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Corporate, Operational, and Safety RulesofNational Civil War Association, Inc.A California Public Benefit CorporationThese rules are the compilation of all policies and standards currently in effect within the NCWA as an organization, and at all NCWA run events. All of these rules have been enacted in accordance with any applicable laws, the NCWA Articles of Incorporation, the NCWA bylaws, and the authority granted by these governing documents to the Board of Directors, Committees under the Board of Directors, and the Unit Board. For the sake of clarity and convenience, several portions of the NCWA bylaws have been restated or summarized in the NCWA rules below. If for any reason a section of the NCWA Rules and the NCWA bylaws are seen to be in conflict, the NCWA bylaws are always to be considered authoritative, and the rules should be adjusted to be in accord with the bylaws if such a conflict is discovered.No policy or standard is to be considered in effect unless it is recorded and published on the NCWA website. Day-to-day activities and functions of the NCWA are not required to be reported except as specified by these governing documents or applicable laws.CORPORATE RULESADMINISTRATIVE BOARDCorporate Rules are administered, and may be added to, deleted or changed, by a majority vote of the Administrative Board, meeting in quorum. The Unit Board may veto changes by a two-thirds vote of the Unit Board, meeting in quorum. The Administrative Board may override a Unit Board veto by a unanimous vote of those meeting in quorum.Any changes to Corporate Rules become effective only when the minutes of the Administrative Board meeting are published on the NCWA website, .Corporate OfficersThe NCWA is required to have four (4) executive officers consisting of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, elected biannually. The Administrative Board governs the affairs and acts on behalf of the NCWA.PresidentThe President is responsible for, among other functions, the following:Presides over all NCWA functions; Negotiates details of possible events in concert with the event planner and Vice-President; Finalizes contracts of events already authorized;Confers with Federal, State and Local authorities; Has final say in emergencies concerning the health, safety and welfare of the NCWA or its members and as required for protection of individual property, either public or private (i.e. injuries on the field, disasters, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, etc.); and Presides over meetings of the Administrative Board and the Unit Board, or both when called as a meeting of the Combined Boards. Vice-PresidentThe Vice-President is responsible for, among other functions, the following:Assists the President in presiding over all NCWA functions; Assumes the duties of the President in temporary absence; and Chairs committees as specified under Committee Rules. SecretaryThe Secretary is responsible for, among other functions, the following:Keeps the official records of the organization, including safety tests, documentation, and other records as called for in the Rules; Insures that minutes are taken and accurately recorded at board meetings;Formats the minutes and distributes them to all Administrative Board members, the Dispatch, and other requesting parties; Formats and mails correspondence delegated by the Administrative Board; Updates Rules when delegated, and notifies the members by way of the NCWA website, ; Maintains files on all NCWA members, to include membership forms and liability releases; and Maintains files on all correspondence. TreasurerThe Treasurer is responsible for, among other functions, the following:Maintains a complete set of books showing income and expenses of the NCWA;Prepares accounting books for yearly tax personnel to be audited and statements submitted to the State and Federal tax authorities; Prepares yearly budget for approval; Prepares inventory and audit of corporate property; Maintains files on all dues payments by NCWA members; Receive all monies due the NCWA and deposit the same in the NCWA accounts; andDisperses monies for expenses accrued, under the directions of the President and/or the Administrative Board. Appointees of the Administrative BoardThe Administrative Board makes the following appointments, subject to ratification by the Unit Board:Dispatch Editor: responsible for the coordination and management of the Dispatch with the Administrative Board. The Administrative Board is not allowed to impose editorial review or editing to the Editor, unless the content in question conflicts with the rules, regulations, or Corporate Bylaws of the NCWA or other legal requirements imposed by State or Federal code.Elections Administrator: responsible for the conduct of annual General Elections and other elections as deemed necessary under these rules. The Elections Administrator is appointed no later than July and is any member of the organization age 18 or older who is not standing for any of the positions open in General Elections.First Aid Administrator: works with the Planning Committee and event coordinators to insure local public medical organizations will be available to respond to medical emergencies at events, and assists in the coordination of any medical evacuations.Membership Database Administrator: serves under the Secretary and is responsible for the database of all NCWA members which includes, but is not limited to, address, phone number, and unit of member.Guest Participant Liaison: acts as liaison with other reenacting organizations and non-NCWA members at NCWA controlled events.Webmaster: responsible for the coordination and management of the NCWA online website with the Administrative Board. The Administrative Board is not allowed to impose editorial review or editing to the Webmaster, unless the content in question conflicts with the rules, regulations, or Corporate Bylaws of the NCWA or other legal requirements imposed by State or Federal code.Internships and InternsThe Administrative Board may appoint, as appropriate, any member of the NCWA as an intern. Under supervision of a corporate officer, these interns can assist in the business operations of the NCWA to the extent agreed upon when the NCWA member consents to becoming an intern. If the intern needs community service hours for any reason, including high school or college graduation requirements, ensure the dates and hours they work for the NCWA are recorded so that their contribution to the NCWA can be acknowledged in a manner that enables them to have their service recognized by the appropriate authorities as the case may be. MEMBERSHIPTo become a member of the organization, a party must fully fill out an NCWA Membership Application, including a Liability Release, and be accepted into a unit of the organization (either established or provisionally approved) and pay such dues as are required by the NCWA.Branches may institute unaffiliated memberships, where individuals may join a branch as unaffiliated member and report directly to the Branch Commander. Such unaffiliated individuals must transfer to a unit no later than the first NCWA Rank Ratio event of the following batantA combatant is anyone participating on the battlefield during battle scenarios with other line soldiers, cavalry or artillery, medical, etc. whether with or without a weapon.Dues and MembershipDues are paid by all members of the organization annually in order to be a member in good standing of the organization. Dues are paid annually and expire with the calendar year.For purposes of memberships, a couple is married or domestic partnership as defined by the state of California. A family membership includes: parents (either natural or through adoption), legal guardians or stepparents, and their minor children; or no more than two (2) grandparents (either natural or through adoption), and their grandchildren with a completed guardianship form on file with the Secretary. Once a member of a family reaches the age of 22 years of age, they must have a separate membership to participate.The Administrative Board may award lifetime memberships. Those awarded lifetime memberships have the cost of their membership (individual, couple, or family) waived.Members receive an annual membership card. Anyone not possessing a valid membership card and safety card on their person at all times at an event, will not be acknowledged as a member in good standing and may not participate in any event activities until confirmed by an Administrative Board member.Guest ParticipantsIndividuals who are members of other reenacting organizations, or are individual reenactors, must complete NCWA Membership Application, including a Liability Release, and fees, which might apply, to attend any NCWA controlled events. Such individuals must also take and pass the NCWA Safety Test in order to participate.The Guest Participant Liaison, or designated representative, informs the Branch Commanders of all pre-registered guest participants prior to the event.Guest participants participate under the supervision of the Branch Commanders, as appropriate. Rank of guest participant is determined by the respective Army Commander on a per event basis.Minors as MembersMinors are subject to all rules and regulations of the NCWA.Minors under the age of 12 are prohibited from membership in military units. A minor recognized as an emancipated minor under the laws of the State of California is recognized as an adult under the rules and regulations of the organization.All minors at an event must have a parent who is attending such event and is a member of the organization. A parent must sign a Minor's Waiver of Liability before the minor may join the organization. Minors may be required to provide a legal proof of age (birth certificate, California I.D., etc.) when joining the NCWA, in which event the Secretary will note such on the Minor’s Waiver of Liability.In the event that a minor's parent will not be in attendance at an event, such parent may appoint an adult age 21 or older as temporary guardian of the minor by delivery of a written assignment of responsibility executed by the parent and delivered to a Branch Commander through such minor's Unit Commander. No adult may be responsible for more than two (2) minors at any one time who are not such adult's children.The minimum age to carry a weapon, service an artillery piece, or ride with the cavalry is 14 years. No one under the age of 14 is allowed on