Differing forms of play often centre around the neck, some are good some are potentially lethal! So we must consider the threats and precautions particular to playing with this part of the body.

• A sub's neck is often collared. That collar may be a leather, PVC, plastic, lace or metal band, a chain, or even a tatoo. Physical collars are rarely a threat to a sub unless they are too tight. If worn loose you need to be careful that they do not catch on anything during play. There have been at least 2 reported incidences of subs accidentally strangled when their collar became snagged on equipment while the Dom/me was away.
  
  Collars worn during play should be snug but not too tight. For daily wear they can be much looser but the sub away from their Dom/me should always be aware of the potential danger of a strong band around the neck should it become caught on something. When a Dom/me is leading a sub by a collar fixed to a leash, the leash should be long enough to prevent the sub being pulled off balance, especially while going up or down stairs, and held loosely in the Dom/me's hand so that it can be instantly released if the sub falls. The Dom/me should NEVER try to save a sub from falling by holding onto the leash!
  
  
  

A sub is sometimes secured by attaching the collar to a fixed point. This may be done by a chain or they may be close shackled to prevent them moving their head, during a whipping for example. Close shackling can actually aid safety by ensuring that a sub stays where the Dom/me wants them and doesn't move their face and eyes into the path of the instrument the Dom/me is using. If a sub is chained by the collar the chain must always be long enough to allow them to fall completely prone to the lowest point around them. If a sub is close shackled, the rest of the body must be fastened or supported so that they cannot fall and become suspended by the collar. The same is true if the sub is in stocks or a yoke.

• During bondage, including when tying a sub to a bed, frame, board, etc. ropes should never cross or surround the neck. and a sub who passes out should never be able to fall into a position where the ropes slip around the neck. This isn't always easy to judge. Muscles that become totally relaxed allow ropes to slip more easily and the weight of the sub can drag them down, putting pressure on areas that were never intended. .
  
  If you are going to use bondage on a sub who isn't in a lying, sitting or kneeling position, start by fastening their arms and shoulders to a secure support, then fasten the chest below the arms and work your way down. NEVER leave your sub alone in an upright position while they are in bondage
  
  
• Apart from fastenings around the neck you should also beware of twisting or jerking the sub's neck or putting weight or pressure on it, especially from the back. Some subs love to be ordered into a prone position and to feel the pressure of their Dom/me's foot on the back of their neck. Human ponies may sometimes be controlled by reins to bits in their mouth. 'Furniture' sometimes bear the weight of resting owners feet. The muscles of the neck are quite strong, they are designed to support the head and protect the spine to some extent but they are as susceptible as any others to strains and any overweight or sudden movement could potentially cause serious damage or even death!
  
  Avoid unexpected sharp slaps or blows to the sub's face, even accidental ones during CP. No part of the neck should ever be a target for any sort of CP. If holding a sub down by the neck only ever apply pressure to the back of the neck, never the throat, spread the load of the pressure over as wide an area as possible and apply it gently, evenly and with just enough weight for the sub to feel and understand the control without any pain. Never jerk or snap the subs head around. Avoid putting excessive extra pressure on the furniture before lifting off your feet.
  
  
  
  WE DO NOT RECOMMEND OR CONDONE ANY FORM OF BREATHING OR CONCIOUSNESS CONTROL THAT INVOLVES RESTRICTING THE NECK