WCWA Bylaws
and
Safety Rules
As Approved and Amended November
13, 1999
Table Of Contents
Section A. Our Commitment
Section B. Elections
Section C. Committees
Section D. Event
Coordinators
Section E.
Sutler-Vendor Coordinator
Section F. Unit
Formation, Recognition, and Rank Structure
Section G. Membership
Rules & Regulations
Section H Funds
Distribution
Section I. Event Rules
& Regulations
Section J. Camp Rules
& Regulations
Section K. Medical
Department
Section L. First Aid
& Treatment of Actual Injuries
Section M. Horses
& Riders
Section N. The
Battlefield
Section O. Rifle &
Pistol Safety Rules
Section P. Artillery
Safety Rules
Section Q. Edged
Weapon Safety Rules
Section R.
Disciplinary Sanctions
Section A. Our Commitment
- The Washington Civil War Association is
committed to honoring our ancestors, both North and
South, who fought in or lived during the American Civil
War. To this end the WCWA will sponsor Living History
Encampments, Battle Reenactments, School Programs and
Recruiting drives throughout the State of Washington.
Section B. Elections
- Elections will be held and run in
accordance with the Constitution of the WCWA Article 6.
- Elected officers and duties are described
in the Constitution of the WCWA Article 5.
- An Election Coordinator shall be appointed
by the Board of Directors at the July Board meeting and
empowered to run the election of officers. This
appointment SHALL be filled on a rotating basis with no
one individual holding this post for two consecutive
elections. The Election Coordinator shall choose a
committee to assist in these duties. No one who is
running for office shall be a member of this committee.
- The Election Coordinator shall not be a
candidate in the current election, or be a current
Administrative Officer.
- The Election Coordinator shall take
nominations from members prior to August 31. This may be
done by submitting a statement in the newsletter asking
for nominations, or by asking Company Commanders to take
nominations at their company meetings. Members may
nominate themselves. Nominees shall be contacted prior to
publication of their names and may decline to run if they
wish.
- The Election Coordinator shall obtain
statements from the nominees, for publication in the
September and October issues of the "Dispatch".
- The Election Coordinator shall receive all
mail-in ballots prior to October 31st. The
Election Coordinator and the Election Committee shall
count the ballots and announce the results at the
November meeting. Administrative Board officers shall be
elected for a one year term. All current WCWA members,
age 14 and older, with membership in good standing are
eligible to vote.
Section C. Committees
- The Chairman of the Board of Directors
shall appoint temporary committees and committee members
to be chaired by the Vice-Chairman. They shall report to
and serve at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board
of Directors.
- The WCWA shall maintain a permanent
standing committee to be called the Event
Planning/Activities Committee. This committee shall be
Chaired by the WCWA Event Coordinator and should include
the event coordinators and assistants. The Event
Planning/Activities Committee is responsible for
reporting to the Board of Directors on the current status
of any event scheduled for the season.
- The WCWA shall maintain a permanent
standing committee to be called the Unit Status
Committee. This committee shall be chaired by the Vice
Chairman and shall include the Union and Confederate
Brigade Commanders and the Civilian leader. The Unit
Status Committee shall investigate the merits of any New
Unit application submitted and report on that unit. The
committee shall report to the Board of Directors on the
current status of any Unit in the WCWA.
- The Chairman has it within his/her power
to convene a temporary safety committee, composed of the
Vice-Chairman and one (1) Union, one (1) Confederate, and
one (1) Civilian Member, to investigate any allegations
or suspicions that the safety rules and regulations are
being, or have been, violated. The purpose of this
committee is to gather information. It has no power to
enforce or punish. This safety committee shall report its
findings to the Board. The safety committee shall be
disbanded immediately thereafter.
- Since our member units portray companies
with widely divergent backgrounds, the authenticity of
the individual units is the responsibility of the
individual unit commander or leader. Questions about the
authenticity of any units clothing or equipage should be
directed to that unit's commander or leader. If
unsatisfactory answers to questions about authenticity
are provided by the unit commander or leader within a
reasonable time, the Chairman may convene a temporary
committee of authenticity. The committee shall be
composed of the Vice-Chairman, one (1) Union, one (1)
Confederate, and one (1) Civilian Member. The purpose of
the committee is to examine the issues present and make
recommendations (if any) based on the best information
available. This committee's sole purpose is to gather
information. It has no power to enforce or punish. This
committee shall report its findings to the Board upon
completion of it's investigation. The committee shall be
disbanded immediately thereafter.
Section D. Event Coordinators
- The Event Coordinator's are the official
Points Of Contact (POC) between the WCWA and the host
site. They are responsible for all arrangements
concerning fire wood, water, straw/hay, sanitation, trash
disposal, security, safety and other amenities that go
into the making of an Event. They are responsible for
establishing a registration site at a point of entry
where membership shall be verified prior to entry into
the camps.
- The Event Coordinator should propose
guidelines as needed to reconcile differences between the
regulations of the WCWA and the regulations of the host
site. However, An Event Coordinator shall not amend or
alter any existing WCWA regulations.
- Event Coordinators are ultimately
responsible for the conduct of all units at WCWA events
and are ultimately responsible for enforcing site rules.
