Codes for the representation of names of scripts

Annex A (normative)

Procedures for the ISO 15924 Registration Authority and the Registration Authority’s Advisory Committee

A.1 Registration Authority ISO 15924

ISO has designated a Registration Authority for this International Standard (ISO 15924/RA). It is responsible for the addition of script codes according to these procedures. See 4.5.

A.2 Responsibilities of the Registration Authority

A.2.1 Application for the addition of new and for the change of existing script codes.

ISO 15924/RA shall receive and review applications for the addition of new script codes and for the change of existing script codes. It shall suggest an assignment of a code when the relevant criteria are met according to the rules given in A.3.3 and A.3.4, and inform the applicant of the result of ISO 15924/RA actions.

A.2.2 Maintenance of list

The ISO 15924/RA shall maintain an accurate list of information associated with assigned script codes. If necessary, it shall safeguard any confidential information. It shall process updates of added script codes and distribute them on a regular basis to subscribers and other parties.

A.2.3 Other general responsibilities

ISO 15924/RA shall do the following:

handle all aspects of the registration process in accordance with good business practice;
indicate in operations that it has been designated as ISO 15924/RA by ISO;
provide an annual summary report on activity to the ISO/TC46 Secretariat;
provide advice on implementation and use of ISO 15924, as needed.

A.3 Joint Advisory Committee ISO 15924/RA-JAC

A Joint Advisory Committee ISO 15924/RA-JAC is established to advise the ISO 15924/RA. It shall guide the application of the coding rules as laid down in ISO 15924.

A.3.1 Composition

ISO 15924/RA-JAC is composed of:

1 representative of the Registration Authority (see 4.5);
1 representative of the ISO 639-2/RA;
1 representative of ISO TC46 (nominated by ISO TC46);
1 representative of ISO TC37 (nominated by ISO TC37);
2 representatives of ISO/IEC JTC1/SC2 (nominated by ISO/IEC JTC1/SC2/WG2).

The ISO technical committees may nominate substitute representatives.

A.3.1.1 Membership

The three technical committees may nominate substitute representatives. The representative of the Registration Authority will hold the chair. Up to five technical experts may be asked to participate as non-voting observers. The observers will be entitled to receive documents sent to the ISO 15924/RA-JAC membership and will be expected to provide comments in return.

A.3.2 Working procedures within ISO 15924/RA-JAC

ISO 15924/RA-JAC will work primarily by electronic correspondence and exceptionally by meeting. If a meeting is necessary, it shall preferably be held in conjunction with plenary meetings of ISO/IEC JTC1/SC2 and ISO/IEC JTC1/SC2/WG2 or ISO TC46 and ISO TC46/WG3.

A.3.3 Additions and deletions to the list of entities, changes of codes

Requests for additions, deletions, and changes of codes shall be supported by a justification. When ISO 15924/RA consults ISO 15924/RA-JAC about the proposed inclusion, deletion or change, and suggests a code, ISO 15924/RA-JAC is obliged to respond within one month.

NOTE: In general, script codes shall be added to ISO 15924 1) when the script has been coded in ISO/IEC 10646, and 2) when the script is agreed, by experts in ISO 15924/RA-JAC to be unique and a candidate for encoding in the UCS. This does not mean that the script will be encoded in the UCS. Undeciphered scripts, such as Phaistos or Rongorongo, are considered candidates but may not be encoded because of their controversial nature (Phaistos is known only from a single document, and Rongorongo is so complex that without a decipherment it may not be technically feasible to encode it in the near future.).

A.3.4 Reservation of codes

When a request for inclusion of a new entity has been rejected, ISO 15924/RA may reserve the requested code for the use of the applicant and other possible users. ISO 15924/RA will keep a record of such reservations.

A.3.5 Creation of script codes

The creation of script codes is subject to the rules described in 4.1 of ISO 15924.

A.3.6 Voting procedures

Each member of ISO 15924/RA-JAC has one vote (voting is obligatory). Voting shall be conducted by electronic mail (e-mail) or in a meeting. Failure to reply is considered as an abstention. An abstention shall not prevent the addition of a script code to ISO 15924. A vote must be unanimous for it to pass. If an unanimous vote cannot be reached, a second vote will be conducted. The letter ballot is to be accompanied by all comments received. At least four positive votes are required to pass. It is necessary for any amendments to ISO 15924 to be approved following the voting rules before revisions are published.