The Kingdom Authorization Clerk has introduced a new online option for filing your Authorization paperwork. The paper form will not be going away, this is an enhancement of the current process. There will still be physical Authorization Cards sent to each fighter.
Here is the new process:
You will fill out either the paper authorization form OR go online to fill out the online form.*
You will either tear off the top portion of the paper form to show at the MOL table OR you will need to have your email confirmation available on your phone to show to the MOL.
You will either send in the bottom portion of the paper form to the Authorization Clerk (remembering to include a SASE) OR the Authorization Clerk will pull the online information.
The Authorization Clerk will then issue you an Authorization Card and send it to you via USPS.
At the MOL table you will need to have your authorization card, a picture of your authorization card on your phone, the top portion of the paper form, or the email confirmation you received when filling out the online form.
With electronic delivery of the confirmation, you *must* have the email pulled up on your phone to show at the table. The MOLs will not be able to provide you with a device to log into your email to produce that information. You may want to consider taking screen shots of the email so you have a backup in the event that there is minimal or no bandwidth available at the event site.
If you have any questions contact either the Kingdom MOL, Baroness Amelia Soteria, at mol@aethelmearc.org or the Kingdom Authorization Clerk, THL Deirdre Scot of Clann Scot, at authorization@aethelmearc.org.
Greetings from THL Deirdre Scot of Clann Scot, Kingdom Authorization Clerk.
With practices and events in full swing once again, I will take this opportunity to remind everyone of a few things when filling out authorization forms.
Please write legibly. If we get a form we can not read, we are guessing on names, addresses, emails, etc. On more than one occasion forms have come back as undeliverable. Which means your waiting longer for your card, and we have duplicate work.
Fill out the form in its entirety. If we have to call, email or send back the form due to missing information it will only take longer for your card to arrive.
If you are authorizing or re-authorizing in different disciplines (EX: Rapier & Heavy) you must have a marshal who is authorized in that form sign your authorization. For Example: If you are authorizing for one handed weapon and combat archery for heavy, and the marshal you are with is only authorized in one handed weapon. That marshal CAN NOT authorize you for combat archery. You will need to seek out a marshal who can authorize you for Combat Archery and ask for that signature.
Marshals – Do not sign forms that are not filled out in its entirety. If you notice an individual who is authorizing or re-authorizing for a form you are not authorized in make sure inform them. If your marshallate has expired do not sign the form. We will send it back for a current marshal to sign. We do check the marshal roster.
Marshals In Training (MIT) – A marshal in training should not be signing a form. If they are doing an authorization under the supervision of a Marshal then the supervising marshal should be signing the form.
In addition, self addressed envelopes are always welcome and encouraged. If you’re able, a box of envelopes or stamps with your form or when you see one of us at an event, practice or meeting is also welcomed.
We are here to help. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out.
By doing the above, you help save time, expedite the process and most importantly keep your Authorization Clerks sane!
Reauthorization forms are coming in fast and furious. I put about 20 cards in the mail this morning, so some you should be getting them in the mail late this week or early next week.
If you have any questions in regards to your authorization card, please feel free to reach out.
Greetings from THL Deirdre Scot of Clann Scot, Kingdom Authorizations Clerk:
I hope everyone is doing well and remaining healthy during this unprecedented time. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, any authorizations that expired after March 1st have been given a grace period til August 31. It is our hope that by that time we will receive guidelines on how to reopen practices and large gatherings. In the event that we are still unable to gather, the grace period will be extended once again. Once official practices start to reopen please make sure you sign the appropriate waiver forms until you are able to reauthorize in your desired forms.
If we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact myself or my deputy at ae.authorization@aethelmearc.org. Stay well, and until we can gather again, you are all in our hearts!
In Service We Remain,
THL Deirdre Scot & Meesteres Odriana vander Brugghe
The last date to authorize in heavy combat for Pennsic has been changed to Saturday, July 22, per the Pennsic website here.
You have two more days!
Note: The Æthelmearc Authorizations Clerk, THLady Ursula of Rouen, says if you authorize this weekend, she cannot guarantee that you’ll receive your authorization card before Pennsic, so you should plan to bring the paper copy with you. To speed processing, you can scan your paperwork, including the signed waiver, and email it to her at ursula.of.rouen@gmail.com.
Fighters at Pennsic. Photo by Lady Àine ny Allane.