Event Coordinators have the final say on all questions
which may arise during any WCWA event. Club members shall
comply and cooperate with Event Coordinators regarding
these responsibilities. Event Coordinators may request
that Commanders exclude specific personnel from further
participation as needed to enforce discipline.
- The Event Coordinator, after consulting
with the Brigade Commanders and the Civilian Community
Leader, has final authority on the placement of camps and
facilities. The Brigade Commanders and the Civilian
Community Leader are responsible for laying out their
respective camps.
- The Event Coordinator shall make available
to the voting Board a tentative Event Calendar for the
following year at the September Board meeting. Each Event
shall be voted on at the October Board meeting. This
shall determine a firm Calendar of WCWA Sponsored
Events, and a tentative Calendar of WCWA Sanctioned
Events.
Section E. Sutler – Vendor
Coordinator. Period Sutlers and Non-period Vendors.
- Sutler/Vendor Coordinator
i. The Sutler/Vendor
Coordinator is appointed by the WCWA Board and the duties
are to assist the Event Coordinator in all areas
involving the registered Period Sutlers and Non-Period
Vendors.
ii. The Sutler/Vendor
Coordinator will communicate all WCWA and Event
Coordinator Policies, rules and directions to the
registered Period Sutlers and Non-Period Vendors and
monitor compliance.
iii. The Sutler/Vendor
Coordinator is responsible for event registration forms,
having them signed by each of the registered Period
Sutlers and Non-Period Vendors, and then give them to the
Civilian Community Leader.
iv. The Sutler/Vendor
Coordinator shall use the "Dispatch" to
communicate all changes to the Membership, Period
Sutlers, and Non-Period Vendors.
v. The Sutler/Vendor
Coordinator may bar any Period Sutlers and Non-Period
Vendors from future events if they violate WCWA
Constitution, By-Laws and Event regulations.
vi. The Sutler/Vendor
Coordinator’s decisions may be appealed to the Event
Coordinator or the Event Coordinator Chairman. The
Sutler/Vendor Coordinator shall be a member of the Event
Coordinating Committee.
- Period Sutlers and Non-Period Vendors
i. Period Sutlers is
defined as selling goods and services pertaining to the
Civil War Era. Non-Period Vendors is defined as all other
sellers of goods and services. Non-Period Vendors may mix
period and non-period goods and services. Period Sutlers
may not, but shall receive preferred locations.
ii. All Period Sutlers and
Non-Period Vendors must have a Washington State Business
License, a Food Handlers Certificate (if necessary) and
be a member of the WCWA, to sell goods and services. All
documents must be posted in a prominent place.
iii. Period Sutlers and
Non-Period Vendors must call the Sutler/Vendor
Coordinator before each Event they plan to attend. Period
Sutlers and Non-Period Vendors who fail to confirm their
attendance will receive no special considerations. The
Sutler Coordinator will confirm that they have a copy of
all of the appropriate policies and regulations.
iv. Period Sutlers and
Non-Period Vendors shall be in separate and distinct
areas that are determined through consultation by the
Sutler Coordinator and Event Coordinator prior to the
Event. In case of disputes, the Period Sutlers shall
receive preference.
v. Business hours for all
Period Sutlers and Non-Period Vendors shall be 9:00 A.M.
to 6:00 P.M. unless otherwise determined by the Event
Coordinator, Event Committee Chairman, or the WCWA Board.
Breakdown on the final day of the event may start one
hour after the final battle. Requests for other
arrangements may be made to the Event Coordinator.
vi. All Period Sutlers and
Non-Period Vendors shall have Fire Extinguishers as
required by the Washington State Fire Marshal, within
easy reach. Minimum requirements is a 5 lb., Type ABC.
vii. The Sutler/Vendor
Coordinator may put reasonable restrictions on late hour
activities.
- Additional Period Sutler Requirements
i. During business hours
the Period Sutlers are required to be in period clothing
and have a Civil War Era persona.
ii. If the Period
Sutler’s living quarters are in the Sutler Row, they
are part of their persona and it should be as period as
possible. All Non-Period items will be hidden or
disguised. Campfires shall not be in the spectators path,
preferably behind the sutlery tents., A reasonable
distance of 10 feet from canvas and other flammables is
required. Fires should be extinguished when not watched
or attended. A bucket of water is required beside each
fire pit.
Section F. Unit Formation ,
Recognition, and Rank Structure.
- Members seeking to form new units shall
apply for recognition to the Board of Directors. New
Units can apply at any time throughout the year, and can
start the probationary period anytime upon application to
the Board. Such applications shall be made in person and
shall include the following documentation:
(i.) A written history of
the New Unit being formed;
(ii.) A written inventory
of equipment the New Unit presently possesses;
(iii.) A
complete roster of members who intend to participate in
the New Unit;
(iv.) Mentoring unit and
Branch of Service.