the battlefield. No one under the age of 14 will carry or use a weapon of any type, in camp or on the battlefield.A parent or guardian is responsible for the supervision of the minor(s) under his or her care at all times during an NCWA controlled event. Parents or guardians who do not supervise their minors are subject to disciplinary action.TransfersFor rank/structure purposes, only the official NCWA Transfer Form will be used. In addition, all transfers will take effect at the next regularly scheduled Rank Ratio event after transfer papers are submitted.Individuals are allowed one (1) transfer per year, unless approved by the Administrative Board.A Unit Commander may refuse a transfer; however, written cause for the refusal must be submitted to the Administrative MITTEESGeneral Committee OperationsMembership in any of the standing committees is open to any member in good standing of the NCWA. Only those qualified to vote in NCWA General Elections are allowed to vote at committee meetings.The Administrative Board may create ad hoc committees as necessary.The chairpersons of standing committees are elected by the committee members annually at the general membership meeting, or at the first meeting of that committee held during the calendar year, except:An Administrative Board member is the chairperson of the Safety/First Aid Committee unless a member is appointed by the Administrative Board and accepts the position; and The Vice-President is Chairperson of the Planning Committee.Names of chairpersons are submitted to the Secretary upon election.The chairperson of each standing committee submits a line item budget request to the Administrative Board for approval. Once the Administrative Board has approved the budget, expenses can be incurred up to the line item budget limits. Additional funding over the specified budget requires prior Administrative Board approval.Each standing committee reports on business it has conducted at meetings of the Combined Boards. Written committee reports, with attendees listed, will be submitted to the Administrative and Unit Boards prior to the Combined Boards meeting.Planning CommitteeThe Planning Committee reports to the Combined Boards and is the operational development group of the NCWA. The Planning Committee develops the dates, locations, and overall operational schedule for NCWA, to be developed and planned over a 36-month calendar.The Planning Committee Chairperson appoints an event coordinator or event committee to administer each event.The schedule is presented to the Unit Board at the fourth quarterly meeting of the year preceding implementation of the schedule for approval. Changes to the schedule following this date are also presented to the Unit Board for approval; if there is no regularly scheduled meeting of the Unit Board prior to the changed event, then the Branch Commanders and members of the Administrative Board may approve the change by majority vote.The Planning Committee will designate at least four (4) events each year as Rank Ratio, to be approved by the Combined Boards in conjunction with the event schedule.Unless otherwise specified by the contract or the event site, all internal event schedules (e.g., battle times) shall be approved by event planners and Branch Commanders no less than two (2) months before an event, and shall not be changed during such two months.Individual units may attend or sponsor events not being planned, initiated or sponsored by the NCWA as NCWA members only if:The Administrative Board expressly approves the NCWA’s involvement in the event; The NCWA is named as an additional insured under the policy of liability insurance for the event with a minimum policy limit of $2,000,000 per occurrence; or The Administrative Board approves the application of the NCWA’s own liability policy to the event. Otherwise, units and individual members of the NCWA may only attend non-NCWA organized events in their individual capacities. They may not make any representation (verbally, in writing, or by some other medium) that they are representatives of the NCWA. They may not distribute any literature concerning the NCWA. (This provision does not apply to educational programs offered to schools and civic organizations by a group under ten (10) people where firearms are not fired, or at Speakers' Bureau programs.)Safety and First Aid CommitteeThe Safety and First Aid Committee is comprised of the Safety Chairperson, the First Aid Administrator, Branch Commander Provosts, Branch Equine Safety Officers, and any other representatives within the NCWA directly concerned with spectator and/or participant safety.The First Aid Administrator organizes the First Aid Team, whose purpose is to respond to any emergency medical incidents at events. The members of the First Aid Team are chosen at the discretion of the First Aid Administrator. Each member must supply documentation demonstrating they have received medical training greater or equivalent to the Basic First Aid Level and CPR of the American Red Cross. Documentation will be kept on file by the Secretary.NCWA ELECTIONSAnnual General ElectionThe Election Administrator places a notice on the NCWA website, , made available to the membership in the month of September, informing parties as to what address a written statement of candidacy must be sent and specifying a date no earlier than November 1 for the closing of statements of candidacy, after which date statements will not be accepted.No later than December 1, the Election Administrator, or those acting under the direction of the Election Administrator, mails ballots and supporting materials to the members of the organization eligible to vote at the date of the election. Ballots shall allow for a write-in candidate for any elected position.Elections are conducted and finalized at the Annual Membership Meeting.The Election Administrator takes necessary steps to insure that the ballots are in a form that cannot be counterfeited. In the event that such steps require a system that infringes upon the secrecy of the ballot process, the Election Administrator shall be held to the highest standards of privacy and discloses to no one the vote of any member of the organization, whether expressed individually or as a reflection of how a unit voted.It is the responsibility of each individual member to determine that his or her ballot has been properly secured, completed and returned. Members who shall not be present to vote at the Annual Membership Meeting bear the responsibility for timely delivery of absentee ballots or proxies.The winner of each position shall be the party who receives the greatest number of votes cast for the respective position and need not constitute a majority in the event that more than two parties are standing for a single position. Election results shall be announced immediately after tabulation and shall also be immediately submitted to the Dispatch for publication in the next scheduled edition, and on the NCWA website, .In the event of a tie vote for any position the following procedures will be followed:For Administrative Board positions, the candidates will be presented to the entire Unit Board who will then vote on them; and For Branch Command positions, the candidates will be presented to the Unit Board members of their respective brigades who will then vote on the position. For the Administrative Board, these positions are elected biannually: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Elections for President and Secretary are held in odd-numbered years and Vice-President and Treasurer are held in even-numbered years. All members age 18 years or older may vote in the Administrative Board election.For each Army, these positions are elected: Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Major, and Sergeant Major. All members of the Army age 14 or over may vote in their Army Staff’s election.For the Civilian Branch, these positions are elected: Mayor, Vice-Mayor and Town Clerk. All civilians age 14 or older may vote in the Civilian Branch election.Recall ElectionsAny elected official of the NCWA is subject to a recall election upon filing with any member of the Administrative Board a recall petition signed by at least 35% of the members in good standing in their constituency, viz.:For the NCWA President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, 35% of members eligible to vote in NCWA elections; and For the Branch Command elected positions, 35% of members eligible to vote in that Branch Command’s elections. The Administrative Board must immediately notify all members of the Unit Board regarding the recall petition and its details. Then within seven (7) days of the petition’s receipt by the Administrative Board, the Secretary and Elections Administrator will certify to the Administrative Board whether or not the signature requirements have been met.If signature requirement has been met, the Administrative Board will direct the Election Administrator to conduct a recall election. The Elections Administrator will then prepare and mail to the membership, within 15 days, the necessary ballot materials to conduct the recall election. This ballot will be limited to the question of the recall. All ballots must be returned as directed within 30 days of the date of mailing.At the close of the voting period, the Election Administrator will count the ballots returned. A simple majority (50% +1) of the ballots returned is all that is required to determine the result of this election. Election results shall be announced immediately after tabulation through all available official channels, including, but not limited to the Dispatch, the NCWA website and digital media.VacanciesAny elected branch position made vacant by resignation, or other reasons, may be left vacant, or may be filled by election of Unit Commanders of the branch affected by the vacancy.Unit-Level ElectionsUnit elections and the filling of vacancies are subject to the rules and customs of each unit. The results of such elections must be reported to the Secretary.CONDUCT AND ENFORCEMENTCauses for Disciplinary ProceduresUndesirable conduct may, together with specification of charges, form the basis for disciplinary actions, and includes:Violation of Unit Rules and Customs;Violation of NCWA Rules; Furnishing drugs or liquor to a minor; Under influence of illegal or dangerous drugs; Allowing minors on the battlefield during battle scenarios;Physical abuse of another person; Theft; Malicious destruction of private or public property;Excessive