy, and small acts
casual guidance and soft dominance
busy or high-stress lifestyles
people who thrive with gentle, consistent structure
Risks if rushed: May feel unclear or too casual if partners do not communicate well.
Purpose: formal, structured power exchange
Vibe: ceremonial, focused
specific speech rules and titles
posture and body language expectations
etiquette rules at events or during scenes
clear hierarchy and formal behavior
mindful, immersive engagement
trained or experienced couples
people who crave discipline and precision
event or scene environments
ceremony or ritual-heavy dynamics
Risks if rushed: Can overwhelm, trigger anxiety, or create unhealthy power imbalance.
How to Adopt Protocol Into Your Dynamic or Scene
Protocol only works when it's sustainable, mutually desired, and built gradually. Here are a few tips to help you introduce it into your dynamic or play without it feeling overwhelming.
Before adding rules, talk about why you want protocol. Do you want more structure? More service? A deeper D/s headspace? A sense of ritual or ceremony?
Knowing your motivations helps you choose the right level of intensity (high, medium, or low) and prevents protocol from becoming busywork.
Negotiate Roles, Boundaries, and Limits
Protocol only works when both partners understand:
what the expectations are
what happens if something becomes too much
Think of protocol as a living contract that partners shape together over time. In fact, you can even write a physical contract together! I do have a post about contracts in my drafts so expect that at some point in the future as well.
Set Realistic Expectations
Protocol can be demanding, especially high and medium protocols which require more intense consistency. Some ways to keep things sustainable include:
avoiding adding too many rules at ones
choosing rituals that fit your lifestyle
keeping protocol flexible enough to survive the day-to-day or minute-to-minute
Protocol can be emotionally intense for both partners. Schedule periodic check-ins to talk about what feels good, what doesn't, and what may need adjusting. Remember that check-ins do not ruin the moment. They are a vital tool for SSC play and dynamics.
Consider "protocol-off" evenings, weekends with relaxed rules, and dropping protocol when someone is sick, overwhelmed, or burnt out.
As I have said with every single educational post I have created for you all, aftercare is not optional! Protocol can stir up all kinds of emotions and memories so it's essential that you're dedicating time to provide your partner with appropriate aftercare not just after intense scenes, but also after rituals, corrections, or periods of high protocol.
Remember: The right protocol is the one that supports your mental health, your dynamic, and your capacity to show up for each other.
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