HUNT GUILD NEWS

Hunt Guild newsletters for Year 2007-2008

To see Hunt Guild Newsletters (with full pictures and to print out your copies for distribution in your area) go to http://compendium.legiodraconis.com/

Acupium VOL 7 Issue 1 APR 2011

Please download copies to share in your kingdoms!
Subject: Implementing Guidance for SCA Society Seneschal Policy with
Regard to Hunting at Official Events, Practices, Demos or Other
Functions.
2004

Reason for this Policy Decision:

1. This Policy came into existence after a series of direct inquiries
over several months in which a number of persons pointed out to the
Office of Seneschal that no rule or policy forbade live animal hunting
at SCA events and functions.

2. This is an issue because the SCA does not have the infrastructure
to be a Hunt Club. We do not have the type of insurance, organization,
expertise at managing on a high level, or even the capacity to be
advised of and responsible for adherence to local statutes in every
county, city, state, province, and country with regard to Hunt Clubs.

3. Having Hunting as a sponsored activity at an SCA event would
redefine our organization as a Hunt Club. The impact of having to fix
the gaps identified in Item 2 above is not something we are remotely
prepared to address and resolve any time soon.

Policy Location: Section XIII of Additional Policies of the Society
Seneschal.

Key Words: Hunting, Events, Banned Activity

Author: Society Seneschal

Authority:  The Society Seneschal is responsible for operations and
event activities.

Effective Date: 10/30/05

Review: January, 2006 Board of Directors Meeting

Policy Text: "Live animal hunt activities are prohibited at SCA
events, practices, demos and other functions. These include, but are
not limited to, deer hunting, boar hunts, and game bird shoots."

Implementing Guidance:

  The Policy is effective as of 10/30/05.

  The Policy remains in effect until upheld or overturned by the
Board of Directors. If upheld, it becomes a permanent policy. If it is
overturned, it is eliminated at that time.

  Enforcement: as with all Seneschal policies, primary
responsibility for enforcement lies with the Office of Kingdom
Seneschal.

  The Policy does not address, nor restrict, fishing or falconry.

  The Policy does not address, nor restrict, individuals hunting on
site-owner's land with proper permits, licenses, and in accordance
with applicable modern laws, regulations and statute.

  The Policy does not address, nor restrict, the teaching of classes
on period hunting techniques and the history of the same.

  The Policy specifically targets SCA-sponsored activities that
include live animal hunting.

Questions regarding this matter may be referred to the Society
Seneschal at seneschal@sca.org

Comments are strongly encouraged and can be sent to:
SCA Inc.
Box 360789
Milpitas,  CA 95036

You may also email comments@sca.org or reply to this message.

This announcement is an official informational release by the Society for Creative Anachronism , Inc.  Permission is granted to reproduce this announcement in its entirety in newsletters, websites and electronic mailing lists.


Edward Mactavish was upgraded to Veneur-Gulf Wars 17 (2008)
THL Samira al Waadi is Varlet de Venerie (2008)
THL Marguerite fitzWilliam is now Varlet de Venerie (2008)
Society level Announcements re: animal related activities



                           Subject: Implementing Guidance for SCA Society Seneschal Policy with  Regard to Hunting at Official Events, Practices, Demos or Other Functions.     2004


                            Gulf Wars Equestrian Meeting Notes (March 2008)
Prohibition against modifying SCA waivers


                             Bod Directive about Coursing

Gulf Wars Society Equestrian Meeting
Friday March 14, 2008

Edited from notes taken by THL Chieri:

Meeting was opened at 8a.m.and held in the Equestrian’s Pavilion at the Stables. All in attendance made introductions and shared a bit about themselves and their kingdom… 24 in total.
Kingdom# attending
Ansteora3
AnTir2
Artemisia2
Atlantia1
Trimaris4
Gleann Abhann2
Meridies8
West1
Outlands1

In general, attendees shared enthusiasm for the new Handbook and how the program is headed in the direction Master Johannes envisioned it. Favorites are the Challenge Courses, created by Baron Sir Manfred all so many years ago, Mounted Combat, Mounted Archery and Jousting.

Introductions spurred discussions and problem solving. One topic covered was how to be an effective EqMIC by using the ‘trump card’ of pulling the equestrian sanction for an event if a problem rider persists. Marshals need to learn the procedures and get tough. The Meridies Eq. Marshal warranting process has each marshal sign a statement acknowledging the understanding of the grievance procedure: All marshal authority is derived from a chain of command and the signer agrees to support that chain of command while enforcing the rules for the eq. program. The signer agrees to voluntarily leave the marshallate if they find they cannot support the chain of command due to personal differences… violation of non support may result in loss of the marshal warrant. The chain of command: Keep it at the lowest level. If agreement cannot be reached, see the EqMIC. If escalated to the KEO office where the KEO Deputies assist and there is still no agreement, then the KEM will make a ruling. If that is not satisfactory and it reaches the Crown, as the last place within the kingdom to get a resolution and there is still no satisfaction, then the plaintiff marshal shall turn in his/her warrant and escalate the issue to the SEO.