intoxication; Abusively profane language;Insubordination; Neglect of duties; Conduct which seriously impairs the ability of the NCWA or others to perform or carry out the stated purposes of the NCWA; and Violation of the laws of the State of California applicable to this Corporation. General Enforcement of Rules and Unit-Level DisciplineMinor violations of NCWA rules by members are dealt with by bringing the matter to the attention of the following, who work to resolve the issue: first, to the Unit Commander of the violating member; second, to the Branch Commander. If this process does not result in a mutually acceptable resolution, a full action under the Disciplinary Proceedings must be employed.Unit discipline for violation of unit rules and customs is subject to the rules and customs of each unit. In cases where a unit member and a Unit Commander cannot reach resolution of a problem, the matter may be referred to the Branch Commander.Disciplinary ProceedingsNot withstanding the option of resolution under the provisions of General Enforcement of Rules and Unit Level Discipline, the following process will be used in the case of Disciplinary Proceedings.The Administrative Board appoints a Judge Advocate to be responsible for the administration of Disciplinary Procedures. The Judge Advocate should have sufficient legal training to insure that the principle of due process is observed in all disciplinary actions.Any member may request a Court of Inquiry by submitting a written request to the Judge Advocate within one (1) month after the violation or after the failure of the proceedings under the General Enforcement and Unit Level discipline. The written request must contain the specific NCWA rule(s) alleged to have been violated and specify the manner in which it was violated. A copy of the request is sent to the President, or to the Vice-President if the President is the one under inquiry, and so on. The Judge Advocate investigates the charge through interviews with the member making the accusation, the accused, witnesses, the member's immediate superior, and their Branch Commander. The Judge Advocate then, subject to the review of the Administrative Board, initiates Summary Judgment, requests a Court Martial or dismisses the charge. The Judge Advocate has two (2) weeks from the receipt of charges to recommend a course of action.If Summary Judgment is recommend and accepted it will be imposed by the Branch Commander. This judgment may include private reprimand, public reprimand or suspension from NCWA activities for a period not to exceed 45 days.Any accused member assessed discipline by Summary Judgment may decline such punishment, in which case a Court Martial must be convened, or the charges must be dropped. However, in the event of Court Martial, the Court is not limited by the punishment imposed under the Summary Judgment. If a Court Martial is called, the Administrative Board appoints six (6) regular members of the organization, two (2) from each branch. Such appointees shall not be directly involved in the dispute. These six members and the Judge Advocate comprise the Court. The Judge Advocate is President of the Court, guides the proceedings, rules on objections to evidence, and votes in case of a tie. The Administrative Board will appoint a Prosecuting Officer to present the case before the court and a Recording Secretary for the court.The Judge Advocate requests the Administrative Board to appoint a replacement if the Judge Advocate cannot act without prejudice.The accused may challenge up to three (3) appointees to the Court without cause and an unlimited number for cause. The Judge Advocate rules on the challenges for cause. The Administrative Board appoints replacement members of the Court.The date and place of the Court Martial is set by the Judge Advocate and is not less than 14 days nor more than 30 days from the appointment of the Court, except by the decision of the Administrative Board. All parties are notified in writing of the date and place.The accused may represent themselves by presenting their own case or may appoint any other member of the organization to represent them. Both parties may call as many witnesses as necessary as long as the testimony relates to the charges.All testimony is under oath or affirmation testimony and sworn affidavits may be presented and each party may cross-examine witnesses.The Prosecuting Officer first presents the case, followed by the defense. Members of the Court may ask questions of the witnesses and the accused, though the accused may decline without prejudice to be questioned. Questions may be followed by summation if desired.The Prosecuting Officer bears the burden of proof, and must demonstrate the charge and specifications by “clear and convincing evidence.”The Court produces a verdict. The verdict is announced orally and if the charge is determined as “proven” also announces the discipline to be imposed. A majority vote of the Court is required for both proving the charge and the determination of any disciplinary measures. Minutes of the proceedings (including the verdict) are submitted to the Administrative Board in writing.Court-Imposed DisciplineDiscipline may include private reprimand, public reprimand, reduction in grade, suspension from NCWA activities, expulsion or disenfranchisement of any specific right, privilege, rank or unit status, as determined by the Court Martial.Appellate ProceedingsThe accused may appeal a verdict or a discipline to the Administrative Board within 14 days after the Court Martial announces its verdict and discipline to be imposed. In the event of a tie vote on the Administrative Board, the verdict of the Court Martial will stand.The Administrative Board has one (1) month to complete the appellate review and reply to the accused in writing. The decision of the Administrative Board, after review, is final. If members of the Administrative Board are among the requesters, then appeals will be directed to the Unit Board, for review at the next regularly scheduled meeting.OPERATIONAL RULESCOMBINED BOARDSOperational Rules may be added, deleted or changed by majority vote of the Unit Board, meeting in quorum. The Administrative Board may veto changes by majority vote of the Administrative Board, meeting in quorum. The Unit Board may override an Administrative Board veto by a two-thirds vote of those meeting in quorum.Any changes to Operational Rules are published on the NCWA website, , before going into MITTEESGeneral Committee OperationsMembership in any of the standing committees is open to any member in good standing of the NCWA. Only those qualified to vote in NCWA General Elections are allowed to vote at committee meetings.Names of Chairpersons are submitted to the Secretary upon election.The Chairperson of each standing committee submits a line item budget request to the Administrative Board for approval. Once the Administrative Board has approved the budget, expenses can be incurred up to the line item budget limits. Additional funding over the specified budget requires prior Administrative Board approval.Each standing committee reports on business it has conducted at meetings of the Combined Boards. Written committee reports, with attendees listed, will be submitted to the Administrative and Unit Boards prior to the Combined Boards meeting.Rules CommitteeThe Rules Committee acts as a forum for general or significant changes or additions to NCWA Rules, prior to their presentation to the Combined Boards. The Rules Committee may make suggestions on its own, or may be called upon by the boards to research or develop proposed changes. Unless called upon by the boards, however, Rules Committee involvement is not required for rule changes.MEETINGSCommittee MeetingsThe chairperson of each standing committee informs each committee member of any meeting at least one (1) week prior to the meeting by phone, mail, digital media, or by publishing a notice in the bined Boards MeetingsThe President presides over all meetings of the Administrative Board and the Unit Board, or both when called as a meeting of the Combined Boards, without vote, except to break tie votes. The VicePresident serves as Presiding Officer, with the same duties and authority, if the President is absent.The Secretary records all minutes of the boards, and carries out other functions as the President directs. Minutes are submitted to the NCWA website, , for publication.The rules of the organization over which the Unit Board has jurisdiction may not be revised or superseded, and no new rules may be passed, unless such rule change has been proposed at a Unit Board meeting preceding the Unit Board meeting at which the vote for amendment of the rules is to be made. However, this may be superseded if the Unit Board elects to do so, but for the measure to pass in the same meeting in which it was proposed requires a three-fourths majority vote in favor of adoption.UNIT BOARDThe Unit Board conducts all living history functions of the NCWA, including rank ratio, accuracy, new units, event activities (living history), and all other military/program functions. Unit Board members have no vote in Administrative Board matters.The Unit Board is comprised of one voting member from each unit of the NCWA eligible to vote and each Branch Commander.Non-attendance of a unit commander or the authorized representative of the unit, at three (3) consecutive unit board meetings shall result in the revocation of the units’ privilege to vote.Any person 18 years of age and older may serve as unit commander. Unit commanders shall be elected by the unit membership, according the unit’s rules and MITTEESGeneral Committee OperationsMembership in any of the standing committees is open to any member in good standing of the NCWA. Only those qualified to vote in NCWA General Elections are allowed to vote at committee meetings.Names of Chairpersons are submitted to the Secretary upon election.The Chairperson of each standing committee submits a line item budget request to the Administrative Board for approval. Once the Administrative Board has approved the budget, expenses can be incurred up to the line item budget limits. Additional funding over the specified budget requires prior Administrative Board approval.Each standing committee reports on business it has conducted at meetings of the Combined Boards. Written committee reports, with attendees listed, will be submitted to the Administrative or Unit Board as appropriate, prior to the Combined Boards meeting.Living