Members of the Unit Status
Committee shall meet, discuss, and make findings/
recommendations about the New Unit, and shall submit a
report to the Board with its findings and recommendations
for said New Unit at the next February, July, or October
Board meetings. At that meeting, the Chairman shall
conduct a vote regarding acceptance or rejection of the
New Unit. Unless otherwise determined by the Board of
Directors, units accepted by the Board shall be on
probation for the next two events, the New Unit shall
muster for WCWA-Sponsored public field events. For
every day of those events, the New Unit shall muster for
battle the appropriate average attendance for its
respective branch of service (as outlined below).
- Due to the responsibilities and dangers
involved, a person must have a minimum of one years
experience within the WCWA and have participated in at
least three (3) public field events before becoming a
Company Commander. In the event that someone from outside
the club wishes to join and bring in a new unit, that
unit and Commander will be attached to a similar unit
until the Commander meets this requirement.
- A fully formed and recognized Infantry
Company is a unit with at least eight (8) paid combatant
memberships for the current year and WCWA Board approval.
To be recognized, a newly formed infantry unit shall be
approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors ;
shall maintain at least eight (8) paid, combatant
members; and shall pass a period of probation before
being eligible for voting and stipend privileges. Recognized
probationary units shall be allowed to maintain
individual camps but shall be attached to similar-type
units for battle reenactments.
- A fully formed and recognized Cavalry
Troop is a unit with at least four (4) paid combatant
memberships with mounts for the current year and WCWA
Board approval. No Cavalry units shall be established
without mounts. To be recognized, a newly formed cavalry
troop shall be approved by a majority vote of the Board
of Directors ; shall maintain at least four (4) paid,
combatant members; and shall pass a period of probation
before being eligible for voting and stipend privileges.
Recognized probationary troops shall be allowed to
maintain individual camps but shall be attached to
similar-type units for battle reenactments.
- A fully formed and recognized Artillery
Battery is a unit with at least one (I) certified-safe
and historically accurate gun and five (5) paid combatant
memberships for the current year and WCWA Board approval.
To be recognized, a newly formed artillery battery shall
be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors;
shall maintain at least five (5) paid, combatant members;
shall possess at least one certified-safe and
historically accurate gun; and shall pass a period of
probation before being eligible for voting and stipend
privileges. Recognized probationary batteries shall be
allowed to maintain individual camps but shall be
attached to similar-type units for battle reenactments.
- A fully formed Special Unit, such as
Signal Companies, Engineer detachments, Pioneers, etc.,
is a unit with a minimum of five (5) paid Participant
memberships for the current year and WCWA Board approval.
To be recognized, a newly formed Special Unit shall be
approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors;
shall maintain at least five (5) paid, participant
members; and shall pass a period of probation before
being eligible for voting and stipend privileges.
Recognized probationary Special Units shall be allowed to
maintain HQ’s for battle reenactments. Rank
structure in such specialized units individual camps but
shall be attached to their respective will reflect the
historic nature of the specialty.
- A fully formed and recognized Civilian
Society is a unit with at least eight ( 8) paid civilian
memberships (minimum age 12) for the current year and
WCWA Board approval. To be recognized, a newly formed
civilian society shall be approved by a majority vote of
the Board of Directors; shall maintain eight (8) paid
members (minimum age 12) and shall pass a period of
probation before being eligible for voting and stipend
privileges. Recognized probationary Civilian Units shall
be allowed to maintain individual camps but shall be
attached to similar-type units for camp reenactments.
- Horse Artillery, Infantry with Artillery
support be formed in compliance with the minimum member
[Marine Corps/Navy] ). This Unit shall strengths for all
branches included. (see para. its respective branches. (ex.
Horse Artillery will collect regular Cavalry stipends
plus a powder allowance for their Artillery branch, but
the Artillery gun crew will not be added to their Cavalry
stipend) All other rules and regulations regarding single
Branch units apply to like branches of the Multi-Branch
unit. A Multi-Branch unit must maintain its strength
minimums in all branches to maintain full unit status. (
see: Sec F. para. 9, 10, & 11).
- Any unit which drops below the following
minimums at 50% of WCWA sponsored events will be reduced
to under strength status with the appropriate loss of
privileges as outlined in paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7
above. The minimum average attendance level for continued
recognition of a fully formed unit is as follows:
i. Infantry - 8
combatants.
ii. Mounted Cavalry - 4
combatants with mounts.
iii. Artillery - 5
combatants with one cannon.
iv. Civilian Society - 8
members.
v. Specialty Unit - 5
participants.
- Recognized full strength units which fall
below the minimum will be placed on probation. All units
in the WCWA must be at minimum strength or better at 50%
of WCWA sponsored events during the calendar year to
avoid going on probationary status. Recognized Units on
probation loose all voting and stipend privileges for a
period as determined by the Board of Directors. All
Probationary units are limited to two (2) years from the
date of probation by the Board, to either have the
numbers for full-strength or be disbanded.
- Brigade Commanders shall create their own
policies regarding rank structure.
- When a Brigade Commander's term of office
ends, he shall be allowed to wear that rank as a brevet
promotion. The rank shall be honorary, having no
authority and shall be worn only at social functions.
Section G. Membership Rules &
Regulations
- All Members age 12 and up shall take and
pass the WCWA Safety Standards Test.
