[MR] BoD Verdict re: Waterbearing

[Andreas de Caunteton]

Posted by request of the Kingdom Chirurgeon...

Today the minutes were issued from the October 2008 SCA Board of Directors 
meeting.  Here is the verbatim text concerning their decision on future 
waterbearing activities.

"The Board approved the following change to Corpora to be effective January 
1, 2009:  The activity of providing beverages to combatants and spectators 
at SCA Combat activities is not regulated, warranted, organized, controlled, 
or sanctioned by the SCA, Inc. or any affiliate or subsidiary entity.  Any 
warrants, authorizations, or other formal recognition of this activity which 
may currently exist are by publication of this change revoked.  This change 
does not address or restrict any volunteer activities regarding providing 
beverages to combatants or spectators at SCA Combat activities nor the 
methods by which such provisions may be made.  This does not preclude or 
effect SCA award recognition."


In plain English this means that, as of January 1, 2009, there no longer 
will be any 'titled' waterbearing positions permitted in the SCA:  Kingdom 
Waterbearer, Deputy Chirurgeon in charge of Waterbearing, Baronial 
Waterbearer, etc.  Based on a review this evening of the websites of all the 
baronies, cantons, shires, colleges and strongholds in Atlantia, only one 
barony will be affected.  Lochmere is the only barony that specifically 
mentioned having a Waterbearer as one of its officers.  Additionally, the 
Canton of Nimenefeld's website states that the chirurgeon "is also in charge 
of the water bearers, they supply water to the fighters on the field at 
events."  To keep us out of legal wrangles, this phrase will have to be 
removed.

As far as water distribution is concerned (the act of bearing water, not the 
office of Waterbearer), that can and will continue.  The decision also does 
not appear to affect or restrict group ownership of equipment (coolers, 
bottles, water buffaloes, etc.) as long as the equipment is made available 
to volunteers for use (i.e. people not permanently organized or assigned as 
Waterbearers.)

If anyone has specific questions, please feel free to email me at 
chirurgeon at atlantia.sca.org or call me at home.  (See The Acorn or the 
kingdom website for the number.)

Yours in service to the continued good health of The Dream,

Morwenna Trevethan
Kingdom Chirurgeon