History CommitteeThe Living History Committee administers the Living History Rules, with the aid of the Branch Commanders.The Living History Committee also administers a record of historical documentation as required to be submitted by NCWA units or individuals. The original documentation is provided to and maintained by the Secretary.Rank Ratio CommitteePlease refer to the Rank Ratio section of these Operational Rules for current rank ratio committee tasks while Rank Ratio is suspended.The Rank Ratio Committee regulates and reviews the rank/structure of all established or provisionally approved NCWA units and their attendance at official NCWA events.The Rank Ratio Committee members elect a Chairman and two (2) Vice-Chairs, representing each branch command.The Rank Ratio Committee reviews unit rank/structure based on average attendance numbers set forth in the Rank Ratio rules.The rank/structure allowance for each individual unit is based on each unit’s average attendance number at NCWA Rank Ratio events.LIVING HISTORY RULESLiving History Rules may be added, deleted or changed by majority vote of the Unit Board meeting in quorum.Any changes to Living History Rules are published on the NCWA website, , before going into effect.PortrayalThe Articles of Incorporation define the NCWA’s portrayal focus to be “…authentic recreated American Civil War period programs to educate the American public about this critical period in American history.” Our organization shall specifically portray two theatres of combat within the American Civil War: The Eastern Theatre, and the Pacific Theatre.For the Eastern Theatre, the NCWA shall portray two recreated Civil War period armies for any year as appropriate between 1860 and 1865, with a default assumed year of 1863. When the NCWA portrays the Eastern Theatre for any year other than 1863, appropriate adjustments will be made to our impression to remain true to the year portrayed. The two Eastern Theatre armies the NCWA shall portray are:The United States Army of the PotomacThe Confederate States Army of Northern VirginiaThese re-created Eastern Theatre Civil War period armies are to be formed by the NCWA’s membership through re-created Union and Confederate military infantry, artillery, cavalry, medical and naval units, as well as ladies auxiliary and civilian historical personages. This includes all aspects of the following as applied to NCWA controlled events:Unit documentation and formation; Individual clothing, uniforms, equipment, weapons, insignia, and personal items;Flags and colors; Camp furniture and layout; Rank, insignia and Army organization;Tactics and formations; and Living history. For the portrayal of the Pacific Theatre of the Civil War, the brigades and units of the NCWA (as they are organized for the portrayal of the Eastern Theatre of the Civil War) will be adapted as the event circumstances dictate. This adaptation may be to reflect the specific site history of an event’s location, or may be adapted to portray the Pacific Theatre of the Civil War more generally. The Pacific Theatre, for the purposes of our organization’s portrayal, includes the following states and territories between 1860 and 1865, as applicable:California State, USAOregon State, USANevada State, USAWashington Territory, USAUtah Territory, USAIdaho Territory, USANew Mexico Territory, USAArizona Territory, USAArizona Territory, CSAFor clarity, the NCWA’s Pacific Theatre impression is not to include troops sent to control the Native American population, unless there was a direct correlation related to succession, the Confederacy, and the war to restore the Union.Individual members are encouraged, but not required, to research and adopt Pacific Theatre impressions in addition to impressions for the Eastern Theater.For the NCWA’s Pacific Theatre portrayal, members of various NCWA Eastern Theatre Units are encouraged to organize non-voting units that depict actual, historic organized Pacific Theatre specific Union, Confederate, or Civilian units to aide in enhancing our portrayal of the regional character and conflict that took place in the Pacific Theatre of the Civil War. The Pacific Theater included both regular and irregular forces in support of the Union and Confederate causes, including Infantry, Artillery, and Naval forces.The Unit Board is to investigate and develop rules as needed to manage Pacific Theatre specific, non-voting units to the ends that such rules would enhance our depiction of the Pacific Theatre. Modern ArticlesNon-period articles are not permitted to be visible in the branch camps during public hours. After public hours, non-period articles affecting neighboring camps, such as overly bright lights, loud radios, etc. are not allowed during the event. Visibly correct period garments, made of period appropriate natural fabrics, should be worn during public hours at all events.Artillery AccuracyNo mountain howitzers may be introduced for use after the date of August 1990, unless documented for that unit before purchase and introduction. No subscale artillery pieces may be introduced for use after January 31, 1996.The Living History Committee keeps a record of the artillery pieces in use before these deadlines, and the Secretary maintains that record for the Committee.Long Arm AccuracyInfantry units carry the long arms documented to have been in use by their units; in the absence of clear documentation or reasonable availability, they carry 3-band muzzle-loading long arms (e.g., Pattern 1853 Enfield, M1861 or M1863 Springfield, M1861 Special Contract Rifle Musket, or Richmond Rifle Musket, etc.). Documentation must be provided and acknowledged before purchase and use of anything other than 3-band muzzle-loading long arms.Cavalry units carry carbines, or other shoulder arms, documented to have been in use by their units; in the absence of clear documentation or reasonable availability, they carry muzzle-loading or breech-loading single-shot carbines (e.g., Sharps, Smith, Maynard, Burnside, etc.). Documentation must be provided and acknowledged before purchase and use of anything other than single-shot carbines.Artillery units carry shoulder arms on the field only if they have been documented for such use. In camp, for provost duty, etc., field artillery units follow Cavalry Long Arm Accuracy Rules, and heavy artillery units follow Infantry Long Arm Accuracy Rules.Flag AccuracyOn the battlefield, the following flags may be flown:For artillery units, one (1) guidon or battery color each; For cavalry units, one (1) guidon each; and For independent infantry battalions, one (1) national and one (1) regimental color each. In camp, a unit may fly flags documented as carried by the unit portrayed. If no flag can be documented, the unit may fly one (1) flag representing the flag most likely carried by the unit.Flags must appear to be of documented design and materials.Except for medical units, flags are flown on staffs designed to be hand-held and carried into battle (e.g., less than 10 feet tall).Camp AccuracyQuite hours are from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.Wall tents are not permitted in military camps, except for Army Officers, Army Hospital Corps, and Commissaries, unless approved by the Army Commander.Recruiting posters are displayed in camps only if they are of period style and composition.Gender AccuracyA reasonable attempt shall be made by members portraying the opposite gender to be recognized as such from a distance of ten (10) yards or more.BRANCH COMMANDSArmy StaffThe following positions are elected:ColonelThe Colonel performs the following functions:Plans and implements all Army activities; Arranges orderly camp layout and communication; Enforces NCWA Rules, personally or through staff; Assures that safety and security announcements are fully disseminated throughout the Army; Communicates with other Branch Commanders as required to coordinate scenarios and maintain good relations; Makes final decisions on matters pertaining to the conduct of the Army camps in regards to behavior of all troops, including guest regiments, units and individuals, disposition of camp structure and conduct of all personnel except where pre-empted by a specific NCWA Rule. This includes Civilian Branch members requesting permission to camp with the Armies; all civilians do so only with the express permission of the Army Commanders; Serves as spokesman for the Army at events; Assigns a specific staff member the responsibility for the distribution and collection of Rank Ratio rosters at designated events; Assigns a specific staff member the responsibility for Provost (e.g., Provost Marshal, Sergeant/Corporal of the Guard, or Officer of the Day); Publishes a set of orders as Army guidelines for conduct and duty; and Serves on the Unit Board. Lieutenant ColonelThe Lieutenant Colonel performs the following functions:May act as Chief of Staff; Holds field command duties and responsibilities assigned by the Colonel; andPerforms the functions of the Colonel in his absence. MajorThe Major performs the following functions:Acts as Chief of Infantry; Holds field command duties and responsibilities assigned by the Colonel; and Performs the functions of the Lieutenant Colonel in his absence.Sergeant MajorThe Sergeant Major performs the following functions:Sees that the Orders of the Day are carried out; Sees that Staff Non-Commissioned Officers carry out their duties, Sees that all Non-Commissioned Officers are trained; and Performs other duties assigned by the Colonel. Medical OfficerEach Army is entitled to a Chief Medical Officer who is elected by his unit and appointed by the Army Commander. The officer may be no higher than the rank of Captain; however, if the unit does not meet the requirements for Rank Ratio, the Army Commander may appoint the Medical Officer as an appointed staff position. The Medical Officer has no field command duties.Appointed PositionsThe Colonel makes the following appointments, at his discretion:Officers:Army Chaplain. The Chaplain must be eligible under his religious denomination to perform duties such as a minister, elder, deacon, or lay minister and have a sincere call of faith to perform such a ministry. The Chaplain conducts nondenominational services and activities appropriate to the position. The Chaplain has no field command duties.Three (3) other Staff officers, such as:Adjutant; Chief of Engineers; Provost Marshal or Officer of the Day; or Quartermaster. Non-Commissioned Officers:Color Sergeant, to drill and