We are going to enforce this (with everyone, not just kids) with kindness and empathy. Everyone should be kindly reminded to wear their masks if they are not vaccinated. Nobody other than a child’s parent should be yelling at their kids without masks. Parents should be reminded, gently, and with tolerance and understanding. Kids are going to kid – some of them are absolute Houdinis and ninjas and we need to be mindful as much as we can.
We are doing this because we are concerned for children’s safety as there are some very contagious variants out there that are affecting children.
The Board has further announced that the language in the following resolution must appear on all event notices, flyers, online announcements, and advertisements, as well as being posted in multiple locations at any and all SCA-sponsored functions going forward.
First and foremost, Their Majesties, the Deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics (Duke Christopher), the Earl Marshal (Master Morien) and I have determined that Æthelmearc can start fighting and fencing again, starting May 10, 2021.
This change is due to the Board of Directors and Society Seneschal’s clarifications on what is allowed at SCA events and gatherings.
To clarify: fencing and fighting can start May 10, 2021. However, all participants must follow SCA guidelines:
Everyone must wear a mask. (This means over the mouth and nose, not over the helm.)
You can only take your mask off to eat or drink – and you must be stationary AND follow social distancing guidelines.
You must bring your own food and water.
All fencing and fighting must be outside. (This is a change from gatherings.)
The SCA also will not require vaccinations to participate; however, if a site owner (including homeowners) is requiring people to be vaccinated to come to their home, they have the right to do that. Enforcement, however, is on them, not the SCA. It is the homeowner who is responsible for deciding what proof they will accept, for any checking of that proof, and for any enforcement. It needs to be made clear that this is a rule of the homeowner, not the branch of the SCA.
Thank you so much and please contact me if you have any questions.
Addendum
As most of you have heard or seen, we are allowing fighting and fencing as of May 10th and I am so excited to get back out there and stab people. However, I have been asked a few questions about the lifting of the fencing and fighting ban, so I thought I would cover a few of them today.
Here’s what is required by the Board of Directors, the President of the SCA, the Society Seneschal, and AEthelmearc:
For practices: masks must be worn at all times, no food or water will be provided, if you want to consume food or water you must be stationary and follow social distancing guidelines, and all fencing and fighting practices must be outdoors. That last is a change from gatherings like sewing circles and scribal night. These are for small practices. If you have a large regional practice, that is an event.
For events, all of the above is required – PLUS pre-registration is required, and maximum of 150 people.
Let’s talk masks because that is where I am getting the most questions. The Society Seneschal’s guidance is that masks must follow CDC guidelines. That means two layers of breathable cloth fabric, or a disposable medical mask, it must completely cover your nose and mouth, no valves, no see through fabric or the like.
The mask MUST be against your face and cover your mouth and nose – not over your helm or fencing mask. That has been clarified by the Society Seneschal specifically. A plastic shield is not sufficient. However, if you have a new design idea, the Board of Directors is interested, particularly if it has already been fabricated.
Masks are, full stop, a requirement. If someone will not wear one, they must be asked to leave by the Marshal in charge, Autocrat, or local seneschal. Now, masks slip now and then or people are forgetful. We should all be kind and remind each other of the rules. However, if someone won’t comply, they cannot stay at the SCA event. Period. If there is an issue with non-compliance, contact me or your regional seneschal immediately.
Food and water questions: Yes, you can give water to the people you live with and hand a sandwich to your child; however, that’s it. No communal water (and especially no more drinking out of the same tube in a water jug anymore.) We can give out sealed water bottles; however. Just please recycle.
Demos: Yes, we can do demos; however, there needs to be a barrier between the SCA and the rest of the public. Think of two sets of list ropes, an inner rope where we can do our activities, and an outer rope where the public can stand. Also, yes at demos, we must wear masks, in addition to any other state and local guidelines.
Also, when you first get out there, I recommend bringing more water than you think you’ll need. I also recommend bringing several masks to change out, as it gets hard to breath through masks when they get soaked from sweat and heavy breathing.
