All of these linked policies have been previously approved and are currently effective, and there are no new policies being introduced with this advent of page. It serves simply as a single point from which all can link and view, for ease of use.
It’s the result of a great deal of feedback, collaboration, and execution across many, and I’m very excited to share it. It is my hope that this page will help us all to better serve one another.
Thank you to the many, many people who contributed time and effort to make this happen!
Lord Hamlinius of Hamlynn passed from this world on May 8th, due to complications from heart surgery.
Hamlinius was a proud Fyrdman and a member of the Shire of Oakheart.
Some remembrances from Facebook:
He was a true spear brother, and I will miss him. His memory will be a blessing to all who carry it. – Dawi
Sweet Ham… our strange rivalry turned into a great friendship. I have no words. I knew it was risky, but I am shocked and, again this week, heartbroken. My brother – you will be so missed. – Allison
The Light at the end of the tunnel continues to brighten and so we are able to bring you more good news.
Across the Kingdom, vaccination rates continue to rise, and pandemic infection rates continue to fall. You have all shown us great enthusiasm for in person local meetings, and even greater restraint in following the restriction for those meetings. We cannot thank you enough for that.
Because of these things, we are pleased to announce that, starting May 15th 2021 We can allow fighting, Steel, Rattan, Youth and Equestrian, to begin again at local meetings and events.
These activities are still subject to the previous restrictions applied by Local, State, and Federal authorities, as well as the SCA Board of directors, and Ourselves. Masking rules must be followed on the field as well as off, and masks must be worn directly on the fighter’s face, not placed on the helmet. When not fighting, an appropriate distance should be kept between fighters. Food and drink rules will apply as well, which means water bearing will still not be allowed, so please make your own arrangements for refreshment and remember to distance appropriately when eating or drinking.
Trevor B Payne, our Kingdom Earl Marshall will have some additional information and advice in the next few days.
We know that some of these restrictions seem onerous, but I recall with fond memories wearing a mask in my own helm to storm the dry sands of Estrella war for hours each day. Fighting not only our foemen but the very air in the pursuit of victory and the clash of arms. Calontiri do not back down from a challenge.
Events start to appear on our Kingdom Calendar, word of further event planning is coming to us, and we can barely contain our excitement. I for one cannot wait for the opportunity to meet you on fields of honor once again.
Paul had been in the SCA since 1979, starting in the Midrealm in the Shire of Mynydd Seren.
Paul was for many years a fighter, and earned his Iren Fyrd.
He held a variety of local offices in the Shire of Calanais Nuadh, including seneschal, A & S minister, and knights marshal. He also served as Kingdom A & S minister, organizing Queen’s Prize and Kingdom A&S events. For all these services he was awarded the Cross of Calontir.
He earned his Silver Hammer as a bright metal caster. His persona was German, and he was meticulous in his efforts to be period accurate in his art. The fruits of his art were donated to the Kingdom and Crown, in the form of many award medallions, brooches, and rings.
Paul was a great teacher, on subjects as varied as metal casting, ‘The Song of Roland,’ metallurgy, alchemy, and sacred geometry.
Paul was a good and gentle man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
From Constellation shines a star
Above the peaks, a distance far
From thence proceed in ages past
A gentle man whose die was cast
And yet this treasure Falcon claims
Some Remembrances from Facebook:
Heartbroken to hear of the loss of HL Paul Adler (Vince Zahnle) today. A very kind man, always willing to lend a helping hand. He touched many lives, more than he may have realized. The SCA may not have recognized him as a peer, but I know one when I see one. My heartfelt condolences to his wife, the poet Lady Dulcibella de Chateaurien (Lucy Zahnle) and their family. – Ki no Kotori
Rest in peace, my dear friend, Paul Adler! You were an amazing friend and confidante. I will never forget the MANY lessons you taught me, especially because you helped me grow as a person!
The world is a little darker today. – Allison Lewis-Neff
The Society has received several inquiries regarding the possibility of individual Kingdoms requiring proof of vaccinations, negative COVID tests, and temperature checks of attendees at Society events. There have been comments submitted both for and in opposition to such additional requirements. The Board, President and Society Seneschal have discussed these requests and comments as well as the March 23, 2021, Board resolution taking effect on June 1, 2021, that lifts the current suspension of in-person activities in the SCA in North America. The Board Resolution established certain requirements for events and cited the necessity to follow all federal, provincial, state, and local laws effective on June 1, 2021, and past that date.