maintain the Color Guard. The Color Sergeant may be appointed by the Army Commander or, alternatively, elected by the members of the Color Guard.Up to four (4) other Non-Commissioned Officer positions, such as:Acting Ordnance Sergeant; Clerk; Commissary Sergeant (or Corporal); Pioneer Sergeant (or Corporal); Principal Musician; Quartermaster Sergeant; Sergeant (or Corporal) of the Guard; or Signal Sergeant. Members appointed to these positions may have collateral duties with their units; in these capacities, they report to the Army Commander.Civilian Branch StaffThe following positions are elected:MayorThe Mayor performs the following functions:Plans and implements all Civilian Branch activities; Arranges orderly town layout of those civilians not authorized to be camped with one of the Armies; Arranges for communications between the units within the Civilian Branch;Enforces NCWA Rules, personally or through staff; Assures that safety and security announcements are fully disseminated throughout the Civilian Branch; Communicates with other Branch Commanders as required to coordinate scenarios and maintain good relations; Makes final decisions on matters pertaining to the conduct of the Civilian Branch in regards to behavior of all civilians, including guests, disposition of town structure and conduct of all civilians except where pre-empted by a specific NCWA Rule; Serves as spokesperson for the Civilian Branch at events;Appoints staff positions; and Serves on the Unit Board. Vice-MayorThe Vice-Mayor performs the following functions:Collect attendance figures for Rank Ratio; Communicates concerns of the members of the Civilian Branch to the Mayor; Carries out duties and responsibilities assigned by the Mayor; and Performs the functions of the Mayor in his or her absence. Town ClerkThe Town Clerk performs the following functions:Maintains the census of the civilian branch. All civilian members are registered with the Town Clerk, including individual unit information; Maintains other necessary civilian branch records; Verifies membership status of all civilian reenactors at events; andCarries out duties and responsibilities assigned by the Mayor. Appointed PositionsThe Mayor makes the following appointments:Civilian Provost: responsible for civilian town security, in addition to responsibilities called for by the Safety and First Aid Committee;Planning Commissioner: responsible for the detailed layout of the civilian town; and Society Director: coordinates social activities with and on behalf of the Civilian Branch.NEW UNIT FORMATIONNew units are formed only if they meet all of the following conditions:Submission of a petition for new unit to the Unit Board and the acceptance of such petition by a two-thirds majority vote, by secret ballot, of the Unit Board present at the meeting following its presentation. Such petitions include: For military units, the name and history of the unit and, where applicable, an accurate description of the unit's uniform, weapons and equipment with documentation demonstrating adherence to the Living History Rules. For civilian units, documentation from two sources of the existence of the activity in the geographical region portrayed and any special clothing or apparel demonstrating adherence to the Living History Rules. A guild is a civilian unit dependent for its impression on substantial investment in expensive equipment (e.g., forges) and proposed guilds must provide documentation for such equipment. All other civilian units are classified as societies.Upon successful two-thirds vote, provisional approval entitles the unit to: Participate in events for a period of 12 months;Enlist the required number of new and existing members (a “new” member is any person who has not been a paid member of the NCWA in the preceding 12 months); andAttend Unit Board meetings as observers, with no voting rights.Provisionally approved military unit members may not wear rank, and are under the command of the Army Staff or an established unit.Requirements for full approval, for the different types of units, are:Military units:For infantry, dismounted cavalry, medical, sharpshooter -- at least ten (10) members, including at least five (5) new members.For mounted cavalry -- at least six (6) members, including at least three (3) new members. Each member must provide a mount.For artillery – at least ten (10) members, including at least five (5) new members. The proposed unit must have a cannon, inspected and approved by the Acting Ordnance Sergeant.Civilian units:For guilds – at least ten (10) members, including at least five (5) new members. The proposed unit must have the special equipment listed in the unit proposal.For societies – at least 12 members, including five (5) new members.Upon obtaining the required members, the provisionally approved unit submits a list of its members with their signatures to the Rank Ratio Committee Chair or one of the Vice-Chairs. The Rank Ratio Committee notifies the Branch Commanders that the unit is fully approved.If a provisionally approved unit fails to complete its requirements for final approval within 12 months, it is automatically disbanded.To be given an extension of one and only one year of provisional status requires a three-fourths majority vote by the Unit Board. The same unit cannot be resubmitted within 12 months of having failed to complete requirements for final approval.RANK RATIO [SUSPENDED]Whereas the NCWA’s lack of enforcement of its own rules regarding rank ratio has placed us in violation of our own policy:Whereas the NCWA would be functionally crippled if our rank ratio regulations were to be followed:Therefore, let it be resolved that:The rank ratio committee is tasked with performing a comprehensive review of the NCWA’s rank ratio regulations, and make a proposal of a revised version of rank ratio that will better suit the needs of our organization.Until the unit board adopts the new rank ratio regulations, rank ratio is to be suspended (i.e. – not enforced) within the NCWA. If no new rank ratio regulations are adopted by January 1st, 2016, the suspension of rank ratio will lapse, and these current rank ratio regulations will again be in effect.All units designated as military (including but not limited to: infantry, cavalry, sharpshooters, artillery, and medical) and all units designated as civilian (societies and guilds) are required to have a minimum average number in attendance equal to the number of members required to maintain its vote on the Unit Board. See Adjustment of Unit Standing and Rank Structure Table.AttendanceA unit is any body of members approved to operate within the NCWA holding a vote on the Unit Board. Attendance is defined as, being a current fully paid member of the NCWA, at least 14 years of age, and having received appropriate permission and having passed the appropriate safety test, being present on site after meeting all minimum requirements of unit accuracy and the safety rules set forth by the NCWA.Members are considered in attendance for one unit per event. Members must participate in branch level activities to count for Rank Ratio attendance, such activities may include battle scenarios, branch staff positions, provost, camp guard, etc. The Branch Commander has the final say as to whether an activity shall be counted for attendance.If in any year there are five (5) or more Rank Ratio events, then a unit is entitled to drop one (1) event for that year, the sum of which will be disregarded in determining the unit average. The attendance count can only be adjusted until 3 p.m. on the last day of the event for which the count was taken.Daily attendance forms will be provided to the units for each event by the Administrative Board.Branch Commanders are responsible to see that attendance forms are turned over to the Rank Ratio Chairperson at the close of each sanctioned event.Single event members, and guest participants who are not part of the NCWA, do not count for attendance. Guest participants, who are not members of the NCWA, do not count toward unit attendance.Current members holding dual membership in other organizations participate at the rank they hold in the NCWA. This may be waived by authority of the Army Commander.Military UnitsMilitary units will submit proposed rank structure, pursuant to the Unit Standing and Rank Structure Table, to the Army Commander for approval at least one (1) month prior to the first Rank Ratio event for the year.Single event brevet promotions to fill previously authorized unit rank positions may be made at the discretion of Unit Commanders.No unit is required to fill any position to which it is entitled.Artillery units contain no more than two (2) batteries of artillery. A battery consists of no more than six (6) guns.The rank structure for military units is determined by the Unit Standing and Rank Structure Table.Adjustment of Unit Standing and Rank/StructureUnit rank/structure and attendance is reviewed biannually by the Rank Ratio Committee, on July 31, or after the second Rank Ratio event, whichever is later, and on January 1.The average attendance is based on the sum of a unit’s members in attendance each day, divided by the number of days during the event. (e.g., 12 members on day one and 16 members on day two, average 14 for the event.)The unit average is based on the sum of the event totals divided by the number of Rank Ratio events in the period under review.Fractions are rounded to the next highest number for each event.A unit’s rank/structure may be reviewed by the Rank Ratio Committee upon request of the respective Branch Commander or the Rank Ratio Chairperson.If a review is requested, the unit will be required to supply historical research supporting the rank/structure currently in use. The Rank Ratio Committee will review the materials and make a final decision.Appeals by Unit or Branch Commanders are brought to the Unit Board. The rank structure, as revised by the Rank Ratio Committee, shall stand until otherwise amended by Unit Board review.Any member unable to support the validity of his/her rank will forfeit the rank immediately upon request of the Branch Commander and the Rank Ratio Chairperson or either Rank Ratio Vice-Chairperson.To ensure a fair and accurate tally for purposes of membership verification and attendance, a master roster of the current club membership is to be used. The Administrative Board supplies a current master roster to the Branch Commanders as applicable to each branch, the Rank Ratio Chairperson, and each Rank