Society for Creative Anachronism

The Board of Directors is asking for feedback on the addition of a “Policy on Conduct” to the Corporate Policies of SCA, Inc. which is suggested by the Society President.

Background:

The Society President listened to feedback from members about having more transparency. SCA, Inc. has concerns about legal risk to the corporation and harm to its members. There is a balance on how much information can be shared. Most people who wrote to the President mentioned sanctions (punishments for breaking rules). Many wanted clear rules to better understand what kinds of actions lead to sanctions.

Purpose:

The SCA has always valued keeping some things private, in order to protect the corporation and its membership, and has not talked much about sanctions in the past. The organization doesn’t want to focus on the personal stories of those who break the rules or are investigated as this could lead to the very real danger of retaliation. However, members have asked for more transparency about why sanctions are given.

The Policy on Conduct helps balance the need for privacy with the desire for transparency. Sanctions can be upsetting, but the rules are important for the safety and fairness of everyone who participates in the SCA.

Design:

The Policy on Conduct brings together all the main reasons someone might break the rules of the SCA. These rules aren’t new, but they are now organized in one place to make them easier for everyone to find. The rules are kept simple but clear enough to give guidance without putting the organization at risk. More detailed explanations of the rules are found in other handbooks and policies.

Benefits:

This policy helps the Board of Directors explain their decisions more clearly. It also gives a guide for investigations and helps members understand the reasons for sanctions. It should assist to build trust between the Board and the members by showing clear expectations for how everyone should behave in the SCA.

Summary:

It is suggested that a “Policy on Conduct” be added to the SCA Corporate Policies. Taking existing rules and gathering them into one policy helps the membership better understand what leads to sanctions. Stating the rules with more flexibility allows the Board to explain their decisions in a way that is less risky to the Corporation. This “Policy on Conduct” allows more transparency for sanctions and helps the members know what rules not to break.

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XX. Policy on Conduct

To promote a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all participants, this Policy on Conduct outlines the expectations for behavior during all SCA events, activities, and interactions, both in-person and online. This policy does not supersede modern law. Violations of modern law should be reported to the law enforcement authorities.

A. Adherence to SCA Rules and Laws

1. All participants must adhere to the SCA’s governing documents (Corpora, Corporate Policies, and By-laws), as well as Board-approved SCA Officer Policies, Kingdom Law, and any event-specific rules. Understanding and following these rules is the responsibility of all participants

2. Participants are expected to respect the decisions and directions of SCA officers, marshals, and event staff. These individuals are responsible for upholding the rules and safety standards of the SCA. Disagreements may be addressed through the chain of appeals as necessary.

3. Participants shall not behave in a manner which could put the SCA or its participants at risk or fear of imminent harm.

4. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary actions, including but not limited to warnings, or Sanctions up to and including temporary removal of participation or revocation and denial of membership in the SCA. The degree of the action will depend on the nature, frequency, and severity of the violation(s).

B. Responsible with Resources

1. Corporate and Kingdom financial policies must be followed. This policy may be further defined in the “Society Financial Policy,” individual Kingdom policies, and SCA Corporate Treasurer documents.

2. Officers and members responsible for managing SCA funds must ensure that financial resources are used prudently, with transparency and accountability. See also “Exchequer’s Handbook.”

C. Respect towards Participants

1. The SCA promotes an environment free of bullying and harassment of all individuals and groups. This policy may be further defined in the Seneschal Handbook Policy on “Harassment and Bullying” and the SCA Conduct and Behavior Documents.

2. The SCA is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all participants. Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or background is not allowed.

3. The SCA prohibits non-consensual sexual behavior including but not limited to sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and sexual violence. This policy may be further defined in the Seneschal Handbook “Sexual Misconduct Policy” and the SCA Conduct and Behavior Documents.

D. Responsible with Minors

1. The responsibility for the care, supervision, and behavior of minor children rests solely with their parents or legal guardians at all SCA events, activities, and gatherings at all times. This policy may be further defined in the Seneschal Handbook “Dealing with Minor/Youth-Related Policies.”

2. Parents and legal guardians are not relieved of their primary responsibility for the welfare and behavior of minors under their supervision when participating in SCA Youth Activities. This policy may be further defined in the Seneschal Handbook “Dealing with Minor/Youth-Related Policies.”

E. Safety and Well-being

1. All participants must prioritize the safety of themselves and others during all activities.

2. Compliance with SCA established safety regulations and procedures is mandatory.

3. The possession of modern firearms at SCA events is prohibited. This policy may be further defined in the Seneschal Handbook “Firearms Policy.”

F. Animals

1. The responsibility for the care, supervision, and behavior of pets and/or service animals rests solely with their owners at all SCA events, activities, and gatherings at all times. This policy may be further defined in the Seneschal Handbook “Service Animals Policy” and “Pets at Official SCA Activities Policy.”

2. Where animal restrictions apply, the only service animals allowed are those permitted under modern law. This policy may be further defined in the Seneschal Handbook “Service Animals Policy” and “Pets at Official SCA Activities Policy.”

3. The hunting or slaughtering of live animals is prohibited at SCA functions. This policy may be further defined in the Seneschal Handbook “Policy on Hunting, Slaughtering, and Butchering.”

G. Reporting and Enforcement

1. Members are encouraged to report any violations of this policy to the Office of the Seneschal. Reports must be made in good faith.

2. Reports of misconduct must be a non-anonymous first-person account. The SCA will document and keep reports confidential. Should an investigation become necessary, it will be conducted fairly and confidentially, respecting the rights of all parties involved.

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The Organizational Handbook of the SCA, including Corpora, the By-Laws, and Corporate Policies of the SCA, Inc. can be found in its entirety here:

https://www.sca.org/resources/document-library/govdocs/.

Please email all commentary to

[email protected]

and use the title “Policy on Conduct” in the subject line.

NOTE: Do not use attachments in your commentary. Attachments will mark your message as spam and it will be rejected by the server.

You can also send commentary by mail, Postage-Prepaid, to:

Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.

RE: Policy on Conduct

PO Box 66347
Scotts Valley, CA 95067

Please provide commentary by February 28, 2025.

Feedback Request – Policy on Conduct

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