- All members shall present themselves to
the public as best as they are individually able, in
their chosen role. Members may cross dress or galvanize,
but women choosing to reenact in a male military
impression shall maintain the appearance of being male at
all times when the public is present.
- Only members may participate at WCWA
Events. The WCWA recognizes two kinds of membership: WCWA
membership and current equivalent membership in a Civil
War reenactment club that has a reciprocal agreement with
the WCWA. Reciprocal agreements will be Safety Standards,
or approval of Guest renewed annually, subject to proof
of insurance and completion of WCWA Safety Standards by
the Board.
- WCWA dues are $15.00 per person, for
persons age 14 and over, up to $30.00 per family. A
"family" is a nuclear unit of one or more
adults and their own or adopted children and residing
together or having the same mailing address. Individual
member companies may charge their members additional dues
as they choose. New members who pay their membership dues
after August 31st are considered paid members for the
following year as well.
- A WCWA member is a person who:
i. Completes a WCWA
membership application that is accepted by a Company
Commander;
ii. Pays WCWA membership
dues to a Company Commander;
iii. The Company Commander
shall have 30 days to submit the application and dues to
the WCWA Treasurer for the temporary membership to be
permanently effective.
- The WCWA members who intend to transfer
from one unit to another during mid-season shall observe
the following procedure:
i. An individual wishing
to transfer units must complete a request for transfer
stating his/her name; the member's present unit; and the
new unit.
ii. The member must give
notice in writing to the present company commander that
the member is transferring to another unit. Said notice
shall be signed by the New Company Commander.
iii. A copy of the written
notice shall be sent to the Treasurer of the WCWA
bindividuals new unit status and shall return written y
the receiving Commander, who shall make all necessary
changes to reflect the notification to both company
commanders that the transfer has occurred.
Unless this procedure has
been expressly followed, said member shall continue to be
listed as a member of his/her original unit, and all
stipends or benefits given on behalf of said member shall
be given to the original unit.
- Members wishing to change units at the end
of the season need simply to enlist with the new unit and
pay WCWA membership dues through the new unit.
- WCWA shall create a special membership
category called Sutler. All persons who intend to sell
services and goods at WCWA sponsored events shall join
this category before selling services and goods.
Section H. Funds Distribution
- Event registration forms will be
used to determine attendance and payment of stipends for
participation of all WCWA reenactors. The Event
Coordinator shall deliver all WCWA registration forms to
the WCWA Treasurer.
- Stipends of 25% after expenses will be distributed to
units who turn in their registration packets. The funds
will be distributed to the units as soon as is practical
after the Event.
- Stipend distributions will be based on
total registered attendance at the Event for all days of
the Event. Members counted in said registration are
members who 12 years of age or older, and are present and
participating as reenactors.
- For WCWA administrative purposes only,
Civilians can register as part of Military Units.
- Only WCWA members, who are 12 years of age
and over, in period dress, are to be counted toward
stipend distribution. Each Unit is tasked with monitoring
their members for period dress.
- Surplus money (money leftover after all
expenses have been paid) may be distributed back to the
units in good standing at the discretion of the Board.
Section I. Event Rules &
Regulations
- Guest reenactors shall be
integrated with existing WCWA units, or may participate
as distinct units under the WCWA command at the WCWA
discretion of the appropriate WCWA Brigade Commander, who
will verify the Safety requirements.
- WCWA battlefield combatants shall be 16
years old with the following exceptions: 14 and 15
year old combatants may participate on the battlefield
with written consent of the combatant's parent or
guardian, the company commander, and the brigade
commander. No persons under the age of 14 shall
participate on the battlefield in a combatant
role. Participants (e.g. Musicians, Vivandiers),
aged l2 and 13 years, may participate on the battlefield
with written consent of the participants parents
or guardian and their WCWA Brigade Commander.
Participants age 12 and 13, shall not be armed.
Twelve and 13 year olds may act as Powder Monkeys on an
Artillery piece if that 12 – 13 year olds adult
family member is also a member of the gun crew and
present.
- Children younger than 14 are welcome in all WCWA
activities, except for battles (except as noted in I:2
above.) Any WCWA member under 18 years shall be sponsored
by a parent or guardian who is a current WCWA member. No
guardian may sponsor more than one minor unless said
minors are members of the guardian's extended family.
Extended family means that the guardian is the minor's
grandparent, uncle, aunt, or first cousin.
- Any violations of the established Safety
Rules are subject to disciplinary action which may
include exclusion from that or subsequent events or
expulsion from the WCWA.
- All established or stated regulations of
the host party, property owners, or clubs (etc.) shall be
followed.
- All WCWA members shall enforce and obey
any and all site host rules.
- Company Commanders are responsible for the
behavior of their companies. This includes Combatants,
participants, and attached civilians.
- Members may capture another unit's colors
on the battlefield, but must capture the color bearer
also and the colors remain in the possession Captured
colors of their color bearer. Capture of colors is
prohibited at any other time. are to be treated with
proper respect. Any unit while colors and bearer are
which captures another unit's colors is responsible for
said colors, in their possession.
- Possession and/or use of illegal drugs is
grounds for immediate suspension from the WCWA.