Ratio Vice-Chair at each of the Rank Ratio events. The roster will only include the member’s name, unit affiliation, member number, and date of birth.The following table will be used to establish all unit rank structures and the minimum numbers for units to retain their Unit Board vote.Unit Standing and Rank Structure TableAverageUnitCapt.LtNCOAttendanceVote0 > 4No0015 > 9Yes00110 > 15Yes01216 > 20Yes10321 > 25Yes11326 > 30Yes11431 > 50Yes115EnforcementNo NCWA member will promote himself/herself or wear unauthorized rank during any sponsored or recognized NCWA controlled event in the presence of the public at any time. Any unit falling below the minimum average number of five (5) members required to maintain its vote on the Unit Board, over a six (6) month period, will be notified by the Rank Ratio Committee. The unit has a six (6) month probationary period to bring up its attendance to the minimum requirement.Military units with an officer are notified of default if they fall below the average number of ten (10). The unit will be given six (6) months to bring up its attendance to the minimum number. If unable to do so, the officer's position is forfeited.Units remaining below the minimum requirement after six (6) months of probation lose their vote on the Unit Board.If the unit remains below the minimum number for an additional six (6) months, any member of the Unit Board may request a review by the Rank Ratio Committee and subsequent recommendation that unit be dissolved.A unit may only be dissolved after two (2) concurrent six (6) month periods below the minimum number of five (5) members and a two-thirds majority vote of the combined Administrative and Unit Boards has been cast.Retiring and Reactivation of the UnitAs an option, a unit unable to maintain minimum Rank Ratio numbers may formally request to be retired from its respective brigade instead of being subjected to a vote of dissolution by the Unit Board.The unit in question must meet the guidelines for dissolution and summit documents for the disbursement of unit funds and equipment. Unit members must submit transfer papers with the request for retirement.Upon a two-thirds approval by the Unit Board, the unit may be retired for a period of three (3) years before automatically being dissolved.If the retired unit request reactivation within the three (3) years, it will need to apply to the Unit Board and gain a two-thirds majority for reactivation. Unit history, equipment, and weaponry guidelines must be resubmitted to match records on file with the NCWA.The unit being reactivated must include five (5) members from the original unit with completed transfer papers at the time of request for activation. When reactivated, the unit must meet all Rank Ratio and attendance guidelines as a new unit to become a fully approved unit.SAFETY RULESGENERAL SAFETYAll NCWA members and guest participants must read and have a working knowledge of the NCWA Safety Rules before participating in an NCWA controlled event. Members and guest participants are personally responsible for following the NCWA Safety Rules.Branch Commanders and their subordinates are responsible for the instruction and enforcement of the NCWA Safety Rules to those under their command. This is to include all units and individuals from other reenacting organizations that are attending NCWA controlled events as guest participants.The call “medic!” is for use in actual emergencies only! For living history scenarios or on the battlefield, call “surgeon,” “stretcher bearer,” or other period terms.If a person wearing a corset becomes injured or unconscious and the removal of the corset is deemed necessary to prevent further injury, the corset strings will not be cut but loosen slowly, which prevents blood from rushing into the core of the body.Each unit will have available a small first-aid kit for minor injuries.ConductHazardous conduct on or off the battlefield is prohibited.Rowdiness, abusive language or public drunkenness is not tolerated at any time. Unit Commanders, military or civilian, are responsible for all their unit members.No consumption of alcohol during public hours.No consumption of illegal substances at any time; violations will be referred to local law enforcement agency.Also prohibited are items or circumstances, as indicated under Causes for Disciplinary Procedures, Conduct and Enforcement, NCWA Rules.MinorsThe minimum age to carry a weapon, service an artillery piece, or ride with the cavalry is 14 years. No one under the age of 14 is allowed on the battlefield. No one under the age of 14 will carry or use a weapon of any type, in camp or on the battlefield. This is to include all units and individuals from other reenacting organizations that are attending NCWA controlled events as guest participants.A parent or guardian is responsible for the supervision of the minor(s) under his or her care at all times during an NCWA controlled event. Parents or guardians who do not supervise their minors are subject to disciplinary actionCombatantA combatant is anyone participating on the battlefield during battle scenarios with other line soldiers, cavalry, artillery, medical, etc., whether with or without a weapon. Combatants participating in battle scenarios require permission from army Branch Commanders.SpectatorsSpectators will only handle weapons in controlled demonstration scenarios at the discretion of weapon’s owner. The weapon being demonstrated is never to leave the sight of its owner. Weapons will only be handled by minors with the parent’s or guardian’s approval and only when the parent or guardian is present. All weapons so used must be unloaded and in a fully safe condition. Bayonets are not fixed. Handling of weapons by spectators or minors under 14 years of age for any reason other than that described above is strictly prohibited.Spectators are not allowed:On the battlefield, during battle scenarios, this will include the time after engagement offshoots are still present on the field; On the battlefield between battle scenarios if live ground charges are present, or demonstrations are being held; In military camps during battle scenarios; In civilian camp during battle scenarios unless the camp is declared open to spectators; or In any members tent, unless by express invitation of the owner. ANIMALSMembers, guest participants, and spectators are not allowed to have dogs at NCWA controlled events. The only animals allowed are horses, mules, oxen and fowl; approved by the Branch Commanders prior to the event and safety tested, if appropriate. Any exceptions must be approved by the Branch Commanders and the Administrative Board prior to the event.BATTLEFIELD SAFETYBattlefieldCanteens are required for all those participating in battlefield activities.Soldiers may fire from the prone position only when ordered by their commanding officer. Before firing the soldier will elevate his muzzle above any tall grass, sand, or loose rocks (permission is withheld for fire danger, or if loose gravel may be kicked up by muzzle blast).A wounded party may never fire from the ground. A soldier should discharge his weapon before falling.Ramrods or bayonets are never used on the battlefield. Bayonets are fixed only at the commander’s direct order and never during the actual battle. Plastic bayonets may be used, but only with prior arrangement for rehearsed hand-to-hand combat scenarios and will the full knowledge of all participants whether participating in hand-to-hand combat or not.Mounted vehicles – artillery pieces, limbers, caissons or wagons, drawn by animals – always have a clear route off the battlefield in case of an emergency. Troops attempting to capture mounted vehicles on the battlefield and during a battle will have a least one open avenue for the animals to move through in an emergency, and obey the safety instructions of the lead driver of the vehicle.Battlefield Provost/Spectator SafetyThe NCWA Safety and First Aid Committee is comprised of the Safety Chairperson, the First Aid Administrator, Branch Commander Provosts, Branch Equine Safety Officers, and any other representatives within the NCWA directly concerned with spectator and/or participant safety. This committee coordinates all safety guard (provost guard) responsibilities.The host site event organizers and the Safety Chairperson are responsible for marking and placement of battlefield spectator barriers (provost line).The host site event organizers and/or NCWA Administrative Board are responsible for the placement of spectator viewing areas. The spectator viewing areas are patrolled by readily visible Provost Guards, keeping spectators in safe areas during battle scenarios.Provost Guards will have the battlefield cleared of spectators a minimum of ten (10) minutes before a battle.Battlefield spectator barriers are patrolled by Provost Guards during all battlefield operations.If, at any time, a spectator enters the battles area, a cease-fire will be called by any member observing the action. The cease-fire is maintained until the spectator is removed from the battlefield (see Cease-Fire below). Individuals assigned as Provost Guards have absolute authority to call a cease-fire and redirect soldiers or units positioned too close to the spectators.All Provost Guards will be courteous but firm when requesting spectators to relocate to a designated spectator viewing area. Spectators not cooperating with Provost Guards are referred to the host site event organizers, for removal, or to the police, for arrest and prosecution.Provost Guards also patrol branch camps during battle scenarios.Members not dressed period appropriate clothing are barred from military camps during battle scenarios.Battlefield Safety ZonesA Safety Zone of ten (10) yards is required between or around:Anyone carrying unsecured and/or live weapons, and any spectators; Anyone carrying loaded weapons, artillery ammunition boxes, limbers or caissons; Artillery powder magazines, tents, structures, and anyone not an authorized member of the Artillery; A loaded artillery piece, and persons standing to the side of the muzzle (except the artillery piece’s crew); Anyone firing weapons, and the persons the weapon are aimed at (if persons are within ten (10) yards, weapons are fired straight up into the air); If a field hospital is established within the battlefield area there will be no weapon fire within ten (10) yards down from the position of the hospital fly or tent; and The active area of the battlefield and any spectator or other public