[Moo] Topic for comment from Curia

Tue Dec 7 06:05:48 PST 2010

Ok, some points.....

First, before commenting, please take a look at http://law.atlantia.sca.org/Law.html.  The complete list of laws and policies can be found here: http://law.atlantia.sca.org/Law.pdf.  All of the laws and policies are up for review.  Read through the documents, and make suggestions.

Whatever the laws are, were, or will become, only a few people have the responsibility to enforce Kingdom Law.  During marshaled activities, the Marshals have this task.  Typically, this is done during inspections.  The Marshal in charge of  a particular activity (Tourney, Shoot, etc...) has the authority to refuse participation to someone not in compliance.  In any other case, the Autocrat and Seneschal are the ones with enforcement authority.  The rest of the populace SHOULD (but are not required to) HELP those who they feel are in violation.  Lead by example, show restraint, be courteous, be helpful.  If you see something that you feel is egregious, find the Autocrat.

So here is the section on Non-period Items:
10.1   Concerning Non-Period Items 
10.1.1   Canned beverages and other obvious modern items are forbidden at all Kingdom-level events. The one exception is that they are permitted within a pavilion with the owner's express permission. In this case, those who bring the cans or other items are responsible for their timely and discreet disposal. 
10.1.2   Smoking is forbidden in the central area of a Society event. The central area of an event is defined as any area where people must be present in order to participate in the event, such as the hall where a feast is taking place, or the lists and the area surrounding them during a tournament. The autocrat shall define the boundaries of the central area and the autocrat shall, if possible, provide some other area as convenient as may be found where smoking is permitted and made safe and practicable. Smoking is permitted in the interior of pavilion/home only with the express permission of the owner of the pavilion/home. 
10.1.3   The use of flash bulbs is forbidden in the central area of a Society event, being defined as any area where people must be present in order to participate in the event, such as the hall where a feast or court is taking place. The autocrat shall be responsible for defining the boundaries of the central area and should be consulted before any photography using flash bulbs takes place. Photography with flash bulbs is permitted in the interior of a pavilion only with the owner's permission, but only if this use of a flash bulb will not disturb anyone in the main area of an event. It is hoped that anyone taking photographs at any time will first obtain permission from those being photographed as a matter of courtesy.
10.1.4   All plastic and/or modern sports equipment used by all participants on the field of combat must be covered in a manner to disguise the material in an attempt to display historical pre-17th Century accoutrements to the average passerby. 

10.1.4.1   Plastic and other modern materials specifically required to promote safety or those that are medically required are exempt from this ruling. However, every attempt must be made, in good faith, to disguise those items.
10.1.4.2   Hand protection and shield edges may be made of plastic materials. However, it is the owner’s responsibility to attempt to disguise the appearance of those items to bring them into compliance with the spirit of this law.
10.1.4.3   Participants who are residents of another kingdom are to be considered our guests and are exempt from this ruling provided they meet Society minimum standards.
10.1.4.4   Newly transplanted citizens to Atlantia are to be granted a four month period of time to come into compliance with these laws.

A strict interpretation of the rules shows some serious flaws.  Note that transplants from other Kingdoms have a four month grace period for compliance on the list (10.1.4.4), but newcomers have none for simply being at the event.  Professional cameras are "obvious modern items", and are forbidden (10.1.1), but photography is allowed (10.1.3).

FYI - these laws have been on the books for a while.  The current push is to FIX the laws.  

I understand that the discussion will bring a host of complaints, but understand that by the letter of the law, if you need to have an orthopedic shoe, you can wear it during Archery (10.1.4.1), but not at court (10.1.1).  The law needs to be changed.  This is your chance to have a hand in the changes.  For example, I think that there should be a line that states "Any items that are required for the safe and proper execution of an Officer's job responsibilities are exempt".

I intend to go through the law and policy documents, and then make suggestions to the Crown.  I invite you to do the same.

In service,

Siegfried McClure

Seneschal - Sudentorre
571-572-2489

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