When the Naked House Boy violates rules or protocols or fails to meet expectations, he is subject to punishment. Discipline ranges from Level Zero (non-contact punishment such as writing sentences or making a verbal apology) to Level Four (immediate dismissal from service whether naked or not). All violations by the boy are punished at Level One unless otherwise specified in these rules.

Level One Punishment calls for a bare hand spanking on the boy’s bare bottom. The are several positions that may be used for Level One punishments, but the most commonly chosen position is ‘Over The Knee’. Even the most well-behaved House Boy is likely to receive correction in this position eventually.

In the example photo, the Naked House Boy has failed to complete one of his chores and an ‘Over The Knee’ spanking is selected for punishment. Since the boy has no right to privacy when he goes about his duties and chores, it follows that he should earn no greater right to privacy when he misbehaves, so discipline takes place regardless of who may be present and could observe. The naked boy is directed to lie over the Master’s lap and facing away from any guests, and keeping his arms out of the way. (It would be disrespectful for the boy to face guests until he makes his apology following punishment). The Master will swat the boy’s butt cheeks the assigned number of times, and the boy will then stand and apologize to the Master and each guest, stating what he did wrong and that he is sorry for not meeting expectations. If ‘Corner Time’ is assigned, the boy must complete it in full view of anyone present before being dismissed.

For many House Boys, Level One punishments like this are the most serious discipline they will ever receive in front of guests. Still, the embarrassment of having one’s naked butt cheeks swatted in front of the Master’s friends and colleagues can be mildly traumatic, and some boys will instinctively react with sobbing or tears from the shame of letting the Master down. Guest reactions may vary from sympathy and offers to shake hands or hug the boy, to laughter and the cracking of insults about the boy’s behavior or body parts. Since these guest reactions are brought about by the boy’s own misbehavior, the Master usually will stay out of the fray and ignore whatever happens in the peanut gallery.

The 'Over the Knee’ position is also sometimes used for Level Two Punishments using an implement like a belt or paddle. A boy who attempts to resist any punishment in this position may have his arms and legs held by others at the Master’s request. If volunteers are unavailable, punishment will be escalated to Level Three after a warning, so that proper restraints can be attached for the boy’s safety.