The Citizens and
Soldiers Society Rules and Regulations
|
The Citizens and Soldiers Society
RULES
January 17, 2012
CORPORATE
RULES
These rules govern the
running of The Citizens and Soldiers Society
Board of Directors
Corporate Rules are administered, and may be added to,
deleted or changed, by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, meeting in
quorum. The Membership may veto changes by a two thirds vote of said
membership, meeting in quorum. The Board of Directors may override a veto by
the membership with a unanimous vote of those meeting in quorum.
Any changes to Corporate Rules become effective only when
the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings are published.
Corporate Officers
The Corporation is required to have three (3) executive
officers consisting of a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, elected every
two years as provided for in the Corporate By-Laws. The Board of Directors, consisting of the
three authorized Corporate Officers, governs the affairs of the Corporation.
The Board of Directors acts in all instances on behalf of The Citizens and
Soldiers Society except as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, the
Corporate By-Laws or these Rules.
President
The President is responsible for, among other functions,
the following:
• Presiding
over all The Citizens and Soldiers Society functions;
• Negotiating
details of possible events in concert with the event planners the Secretary and the Authenticity
Committee;
• Finalizes
contracts of events already authorized;
• Confers
with Federal, State and Local authorities;
• Has
final say in emergencies concerning the health, safety and welfare of The
Citizens and Soldiers Society or its members and as required for protection of
individual property, either public or private (i.e. injuries on the field,
disasters, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, etc.); and
• Presides
over meetings of the Board of Directors and the Membership.
Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for, among other functions,
the following:
• Assisting
the President in presiding over all The Citizens and Soldiers Society
functions;
• Assumes
the duties of the President in temporary absence unless otherwise specified.
• Keeps
the official records of the organization, including safety tests,
documentation, and other records as called for in the Rules;
• Insures
that minutes are taken and accurately recorded at Board meetings;
• Formats
the minutes and distributes them to all Board of Directors members, the
membership at large and all other requesting parties;
• Formats
and mails correspondence delegated by the Administrative Board;
• Updates
Rules when delegated, and notifies the members electronically or by whatever
means necessary of any changes
• Maintains
files on all The Citizens and Soldiers Society members, to include membership
forms and liability releases, maintains the membership database which includes,
but is not limited to, address, phone number and current electronic address;
and
• Maintains
files on all correspondence.
Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for, among other functions, the
following:
• Maintains
a complete set of books showing income and expenses of The Citizens and Soldiers Society;
• Prepares
accounting books for yearly tax personnel to be audited and statements
submitted to the State and
Federal tax authorities;
• Prepares
yearly budget for approval;
• Prepares
inventory and audit of corporate property;
• Maintains
files on all dues payments by The Citizens and Soldiers Society members;
• Receive
all monies due The Citizens and Soldiers Society and deposits the same in The
Citizens and Soldiers Society accounts;
• Disperses
monies for expenses accrued, under the directions of the President and/or the
Board of Directors; and
- Serves as Presiding Officer at
meetings of the membership, with the same duties and authority as the
President, should the president be absent.
Appointees of the Administrative Board
The Board of Directors makes the following appointments,
subject to ratification by the Member(s) at Large:
Information Officer: responsible for the
coordination and management of electronic and print media relating to The
Citizens and Soldiers Society in cooperation with the Board of Directors. They will be responsible for, though not
limited to the following: Web site maintenance, mass e-mailing, and all social
networking accounts and other duties as assigned or as stipulated in this
document. The Board of Directors is not
allowed to impose editorial review or editing to the Editor, unless the content
in question conflicts with the rules, regulations, or Corporate By-Laws of The
Citizens and Soldiers Society or other legal requirements imposed by State or
Federal code. The Information Officer shall be responsible for assembling an
editorial and publication staff should it become necessary.
Elections Administrator: responsible for
conducting the General Elections and other elections as deemed necessary under
these rules. The Elections Administrator is appointed no later than six (6)
months prior to the elections. The
position may be held by any member of The Citizens and Soldiers Society aged 18
or over who is not standing for any of the positions open in the General
Elections. The Elections Administrator
is likewise responsible preparation, mailing, and tabulating the ballots and
maintaining the integrity of the ballots in all elections, those held yearly,
for the purpose of voting into being the member(s) at large and for the
election of the Board of Directors every two (2) years.
Judge Advocate: responsible for the administration of Disciplinary Procedures. Ideally the Judge Advocate will have legal training, though not required, sufficient to insure that the principle of due process is observed in all disciplinary actions. This position shall carry no military rank. The position is open to all members of The Citizens and Soldiers Society who are members in good standing, aged 18 or over and who are not currently serving on the Board of Directors or as one of the members at large.
Safety Officer: responsible for the maintenance of first aid kits, the administration of safety test and preparation thereof for the secretary. They will oversee any and all members who are interested in assisting with event safety and oversee the development of either a safety or first aid committee if the need should arise. Members who are interested in assisting in the area will serve with the purpose to respond to any emergency medical incidents at events pending they can do so in a safe an effective manner without endangering themselves, other members of the organization, or the public. Each member acting in such a fashion must supply documentation demonstrating that they have received medical training greater to or equivalent to the basic first aid level and CPR for the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Documentation will be given to the Safety Officer who will give it to the secretary for their official records.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in The Citizens and Soldiers Society shall not
be denied on the basis of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender, age,
or religious affiliation.
To become a member of The Citizens and Soldiers Society, an
individual must first be interviewed by one of the sitting members of either
the Board of Directors or the Members at Large.
Any perspective members are then required to fill out The Citizens
and Soldiers Society Membership Application in its entirety, including a Liability
Release, and be accepted into the organization by majority vote of the
Board of Directors meeting in quorum and pay such dues as are required by The
Citizens and Soldiers Society.
Members at Large: There will one (1) Member at Large voted on
and approved by the membership for every twenty-five (25) paid members of The
Citizens and Soldiers Society. They will
be voted into office in an annul election for the sole purpose of membership
representation to the Board of Directors.
It is the responsibility of the Member(s) at Large to act as liaison
between the general membership and Board of Directors, event planners and
Authenticity Committee. They are to act
as the voice of the general membership.
The Member(s) at Large are also responsible for voting annually, along
with the Board of Directors in setting the schedule for the organization.
Combatant
A combatant is anyone participating on the battlefield
during battle scenarios with other line soldiers, cavalry or artillery,
medical, etc. whether with or without a weapon.
Dues and Membership
Dues are paid by all members of the organization annually
in order to be a member in good standing of the organization. Dues are paid
annually and expire with the calendar year. Dues are set in accordance with the
By-Laws by the Administrative Board.
For purposes of memberships, a couple is married or
domestic partnership as defined by the state of California
Members of the Board of Directors, during their term of
office, have the cost of their membership (individual, couple, or family) waived.
Members receive an annual membership card. Anyone not
possessing a valid membership card on their person at all times at an event,
will not be acknowledged as a member in good standing and may not participate
in any event activities until confirmed by a member of the Board of Directors.
Minors as Members
Minors are subject to all rules and regulations of The
Citizens and Soldiers Society.
Minors under the age of 14 are prohibited from
participating in any combatant or military role while in attendance at an
approved event as a member of The Citizens and Soldiers Society.
A minor recognized as an emancipated minor under the laws of the State of
All minors at an event must have a parent who is attending
such event and is a member of The Citizens and Soldiers Society. A parent must
sign a Minor's Waiver of Liability before the minor may join the
organization. Minors may be required to provide a legal proof of age (birth
certificate, California I.D., etc.) when joining The Citizens and Soldiers
Society, in which event the Secretary will note such on the Minor’s Waiver
of Liability.
In the event that a minor's parent will not be in
attendance at an event, such parent may appoint an adult age 21 or older as
temporary guardian of the minor by delivery of a written assignment of
responsibility executed by the parent and delivered to a Board of Directors
member either directly or thought the Member(s) at Large. No adult may be responsible for more than two
(2) minors at any one time who are not such adult's children. A parent or guardian is responsible for the
supervision of the minor(s) under his or her care at all times during an approved
The Citizens and Soldiers Society event. Parents or guardians who do not
supervise their minors are subject to disciplinary action.
COMMITTEES
General Committee Operations
Membership in any committee is open to any member in good
standing of The Citizens and Soldiers Society. Only those qualified to vote in
The Citizens and Soldiers Society General Elections are allowed to vote at
committee meetings.The Board of Directors may create ad hoc committees as necessary.
The chairpersons of committees are elected by the committee members annually at the general membership meeting, or at the first meeting of that committee held during the calendar year. Names of chairpersons are submitted to the Secretary upon election.
The chairperson of each standing committee submits a line
item budget request to the
Board of Directors for approval. Once the Board of
Directors has approved the budget,
expenses can be incurred up to the line item budget limits.
Additional funding over the specified budget requires prior Board of Directors
approval.
Each committee reports on business it has conducted at
meetings of the Combined
Boards. Written minutes of the committee meetings, with
attendees listed, will be submitted to the Board of Directors for review and
upon approval of those minutes by the committee(s) members the chairperson will
then submit the minutes to the Information Officer for publication and/or
distribution to the membership.
Living History Committee
The Living History Committee reports to the Board of Directors and the Member(s) at Large. The purpose of the Living History Committee is to propose events, bringing a list of possible events to the Board of Directors and the Member(s) at Large prior to the third (3) membership meeting of the year. The committee will likewise be responsible for determining the impression guidelines set forth for the proposed events. This will include, but is not limited to impression standards, suitable portrayals dictated by individual sites and/or guidelines set by all historic sites or any sites in general regardless of locality.
The Living History Committee develops the dates, locations,
and overall operational schedule for The Citizens and Soldiers Society, to be
developed and planned over a 12-month calendar.
The Living History Committee Chairperson will appoint an
event coordinator or contact to act as liaison between The Citizens and
Soldiers Society, its board and its members and the site host or event
coordinator/contact.
Animals
The use of animals at events is directed by the Living
History Committee. Animals in attendance
are directed by the guidelines of the specific site and its regulations and by
the appropriateness of the animal(s) in question with regards to impression
standards, time period(s) and event specifics.
When animals are in attendance it the responsibility of the owner to
maintain control and see to the wellbeing of their animal(s) at all times. If members fail to maintain control of the
animals they are handling they will be subject to disciplinary proceedings
which could result in expulsion from the event or the termination of their
membership. It is the owners/handlers
responsibility to clean up after their animals and to do so in accordance with
any and all site requirements or in a reasonably prudent fashion.
The Citizens and Soldiers Society ELECTIONS
Annual General Election
The Election Administrator will begin advertising the upcoming elections to the membership no less than four months prior to the election. He will solicit the membership for their intent to run for any of the vacant positions, whether on the Board of Directors or within the Member(s) at Large. The Elections Administrator will then inform potential candidates as to what address a written statement of candidacy must be sent and specifying a date no earlier than November 1 for the closing of statements of candidacy, after which date statements will not be accepted.
No later than December 1, the Election Administrator will
mail the official ballots and supporting materials to the members of the
organization who are eligible to vote at the date of the election. Ballots
shall allow for a write-in candidate for any elected position.
Elections are conducted and finalized at the Annual
Membership Meeting.
The Election Administrator takes necessary steps to insure
that the ballots are in a form that cannot be counterfeited. In the event that
such steps require a system that infringes upon the secrecy of the ballot
process, the Election Administrator shall be held to the highest standards of
privacy and discloses to no one the vote of any member of the organization,
whether expressed individually or as a reflection of how a unit voted.
It is the responsibility of each individual member to
determine that his or her ballot has been properly secured, completed and
returned, mailed to the address supplied by the Elections Administrator.
The winner of each position shall be the party who receives
the greatest number of votes cast for the respective position and need not constitute
a majority in the event that more than two parties are standing for a single
position. Election results shall be announced immediately after tabulation and
shall also be immediately submitted to the Information Officer to be
distributed to the membership.
In the event of a tie vote for any position the following
procedures will be followed:
• For Board of Directors
positions, the candidates will be presented to such Member(s) at Large who will
then cast the deciding vote(s).
• For Member at Large positions,
the candidates will be presented to the Board of Directors who will then cast
their deciding vote(s) on the position.
For the Board of Directors, these positions are elected: President,
Secretary, and Treasurer. For the Member(s) at Large, one will be
elected for every twenty-five (25) members.
All members age 14 or older may vote in the Board of
Directors election.
Recall Elections
Any elected official of The Citizens and Soldiers Society
is subject to a recall election upon filing with any member of the Board of
Directors a recall petition signed by at least 35% of the members in good
standing.
• For The Citizens and Soldiers
Society President, Secretary, and Treasurer, 35% of members eligible to vote in
The Citizens and Soldiers Society elections; and
• For the Member at Large elected
positions, 35% of members eligible to vote in The Citizens and Soldiers
Society.
The Board of Directors must immediately notify the
membership regarding the recall petition and its details. Then within seven (7)
days of the petition’s receipt
by the Board of Directors, the Secretary and Elections
Administrator will certify to the
Board of Directors whether or not the signature
requirements have been met.
If the signature requirement has been met, the Board of
Directors will direct the Election
Administrator to conduct a recall election. The Elections
Administrator will then prepare and mail to the membership, within fifteen (15)
days, the necessary ballot materials to conduct the recall election. This
ballot will be limited to the question of the recall. All ballots must be
returned as directed within 30 days of the date of mailing.
At the close of the voting period, the Election
Administrator will count the ballots returned. A simple majority (50% +1) of
the ballots returned is all that is required to determine the result of this
election. Election results shall be announced immediately after tabulation
through all available official channels, including, but not limited to The
Citizens and Soldiers Society website and electronic mail.
Vacancies
Any elected The Citizens and Soldiers Society Board of Directors position made vacant, by resignation or other reasons, must be filled as provided for in Article III, Section 3 of the Corporate By-Laws. Such appointments must be made within 30 days of the vacancy occurring. All appointments and results will be reported to the Secretary within one (1) week of the results.
Any elected The Citizens and Soldiers Society Board of Directors position made vacant, by resignation or other reasons, must be filled as provided for in Article III, Section 3 of the Corporate By-Laws. Such appointments must be made within 30 days of the vacancy occurring. All appointments and results will be reported to the Secretary within one (1) week of the results.
CONDUCT AND ENFORCEMENT
Causes for Disciplinary Procedures
Undesirable conduct may, together with specification of
charges, form the basis for disciplinary actions, and include, but are not
limited to any of the following:
• Violation of The Citizens and
Soldiers Society Rules;
• Any violation of local, state,
or federal law;
• Allowing minors under 14 years
of age on the battlefield during battle scenarios;
• Excessive intoxication;
• Abusively profane language;
• Insubordination;
• Neglect of duties;
• Conduct which seriously impairs
the ability of The Citizens and Soldiers
Society or others to perform or carry out the stated purposes of The Citizens
and Soldiers Society;
• Conviction of a felony or
misdemeanor in a court of law that impairs the ability of the
The Citizens and Soldiers Society to carry out its stated
purposes; and
• Violation of the laws of the
State of California
Disciplinary Proceedings
Not withstanding the option of resolution under the
provisions of General Enforcement of Rules the following process will be used
in the case of Disciplinary Proceedings.
Any member may request a Court of Inquiry by submitting a
written request to the Judge
Advocate within one (1) month after the violation or after
the failure of the proceedings under General Enforcement. The written request
must contain the specific The Citizens and Soldiers Society rule(s) alleged to
have been violated and specify the manner in which it was violated. A copy of
the request is sent to the President, or to the Secretary if the President is
the one under inquiry, and so on. The Judge Advocate investigates the charge
through interviews with the member making the accusation, the accused,
witnesses, the member's immediate superior, and/or their unit commander should
the violation have occurred while in a military role. The Judge Advocate then,
subject to the review of the Board of Directors, initiates Summary Judgment,
requests a Court Martial or dismisses the charge.
The Judge Advocate has two (2) weeks from the receipt of charges to recommend a course of action.
If Summary Judgment is recommend and accepted it will be
imposed by the Judge Advocate. This judgment may include private reprimand,
public reprimand or suspension from The Citizens and Soldiers Society activities for a
period not to exceed 45 days.
Any accused member assessed discipline by Summary Judgment
may decline such punishment, in which case a Court Martial must be convened, or
the charges must be dropped. However, in the event of Court Martial, the Court
is not limited by the punishment imposed under the
Summary Judgment. If a Court Martial is called, the Board
of Directors appoints six (6)
regular members of the organization. Such appointees shall
not be directly involved in the dispute. These six members and the Judge
Advocate comprise the Court.
The Judge Advocate is President of the Court, guides the
proceedings, rules on objections to evidence, and votes in case of a tie. The
Board of Directors will appoint a Prosecuting Officer to present the case
before the court and a Recording Secretary for the court.
The Judge Advocate requests the Board of Directors to
appoint a replacement if the Judge Advocate cannot act without prejudice.
The accused may challenge up to three (3) appointees to the
Court without cause and an unlimited number for cause. The Judge Advocate rules on the
challenges for cause. The Board of Directors appoints replacement members of the
Court.
The date and place of the Court Martial is set by the Judge
Advocate and is not less than 14 days nor more than 30 days from the
appointment of the Court, except by the decision of the Board of Directors. All
parties are notified in writing of the date and place.
The accused may represent themselves by presenting their own case or may appoint any other member of the organization to represent them. Both parties may call as many witnesses as necessary as long as the testimony relates to the charges. All testimony is under oath or affirmation testimony and sworn and legally notarized affidavits may be presented and each party may cross-examine witnesses.
The Prosecuting Officer first presents the case, followed
by the defense. Members of the Court may ask questions of the witnesses and the
accused, though the accused may decline without prejudice to be questioned.
Questions may be followed by summation if desired.
The Prosecuting Officer bears the burden of proof, and must
demonstrate the charge and
specifications by “clear and convincing evidence.”
The Court produces a verdict. The verdict is announced
orally and if the charge is determined as “proven” also announces the discipline
to be imposed. A majority vote of the Court is required for both proving the
charge and the determination of any disciplinary measures. Minutes of the
proceedings (including the verdict) are submitted to the Board of Directors in
writing.
Court-Imposed Discipline
Discipline may include private reprimand, public reprimand,
reduction in grade, suspension from The Citizens and Soldiers Society
activities, expulsion or disenfranchisement of any specific right, privilege,
rank or status, as determined by the Court Martial.
Appellate Proceedings
The accused may appeal a verdict or a discipline to the
Board of Directors within 14 days
after the Court Martial announces its verdict and
discipline to be imposed. In the event of a tie vote on the Board of Directors,
the verdict of the Court Martial will stand.
The Board of Directors has one (1) month to complete the
appellate review and reply to the accused in writing. The decision of the Board
of Directors, after review, is final. If members of the Board of Directors are
among the requesters, then appeals will be directed to the Member(s) at large
for review at the next regularly scheduled meeting. If only one Member at Large exists then they
will appoint two (2) impartial parties to assist in the review. The appointees will not be involved in the
situation or the events or the proceedings.
OPERATIONAL RULES
General Committee Operations
Membership in any committee is open to any member in good
standing of The Citizens and Soldiers Society. Only those qualified to vote in
The Citizens and Soldiers Society General Elections are allowed to vote at
committee meetings.
The chairpersons of committees are elected by the committee
members annually at the general membership meeting, or at the first meeting of
that committee held during the calendar year.
Names of chairpersons are submitted to the Secretary upon election.
The chairperson of each standing committee submits a line
item budget request to the
Board of Directors for approval. Once the Board of
Directors has approved the budget,
expenses can be incurred up to the line item budget limits.
Additional funding over the specified budget requires prior Board of Directors
approval.
Each committee reports on business it has conducted at
meetings of the Combined
Boards. Written minutes of the committee meetings, with
attendees listed, will be submitted to the Board of Directors for review and
upon approval of those minutes by the committee(s) members the chairperson will
then submit the minutes to the Information Officer for publication and/or
distribution to the membership
Rules Committee
The Rules Committee acts as a forum for general or
significant changes or additions to The Citizens and Soldiers Society Rules,
prior to their presentation to the Board of Directors and Member(s) at Large.
The Rules Committee may make suggestions on its own, or may be called upon by
the Board of Directors or the Member(s) at Large to research or develop
proposed changes. Unless called upon by either of those parties, however, Rules
Committee involvement is not required for rule changes.
MEETINGS
Committee Meetings
The chairperson of each committee informs each committee
member of any meeting at
least one (1) week prior to the meeting by phone, mail,
email, by publishing a notice electronically, or by any means necessary.
Membership Meetings
The President presides over all membership meetings,
without vote, except to break tie votes. The Treasurer serves as Presiding
Officer, with the same duties and authority, if the President is absent.
The Secretary records all minutes of the meeting, and
carries out other functions as the
President directs. Any approved minutes are submitted to
the Information Officer for publication.
Definition of Portrayal
For specifics please refer to general authenticity
guidelines. All guidelines will be set
on a per event basis and may include guidelines other than those outlined in
this document. All guidelines for
specific events will be published to the general membership no later than one
(1) month prior to any specific event.
The Articles of Incorporation define The Citizens and
Soldiers Society’s portrayal as both Military and Citizens impressions from
1840 to 1880. These re-created time periods are formed though membership in The
Citizens and Soldiers Society. All
portrayals are defined by the guidelines set forth by the event specifics and
the Living History committee. This
includes all aspects of, but is not limited to, the following as applied to the
organizations events:
• Ad Hoc unit documentation and
formation;
• Individual clothing, tools,
uniforms, equipment, weapons, insignia, and personal items;
• Flags and colors;
• Camp furniture and layout;
• Rank, insignia and Army
organization; and
• Tactics and formations
Modern Articles
Impression guidelines and authenticity standards will be
developed by the living history committee on a per event basis and adapted as
necessary given the constraints of event guidelines and time period(s) being
portrayed.
Non-period items, while allowed in camp, are not permitted
to be visible at any time.
Visibly correct period garments, made of period appropriate
natural fabrics and tailored in a reasonably and prudent fashion will be worn
from the start of an event, no later than 7:00am on Saturday to 3:30pm on
Sunday, unless dictated otherwise by the specific event schedule. Certain exceptions are made for emergencies
and necessarily late arrival or early departure to or from an event.
Both garments and impressions will be dictated by event
specifics developed by the Living History Committee or as dictated by site
specific event guidelines and shall confirm to those guidelines. That includes, but is not limited to:
Artillery Accuracy
No mountain howitzers, unless
deemed appropriate by the event guidelines
No subscale artillery
pieces
Arms Accuracy
Firearms must confirm to the
general impressions set for the event and can not be of a style manufactured
later than that of the time period being portrayed. Definitive guidelines will be set on a per
event basis by the Living History Committee.
In the case of a military
portrayal infantry AND heavy artillery units carry the long arms documented to
have been in use by their units; in the absence of clear documentation or
reasonable availability, they carry 3-band muzzle-loading long arms e.g.,
Pattern 1842 Pattern 1853 Enfield, M1861 or M1863 Springfield, M1861 Special
Contract Rifle Musket, or Richmond Rifle Musket, etc.
Cavalry units carry carbines, or
other shoulder arms, documented to have been in use by their units; in the
absence of clear documentation or reasonable availability, they carry
muzzle-loading or breech-loading single-shot carbines (e.g., Hall, Sharps,
Smith, Maynard, Burnside, etc.).
At NO time will artillery
units carry either shoulder or side arms.
Flag Accuracy
Flag accuracy and the number and
type of flags flown on the battlefield will depend on the number of troops
taking the field. In the event that
numbers allow for the flying of colors the following guidelines will be adhered
to.
On the battlefield, the
following flags may be flown:
• For
artillery units, one (1) guidon or battery color each;
• For
cavalry units, one (1) guidon each; and
• For
independent infantry battalions, one (1) national and one (1) regimental color
each.
In camp, a unit may fly no more
than one (1) flag documented as carried by the unit portrayed at the unit level
portrayed unless outlined by the above guidelines. If no flag can be
documented, no flag will be flown.
Flags must appear to be of
documented design and materials.
Except for medical units, flags
are flown on staffs designed to be hand-held and carried into battle (e.g.,
less than 10 feet tall).
Camp authenticity is determined
by the event guidelines and specifics as laid forth by the Living History
Committee in accordance with event and/or scenario requirements
In general, tentage of any kind
should be kept to a minimum unless the event or portrayal calls for such. Wall tents are not permitted in military
camps, except for Army Officers, Army Hospital Corps, and Commissaries, unless
otherwise dictated by event guidelines.
Wall tents for citizen portrayals are allowed only if it conforms to the
specifics of the event and documented for your portrayal.
Posters or print material,
whether recruiting in military or citizen camps for advertising events are
displayed only if they are of a period style and composition.
Onsite food preparation will
confirm to period methods. Propane
stoves or other modern camping convinces shall not be used unless site rules or
guidelines prohibit open fire cooking.
Charcoal briquettes, while acceptable for some impressions are not to be
used as they were not readily available in their current form.
Camp furniture will be limited
to documented styles only and limited by your impression.
Gender Accuracy
A reasonable attempt shall be made by members of either sex
when portraying men or women whether Citizen or Soldier from a distance of ten
(10) yards or more. If your
appearance does not conform to a passable standard you will need to discontinue
said impression.
Safety Rules
General Camp and Event Safety
1.
All members and guest participants must read and have a working knowledge of
the Safety Rules before participating in any reenacting event. Members and
guests are personally responsible for this. It is, also, the responsibility of
any commanders (rank specified by impression guidelines) and their
subordinates, to instruct those under their command in these rules and to
enforce them at all times.
2.
Hazardous conduct on or off the field is prohibited.
3.
There are to be no unattended fires at any time. Water buckets and/or
camouflaged fire
extinguishers
are to be maintained near open fires at all times. A safety area of 10 feet is
required
between any fire and tents (this does not apply to fires built under flies
during the rain.
4.
Members of the public may not enter any member’s tent, unless by express
invitation of the owner.
5.
Any violation of Local, State, or Federal Law will be referred to the local law
enforcement agency.
8.
Spectators will NOT be allowed to handle weapons at any time.
9. To
avoid unnecessary conflict, at no time will a member pick up another members
weapon without permission from such member. The exception is when the member
retrieving the weapon has good faith and reasonable belief that the owner has
"lost" the weapon.
10.
ALL animals must be restrained for their safety and the safety of other
individuals and/or animals in the area. Any animal and its owner may be asked
to leave by the event coordinator if the animal remains unrestrained.
11.
Smoking or open flame is prohibited during the following times: - While
handling powder in any form, within the artillery powder magazine Safety Zone;
and after battles until all weapons and cartridges have been secured.
12.
At no time will a member pick up another members weapon without permission from
such member. The exception is when the member retrieving the weapon has good
faith and reasonable belief that the owner has "lost" the weapon.
13.
Firearms and powder supplies will never be out of possession, sight or control.
To prevent access before, during and after battles or demonstrations, firearms,
ammunition, caps and powder supplies will be guarded to prevent theft,
unauthorized tampering, personal injury and/or damage to the explosives. No
loaded weapons, caps, ammunition or powder will ever be put into the hands of
spectators, minors or noncombatants. The individual gun or powder owner will be
held responsible.
14.
The possession of live ammunition, either period or modern and/or the
possession of modern weapons in camp are prohibited.
15.
Weapon firing or clearing of weapons outside of the battlefield can only be
done with a 10 yard safety distance from any general camp area or spectator
area and 20 yards from
any
picket lines. The phrase "fire in
the hole" will be used in such circumstances.
16.
Indiscriminate firing of weapons is not permitted. The exception to this rule
is where weapons are being cleared on order in formation.
Battlefield Safety
Battlefield
Safety Zones:
A
Safety Zone of 10 yards is required between or around:
• Anyone
carrying unsecured and/or live weapons, and the public;
• Anyone
carrying loaded weapons, and artillery ammunition boxes, limbers or caissons;
• Artillery
powder magazines, tents, structures or anyone, and anyone not an authorized
member of the artillery
• A loaded
artillery piece, and persons standing to the side of the muzzle (except the
gun's crew)
• Anyone
firing weapons, and the persons the weapons are aimed at (if persons are within
10 yards, weapons are fired straight up in the air).
• The active
area of the “battlefield” and any spectator or other public areas. All troops
are prohibited in this area.
A
Safety Zone of 20 yards is required between or around:
• Anyone
firing weapons, and mounted persons the weapons are aimed at (if mounted
persons are within 20 yards, weapons are fired straight up in the air);
• Anyone
firing weapons, and mounted artillery pieces or wagons (weapons are not fired
at all within this Safety Zone);
• Anyone
firing weapons, and equine picket lines;
• A loaded
artillery piece and persons standing in front of the muzzle
• Artillery
emplacements (guns and ammunition boxes), and the public.
Battlefield:
1.
Barriers are patrolled by Provost Guards or Safety Team members during all
battlefield
operations
2. All Provost Guards or Safety Team members
will be courteous but firm when requesting spectators or guests to relocate to
a designated spectator area.
3. Spectators not cooperating with Provost
Guards or Safety Team members will be referred to the host site organizers for
removal, or to the police for arrest and prosecution.
4. Members are not allowed in the camp areas
during battle scenarios unless they are in period attire
5."Mounted" vehicles-- artillery
pieces, limbers, caissons or wagons, drawn by horses,
mules
or oxen-- always have a clear route off the battlefield in case of an
emergency.
6. Troops attempting to "capture" such
vehicles on the battlefield and during a battle will
leave
at least one open avenue for the animals to move through in an emergency, and
obey
the safety instructions of the lead driver of the vehicle.
! The call "Medic!" is for use in actual
emergencies only! For living history, use "surgeon," "stretcher
bearer," or other period terms
Additional
Safety Rules pertaining to the Battlefield:
• The
minimum age to carry a weapon, service an artillery piece or ride with the
cavalry is 14. No one under the age of 14 is allowed on the field or to be
doing any military or combatant impression.
•
Canteens are required for all those participating in battlefield activities.
• No
Re-enactor may be armed with more than one long arm. No more than two revolvers
may be carried by any re-enactor, and each must be in an appropriate holster.
No pistols in belts, pockets, etc. At NO
time will extra pistol cylinders be carried.
•
Cartridges shall be carried in cartridges boxes. Tompions shall be left in
camp. No wonder wads shall ever be used.
• Hand-to-hand
battle scenarios require the permission of the Army Commanders, and practice in
the techniques by the participants. Before engaging in any hand to hand all
weapons must be cleared and empty. Individuals who find themselves in
unauthorized hand-to-hand combat will surrender, take a hit or run away, as
appropriate. After the battle the individual instigating the unauthorized hand
to hand will be reported to Brigade command.
• If
a “Field Hospital” is established within the Battlefield area, then there will
be no weapons fire within 10 yard zone taken from the position of the Hospital
fly or Tent.
•
During battlefield activities, any member, observing a situation that is in
violation of a safety rule, may be allowed to correct the situation immediately,
otherwise, if not resolved, may call a cease fire, which shall remain in effect
until the situation is corrected or resolved. Officers on the field may take
reasonable steps to correct the situation without calling "Cease
Fire" if it is likely to be quicker and safer. To make a cease fire
obvious and quick the individual calling the cease fire due to safety will take
his weapon (rifle or sword) and hold over their head longitudinally, using both
hands. A signal that can be repeated by additional participants until the cease
fire has been produced.
•
Soldiers may fire from the prone position only when commanded to by their
company officer or when the prearranged with regards to the specific scenario.
Before firing the soldier will elevate his muzzle above any tall grass, sand or
loose rocks (permission is
withheld
for fire danger, or if loose gravel may be kicked up by muzzle blast).
• A
wounded party may never fire from the ground. A soldier should discharge his
weapon before falling.
• No
ramrods or bayonets shall be used on the battlefield. Rammers and bayonets
shall be secured while on the battlefield.
•
Non-combatant members are not allowed on the active battlefield with the exception
of period military medical impressions, and war correspondents or scripted
scenarios that have been approved by both brigade commanders.
Spectator
Safety Issues:
The
public is not allowed:
1. On
the battlefield, during battle scenarios, this will include the time after
engagement while troops are still present on the field;
2. On
the battlefield between battle scenarios if live ground charges are present, or
demonstrations are being held;
3. In
any camp locations during battle scenarios;
4.
The public is allowed on the field immediately following battle scenarios only
if they are part of approved tours of the field guided by Event Host members.
5.
The host site event organizers and the Safety Coordinator are responsible for
the marking and placement of battlefield spectator barriers.
Long arm Safety
1.
Weapons shall be clean and in good repair prior to use.
2.
All weapons will be field cleaned at the end of the day.
3.
Weapons will be loaded only when designated by your CO.
4.
Only FF or FFF grade Black Powder or equivalent will be used (absolutely no
black powder substitutes are allowed). High velocity muzzle loading propellant,
such as GOEX, or similar product will not be substituted for the low velocity
Black Powder as currently used today.
5. At
no time will ramrods be drawn on the field during a battle scenario. The ONE exception to this when engaged in a
firing demonstration (not held during a battle scenario) which is being
monitored by a second set of trained eyes, permission has been obtained from
commander(s) and all battlefield safety distances are being observed both in
regards to the public and other reenactors.
6.
Long arm cartridges for muzzle loading weapons must be made of paper, and tied
with string if desired, but no staples, tape, or glue or other methods of
securing the cartridge are used unless they conform to the period portrayed.
They will be made prior to battle and will contain no more than 70-75 grains of
black powder for 54 to 58 cal weapons, 90 grains for 69 cal weapons or 130
grains for 10 gauge shotguns. These loads are the maximum allowed.
7.
Powder horns, flasks or other free loading devices are not allowed on the
battlefield unless there is an event specific and historically documented
reason for doing to.
8.
When loading a muzzle loaded Long Arm, only the powder will be placed in the barrel,
no paper. The ONE exception is when cigarette paper or equivalent is used for
breech-loading shoulder arms.
9.
When discharging a weapon inside the minimum safety distance, the weapon will
be discharged straight up at a right angle to the ground.
10.
Carbine and other shoulder arm cartridges conform to time period
specifications. Hard-cased ammunition is sealed only with compressed Cream of
Wheat, or with "crumbling" floral foam and "shooting
grease," but not both.
11.
Long arms are reloaded on the battlefield only with prepared cartridges.
Pistol Safety
1.
Revolvers and other pistols of 36 cal. shall be loaded with no more than 15
grains of powder. Pistols of 44 cal. shall be loaded with no more than 30
grains of FFF powder only.
2.
Single shot pistols may be loaded with 40 grains.
3.
Only dry material of the following can be utilized as wadding for pistols and
revolvers: Cream of Wheat, or with "crumbling" floral foam and
"shooting grease," but not both. All other wadding is
prohibited.
4.
Pistols are NOT to be reloaded on the battlefield unless the method is
documented for your particular weapon.
No spare cylinders are allowed at any time.
5.
Powder horns, flasks or other free loading devices are not allowed on the
battlefield unless documented and appropriate to the scenario.
7.
Minimum distance for aimed pistol fire is 10 yards.
8.
All loaded pistols are carried in a holster when loaded to avoid accidental
discharge while on the battlefield. Pistols are not carried in waistbands,
belts or boots, whether loaded or not. Carrying pistols in waistbands or belts
is prohibited on the battlefield. ONLY
unloaded pieces may be carried in belts etc. for the purposes of living history
activities.
9.
Pistols are considered secured if they are carried in a holster with the flap
closed, or a loop over the hammer.
10.
Pistols are loaded on orders of the unit commander, and on these orders,
pistols may be loaded prior to battle scenarios.
11.
Orders may also be given to reload automatically during battle scenarios.
12.
Cylinders shall be loaded as follows:
- Charge
all chambers with black powder.
- Place Floral Foam in each chamber and ram down foam, or
fill remainder of each
- Chamber with Cream of Wheat rammed down tight.
- Completely seal each Floral Foam loaded chamber with
grease.
- Percussion caps are not
applied to revolver cylinders until the chambers are loaded.
13.
Pistols shall either be discharged at the end of a scenario or have the caps
removed and the pistol secured.
Bladed Weapons
1.
Steel bayonets may be fixed for parade, guard duty, arms inspection, stacking
arms, drill, digging in, or other non-battle scenarios when appropriate.
2.
Bayonets will be fixed only at the order of the field commanders (except for
public demonstration). Metal bayonets will never be drawn on the battlefield.
5.
Swords may be drawn only by officers or at the direction of the cavalry or
artillery officers on each side.
6.
Knives shall not be drawn on the field and will be tied or otherwise secured to
their sheaths.
7.
Except as otherwise noted in this section, bladed weapons shall not be either
drawn or used on the battlefield and must be secured in the scabbard or sheath.
Artillery Safety
1.
Muzzle loading artillery pieces are to be manned by a crew of at least
4, one of who is “Chief-of-Piece / Gunner”, who has been trained in the proper
operation of the gun which they are operating.
2.
All artillery shall have the proper equipment and be in good repair.
3. No
material is loaded that, when fired, passes out of the Safety Zone, including
the foil that wraps the charges.
4. An
artillery ammunition box, with a self-closing, hinged lid Ammunition
chest will be constructed from wood only, with nonferrous metal attachments
(brass locks, hinges, hasps). Approved and historical accurate ammunition boxes
containing black powder are constantly manned when unlocked, with lid closed
when in battery position (open lid standing between the piece and the open
box). The lid of the ammunition box is kept closed, except for loading the box,
inspection, or the removal of a charge. Munitions boxes will be at least 10
yards to the rear of the cannon and 20 yards from the nearest public.
5.
When not in use the Munitions Box is to be stored in a safe and secured area
6.
Ammunition boxes not in use are locked and removed to a secured storage area.
7.
Powder magazines are marked with signs, and the Safety Zones surrounding them
are marked off with ropes and red flags.
8.
The placement of the artillery is the responsibility of the commander based
upon historical accuracy and governed by event specifics
9.
The safety zone for artillery will be 10 yards to the sides and rear and 20
yards to the front. Only artillery crews or authorized personnel are allowed
within the safety area when the gun is loaded or the munitions box is opened.
10.
No gun shall be loaded when the safety zones are not clear. No gun shall be
fired when the frontal safety zone is not clear.
11.
All artillery rounds shall be made of only black powder.
12.
Charges are made with F grade or cannon grade black powder only or equivalent,
with the amount such that the muzzle blast will not extend past the Safety
Zone. Such amounts are determined by bore diameter and tube length.
13.
If an artillery piece is loaded, the number one and two men will place the
rammer or other implements of poles, in a vertical position on top of each gun
wheel.
14.
Rammer (#1 man) always has thumbs pointing away from muzzle when ramming.
15.
Cannon are to be no closer than 5 yards (wheel to wheel), unless only volley
fire, or fire by files, is to be used.
16.
Remove "wounded" from safety zone before firing.
17. A
fire extinguisher will be kept at each battery (it may be kept under a burlap
cover).
For
muzzle loading artillery, required equipment is
• A
priming pick and wire brush,
• A
leather thumbstall or leather glove
• A
worm
- A sponge-bucket
• A
wet sponge
• A
dry sponge
• A
leather gunner's haversack • A rammer, for seating
the charge;
• Pliers
or similar tools
• For
guns using friction primers, a lanyard, or;
• For
guns fired by fusing, or use of "quills," a linstock.
• Quills
are made of material such as cardboard or paper straws; plastic straws may not
be used for because of the danger of blocking vent.
Blank
charges for all artillery pieces consist of:
• Charges
are made with F grade or cannon grade black powder only, with the amount
such that the muzzle blast will not extend past the Safety Zone. Such amounts
are determined by bore diameter and tube length. Charges are made by:
1. A cylinder of heavy-duty aluminum foil is formed of a
diameter smaller than that of the bore.
2. Black powder rounds should be prepared in advance using
two wraps of aluminum foil.
3. The cylinder is closed at one end, forming a
"cup," then filled with the black powder charge;
4. The open end is twisted closed, and the twisted end
folded back against the charge.
NOTE!
For
all firing procedures, all body parts not
needed
during the procedure (for example: face, other hand) are kept away from the
vent and muzzle at all
times.
Firing procedures (with explanations) for muzzle
loading artillery are, in order:
1) Clean the Vent
2) Stop the Vent
3) Worm the Bore
4) Wet Sponge the Bore
5) Dry Sponge the Bore
6) Bring forward the charge
from the ammunition box, in a gunner’s haversack;
7) Insert the charge; At
this point the piece is loaded and is not left unattended or moved (except for
small adjustments immediate safety reasons) until the piece is fired.
8) As soon as the charge is
placed in the muzzle of the piece, the other implement (sponge, for example) is
placed upright:
1. On the wheel hub or
axle, for field artillery, providing the top of the rammer is at a minimum
height of 7 feet.
2. On the top of the wheel
rim, for pieces with smaller carriages or rammers, so that the top of the
rammer is at a minimum height of 7 feet.
9) Prime Charge
NOTE!
The
“Chief-of-Piece / Gunner” ensures that everyone and everything are in safe
order, and calls "Ready / Clear Front!" before giving the order to
fire.
Misfire
procedures for muzzle loading artillery
1)
The rammer or other implement are held over the piece in an "X" as
a warning signal that the piece is hazardous;
2)
After a minimum interval of 3 minutes, the piece is re-primed;
3)
The Chief-of-Piece ensures that everyone and everything are in safe order, and
calls "Clear Front!" before giving the order to fire;
4) If
the second firing attempt fails, after a minimum interval of 3 minutes the
vent and bore are flooded completely with water, and after a minimum interval
of 3 minutes following flooding, worming clears the bore.
Horse Safety
1.
Attacking horsemen must honor all of the safety zones contained within the
Battlefield area.
2.
All riders and horses will be tested and assessed for their riding
ability. The test is administered by the
Safety Officer or their designee should the Safety Officer have little or no
horsemanship experience. It should be noted that each horse to be used by a
member, must be tested individually.
3.
All horses must be tested with firearms and cannon.
4.
Horses and mules must have safe and serviceable tack and shoes (if shod), and
be in "sound" health. All tack and shoes will be inspected for
serviceability.
5.
Surcingles are required on military and civilian single-billeted saddles,
except artillery team valise saddles.
6.
Horses may only be touched or handled by the owner or by persons designated by
the owner.
7.
Those in charge of picketed horses or mules ensure that members of the public
approach the animals from the front or side only, not from the rear, and only
with permission.
8.
There will be no fighting within 20 yards of picketing areas when in use.
9.
The senior horseman of each side will be responsible for the placement of horse
picketing areas. Horses and mules, when not in use, are tied to a picket line,
or other secure objects, kept in sturdy corrals or pens, or tied to picket (or
grazing) pins with lariats. If on picket pins, they are far enough away from
tents that animals secured to them are always at least 30 yards away.
10.
Stable guards, or owners, keep watch on picketed horses or mules throughout
public hours.
11.
The picket line shall be kept taut and horses will be securely tied to the
picket line.
12.
Management of animals after public hours is at the discretion of the mounted
company officers of designated representatives dependant on the event
guidelines and scenario specifics.
13.
Horses and mules if ridden must be done so at a walk while in camp streets, and
when entering the battlefield via avenues through the public or in any public
areas.
14.
Horses and mules are not intentionally spooked or stampeded.
Spectator Safety
1. At
no time shall any weapon be pointed at a spectator who is closer than 20 yards
away.
2. No
weapon will be fired within 10 yards of a spectator.
3.
If, at any time, a spectator enters the battle area a cease-fire will be called
by any member observing the action. The cease-fire will be maintained until the
spectator is removed from the battlefield (see cease-fire above).
4.
Individuals assigned to provost have absolute authority to call cease-fire and
redirect soldiers or units that are positioned too close to the crowd.
5.
The host event site and/or Board shall be responsible for the placement of
spectator viewing areas. These shall be patrolled by readily visible
"guards" to keep the public in proper place while battlefield
operations are going on.
6.
All safety members assigned to safety activities involving spectators and
guests will use utmost courtesy when requesting that spectators or guests
relocate to a designated spectator area. Any abusive attitude or language is
prohibited.
7.
The provost will have the battlefield cleared of spectators a minimum of 10
minutes before a battle.
No comments:
Post a Comment