[MR] Waterbearing at Pennsic

[kymber at mindspring.com]

Master Efenwalt, and others.  Greetings!

The very brief answer to your question is "yes that would be fine"

Now the longer answer, I believe that Lady Padraiga was writing in response to an offer that was made in response to her call for waterbarers to support Atlantia on the field at this coming Pennsic.  And in that she is utterly correct - any non-water on the field, supplied as a part of any organized waterbearing effort, needs to be colored. 

As stated, the reasons for this are medical.  For example, I may be allergic to something in gatorade, or sekanjebin (In fact, I am), or anything else for that matter.  Knowing this I will look for something like plain water ... imagine the surprise when I take a HUGE gulp and find ... not-water.  (Having personally experienced this in the past, it is a heck of a shock and one that has real and potentially dangerous implications).

So, Efen, where does that leave you?  Please feel free to bring any beverage (non-alcoholic) to the field for your use, or the use of you and "the next guy over"  The guidelines and policies that have been established for waterbearers apply for the "mass distribution" of liquid.  It is not the intent to regulate what any single person does or does not provide for personal use.

If on the other hand, you decide not to fight some battle, but instead provide beverages and moral support for others, all others ... then yes you are waterbearing.  Any requirements around wearing a baldric may vary from event to event - check with the Autocrat if you are not sure.  The Kingdom officer to contact for any questions about rules and policies would be myself, Kingdom Chirurgeon or my Lady Padraiga, my Deputy for Waterbearing.  Given your example ... yes Efen, you are a waterbearing - you are providing beverage for "mass" use, not for you and a few friends (personal use). Yes this is a squishy thing. Use your best personal judgement, and if you are not sure, ask me, ask the autocrat or your local seneschal ... If is is a reasonable plan that you have to provide water to fighters then I am sure that folks will work with you to see that it happens.

At Pennsic specifically, yes you need a baldric, yes you need to check in at waterbearers point, and yes there is a brief class that they ask that you take at the war some morning.  

As to your legal questions ... no, Chirugrons are not required at any event, nor are waterbearers.  Beyond that ... feel free to contact me personally (chirurgeon at atlantia.sca.org) if you have a specific question about policies.

Countess Kyneburh Boithuile, OL
Atlantia Kingdom Chirurgeon



"Vaughan, Scott F (US)" <sfv19915 at glaxowellcome.com> wrote:
> Is it acceptable to add food coloring to Sekanjebin or other clear,
non-water beverages?

Also, I don't mean to belittle the office, or the hard work put in by
waterbearers, but here are some hypothetical questions about water bearing
policy:

I go out into a mele as a combatatnt with a bottle of water in a bag on my
hip. During a hold I have a swig and offer it to the fighters around me. Am
I bound by the waterbearing policies, need to file reports, wear a baldric,
etc?

If, as an ordinary participant at an SCA event, I set up my own pavillion on
the side of the list field and offer water to tired combatants as they
stumble off, am I boound by waterbearing policies? Should I bring a note
from my lawyer?

Does having policies about how we give water to people open the SCA up to
litigation? I'd think that would be like *requiring* First Aid personal at
all events. The insurance adjusters would LOVE that, a nice dangerous
activity to insure. mmmmm high premiums!

just curious,
Efenwealt Wystle