This is just a quick update to keep you informed of our progress tp Pennsic 49.
Over the last month the Pennsic 49 senior executive has met with the Crowns and Seneschals of the East, Midrealm, and Æthelmearc. We have discussed specific issue regarding the planning and running of Pennsic 49 and are discussing options and figuring out ways to run it safely, albeit maybe a little differently. Those plans are still under consideration, discussion, and planning, but we are still moving forward to our well-published final decision date of May 30.
I am aware that the Known World Seneschals have met with the SCA Inc. Executive Board over a range of issues prior to the full SCA Inc. Board meeting, I think some time in April. I am not aware, nor do I need to know the specifics of that meeting, however we were asked and did supply representation at the meeting to field any Pennsic War-specific questions.
We are continuing to plan for Pennsic 49 in 2021 until either 30 May 2021 or our hand is forced to make a decision sooner.
The good news is the the COVID-19 overlay is getting better in the USA, UK, and parts of Europe week by week. I pray it keeps going that way with the vaccines roll out.
I know this is not the news many need right now, but I’m letting you all know so that you can plan accordingly and be as aware as we are. Sorry I can’t say more.
As promised, I am sending this message out to keep you all informed as to how we are progressing to Pennsic 49. The reason for the update is so that you are able to walk the decision making path with me in a clear and transparent manner and know the rationale behind any decisions we, the Pennsic Management Team are making.
First of all I want you to all know that we are still planning for Pennsic 49 in 2021. I want to make it very clear that we are “planning,” not holding Pennsic 49 next week, as we are still months away from either the Pennsic 49 decision date at the end of May or the Pennsic War event itself.
Let me explain for those that have never seen behind the running of a major event like Pennsic… it does take a lot of planning and organisation. We can’t just start organising it at the end of June and get it all in place. The Pennsic War Management Staff and myself as Mayor of Pennsic start the process two years out from the Pennsic War we are running. I won’t go through all the boring administrative details, but it is a long and well managed process.
However, you need to be assured that I will adopt the same fact-based and health-informed approach to the planning for Pennsic 49 this year, as I did last year. I fully understand the concerns you all have about any large event at this time, but I still need to continue the planning required well ahead of the event itself.
The same timeline will be adopted again for this year as it was for last year and we have a decision date which at this stage is at the end of May 2021, give or take a week. We still have just under 6 months till Pennsic 49, and I am prepared to support the PSG and deliver the hard call if need be, the same as I did last year. Note the SCA Inc have currently suspended all SCA events until May 30, 2021. Those types of decisions are out of my control.
I also want you to understand that we are much further ahead this year regarding our knowledge of COVID-19 than we were at the same time last year. And yes, we are fully aware that mutant strains are evolving and that vaccines are being rolled out. However, these things need to be observed and evaluated over the next few months and consideration given as to what effect they are having on the COVID 19 health overlay, nation and worldwide. This in itself will form a large part of our decision-making package and like last year will always be based on current, up to date, CDC plus local State and County Health information.
I will not endanger people or risk Pennsic 49 becoming a “Super-spreader Event” just for the sake of having an SCA event. I am fully aware that people have concerns. At this stage I again reiterate that we are “planning” for Pennsic 49, not running Pennsic 49 right now. You all trusted me last year and those of you that know me, should know that I have no “ego” about being Mayor of Pennsic 49. I view myself as the custodian of the Pennsic War event, which encompasses the safety of attendees, organizers, staff and public community that surrounds the Pennsic War. I will not risk any these for the sake of swinging a stick, camping with friends and having a few pints around a campfire.
I hope this update helps you all understand the process we are going through. I will keep you updated with future posts when new information is available.
The Resolution to Suspend In-Person SCA Activity until January 31, 2021, has been updated. The SCA Board of Directors is suspending events through May 31st, 2021.
Their Royal Majesties have agreed, in consultation with myself, the Deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics (Duke Christopher), and Master Morien, the Kingdom Earl Marshal, we are continuing the pause on heavy fighting and rapier fighting until at least January 31, 2021.