- Alcohol may be consumed, if allowed by the
host site, property owner, or club. If allowed, it may be
consumed in moderation and only under the following
circumstances:
i. On a day with firing,
only after the last engagement, when all weapons are
secured, and the public has departed.
ii. On days without
firing, only after the public has departed.
iii. At back countries
only after the last engagement, when all weapons are
secured.
- Smoking is prohibited:
i. While handling black
powder in any form;
ii. After muster for
battle has been called;
iii. During battle;
iv. After battles until
all weapons have been cleaned and secured;
v. Around ammunition boxes
or chests; and Limbers.
- Any verbal provocation or physical abuse
by any member towards another is prohibited and is
grounds for immediate expulsion from an event.
- When units have a dual identity, they
shall choose a main identity and shall be placed in the
appropriate Brigade. When reenacting in their Brigade,
although still alternate identity, the unit shall be
under the command of the other belonging to the primary
Brigade.
- When a member has a dual identity, said
member shall choose a primary unit with which to reenact
at an event. Said unit shall receive a stipend, if there
be one, for that member.
- Members of the WCWA reenact as persons of
the Civil War era, 1861-65, in any theater of the war or
home front. No member shall reenact as persons in the
period before or after the war years, 1861-65.
J. Camp Rules & Regulations
- Period Camps may be placed at the
discretion of the Event Coordinator with the advice of
the Brigade Commanders, Civilian Leader, or other
Civilian members. The modern camp should not be within
sight of historic camps and should be as far from
historic camps as practicable.
- Open fires shall not be built closer than
six (6) feet from the nearest tents. Heating or cooking
stoves may be located within six (6) feet of tents and
flies if said stove:
i. completely contains the
fire within the confines of the stove; and
ii. has a chimney or
stovepipe which extends through or away from canvas.
- Camp "Quiet time" will be
sounded in camps by bugle and/or drum or otherwise
announced around the hour of 11:00 PM. After said time,
loud noise or boisterous behavior shall not be permitted.
"Quiet time" ends at 6:00 am.
- Night Watch:
i. A Night Watch will be
maintained at all events where an independent security
service is not available. Night Watch will be maintained
by camps. The purpose of night watch is to monitor
military personnel in their respective camp fires,
unauthorized visitors, and quiet time rules.
ii. Night Watch shall
commence at 11:00 p.m. and conclude at 2:00 a.m. All
fires will be extinguished at 2:00a.m. except for Cavalry
campfires.
iii. Military members of
the Night Watch shall be in full uniform. Field gear may
be carried at the discretion of military members
discretion. No weapons will be carried on Night Watch.
iv. Members performing
Night Watch duty should be 18 years of age or older.
v. Night Watch is not a
police force nor should it attempt to act as such.
Problems with any Reenactors should be reported to their
Brigade Repeated warnings to a member or camp shall give
Commander and the Event Coordinator. rise to appropriate
punishment for said or camp. member
vi. Night Watch should not
forcefully confront any unauthorized visitors. If
unauthorized visitors are encountered and refuse to leave
when immediately report the incident to their respective
asked, Night Watch should Brigade Commander and the Event
Coordinator, who may then summon the local authorities to
remove the intruder.
- Discharge of weapons is prohibited within
25 feet of the powder magazines.
- Discharge of weapons in any camp area is
not allowed.
- Camps which are accessible to the public
are not secure areas. Members should take appropriate
measures and precautions to protect the safety of the
public and to guard against theft by the public.
- All persons residing in any WCWA camp must
be members of the WCWA or an organization with reciprocal
membership rights.
- The persons and activities in the Modem
Camp fall under the same rules and guidelines as do the
Historical Camps, except for the from 8:30 a.m. of the
first authenticity guidelines. No vehicles are allowed
into the reenactment area day to evening gun on the last
day of a reenactment.
- Members who arrive or need to leave
between said times should be assisted by unit members in
carrying, pitching, striking, and removing said
authorized: member's camp and gear. The following vehicle
exemptions are
i. Medical Emergencies.
ii. Sanitation Measures.
iii. Logistics by the
Event Coordinator (Food, Water & Fuel).
- Each member shall enforce these rules. The
respective leaders of the US, CS, and Civilian camps
shall designate a person with ultimate responsibility of
enforcing these rules.
Section K. Medical Department
- Medical Commanders will be included in all
Officer's Call meetings.
- Medical personnel shall retire before
their own troops, in the face of the enemy, and they
shall remain in the rear echelon. The rear echelon is
defined as the rearmost engaged unit, except that medical
personnel may be forward of the artillery, at the
discretion of the Brigade Commander.
- Nurses and their helpers may not be used
on the battlefield as combatants.
Section L. First Aid & Treatment
of Actual Injuries
- If a real injury occurs during a battle
that requires immediate medical attention, any member may
yell "MEDIC" to call attention to the of an
actual medical emergency. The word "Medic is not to
be used in any other case except that emergency.
- In the event of an actual injury, first
aid is to be summoned as soon as possible with the least
amount of fanfare. Commanders will move all NOTE: 'on any
suspected action away from the injury and help the victim
from the field. back, neck, spine, or head injury - DO
NOT move the injured person.