The Board, President, and Society Seneschal are agreed that Kingdoms, and all groups below Kingdom status, shall only be permitted to request proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test, or temperature checks where required by federal, provincial, state, or local laws. No variances will be granted that do not comply with this interpretation.
This position complies with the March 23, 2021, Board resolution, as well as the longstanding rules of Corpora for admission to SCA events. While we recognize the disappointment that some members of the Society may feel in this position, it is important to remember that the Society does not require proof of vaccination for any other communicable disease in order to attend events. Requiring proof of vaccination would have the practical effect of unfairly banning members and their families that are not able to be vaccinated despite their desire to do so (such as certain minors and people with allergic reactions).
Commentary on this topic can be sent via email to sca-comments@sca.org. Please use the term “Vaccination Policy” in the subject line. Do not include attachments when using this email address, as the spam filter will block messages with attachments. All commentary should be
placed in the body of the email.
In lieu of email, commentary may be sent by US Mail, Postage-Prepaid, to:
Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
RE: Vaccination Policy
P.O. Box 360789
Milpitas, CA 95036-0789
The SCA Board of Directors has received from the Peerage Committee a proposal for a possible new pan-activity patent order in the SCA and a framework for future orders, should the need arise. The proposal calls for recognizing those members who are already acting as peers in an endeavor but cannot be considered for elevation to one of the existing peerage orders because that endeavor or endeavors fall outside the areas considered by those orders. It also outlines how activity-specific peerages might be formed out of this shared peerage only when it is clear that the activity has achieved a level of participation and maturity within the Society to warrant its own peerage order.
Nothing in this proposal is final at this point in time.
The Board seeks commentary on this proposal. Please send your comments to sca-comments@lists.sca.org on or before June 21, 2021.
Additionally, the Board will in the coming weeks issue a poll on this proposal using its survey module at https://members.sca.org. Be watching for it on the SCA Announcements email list, at https://www.sca.org/news-events/, or on the SCA Facebook page.
Illustration of the Battle of Barnet (14 April 1471) on the Ghent manuscript. Public domain in the US
From the Pennsic Mayor:
G’Day Everyone,
When taking office in the position of Mayor for Pennsic 49 I made a promise to everyone. That promise was that above all else, I would endeavor to run a fiscally responsible and safe Pennsic 49. It was my dear friend and mentor Viscount Sir Edward that said to me “The people that attend this event are Pennsic, take care of them.” I promised him I would. Then COVID 19 hit and the entire world was plunged into a crisis, the like of which we have not witnessed in our lifetimes.
Over the past few months, I have been in constant discussions with The Pennsic Seneschals Group (PSG), The President of the SCA Inc, Coopers Lake Management and my Pennsic Senior Executive Group. In addition, I have seen the comments from many of you and listened to the comments from my Deputy Mayors and their staff.
I have kept you all updated as much as possible so that you all understand my decision-making process and so that you understand the path I am walking when I make decisions. Although change is happening and things are getting better, I must deal with the now, rather than what I think it may be like in 3 months’ time and unfortunately our vendors needs for commitment and certainty are requiring us to make commitments earlier than we originally intended.
As Mayor of Pennsic 49, I was entrusted with, the welfare and safety of the entire Pennsic Family. It is therefore with great sadness that I must inform you today that, I have decided to Postpone Pennsic 49 for another 12 months to 2022. The new dates for Pennsic 49 will be 29 July 2022 – 14 August 2022. This has been an exceedingly difficult decision to make but I trust you understand the reasoning behind it.
This postponement will be heartbreaking news to many of you and especially to the community surrounding Coopers Lake.
It has been arranged with Cooper’s Lake Management, that those who have preregistered for Pennsic 49 may have their registrations rolled over to 2022. If you desire a refund, please go to http://www.cooperslake.com and log into your pre-registration account.
Even if Pennsic 49 cannot run this July 2021, I remain optimistic that the situation will improve over the next months. I know that some of you have lost loved ones to this pandemic and my Pennsic Team and I send you our condolences and best wishes.
I am looking forward to the time when I can share some time with you all at Cooper’s Lake and Pennsic War.