areas. All troops are prohibited in this area. A Safety Zone of twenty (20) yards is required between or around:Anyone firing weapons, and mounted persons the weapons are aimed at (if mounted persons are within twenty (20) yards, weapons are fired straight up into the air); Anyone firing weapons, and mounted artillery pieces or wagons (weapons are not fired at all within this safety zone); Anyone firing weapons, and equine picket lines; A loaded artillery piece, and person standing in front of the muzzle; and Artillery emplacements (guns and ammunition boxes), and spectators. Cease-FireDuring battlefield activities, any member observing a situation that is in violation of an NCWA Safety Rule, may be allowed to correct the situation immediately; otherwise, if not resolved, they may call a cease-fire, which shall remain in effect until the situation is corrected or resolved.Officers on the field may take reasonable steps to correct the situation without calling cease-fire if it would to be quicker and safer.To make a cease-fire obvious and quick, the individual calling the cease-fire due to safety will take his weapon (rifle or sword) and hold over their head horizontally, using both hands. This signal can be repeated by additional participants until the cease-fire has been produced.Hand-To-Hand CombatHand-to-hand battle scenarios are only allowed if they have been agreed upon by army Branch Commanders, and have been planned and rehearsed by the participants prior to the scenario. All participants’ firearms are cleared and empty prior to the scenario beginning; bladed weapons will not be drawn or used during the scenario.Hand-to-hand battle scenarios for mounted participants (capturing a hitched team or limber, taking control of another’s mount, or capturing an artillery piece, etc.) are only allowed if they have been agreed upon by army Branch Commanders, and have been planned and rehearsed by the participants prior to the scenario.Individuals who find themselves in unauthorized hand-to-hand combat will stop it immediately by surrender, taking a hit, or running away, as appropriate. Anyone initiating unauthorized hand-to-hand combat will be reported to their Branch Commander for immediate action when the battle is concludedFIRE SAFETYThere are no unattended fires at any time. Water buckets and/or camouflaged fire extinguishers are to be maintained near open fires at all times.A safety area of ten (10) feet is required between any fire and tents. The exception is a fire built under a tent fly during the rain.A safety area of ten (10) feet is required between open fires and persons wearing hoopskirts. If a person wearing a hoopskirt catches on fire, they should yell for help, drop to the ground and pat/ smother the fire.Smoking or open flame is prohibited:While handling powder in any form; Within the artillery powder magazine safety zone; and After battles until all weapons and cartridges are secure. GROUND CHARGE PROCEDURESGround charges shall be marked by a white chalk or flour circle, or new straw and marked with a further ten (10) foot diameter circle of the same. Only ground charge staff is allowed to enter the ten (10) foot safety zones around ground charges.Ground charges will not be of greater than four (4) ounces of black powder with a recommended charge of two (2) ounces, and placed only in containers designated to withstand repeated detonation of such a charge. Materials used must meet NCWA Administrative Board approval before being added to the ground charge mixture, such as peat moss.Ground charges are used in battle scenarios only after placement and safety of charges have been reviewed and approved by the senior member of the ground charge staff, senior artillery officers, army Branch Commanders, and NCWA Safety Chair; and senior safety personnel have been briefed as to charge location and use in battle scenarios.Ground charges are only electronically activated, and wired and packed as to prevent discharge by any other means.The ground charge control box is inactive and not be handled when placing charges.Only staff members authorized by army Branch Commanders and an NCWA Administrative Board member will handle ground charges, wiring or control boxes; whether such items are active or in active at the time.There is no tripping of ground charges by foot controls, but only by a ground charge control box. The ground charge control box is used under supervision of authorized staff member, who is in attendance at all times during planned battle scenarios where ground charges are used.The army Branch Commanders, along with senior staff members, will submit to the NCWA Administrative Board necessary equipment and loading procedures for ground charges.WEAPON SAFETYTo avoid unnecessary conflict, at no time will a member pick up another member’s weapon without permission from such member. The exception is when the member retrieving the weapon has good faith and reasonable belief that the owner has lost the weapon. For purposes of interpreting this rule, cannon implements are weapons.Firearm and black powder supplies will never be out of possession, sight or control. To prevent access before, during and after battles or demonstrations, firearms, ammunition, caps and black powder supplies will be guarded to prevent theft, unauthorized tampering, personal injury and/or damage to the explosives. No loaded weapons, caps, ammunition or black powder will ever be placed into the hands of a spectator, minor under 14 years of age, or civilian. The individual gun or black powder owner will be held responsible.The possession of live ammunition, either period or modern and/or the possession of modern weapons at NCWA controlled events is prohibited.No reenactor may be armed with more than one long arm. No more than two revolvers may be carried by any reenactor, and each must be in an appropriate holster. No pistols in belts, pockets, etc.Powder horns, flasks, or other freeloading devices are not allowed on the battlefield.Cartridges are carried in cartridge boxes. Tompions are left in camp. No Wonder Wads or like material are ever used.All weapons are clean and in good repair prior to use.All weapons are field cleaned at the end of the day.Spectators will only handle weapons in controlled, demonstration scenarios. The weapon being demonstrated is never to leave the sight of its owner. Weapons will only be handled by minors with the parent’s or guardian’s approval and only when the parent or guardian is present. All weapons so used must be unloaded and in a fully safe condition. Handling of weapons by spectators or minors under 14 years of age for any reason other than that described above is strictly prohibited.At no time is any weapon pointed at a spectator who is closer than twenty (20) yards away.No weapon is fired within ten (10) yards of a spectator.Clearing and MisfiringWeapon firing or clearing of weapons outside of the battlefield must be authorized and supervised by a member of the unit leadership. Prior to clearing weapon, ensure a ten (10) yard safety distance from any general camp area or spectator area and twenty (20) yards from any picket line and give the alarm “fire in the hole” or “firing.”Indiscriminate firing of weapons is prohibited. The exception to this rule is when weapons are cleared on order, in formation.Artillery SafetyMuzzle-loading artillery pieces are to be manned by a crew of at least four (4); one of whom is the Chief of Piece/Gunner, who has trained in the proper operation of the artillery piece which is being are operated.All artillery pieces shall have the proper equipment and be in good repair. Each artillery piece is to be inspected, by the Senior Artillery Officer present, or designee, prior to use at an event, for broken or loose hardware, cracked or damaged wood, wheel alignment and wheel attachments straight and secure (no wobbling). Determination of suitability is the responsibility of the Senior Artillery Officer, and the Senior Artillery Officer must approve the artillery piece prior to its placement on the field.Placement of the artillery is the responsibility of the Senior Artillery Officer.Cannon are placed no closer than five (5) yards, wheel-to-wheel; unless only volley fire, or fire by files, is to be used (all cannon to be loaded at one time).A fire extinguisher will be kept at each battery.Mortars are prohibited.Ammunition BoxesArtillery ammunition boxes containing black powder are constantly manned when unlocked, with lid closed when in battery position (open lid standing between the artillery piece and the open box).The lid of the ammunition box is kept closed, except for loading the box, inspection, or the removal of the charge.Ammunitions boxes are at least ten (10) yards to the rear of the cannon and twenty (20) yards from the nearest spectators. When not in use the ammunitions box is to be stored in a safe and secure area.Ammunition boxes are constructed from wood only, with a self-closing, hinged lid; and with nonferrous metal attachments (brass locks, hinges, hasp).Artillery Safety ZoneThe safety zones for artillery is ten (10) yards to the sides and rear, and twenty (20) yards to the front. Only artillery crews or authorized personnel are allowed within the safety zone when the artillery piece is loaded or when the ammunition box is opened.No artillery piece is fired when the frontal safety zone is not clear.Blank ChargesBlank charges for all artillery pieces are made with F grade or cannon grade black powder only, with the amount such that the muzzle blast will not extend past the safety zone. Such amounts are determined by bore diameter and tube length.Artillery charges are made, in order:A cylinder of heavy duty aluminum foil is formed of a diameter smaller then that of the bore; Black powder rounds are prepared in advance using two wraps of an aluminum foil;The cylinder is closed at one end, forming a cup, then filled with the black powder charge; then The open end is twisted closed, and the twisted end folded back against the charge. Black powder magazines are marked with signs, and the surrounding safety zone us marked off with ropes and red flags.Breech-Loading ArtilleryChief of Piece/Gunner of the breech-loading artillery pieces will have applicable equipment and procedures approved by the respective artillery commander before used in firing demonstrations or a battle scenario. No breech-loading artillery piece is accepted without the adoption of breech-loading safety rules before being used in a firing demonstration or a battle