16 Tuesday Mar 2021
Posted in Corporate News
At the March 2nd, 2021 conference call, the Board approved changes to Corpora, located within the Governing Documents of the SCA. This latest update includes the recently revised Introduction (commentary having occurred mid-late 2020).
For more information click see here
29 Wednesday Jul 2020
Posted in Announcements
During the July 28, 2020, Ad Hoc meeting of the Board of Directors for the Society for Creative Anachronism, the following Resolution was passed by a unanimous vote and made effective immediately:
Resolution to Suspend In-Person SCA Activity until January 31st, 2021(PDF)
I. Whereas, the COVID-19 Global Pandemic has created an unparalleled challenge for the administration of the Society for Creative Anachronism. The Board of Directors acknowledges the health and well-being of the membership and participants of the SCA are of utmost importance;
II. Whereas, the Crowns of the vast majority of North American Kingdoms have petitioned the board to suspend in-person SCA events in North America until January 31st, 2021;
III. Whereas, following consultation with the Kingdom Seneschals of the North American Kingdoms, it appears that this petition is generally supported;
IV. Therefore Now Be It Resolved, The SCA Board of Directors suspends all SCA in-person events in North America until January 31st, 2021;
V. Resolved, Small local gatherings including, but not limited to, archery practice, guild meetings, officer meetings, and local martial activities shall remain at the discretion of the Crown and Kingdom Seneschal, in accordance with CDC, State, Provincial, and local health guidelines and recommendations. Virtual events as alternatives continue to be a viable option;
VI. Resolved, The SCA Board of Directors directs the Society Seneschal to grant a blanket variance to Corpora waiving any required events such as Crown List and Coronation until January 31st, 2021, as well as extending all current reigns until a royal list can be held to determine suitable Heirs;
VII. Resolved, If a Crown or Coronet steps down without Heirs for a Kingdom or Principality, a Regent shall be installed until such time as a royal list may be held to find suitable Heirs and a Coronation or Investiture held. This regent should be installed according to the Kingdom or Principality laws that govern the appointment of Regents, after consultation with the Society Seneschal. If the Kingdom or Principality has no such law, the Kingdom Seneschal (and Principality Seneschal when appropriate) must consult with the Society Seneschal and Society President to determine an appropriate selection method for a Regent;
VIII. Resolved, the SCA Board of Directors invites Kingdoms who have determined that it is safe to host in-person events before January 31st, 2021, to request a variance from the Society Seneschal to be able to do so. The Society Seneschal shall have the authority to grant or deny these requests. These requests will be reviewed by the Board using the same review method used for variances to Corpora;
IX. Resolved, the SCA Board of Directors commends the officers, royalty, hard-working membership, and participants who have made it possible for the SCA to continue activities during these trying times.
Any commentary regarding this matter should be addressed to sca-comments@lists.sca.org. Please use the title “Resolution” in the subject line.
NOTE: Please use the body of the email for commentary.
Attachments will cause your message to be marked as spam, and it will bounce.
In lieu of email, commentary may be sent by US Mail, Postage-Prepaid, to:
Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
RE: Resolution
P.O. Box 360789
Milpitas, CA 95036-0789
Comments are strongly encouraged and can be sent to:
SCA Inc.
Box 360789
Milpitas, CA 95036
You may also email sca-comments@lists.sca.org.
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.
20 Sunday Mar 2016
Tags
Corporate Announcements, event announcement term, Event Registration, new event announcement language, NMS, Nomenclature
Greetings unto the Populace of Æthelmearc from Duke Christopher, Kingdom Seneschal.
Starting very soon, you will see new language in event announcements regarding how we refer to money paid to attend events.
This language comes to us from the Society Seneschal. It has already been passed down to the Regional and Local Seneschals, but I wanted to pass this announcement along to the entire Kingdom.
SCA Corporate has changed the terminology we must now use regarding our fee structure to reflect that we are a participant-based organization.
Going forward, please use these or similar terms in event announcements:
“membership event registration” or “event registration”
Do NOT use these or similar terms in event announcements: “event fees,”
“site fees,” “non-member surcharge,” or “NMS.”
For example:
“Adult Event Fee” will now be “Adult Event Registration.”
“Adult Non Member Surcharge Fee” will now be “Adult Member Discount Event Registration.”