She was kept in the greatest possible comfort and was peacefully asleep when she crossed the Rainbow Bridge; two nurses were in attendance and have both attested that the passing was such as one would hope for.
For obvious reasons there will not be a big public funeral at this time. In lieu of flowers persons who wish to make a tribute are welcomed to donate to the IV Company that Finola founded, or to do something in her honor: feed the hungry, clothe the garbless, welcome the newbie. In due season there will be some sort of wake. Details will have to wait for events to start up again in earnest.
Baroness Finola is survived by her daughter Colonel Jenna of Southwind, her son Rick the Rocket Scientist, his beautiful bride Lenny, and the grandson Christopher Scientistson.
(Although the Otherworld is said to have no time, at this moment Finola is probably still buried under a pile of dogs.)
From the Board of Directors and the offices of the Society Seneschal, and President.
On March 23, 2021, the Board of Directors passed the following:
Resolution to Lift Suspension of In-Person Activity in the SCA as of June 1st, 2021
I. Whereas the challenge created by the COVID-19 Global Pandemic demanded heightened safety standards which led to a suspension of in-person activity in North America by the SCA Board of Directors;
II. Whereas the crisis of the Pandemic is being addressed through a combination of social policy, as well as scientific and medical advancements;
III. Whereas the SCA Board of Directors continues to prioritize the health and well-being of the membership and participants of the SCA; and
IV. Whereas the directed suspension of in-person events in North America expires after May 31st, 2021; now, therefore, be it
V. Resolved, that the SCA Board of Directors lifts the suspension of in-person activity in North America, effective June 1, 2021, provided adherence to the items in this resolution;
VI. Resolved, that all attendees in North America must follow all province, territory, state, and local health guidelines at SCA events. In addition, at all North American SCA events:
A. Masks that fully cover the mouth and nose must be worn by all attendees over the age of 4 at all times and during all activities except for eating and drinking;
B. Court, bardic circles, or any activity that involves voice projection shall also require that masks be worn at all times. Sound amplification devices are highly recommended;
C. No day board, water-bearing, or food of any kind shall be provided by event staff or attendees to other attendees. All attendees must provide their own food and beverages;
D. While consuming food or beverages, attendees are required to remain stationary and follow social distancing rules;
E. No overnight camping shall be allowed;
F. All events shall be held outdoors;
G. There shall be a maximum of 150 people at any event; and
H. All events shall require preregistration.
VII. Resolved, that the SCA Board of Directors mandates applicable Kingdoms who have determined that it is safe to host in-person events before June 1st, 2021 or who propose any deviation from the above restrictions to request a variance from the Society Seneschal in order to hold the proposed event. 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;
VIII. Resolved, that small local gatherings including, but not limited to: guild meetings, officer meetings, and local martial activities including archery and thrown weapons shall remain at the discretion of the Crown and Kingdom Seneschal, in accordance with province, territory, state, and local health guidelines. Virtual events as alternatives continue to be a viable option;
IX. Resolved, that enforcement of this resolution will be handled by the Society Seneschal and President of SCA Inc.; and,
X. Resolved, that the SCA Board of Directors commends the hard-working officers, royalty, membership, and participants who have allowed the SCA to continue to flourish virtually as we lift this suspension and transition forward in a manner consistent with recommended health and safety standards.
The President and the Society Seneschal have been given the responsibility of implementing the resumption of events within the rules above and adjusting the strictures as needed with Board approval.
As per item (H) in the Resolution, SCA, Inc. has available the Event Module for the mandatory pre-registration process. All kingdoms are encouraged to utilize this tool. More information will be forthcoming from the SCA Accounting Specialist, Mazelle Attiya. If you would like to contact her about this available option, she can be reached at mazelle@sca.org.
This is our first step toward the resumption of SCA events. Working with the corporate officers and with input from the various kingdoms, we will continue to assess the pandemic environment and make changes going forward as needed, either to add further restrictions or relax existing ones as the situation allows.
No matter what safety precautions we put in place, there is no substitute for each individual being educated about the risk to themselves and their loved ones, and making responsible choices to protect themselves and others from this virus.
We look forward to seeing many of you, in person and in garb, as we prepare to begin in-person events again.
You told us that you wanted a quick reference spot for information on our code of conduct and behavioral expectations. Here it is!
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