A&S Class on SCA Etiquette

Well... after the last event here in River Haven I noticed quite a lot of people doing things at events that should not (in my opinion) be done. Things like mobile phones during court, not bowing to the King and Queen, or Baron & Baroness as they pass, not bowing to the thrones, lots of things like that which are a real issue for me. Rather than sit back and whine about it, I decided to run an A&S class on SCA Etiquette.

Was well attended (about 19 people) including people that came to do rapier but stayed inside for the conversation which I ran as an around table discussion involving members that had been in the SCA for quite a while. I mainly covered two sections, what to do (and not do) at an SCA event, and the same for during Court. I also set up the thrones so the people could see examples of bowing, when to bow etc. Also at the end we got them to all give it a try... bowing in a relaxed atmosphere like that is much easier to do for the first time than in court.

I feel it all went really well, got many good compliments after about the session, including a few older newbies (does that make sense?) that said they all learnt something as well.

I feel that the older customs and ways are not being passed down to the newcomers, so I feel that it's about time we do something about it.

Bec helped me (Last minute idea which I had no time to do) make up a simple handout for the attendees to remind them what we spoke about... I have included it down below.

What would I do differently?
Well... I did some simple notes for them to keep, but did leave a bit out of it so I would change that. I did sort of jump around a bit, I tried to keep it into two main sections, during an event, and during court. Having the thrones was good because people liked the practical demonstration, so I would do that again. I would make some more notes for myself as reminders, as really I was just running off the cuff last night, but I hid it well as I used the times that Nina, Steve or Giles were talking to think of the next thing I wanted to talk about... which would explain why I jumped around so much.

Maybe also I would ask to borrow some restricted items, like a knights belt, spurs and chain; a Pelican and Laurels chain, Nina and Dom had their baronial coronets there, so that was good. Things like that.




SCA Etiquette

Etiquette in the SCA follows the ideals of courtly love, basically honour those who are your equal or above; treat those who do not outrank you as your equal. Be deserving of the respect of others – so treat the members of the populace as you want to be treated. Reverence is the most common method of showing your respect. What is reverence? Reverence is either a bow or curtsy normally given when passing about 3m from a person of higher rank. It is a SCA custom to make reverence going in front of or passing by the thrones. The thrones are symbols of the Crown and you should show your respect to them even though there is no king or queen or anyone sitting in them. Some people like to cheat and go behind the thrones to escape the effort, please take the time to show your respect – you never know who notices you. If you are ever called up in court for any reasons (award, announcement or giving gifts to the Crown or Baron & Baroness) it is proper to make reverence to each individual representative or pair of representative in the dais (dais is head of the room or platform). Remember start from the highest ranking and work your way down.
Maybe one of the easiest ways to know who the highest ranking person is, would be by what they are wearing on their heads – crown or coronet.

Court
In the SCA court is normally a time when Royalty or Baron & Baroness gather the populace together and handle matter of state, which may include presenting awards to deserving members of the populace, announcements of tourney results, and sometimes other business like law changes, banishment's but these are not that common.

How should you behave while court is being held?
• Switch all mobile phones off or to silent
• Show respect and don’t speak during court – you might miss something important. If you do need to speak to someone (more than a short comment) it is best to leave the court and return quietly to your seat.
• When court starts – it is proper to stand to show respect and then you will be advised to make yourself comfortable.
• During the court you may need to stand again – this happens in ceremonial court such as Coronations or Investitures normally you will hear a call asking you to do so.
If you get called up in court
• Show respect as you approach the thrones by Reverencing about 3m or 4m away from the throne, continue to move forward and kneel on the cushions (if there is any)
• Listen to Their Majesties or Excellencies as they talk to you and speak politely
• When leaving court Reverence and walk about 3m or 4 m away and reverence again.
• If presentations are being made the recipients may get stage freight and not speak loudly, bare with them
Closing the Court
• The herald will call “There being no further business before this court” you stand and the herald will give some closing cheers such as long live the King etc and if the Royals processes out then bow but if the Royals do not you may leave and go onto your business.

Other SCA customs to keep in mind during an event

Keeping mundane items to a limit
• Phones – keep in a pouch put on vibrate don’t leave them on your belt
• Drinks – bottles or cans either pour them into a period drinking vessel or jug or put bottles under the table or away
• Watches – keep in your pouch, not on your arms
• Names – remember to use SCA names, if you can’t remember, merely use m’lord or m’lady.