How can we bring the horses at events more front and center, and be their ambassadors. Ideas shared:
•At smaller events, offer the opportunity for the populace to camp w/ the horses and offer campfire space and hospitality.
•Meets and greets.
•Horses are everywhere at civil war reenactments and state fairs, let’s not dumb down the SCA to accommodate some people’s fears.
•Be aware of the comfort of others. We may be comfortable around horses, but we need to be aware that others aren’t and we need to work towards increasing the comfort level of non-horse people.
•Possibility of traveling on major roads. Hitching posts outside of the Green Dragon [Gulf Wars], roped holding area close to merchant’s row.
•Use of bells.
•Courtesy to others. Be patient and wait just like all other foot traffic
•Enlist the aid of a few ‘ambassador’ horses for a few years to go anywhere on site and be polite.
•Hay rides?
•Be aware of the issues and address them! Do not ignore them in the hopes they will go away.
•Post signs that say, “Horses may be on this road” or “Horse Traffic Possible” or something along those lines, on all the roads…horse crossing signs.
•Horse diapers? Ws not a popular idea years ago.
•Poo Crew? Double points from sanitation for pooper scoopers?

Official Meeting Topics, Yaas

Last year’s meeting ended with a statement I made about the great Lewis & Clark expedition. They named it the ‘Age of Participation’. I like to think our KEO family and Rewrite Council has lived it this last year. We have good communication and we are helping each other keep our program healthy.  Thank you.


Prior to GWs last year, I was warned that some states were not displaying their signage. This could lead to a shut down of equestrian activities society wide. Signage must be displayed and waivers used. If your state has a state specific waiver, use it or use the General Eq. Waiver… all found online at SCA.org on the Equestrian Marshal’s page. Special note: If you can, try to get your autocrat or Seneschal to set out waivers at gate. It is not mandatory, but a good idea especially if the site will have horses throughout.

SEO Deputy Sir Alexis La Bouche (modern day attorney) elaborates on Equine Limited Liability Laws and the perception/misperception of law – Were all parties being reasonable in the circumstance? What risks have you assumed? Was there informed consent? Were they apprised of the risks? The signage shows the risk. Even so we can still be sued, but if we have made reasonable attempts to inform the populace then we have done our job. There are things a person reasonably should be expected to know about – example rotten tack, and if they come off, they are liable. Did you conduct yourself reasonably in informing the rider and in conducting authorizations – Whether jousting or going through camps, - have we made reasonable attempts to minimize liability – to date, no claim involving horses has been brought against Society.


EqInsRider needs to be ordered for demos and parades where the SCA is being represented.


SEO Deputy Lord Ingolf of Clontarf suggested a disclaimer about horses with liability language be published in next year’s GW handbook? Others suggested posting it in more visible places like the messages boards and the port-a-loos.


Yes, there were late reports and no reports last year. There were probations and a suspension. Outcome is that most all kingdoms are now reporting and I’ve collected data that showed last year to have 1,000 riders, 100 marshals, 10 minors… going off memory, because I forgot to bring the spread sheet. [Insert: corrected numbers are averages reported per quarter: 1043 riders, 142 marshals, 56 minors.]


There were experimental games done without permission. Just because our rules have changed doesn’t mean we can be careless. Keep the gates of communication open, ask permission.  If there is no contact with the SEO through your KEO for experimental games, you are in trouble.


Authorization procedures are changed. There are 2 divisions of riding, General Riding and Mounted Gaming. The top end of the MG is mounted combat, mounted archery and jousting, which takes more training and special authorizations. Riders should come to the field well trained and in proper kits before authorizing. Revamp your testing procedures, both riding and written.

NEW PROCEDURE: The use of authorization waivers is now mandatory. DO NOT CREATE ONE and do not change any SCA waiver/roster document. If you do, it will render the document null and void. The only body that has the power to change a SCA document is the Board of Directors. For authorizations, use the already existing roster waiver for your state with only one rider’s signature. You may attach an information sheet to this waiver for record keeping, but do not change the waiver in any way shape or form. MINORS are to use the same waiver, and the parent/guardian prints their own name, adds  “on behalf of (inserts minor’s name here)” and then signs the document. All, this info can be found on the SEO’s website.