Section M. Horses & Riders
- Anyone intending to use a horse at an
event will be tested thoroughly by his unit commander, or
his representative, for their ability to control the
horse. This testing should be done prior to an event,
since a proper evaluation may take much more time than
will be available Brigade during an event. Cavalry
Commanders will report to their respective Commanders
prior to the first battle of an event on the
inexperienced riders complete testing of their troopers,
pointing out any new and/or or horses.
- New horses must be tested for reaction to
battle activities prior to their use in a battle
scenario. This testing should be done prior to an event,
event. since a proper evaluation may take more time than
will be available during an Cavalry Commanders will
report to their respective testing of their Brigade
Commanders prior to the first battle of an event on the
complete horses.
- Any non-military personnel who intend to
use a horse at an event must be tested for their ability
to control the horse. This testing must be since a done
by one of the Cavalry Commanders and should be done prior
to an event, proper evaluation may take much more time
than statement of will be available during an event The
testing officer will give a written approval to the
Civilian rider who must present it to their the sole
Brigade Commander prior to using the horse at an event.
It is responsibility of the Civilian rider to arrange for
this testing.
- Questions concerning the fitness or
abilities of any rider or horse should be referred to the
appropriate unit commander.
- Horses may only be touched or handled by
the owner and/or rider, or by a person designated by the
owner.
- Due to the excitable nature of a 'Runaway'
horse, and the increased possibility of danger if handled
by inexperienced persons; no one is to troopers on
approach a runaway horse unless specifically instructed
to do so by the cavalry site.
- Horses may not be left unattended. The
owner of a horse is legally responsible for the actions
of that horse at all times.
- Unruly or uncontrollable horses will be
removed from the battlefield. This is the responsibility
of the unit commander. Stallions are prohibited.
- Units will restrict public access to
picketed horses by means of a rope or other barrier.
- The use of chin straps or curb chains for
at horses is strongly encouraged.
- For all other regulations, Refer to the
Cavalry Standards.
Section N. The Battlefield
- The Event Coordinator and Brigade
Commanders have overall responsibility for safety at
events. They may delegate the enforcement duties to
Safety Officers.
- Battlefield scenarios must be approved by
both WCWA Brigade Commanders.
- All personnel on the field must belong to
a unit, or be directly attached to or under the control
of a field unit.
- Weapons may not be fired without Company
Commander's permission. Cap firing does not require
permission but must be done in the designated capping and
clearing area, and away from the public.
- Pistols may be loaded at any time during
the day. All pistols will be kept holstered until on the
battlefield. Loaded pistols will not be left unattended
for any reason.
- All Longarms will be cleared at the end of
each battle. All weapons will be cleared after the last
battle of each day.
- If moving troops in front of artillery
positions, within the 75 feet safety zone, infantry or
cavalry commanders must check for the presence of
indicating the presence of an upright rammer on the wheel
or hub of any artillery piece, a loaded and primed
cannon, before proceeding. If infantry or cavalry is not
to move in front of the an upright rammer is present the
artillery until after the artillery has fired.
- Artillery will not fire when troops are in
front of the blast cone and are closer than 75 feet.
- Artillery will not fire directly at
mounted cavalry regardless of range.
- Skirmishers firing from a kneeling
position must keep their rifles well elevated.
Skirmishers may not fire from a prone position unless
choreographed and with Company and Brigade Commanders
permission.
- Those who are wounded may never fire from
the prone position.
- The minimum distance for aimed firing is
30 feet. Closer fire is not permitted.
- In infantry companies, pistols may be
carried only by officers and NCO's at the discretion of
their Company Commander. Other troops may carry pistols
at the discretion of their respective commanders.
- Mounted cavalrymen will not fire down into
troops on the ground, at distances of less than 50 feet.
- Mounted cavalry should maintain at least
30 foot intervals between infantry or artillery troops,
being especially careful of simulated confined to a
walk.casualties. When working in areas where men are
casualties, action is
- Any member may call a CEASE FIRE at any
time if the member witnesses an unsafe act or unsafe
condition.
- A cease fire and a hold on all movement
will occur if any unauthorized person, such as a
spectator, comes onto the field during a battle, if that
person cannot otherwise be readily controlled.
- Non-participants (I.E.: photographers,
artists, etc.) are not allowed on the field of battle
except by express permission of both Brigade Commanders.
- Dismounted cavalry is defined as cavalry
having mounts available for use. The mounts may either be
picketed on the field (under supervision) equip and
conduct or under the control of the "fourth
man". Such units will arm, themselves in the manner
appropriate to cavalry.
- Visiting Unmounted cavalry is defined as
cavalry not having mounts available for use. Unmounted
cavalry units shall be considered as infantry by the
Brigade Commander. Unmounted Cavalry will not carry
sabers on the battlefield. The use of carbines by
unmounted cavalry is encouraged, the use of shotguns is
acceptable. The use of pistols is at the discretion of
the Brigade Commander, and is limited to one pistol per
trooper. Holsters should be of the proper military
design, no "quickdraw" or western style
holsters.