For example, here is an event announcement fee schedule using the
past terminology:
Site fees for the event are $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children ages
5-12, and children under 5 are free. Students with a valid ID are $5.00.
This includes a sideboard lunch. An additional $5.00 non-member surcharge will be collected at the door.
Here is the same fee structure using the new terminology:
Adult Event Registration is $15. Adult Member Discount Event Registration is $10. Adult students with a valid ID are $10. Adult students who are SCA members are $5. All youth registration (Ages 5-12) is $5.00, and all children under 5 are free. This includes a sideboard lunch. Please show proof of membership at the door.
Any event announcement submitted after the publication of this notification will be expected to conform to the new wording standards.
I thank all of you for your cooperation in this matter.
If you have any questions, please contact your local seneschals.
If they are unable to provide an answer, please do not hesitate to contact me at ae.seneschal@aethelmearc.org.
Duke Christopher
FAQs
How does this affect how we charge for youth (Child Registrations), in view of the fact we are no longer making reference to the NMS?
(From Corporate) Yes, we are now using the term “Member Discount”; however, it is not intended that the cost of Child Registrations should go up in view of the “Membership Discount.” The structure of costs for children, where we previously did not charge NMS, should be at least $5 less than the “Adult Event Registration.” We are not assessing $5 for children. If under the old fee structure the site fee was $15 for adults with $5 NMS and $5 for children under 16, then the NEW nomenclature would be as follows:
Adult Event Registration; $20, Adult Member Discount Event Registration $15, Children (specify the age range) Registration (less at least $5 or more than the member price), Youth (specify the age and under) free.
The ranges that constitute adult vs. child will vary from Kingdom and local group as well as by event.
Do I have to change existing or already published event announcements?
No, but please use the new nomenclature going forward.
How do we word it if we’re charging different fees for feast (onboard)?
For events with a feast, there are a couple ways to make this distinction.
One popular way is to add “Feast is an additional $X per person” or similar.
The new nomenclature is different from what we used to do, but it is flexible as well. Feel free to discuss with your local seneschal.
Is the Non-Member Surcharge (NMS) going away?
No, just the terminology is changing. Per event, groups are still required to submit $5 for every paid adult event registrant who doesn’t have proof of membership. As before, this must be paid by individuals to the group for the event (and the group exchequer then forwards to Kingdom); SCA/group funds can’t be used to subsidize. The term “NMS” may still be used internally, as long as it isn’t used in event announcements or at the gate.
What about family caps? Should we base that on the adult registration, or member discount?
The new terminology is flexible, and you should use what works for your event. The most clear way may be to list two family caps, one family cap registration, and one discounted one.
For example, for an event with a $17 adult registration/$12 adult member registration, kids half price: “Family cap is $46. For families where the adults are members, Family cap is $36.” This is assuming your group normally family caps only families of two adults and minor children. A different way of wording may work better for your group, depending on how you run your family caps.
Do we have to use exactly the terms in your examples?
No, the wording is flexible.
But please refrain from using “site fee,” “NMS,” “non-member surcharge,” or “event fee.” Use instead variations on “event registration.”
Sometimes people have to pay the NMS at the door. How will that work now? Or what if they accidentally send too much money in a pre-reg?
First, to clarify some rumors, there is not a prohibition at the Kingdom or Society level, that says people can’t send the extra $5 NMS in with a pre-registration. Some groups at the local level chose to have people pay it at the gate only. It will be difficult to require that people *only* pay the adult registration at the door, while you are taking adult member discount pre-registrations by mail. We don’t recommend this course of action.
For folks that can’t produce proof of membership at the door, but have pre-registered with the discount amount, you would require them to pay $5 at the door. If someone accidentally sends you too much money (they show proof of membership at the door), you would handle the refund exactly as you would have before in this case. (*NEVER give refunds from the cash box!!*). Have them leave their name and address and send them a check.
We know this change may cause confusion for a while, as most changes do. It will take a bit of getting used to. Just be sure that your reservations clerk and gatekeeper are keeping very good records, and any problems can be worked through.
Why is the Society changing the nomenclature?
It’s changed to reflect that we are a participant-based organization, not an organization that charges an entry fee for spectators. There are different tax implications for the different types of groups.