I know this is not what we want. However, his Grace has indicated that they have been seeing an increase in cases from schools and from sports. That does not bode well for our fighting activities. It is best that we be prudent and do our best to stay healthy.
Please wear your masks, wash your hands, and socially distance when at all possible.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
The sun rises and sets, the seasons are changing yet Æthelmearc remains dormant in the grips of this plague … or do we?
What are we doing now, what hurdles do we face and what is in store for the future?
The good folks at Æ-Leads, who are dedicated to promotion of informed, engaged, and positive service within Æthelmearc, have arranged for a series of scholas to keep us connected and provide information
On Saturday, September 12th from noon – 4 pm a series of Zoom meetings will be offered to provide information regarding the status and direction of Æthelmearc and The Society
These are all Q and A panel type sessions, revolving around the impact of SCA life in this time of COVID.
Noon-1pm – Their Majesties of Æthelmearc, Maynard and Liadain, will be available to answer questions and concerns regarding the Kingdom
1pm-2pm – Æ Kingdom Seneshal, Mistress Illadore de Bedegrayne and Duke Christopher Rawlyns, Æ Deputy Seneschal for Pandemic, have agreed to discuss in-kingdom functions
2pm-3pm – Members of the BOD, President: John Fulton (Duke John the Bearkiller), Treasurer: Mazelle Attiya (Maistresse Alysia Gabrielle de Fougeres, and Director: Gigi Coulson (Mistress Giata Magdalena Alberti), Ombudsman for: Æthelmearc, Avacal, Drachenwald, Ealdormere, Lochac, DEI will be available to answer questions on corporate finance and decision making. Questions on other topics concerning the SCA at large are also welcome and can be addressed as time permits.
3pm-4pm – Two SCA members, Bjorn Einarsson from Heronterand Fox Fierlin from BMDL, who work in the mundane wellness profession will be talking about the feelings of loss and coping with isolation from SCA people and activities. (NOTE** this class is intended to be a social conversation and does not assume to present or stand as a substitute for medical diagnosis or remedy.)
All members of the populace are welcome and encouraged to submit questions and specific topics in advance. Even if you are not able to join in the live discussion, we would like to make sure your thoughts & concerns are addressed. Plans are underway to rebroadcast the session in order to share the information far and wide.
If you would like to submit questions in advance, please send your query to the session coordinator Mistress Jenna MacPherson of Lions Tower, OP via email to:jenna@aeleads.aethelmearc.org
Please feel free to cross post this announcement.
Thanks in advance …. and we look forward to your attendance and participation in next Saturday’s schola
As announced on ÆLive by Their Majesties, in consultation with myself, the Deputy Kingdom Seneschal for Pandemics (Duke Christopher), and Master Morien, the Kingdom Earl Marshal, we are continuing the pause on heavy fighting and rapier fighting until at least October 1st.
I know this is disappointing. I once again recommend pell work, footwork drills, zoom practices, and in general doing what you can to stay safe and sane in these times.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.
ÆLive is looking for short 1- to 2-minute-long videos of new-to-Æthelmearc citizens. These videos would be your way of introducing yourself, or your family, to the Kingdom during these times of isolation.
These videos will be collected and featured in a future episode(s) of ÆLive. If you would like to join in, please send an e-mail stating your interest to aeliveentertainment@aethelmearc.org. Once the e-mail is received, further instructions will be given.
Many of us are missing the opportunity to meet new people during these strange times and we would LOVE to meet you! So please, reach out to me and let the Kingdom know who our new and future citizens of Æthelmearc are!
Hello! This is to help clarify the July 1st re-opening rules that were sent out June 2nd, specifically about kids.
Greetings Æthelmearc,
ÆLive is looking for short 1- to 2-minute-long videos of new-to-Æthelmearc citizens. These videos would be your way of introducing yourself, or your family, to the Kingdom during these times of isolation.