THLady Ursula of Rouen, Kingdom Authorizations Clerk
So, you’re going to Pennsic this year and want to fight or fence? Make sure your paperwork is in order before you leave by following these tips:
Your Primary Authorization must be complete and dated on or before July 24, 2016. A primary authorization is your first authorization in any martial discipline. Any authorization paperwork for a primary form dated after July 24, 2016 will not be mailed out until Wednesday of War Week to help keep Æthelmearc in compliance with Pennsic rules.
All authorization forms are turned into the Kingdom Authorizations Clerk by July 17, any forms in hand that day will be mailed out on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Note: This cutoff is before the primary authorization cutoff. If you miss this cutoff you can keep your paper copy of your authorization form to use at Pennsic. We recommend sending a digital scan or copy of your paperwork to the Authorizations Clerk before leaving for War just in case.
The Authorizations Clerk’s address is THLady Ursula of Rouen, c/o Ms. Danielle M. Duvall, PO Box 661, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. A self-addressed, stamped envelope is never required, but always appreciated.
Please check your card now to see if it has expired or will expire prior to August 14, 2016, and please complete the paperwork for a renewal now. No need to wait until the card is close to expiration.
Keep a copy of your paperwork in a safe place; whether it is a brand new authorization, an additional form, or a renewal, plan to have that paperwork on your person for use at Pennsic in case your card does not make it to you before you leave for vacation.
It’s a good idea to make a copy of your authorization card/paperwork, and photo ID, put in a Ziploc baggie and tape to the back of your shield, or keep in your armor bag. You’ll need these along with your medallion to get inspected at Pennsic.
If you need to reach THLady Ursula regarding your Authorization Card, or if you have any questions her e-mail address is ursula.of.rouen@gmail.com. You may also call before 10pm at 540-287-1748. Please do not send Facebook messages as those get lost in the shuffle.
From the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, Master Benedict Fergus atte Mede:
The new rapier policies have been published in the Æstel and are available on the Æthelmearc Rapier page. These rules are in effect as of now. Marshals are implored to read these rules as soon as possible.
I’m asking that all authorizations of new forms please include these new rules.
That means, yes, you have to read through the new rules before you can get authorized in a new form. This is especially important with the new two-handed rapier authorization.
Please be patient with those of the community who have not yet had a chance to read through these new policies.
I want to thank my deputies and regional deputies for their efforts in making this possible. If you have any questions, please see your regional marshals or myself. New authorization forms will be forthcoming.
YIS,
Fergus
Master Fergus was kind enough to answer some questions from the Gazette for some more in-depth information on the new Rapier Policies:
What has changed in the rules?
There are a few noticeable changes from previous sets of rapier policies.
There is a new authorization for two-handed rapier. This is any consistent use of two hands on a weapon, regardless of design. So this is needed if you want to use two hands on a katana or a European longsword, or simply want to hold your rapier in two hands, if that is your gig.
We have officially prohibited rapier spears. This is a decision I know some people disagree with, but we tried two experiments with these things, we discussed them in group sessions, and the overwhelming opinion at the time was a solid “no.”
We have a new weight restriction for weapons in Æthelmearc rapier: four pounds.
Also, we have aligned our age limits for youths fighting as adults with the Society policy. So, with parental observation and consent, plus the proper paperwork, someone as young as 14 now may join the adult rapier program.
How will the changes affect people who are already authorized vs. new secondary auths?
I think there will be an adjustment period for some rapier fighters with these new policies. For one thing, we have a decent number of people who have been using two-handed swords as their primary form. They will need to get the new authorization now. We’re trying to make that possible as soon as we can.
Additional information from Master Fergus for Rapier Marshals on two-handed sword authorizations:
I’m having a lot of people ask about authorizations for two handed sword. This is good. Here’s the gist of what I want covered in the new authorization: First of all, one of the new rules states that at least one of the authorizing marshals must possess the authorization being tested. I have a group from various parts of the Kingdom who will be or already are grandfathered into the new authorization. These are my regional marshals and deputies (unless they have asked me not to include them), and experienced marshals who use the form safely already. Each has shown that they have some skill in the form, as well as judgement enough to compensate for any specific lack of experience. After a few months, this will not be an issue, but right now anyone interested in the new authorization will have to get one of these folks to be part of the authorization.