Who do I contact with questions?
Please contact your local seneschal with questions.
If they are unable to provide an answer, you can contact our Kingdom Seneschal, Duke Christopher, at ae.seneschal@aethelmearc.org.
10 Thursday Sep 2015
Posted in Corporate News
The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is seeking candidates for the position of Tournaments Illuminated Art Director. The current officer steps down in July, 2016, and in order to ensure a smooth transition, applications for the positions are now being accepted.
Tournaments Illuminated (TI) is the Society’s quarterly magazine that furthers research, education and ‘living history’ recreation in the field of pre-seventeenth century Western culture, with additional features unique to the SCA: humor, kingdom news, medieval travel destinations, museums of interest, and more.
Duties and responsibilities of the art director include:
• layout of the magazine while adhering to our graphic standards on schedule;
• maintaining contact with illustration and photography contributors
• supplying TI-related supplementary materials for the SCA’s websites.
The position requires a modest weekly time commitment, except prior to publication deadline when 30+ hours per week may be required. Qualifications for the Art Director position include expertise with magazine production, the ability to meet deadlines, and experience working with printers. Applicants need to have access to and experience with a computer running InDesign and the ability to export files to press-quality pdf format (if working on a PC – our printing vendor uses Macintosh, and our existing files are all Macintosh InDesign). Professional experience in a graphics environment and prior experience in an SCA chronicler position are desirable, but not required. E-mail access is absolutely vital to the position, and while high-speed internet access is not required, it has proven to be very useful. Reasonable expenses are covered by the Corporation and may include: paper, printer cartridges, stamps, mailing expenses, and a post office box. You will be asked to submit an expense report, with receipts attached to receive reimbursement. The Art Director receives a small stipend from the SCA once an issue is complete.
Hard copies of résumés (both professional and SCA related, including offices held and honors) must be sent to the attention of ‘The Board of Directors’, SCA, Inc., P.O. Box 360789, Milpitas, CA 95036-0789. Electronic courtesy copies should also be sent to resumes@sca.org and pubmanager@sca.org. Résumés must be received by April 1, 2016.
Comments are strongly encouraged and can be sent to:
SCA Inc.
Box 360789
Milpitas, CA 95036
You may also email comments@lists.sca.org.
24 Tuesday Feb 2015
Posted in Corporate News
Currently open for commentary is a proposal for the closure of the office of the chirurgeonate. The language for this proposal can be found below. The Board of Directors recognizes that this topic is controversial and would like to emphasize that commentary is being accepted until July 1, 2015, and would strongly recommend that all members forward their opinions for consideration.
Over the last number of years, issues have been brought to the attention of the Board and Society Officers regarding the chirurgeonate as it is currently organized. These issues included numerous disputes between chirurgeons regarding availability of over-the-counter medications, interactions between chirurgeons and contracted EMS personnel at large events, interactions between event participants and chirurgeons, and differences between first aid provider credentials available in different states, provinces and countries. The frequency of issues and the potential for liability to the SCA as an organization prompted the President to ask the SCA’s insurance carrier to clarify whether the duties of the Society Chirurgeon, as described in Corpora, are covered by the SCA’s policy. In addition, a request for opinion was made to outside counsel to consider whether the risk of not having an office of the chirurgeonate created more liability for the SCA than keeping the existing office of the chirurgeonate. The response from the insurance carrier was that the duties of the Society Chirurgeon, as defined in Corpora, were not covered under the insurance policy, and there was not an available option for coverage of those duties. The response from outside counsel was that there is more liability to the SCA if the SCA has an office of the chirurgeonate.
The Board requested that a committee of current chirurgeons from across multiple North American kingdoms consider options: revising the existing office; evaluating insurance options specific to that office; eliminating that office. Given the recommendations from that committee, the following Corpora changes are proposed.
There is no intention to release the heraldry currently associated with the functions of volunteer first aiders participating in the SCA, nor to prohibit any individual from volunteering as a volunteer first aider. This proposal is driven by issues from the North American branches of the SCA. Non-North American SCA affiliates will need to determine their own needs regarding regulation of provision of first aid.
Table of Contents
Current text:
VI. H. Society Chirurgeon
Proposed change:
Delete H. Society Chirurgeon
Re-Letter I. Webminister to H.
Re-Letter J. Reservations to the Board to I.
Current text:
VII. H. The Chirurgeon
Proposed change:
Delete H. The Chirurgeon
Re-letter items I through M to H through L.
Corpora VI. D. Marshal of the Society
Current text:
The Marshal of the Society is responsible for activities related to combat, archery and equestrian activities. This includes directing the Earls Marshal of the Kingdoms in matters concerning the supervision of combat and related activities at Society events and the manner and conduct of duties of all marshals throughout the Society; working with the Society Chirurgeon to promote safety in the Society’s martial arts; and working with the Minister of Arts and Sciences to encourage research in armor and weapons. The Board specifically authorizes the Marshal to make interpretations and clarifications regarding the Rules of the Lists, with the proviso that such rulings must be reported to the Board at the following meeting. The Marshal’s rulings will stand until and unless overruled by the Board.
Proposed text:
The Marshal of the Society is responsible for activities related to combat, archery and equestrian activities. This includes directing the Earls Marshal of the Kingdoms in matters concerning the supervision of combat and related activities at Society events and the manner and conduct of duties of all marshals throughout the Society; working to promote safety in the Society’s martial arts; and working with the Minister of Arts and Sciences to encourage research in armor and weapons. The Board specifically authorizes the Marshal to make interpretations and clarifications regarding the Rules of the Lists, with the proviso that such rulings must be reported to the Board at the following meeting. The Marshal’s rulings will stand until and unless overruled by the Board.
Current text:
VI. H. The Chirurgeon
The Society Chirurgeon is responsible for organizing a program of volunteer first aid services and health-and safety hazard warnings to be made available whenever feasible at Society events, and for establishing policies for and coordinating the activities of the Kingdom Chirurgeons.
Proposed text:
Delete VI. H.
Re-letter I and J to H and I.
Current text:
VII. KINGDOM, PRINCIPALITY, AND LOCAL OFFICERS
A. General
1. Officers assist Royalty in the administration of the lands and branches of the realm. Each officer has a specific area of specialization, and a defined geographic scope. Within those bounds, an officer coordinates branch activities, and may supervise deputies or lesser officers.
2. Kingdom Great Officers are responsible directly to the Crown, but also report to a corresponding Society officer if such a Society officer exists. Each Kingdom’s Great Officer corps must include the Seneschal, the Principal Herald, the Earl Marshal, the Minister of Arts and Sciences, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Chronicler, and the Chirurgeon. No person may hold more than one of these Great offices at a time. The Crown may create additional Great Offices. Kingdom Lesser Officers and deputies are created by the Crown according to the needs of the kingdom. These officers may be supervised directly by the Crown, or be placed under the jurisdiction of a Greater Officer, and report accordingly. However, Great Officers retain ultimate responsibility for delegated functions.
Proposed text:
1. Officers assist Royalty in the administration of the lands and branches of the realm. Each officer has a specific area of specialization, and a defined geographic scope. Within those bounds, an officer coordinates branch activities, and may supervise deputies or lesser officers.
2. Kingdom Great Officers are not only responsible directly to the Crown, but also report to a corresponding Society officer if such a Society officer exists. Each Kingdom’s Great Officer corps must include the Seneschal, the Principal Herald, the Earl Marshal, the Minister of Arts and Sciences, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Chronicler. No person may hold more than one of these Great offices at a time. The Crown may create additional Great Offices. Kingdom Lesser Officers and deputies are created by the Crown according to the needs of the kingdom. These officers may be supervised directly by the Crown, or be placed under the jurisdiction of a Greater Officer and report accordingly. However, Great Officers retain ultimate responsibility for delegated functions
VII. H. The Chirurgeon
The Chirurgeon administers the organization that is responsible for voluntary first aid at Society events, including assisting participants in tournament combat, notifying attendees of health and safety concerns, and such other related activities as kingdom law and custom may entail.
Proposed text:
Delete VII. H.
Re-letter I through M to H through L.
WARRANT TO APPOINTMENT OF OFFICE
Current text:
[ ] Chirurgeon
Proposed text:
Delete [ ] Chirurgeon
Comments are strongly encouraged and can be sent to:
SCA Inc.
Box 360789
Milpitas, CA 95036
You may also email comments@lists.sca.org.
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.