scenario.Muzzle-Loading ArtilleryFor muzzle-loading artillery, required equipment is:A priming pick or wire brush, for cleaning the vent, and opening a hole in the charge (priming pick); A leather thumb stall or leather glove, for stopping the vent; A worm, for clearing the tube of debris; A sponge bucket, for holding water with which to sponge the bore; A wet sponge, for extinguishing sparks; A dry sponge, for drying the tube; A leather gunners haversack, to carry the charge in from the ammunition box to the piece; A rammer, for seating the charge; Pliers or similar tools, for removing any friction primers or other materials that may jam in vent; For guns using friction primers, a lanyard, or For guns fired by fusing, or use of “quills,” a linstock. Quills are made of materials such as cardboard or paper straws; plastic straws may not be used for because of the danger of blocking vent. Materials used in the wrapping of charges will not pass out the safety zone when the artillery piece is fired. Firing procedures are performed in a careful, deliberate manner. For all firing procedures, all body parts not needed during the procedure (i.e., face, other hand) are kept away from the vent and muzzle at all times.If an artillery piece is loaded, the number one and two men will place the rammer or other implements in a vertical position on top of each artillery piece wheel hub. Rammer (number one man) always has thumbs pointing away from the muzzle when ramming.Firing procedures for muzzle -loading artillery are, in order:Clean the vent; Stop the vent; Worm the bore twice; Wet sponge of the bore; Dry sponge the bore; Bring forward the charge from the ammunition box, in a gunner’s haversack; Insert the charge (At this point the piece is loaded and is not left unattended or moved, except for small adjustments for immediate safety reasons, until the piece is fired); As soon as the charge is placed in the muzzle of the piece, the other implements (i.e., sponge) are placed upright: On the wheel hub or axle, for field artillery, providing the top of the rammer is at a minimum height of seven (7) feet; On the top of the wheel rim, for pieces with smaller carriages or rammers, so that the top of the rammer is at a minimum height of seven (7) feet; Pick the charge; then Prime charge. For artillery pieces not mounted on field carriages with large-diameter wheels, artillery pieces with short implements, or other artillery pieces where the implement resting on the wheel does not attain a minimum height of 7 feet, a short implement will be held up off the ground so that the minimum height of the top of the implement is seven (7) feet to signal that the piece contains a charge.The Chief of Piece/Gunner ensures that everyone and everything are in safe order, and calls “Ready/Clear Front!” before giving the order to fire.Misfire procedures for muzzle-loading artillery are, in order:The rammers or other implements are held over the piece in an X as a warning signal that the piece is hazardous. After a minimum interval of three (3) minutes, the artillery piece is re-primed. The Chief of Piece/Gunner insures that everyone and everything are in safe order, and calls “Clear Front!” before giving the order to fire. If the second firing attempt fails, after a minimum interval of three (3) minutes the vent and bore are flooded completely with water, there after a minimum interval of three (3) minutes following the flooding, worming clears the bore. Bladed SafetyRamrods and bayonets are secured during battle scenarios. Steel bayonets are fixed for parade, guard duty, arms inspection, stacking arms, drill, digging in, or other non-battle scenarios, at the direction of the officers.During battles, only non-lethal (plastic) bayonets are fixed, and only on the orders of the field commanders for use in fully choreographed and planned scenarios. Companies participating in such scenarios carry only non-lethal bayonets onto the field for battle, and commanders of such companies inspect their men prior to battle to ensure that steel bayonets are not carried. Metal bayonets are never drawn on the battlefield.Swords are drawn only by officers or at the direction of the cavalry or artillery officers.Knives are not drawn on the field and are tied or otherwise secured to their sheaths.Except as otherwise noted in this section, bladed weapons are neither drawn or used on the battlefield and must be secured in the scabbard or sheath.Equine SafetyBranch Equine Safety Officers are responsible for all matters of equine safety for the duration of the NCWA controlled event.The Equine Safety Officer, or designee, administers the Equine Safety Test to all riders and mounts before their participation in any NCWA controlled event.Branch Commanders may delegate animal responsibility to another Branch Commander or mounted unit commander for riders not belonging to a mounted unit.The Equine Safety Officer, or designee, determines suitability of both rider and mount prior to participation in any battle scenario. All mounts must have safe and serviceable tack and shoes (if shod) and be in sound health.Surcingles are required on any saddle designed for their use, with the exception of artillery team valise saddles.Riders shall be aware of the surroundings near the rear quarter of the mount.Attacking riders must honor all safety zones contained within the battlefield area.Mounts must be ridden at a walk in camp streets, and when entering the battlefield via avenues through spectators.Animals should never be intentionally spooked or stampeded.PicketingThe Equine Safety Officer of each branch is responsible for the placement of picketing areas.Mounts, when not in use, are tied to a picket line, or other secure objects; kept in sturdy corrals or pens; or tied to picket (or grazing) pins with lariats. If on picket pins, pins are placed away from tents so that secured animals are at least thirty (30) yards away.The picket line is kept taut and mounts securely tied to the picket line.Picket line guards, or owners, keep watch on picketed mounts throughout public hours. Picket line guards ensure that spectators approach the animals from the front or side only, not from the rear, and only with permission.Management of animals after public hours is at the discretion of the mounted Unit Commanders.Long Arm SafetyOnly FF or FFF grade black powder or equivalent is used. Absolutely no black powder substitutes are allowed. High velocity muzzle-loading propellants, such as GOEX or similar product, will not be substituted for the low velocity black powder as currently used today.Ramrods are never drawn on the field.Long arm cartridges for muzzle-loading weapons must be made of paper, and tied with string if desired; but no staples, tape, glue or other methods of securing the cartridges are used unless they conform to the Civil War period. Cartridges are made prior to battle and contain no more than 70 to 75 grains of black powder for .54 to .58 cal. weapons, 90 grains for .69 cal. weapons, or 130 grains for 10 gauge shotguns. These loads are the maximum allowed.When loading a muzzle-loaded long arm, only the black powder is placed in the barrel, no paper. The exception to this is when the cigarette paper or equivalent is used for breach-loading shoulder arms.Carbine and other shoulder arm cartridges conform to Civil War specifications. Hard-cased ammunition is sealed only with compressed Cream of Wheat, or with crumbling floral foam and shooting grease, but not both. One layer of blue painter’s tape may be used to seal brass cartridges on repeating rifles.Ramrods are allowed on the battlefield when securely attached to the long arm, and are not used in loading unless in controlled firing demonstrations. Papered cartridge wrappers are not be loaded in muzzle-loading long arms due to potential fire hazard.Long arms are reloaded on a battlefield only with prepared cartridges.Pistol SafetyRevolvers and other pistols of .36 cal. are loaded with no more than 15 grains of black powder. Pistols of .44 cal. are loaded with no more than 30 grains of FFF black powder. Theses loads are the maximum allowed.Single shot pistols are prohibited.Only the following dry material is utilized as wadding for pistols and revolvers: Cream of Wheat, or crumbling floral foam and shooting grease, but not both.All pistols are carried in a holster when loaded to avoid accidental discharge. Pistols are not carried in waistbands, belts, or boots, whether loaded or not. Carrying pistols and waistbands or belts is prohibited.Pistols are considered secured if they are carried in a holster with a flap closed, or a loop over the hammer.Pistols are not reloaded on the battlefield.Cylinders shall be loaded as follows:Charge all chambers with black powder; Place floral foam in each chamber and ram down foam, or fill remainder of each chamber with Cream of Wheat rammed down tight, but not both; Percussion caps are applied to revolver cylinders after the chambers are loaded. Pistols are discharged at the end of each battle or made secure.SAFETY TESTBranch Commanders are responsible for the oversight of the NCWA Safety Rules. Under the Branch Commanders, Unit Commanders are responsible for administering annual safety tests. The purpose of the test is to determine if members have working knowledge of the NCWA Safety Rules, with the aim of preventing accidents.Members and guest participants must take the appropriate test prior to participating in an NCWA controlled event. Tests are battlefield function appropriate (i.e., an artilleryman needs to pass the Artillery Safety Test before participating as a member of an artillery gun crew). All minors 14 years and older are required to take the appropriate safety test(s).Tests cover specific safety areas, and include:General safety, including provost line duty; Weapon safety, specific to weapons type, for those members using weapons; and Equine safety, for those riding, driving vehicles, or using mounts for other purposes. Safety tests have written questions and an answer key. Unit Commanders determine passing grades and sign passed tests. A member may pass a safety tests, with restrictions on battlefield participation.A safety test is re-administered only if:Requested by either the Branch or Unit Commander, for cause; or The member is found in violation of an NCWA Safety Rule. The NCWA secretary keeps the signed safety test(s), recording the date passed on the member’s NCWA Membership Card. ................
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