- No Hand to Hand combat unless
choreographed and approved by both Brigade Commanders
prior to the Battle. Combatants may not advance for Hand
to Hand combat if their weapons are loaded and they may
have no real physical contact with opposing troops.
Section O. Rifle & Pistol Safety
Rules
- All weapons must be clean and in good
repair prior to use.
- All weapons and ammunition shall be
inspected by the individual Company Commanders each
morning of every event prior to the first banned from the
field. Any battle of the day. Any weapon found to be
unserviceable shall be weapon found to be rusty or fouled
shall be Commanders have the authority to spot check any
company cleaned prior to use. The Brigade at their
discretion.
- All weapons shall be cleaned at the end of
each day.
- Absolutely NO ball ammunition (either
Minie or round) shall be brought to the capping and
clearing area or to the battlefield.
- Absolutely NO item which can readily fit
down the rifle bore shall be permitted in the cartridge
box. A nipple pick is permitted.
- Percussion caps shall be carried separate
from any powder or cartridges.
- The only powder acceptable for loading the
weapons is black powder with a rating of 2F or 3F.
Pyrodex and smokeless powders are expressly prohibited.
- The maximum size for longarm cartridges is
as follows:
69 caliber - 80 grains
58 caliber - 70 grains
54 caliber - 70 grains
50 caliber - 60 grains
45 caliber - 50 grains
- Charges for Longarms must be made
up in paper cartridges that conform to the Civil War
period. Cartridges must be made prior to the battle and
will contain no more powder than prescribed in the table
above. No staples, glue, or tape may be used in making
the cartridges. Only cotton linen or silk thread is
acceptable for binding cartridges.
- Cartridges for Longarms other than
muskets must be pre-made using methods and materials
appropriate to the particular Longarms requirements. Case
type cartridge wadding materials shall be the same as for
pistols. Paper cartridges must be made of fully
combustible materials (nitrated paper).
- Weapons shall not be readily accessible
and unattended while the public is present during an
event.
- Powder flasks and horns shall not be used
on the field except at back country events, and only for
the loading of revolvers.
- Handle all weapons as if live ammunition
was being used.
- During loading, no part of the loader's
body should be in front of the rifle nor should the
weapon be inclined towards another person.
- Caution should be used when loading a
weapon which has become to hot through firing.
- Pistol Wads must be composed of a substance which easily
crumbles between the fingers (I.E.:Florist's Foam or
Cream of Wheat). Styrene (I.E.: disposable cups and meat
trays) and hard styrofoam are not acceptable and
therefore prohibited. Paper wads, cloth wads, wax and
Wonder wads are also prohibited. All Cylinders shall be
topped with a suitable grease. No silicone greases can be
used.
- All pistols must be carried in leather
holsters when loaded.
- Those using revolvers may carry extra
uncapped cylinders provided they are properly wadded and
carried securely in a leather pouch and with the approval
of the Brigade/Legion commander.
- Revolver cylinders may not be reloaded on
the battlefield.
- Absolutely NO ramrods will be drawn during
battles.
- Ramrods may be used in firing
demonstrations when no opposing troops are present, and
then only under close supervision.
Section P. Artillery Safety Rules
- Artillery is defined as any form of
cannon, howitzer, mortar, or other firearm whose original
(full-size) bore is greater than 1.5 inches.
- Artillery pieces must have a minimum crew
of four combatants, Mortar crew size is 2, to fire. When
possible the larger guns should have a crew of six. The
need for a larger crew will be determined jointly by the
Artillery Commander and the Brigade Commander.
- Powder Monkeys do not count towards gun
crew size.
- All artillery must have the required
equipment on site and be in a safe condition prior to
firing. Improperly equipped or unsafe artillery will be
removed from the field.
- Due to the ongoing debate over the safety
aspects of Hearn barrels, and until absolute proof is
presented to the WCWA Board of Directors approved as to
their safety and reliability, no Hearn barrels may enter
the WCWA. Only Artillery barrels can be used. Refer to
the Artillery Standards.
- No projectiles or wadding of any kind are
to be fired unless prearranged and approved by the
Brigade Commander. At no time will any object or material
be fired from a cannon if that object or material will
pass over the safety boundary or travel more than 75 feet
except on a live fire range.
- Charges will consist of no more than two
(2) ounces of powder per inch of bore. Charges will be
inspected prior to each event by the Artillery Commander
and the Brigade Commander jointly.
- Only Percussion caps and /or friction
primers will be used to fire Cannon. Mortars may use
Linstock with a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher
on hand.
- The artillery ammunition box will be placed 25 feet to
the rear of the respective cannon and a minimum of 45
feet from the spectator's line. The lid hinge must be
nearest the cannon. The artillery ammunition box is to be
constantly manned whenever unlocked. When the box is not
in use it is to be removed from the field and placed in a
secure location. Ammunition boxes must be fitted with
self-closing lids. Lids may not be fitted with any type
of hold-open device nor may they be propped open by any
external means, such as a stick, branch, etc.
- Artillery powder charges are to be kept in
individual safety containers within the ammunition box.
When ready to transport a charge from must be removed
from the ammunition box to the cannon muzzle each charge
the safety container and placed in a leather haversack.
The cannon where they will not be removed from the
charges are then carried to the leather haversack until
they are to be placed in the cannon bore.
- The safe placement of artillery is the
joint responsibility of the Artillery Commanders and the
Brigade Commanders.
- All artillery tubes and carriages in the
WCWA will be full scale and of period design and
construction. (see Standards)
- The rate of fire for artillery pieces
shall be 3 minutes minimum between time of firing and
when the new round enters the bore.
- There must be a minimum distance of 20
feet, hub to hub, between artillery pieces or they will
not be permitted to fire.
- Artillery batteries will place a range
marker at 75 feet down range to mark the no-fire zone for
infantry and cavalry troops. The Artillery be approved by
the Commanders may determine the type of range marker
used but it must Brigade Commanders. The Brigade made
aware of the exact location of the range Commanders will
see that all Company Commanders are markers during
Officer's Call prior to each battle.
- After loading any gun, the artillery crew will place the
rammer on the wheel hub (in the case of a larger gun) or
on the top of the wheel (in the case of a smaller gun) to
indicate that the gun is now loaded and ready to fire.
After mortars are loaded, a yellow flag or a symbol,
agreed upon by the Artillery Commander and the Brigade
Commander, will be displayed.
- Artillery batteries will post a red safety
flag to mark a misfired gun.
- For all other regulations, Refer to the
Artillery Standards.
Section Q. Edged Weapon Safety Rules
- Edged weapons will only be drawn upon the
orders of the Company Commander. On a battlefield, edged
weapons may be drawn upon order of the Commander, but no
bayonets shall be unsheathed during battles.
- Knives shall not be drawn on the
battlefield, and shall be tied into their sheaths.
- All unsheathed edged weapons on the
battlefield shall have dull edges.
Section R. Disciplinary Sanctions
- When a military or civilian member of a
unit (including officers) is accused of wrongdoing of
Law, By-law, or Regulation within the unit, whether it be
during the units participation in a WCWA Sponsored or
Sanctioned Event, and the matter has not effected anyone
outside the unit, then the unit has the responsibility
for determining the guilt or innocence of the offending
party. In the event the accused is found to be guilty the
manner of discipline imposed is left entirely to the
company and may include any legal and reasonable recourse
except expulsion from the WCWA. Only the WCWA has the
jurisdictional authority to define or restrict a members
status in the WCWA. Disciplinary actions at the company
level may not be appealed to the Board of Directors of
the WCWA.
- Event Coordinators are ultimately
responsible for the conduct of all units at WCWA events
and are ultimately responsible for enforcing site rules.
Event Coordinators have the final say on all questions
which may arise during any WCWA event. Club members shall
comply and cooperate with Event Coordinators regarding
these responsibilities. Event Coordinators may request
that Commanders exclude specific personnel from further
participation as needed to enforce discipline. (Same as
Section D para. 3)
- When a military or civilian member of a
unit (including officers) is accused of wrongdoing of
Law, By-law, or Regulation (of a non-criminal nature),
whether it be during the units participation in a WCWA
Sponsored or Sanctioned Event, and the matter has
affected individuals outside of the accused member's
unit, then the responsibility for determining the guilt
or innocence of the offending party should reside jointly
with the Company Commanders of all units involved and the
Event Coordinator. In the event the accused is found to
be guilty the manner of discipline imposed is left to the
Commanders involved and the Event Coordinator, and may
include any legal and reasonable recourse except
expulsion from the WCWA. Only the WCWA has the
jurisdictional authority to define or restrict a members
status in the WCWA. In the event that the Commanders and
the Event Coordinator involved can not come to a
unanimous agreement on the disposition of the case then
one or both Brigade Commanders may be summoned as an
arbitrator. Disciplinary actions at the inter-company
level may be appealed to the Board of Directors of the
WCWA, however, the Board may, at its discretion, decline
to hear the appeal.
- When a military or civilian member of a
unit (including officers) is accused of any wrongdoing of
a criminal nature at any WCWA local law enforcement
agencies sponsored event then the matter will be
immediately referred to the for disposition.
- When a Unattached Civilian, Military
Personnel, Sutler and or other Entities not assigned to
WCWA unit, is accused of wrongdoing , they appropriate
Brigade are subject to disciplinary action by the Event
Coordinator and Commander and or Sutler Coordinator.
Definitions:
Participant : an individual who
reenacts in period clothing, and may or may not carry a
weapon.
Combatant: an
individual who reenacts in period clothing and carries a
weapon.
Guest Reenactor: A
reenactor from a club other than the WCWA.
WCWA Sponsored Event:
An Event where the club assumes financial responsibility and
provide insurance.
WCWA Sanctioned Event:
An Event where the club assumes no financial responsibility
but does provide insurance.
By-Laws Committee:
David K. Austin
T. Gil Bridges
Roy E. Houston Jr.
Henry A. Howe III (partial)
Richard McMurray (partial)
Rachael Roberts
Bart Saunders (partial)
Kevin R. Saville
Frank L. "Rusty"
Starr III
Corey D. Stinson
Last updated 16 February 2001 at 1530 hrs.
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