For marshals; treat this fundamentally like a first time single rapier authorization. Cover the basics first. Has the student read the updated rules? You do not need to redo the testing on armor requirements, but you will want the student to know about how long, and how heavy a sword can be: “Swords of any kind will not exceed 4 lbs. in total weight, 60 inches in total length, and may have a hilt (including pommel) of no longer than 18 inches.” (KRM Policies. P.4). In addition, they must know what percentage of the overall length a hilt can be (1/3rd of the blade). This cannot be a back door authorization to something that amounts to a spear. Be aware that many commercial two handed swords exceed this measurement, especially in weight.
Once the fighting starts, make sure they are not delivering percussive blows. Make sure they know that two hands on a weapon amounts to increased force. Make the student show multiple attacks, cuts as well as thrusts. Make sure they can do multiple attacks. The one handed thrust is legal, and the student may continue to use both hands after letting go with one hand. That being said, if that is the only attack that a student can make, that student is not skilled enough to pass the authorization. Do test a student’s ability to use the sword in one hand. While the authorization allows any legal sword to be used in two hands, many people will have a special sword for two-handed use. Make sure they are safe with it in one hand as well as in two.
Make sure the student can defend in more than one way. Movement is part of this; parries, avoiding attacks, and binds are good as well. The student does not have to be a Lichtenauer scholar in order to pass, but they have to be able to stop a shot safely. They may use the off hand to block a shot, but they do take damage the same way they normally would with single rapier. You want to close on the student and make sure they can evade, cut, or safely die without striking you with the quillions. Halfswording should be covered, but it should not be a make or break with the new authorization unless the student makes it a major part of their repertoire.
I am going to try to be at the Donnan Party on March 26 in Ballachlagan to do two-hander authorizations and to answer more questions if I can. Thank you for helping with this transition.
YIS Fergus.
Thank you, Master Fergus, for the extra information!
Photo by THLady Ursula of Rouen, Æthelmearc Authorizations Clerk
So, you’re going to Pennsic this year and want to fight or fence? Make sure your paperwork is in order before you leave by following these tips:
1. Your Primary Authorization must be complete and dated on or before July 15, 2015. A primary authorization is your first authorization in any marshal discipline. Any authorization paperwork for a primary form dated after July 15, 2015 will not be mailed out until Wednesday of War Week to help keep Æthelmearc in compliance with Pennsic rules.
All authorization forms are turned into the Kingdom Authorizations Clerk by July 18, any forms in hand that day will be mailed out on Tuesday, July 20, 2015.
The Authorizations Clerk’s new address is THLady Ursula of Rouen, c/o Ms. Danielle M. Duvall, PO Box 661, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. A self-addressed, stamped envelope is never required, but always appreciated.
Please check your card now to see if it has expired or will expire prior to August 10, 2015 and please complete the paperwork for a renewal now. No need to wait until the card is close to expiration.
Keep a copy of your paperwork in a safe place; whether it is a brand new authorization, an additional form, or a renewal, plan to have that paperwork on your person for use at Pennsic in case your card does not make it to you before you leave for vacation.
It’s a good idea to make a copy of your authorization card/paperwork, and photo ID, put in a Ziploc baggie and tape to the back of your shield, or keep in your armor bag. You’ll need these along with your medallion to get inspected at Pennsic.
If you need to reach THLady Ursula regarding your Authorization Card, or if you have any questions her e-mail address is ursula.of.rouen@gmail.com. You may also call before 10pm at 540-287-1748. Please do not send Facebook messages as those get lost in the shuffle.
The Kingdom Authorizations Clerk, THLady Ursula of Rouen, sends this announcement.
Unto the fighters, fencers, and riders of these Sylvan lands does your Kingdom Authorizations Clerk send warm Spring greetings!
As Spring is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation, change is in the air! I have relocated from the Shire of Misty Highlands to the Shire of Sylvan Glen and with that relocation comes a new address!
All authorization forms should now be sent to:
Danielle M. Duvall PO Box 661 Shepherdstown, WV 25443
The online forms will be updated in the very near future. To ease the transition, I have left my old PO box open for the time being and will have forwarding service soon. Please use the above address whenever possible going forward.
Note: This is not my physical address and I encourage you to share this address far and wide to make sure that authorization forms get to me as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your continued patience through this very hectic transition.
From the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, Master Benedict Fergus atte Mede:
