[MR] Re: [Directors] Anti-Bounceback

[Velsthe1 at aol.com]

>I think you (the BOD), by ratifying this decision,  
>have either killed or significantly reduced the 
>chances of a lot of archers attending Pennsic.

It seems you may be overstating this, as it appears more (On a Kingdom Level) Combat Archers use Golf Tubes. 

>Crossbows in particular will be affected (you can't 
>put an ABD under the crossbow as it currently stands) 

Not nessesarily. There have been several designs made with Crossbows in mind. See:http://fellwalker.com/SCA/missile/ABD/index2.html
http://fellwalker.com/crossbow
They manufacture and sell crossbows, bolts, and SCA Approved ABD's for crossbow bolts. Design plans are visible on the site for free download. There are others, it is just a matter of looking.

>I am of the opinion that not enough thought was given 
>to the implementation end of this rule, and I
>sincerely hope that the BOD reevaluates its position
>on this before archers begin quitting the SCA in 
>droves.

I seem to recall hearing of similar comments when hardwood spearshafts were first banned. 

>My suggestion?  Let those people who are concerned 
>with protecting their eyes do so, and let the rest of 
>us get on with life.  

It is your eyes the Marshallate is trying to protect.

>I'm surprised that nobody has suggested swimming 
>goggles under the helmet.  They're small, and you can 
>drill holes in them to let out the condensation.
>
>Regards,
>
>Jonathan Blackbow

It has been suggested, and so has it been suggested of holes to alleviate condensation. Tests of this have found that they continue to fog regardless. There is also the issue of maintaining the Period Look. Granted, this is of lesser importance than safety when it comes to combat but it is still a sticking point. 

Many seem to be forgetting though, this isn't a debate over "What do we do about this?". This is commentary of what has already been set as policy by the Society Earl Marshall. 



Vels, Called Landstrykkr