During process of getting the Handbook passed, there was a hang up on the age of participating minors. It was reported to me the insurance company wanted the age raised to 10 years and that was unchangeable. To proceed and not loose anymore time on getting a new handbook passed, I chose to not argue, but I am not happy with it either and will continue working on getting the age lowered. At the end of this first quarter, this new ruling has affected 13 minors who were already authorized to ride. They will now have to wait until they turn 10 years old.


As your SEO, my powers are limited. My real authority does not lie within your kingdom. My corporate position is on the same level as your KEM. KEMs do not like it if they think I’m trying to tell them how to run their equestrian program, neither do Crowns. Your KEO has more influence than I. Communicate with them. I am here to assist Crowns and KEMs in managing their equestrians, but I cannot make rules for your kingdom. If you see something that needs changing or a problem that needs fixing, find a solution and communicate it to your KEO. Be the solution and not the problem. This will build a better rapport with the marshallate family within your kingdom. Help your KEO be all he/she can be. Set that style and learn about the job. You may need it when you become KEO.


What I do for you as SEO is collect data from reports and send it up to the BoD through the Society Earl Marshal’s report. It takes a while to get replies back and to learn if a policy or interpretation is accepted and passed. In other words, it takes time. If you haven’t received an answer from me, I may not have received the answer from corporate yet. I’ll pass it along as soon as I get confirmation. And, if you don’t like how things are being run at this level, then apply for the job and give it a try yourself.


Keep conflict resolution at the lowest level. That said, if you do need to talk to me, it’s all right to call. 


What does it mean to be an Eq. Marshal? Try role playing in your training. Teach leadership. A leader determines a direction, sets the pace, and revels in the success of the whole. [Insert: think on this… it’s just like riding.]


Meeting Closed 10:10 a.m.


After meeting Advertisements:
•Hunt Guild advertisement for testing being held at Kennel Lands
•Jousting Demo advertisement. Mounted Marshals needed. There will be a demo of balsa tips for the SEO and SEM

After meeting Questions
•No Levels! Conversations will be had w/ kingdoms who still want to have them
•On the subject of Riding Instructors teaching at events for money - should they have their own insurance if they are coming to an event [insert: this is not a policy, just an idea]? Should they be considered vendors?
Marshals – Clarify lines of demarcation. Are you a marshal or not? Address concerns, make it clear, follow SCA rules as 3rd party, (ex, pro-jousters, pro-trainers) sign waivers, etc. Offering lessons – maybe go through autocrat as merchant, but keep it separate. The exchange of money does not change the liability or waiver requirements. There is an implied responsibility in saying that you are a trainer, so expect that.
•Jousting demo at ren-fair was given donation. Not everything that occurs at an SCA event is SCA. (If you are in a parade, and you don’t want to pull eq insurance, don’t represent the SCA)
•Site owners and 3rd parties not controlled by the SCA.

Greetings unto the coursing community of the Known World.

Given recent conversations concerning the regulation of coursing activities at the Society level, now seems like an appropriate opportunity to offer some affirmation and clarification on the subject.

To be perfectly clear, the Board is wonderfully encouraged and impressed with the range and variety of activities that people are engaging in with hounds. We hope to see hound activities grow and spread as much as possible.

Currently, the SCA has no Society-level regulation or monitoring of hounds and hound-related activities. These activities and programs are left up to individual Kingdoms or groups to monitor and regulate as they see fit; this includes, but is not limited to, selection of its own officers.

With the exception of the Board of Directors and duly appointed and warranted Corporate and Society officers, no individual or group may speak with the authority of the SCA, Inc. or establish Society-wide policies and procedures, nor do they have any power to enforce same when it comes to hound and hound-related activities. If those who organize hound activities within each Kingdom wish to coordinate among themselves, that is perfectly acceptable.

However, the Board is concerned that having someone call themselves the Society Houndmistress/Houndmaster implies that there is some sort of Society-level authority to the position, which is not the case. To be specific, Mistress Elizabeth Curry is not, nor has she ever been, warranted by the SCA, Inc. as the Society Houndmistress, as the office and title do not exist.

In addition, the Board has considered whether there should be Society-level regulation of hounds and hound activities, and has found no such need. There is no additional insurance liability for having hound activities, therefore there is no need for waivers or regulations such as with equestrian activities.

We must ask that the title of Society Houndmistress/Houndmaster not be used, and request that it be stricken from publications, including Web sites, referring to coursing within the SCA. Again, the implication of that title is an authority that does not currently exist on a Society level.

If there are legal issues or concerns with organizations other than the SCA and the coordination of our activities under their guidelines, the Corporation should be made aware of them.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at chairman@sca.org.

Sincerely,

Jason Williams -- Chairman, SCA, Inc.
(Duke John ap Gwyndaf, KSCA, OL)