2015

From BelegarthWiki


War Council decisions in 2015

This list includes all changes passed by War Council during the four voting periods of the year (March, June, September & December)

Officer Elections for the Next Year (2016)

Realm Status Changes

Book of War changes in 2015

  • Clarification to 1.3.7.
    • 1.3.7. Tape is allowed on the striking surface as long as it does not compromise the weapon's ability to deliver a safe hit.
  • Changes to 1.4.
    • 1.4.1.4. The maximum handle length for a Class 1 Weapon is twelve (12) inches (30.5 cm) or one-third (1/3) of the overall length, whichever is greater. This cannot exceed one-half (1/2) of the overall length.
    • 1.4.4.2. Single-edged Weapons must have their non-striking edge clearly marked for at least 12 inches with tape, paint, fabric, or other material in a way that clearly contrasts with the striking surface cover and does not wrap onto the flat of the blade.
  • Change to 3.2.
    • 3.2. Armor must be passed by an event-designated armor checker.
  • Re-wording of 3.5.4.
    • 3.5.4.5. The head may not be the intentional target of any shield maneuver.

By-Laws changes in 2015

Article 2: Objectives

  • 2.1. To stimulate greater public interest in and public understanding of the BMCS mission statement.
  • 2.2. To disseminate educational information to the public about the purpose and creative ideas behind the organization.
  • 2.3. To identify and promote best practices set forth by the Realms and members of BMCS.

Article 4: Membership

  • 4.1. Membership in BMCS shall be open to all individuals and institutions that support the objectives of the BMCS and the Code of Ethical Guidelines established in the Bylaws of the organization, and/or the Realm in which the individual lives.
  • 4.2. Only a Member shall have the privilege and responsibility of holding office, of nominating and electing the Officers of the organization, and of being a representative at War Council, henceforth referred to as WC.
  • 4.3. Members in the BMCS shall affirm and adhere to the Code of Ethical Guidelines established in the Bylaws of the organization set forth by the WC.
  • 4.3.1. A Member whose acts are contrary to the objectives of the BMCS or the Code of Ethical Guidelines established in the Bylaws of the BMCS may be expelled or excluded from Membership by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the WC.
  • 4.3.2. This may take place only after the Member has been given fifteen (15) days prior notice of the pending action together with the reasons and has been given the opportunity to be heard, orally or in writing, by the WC at least five (5) days before the effective date of expulsion.

Article 6: Officers and Their Duties

    • 6.1. The Officers of the BMCS shall be:
  • 6.1.1. President
    • 6.1.1.1. Will work with the WC to ensure that all BMCS rules are observed at all BMCS sponsored and funded events.
    • 6.1.1.2. Will select Marshals for said events if the hosting realm has not already done so or in case of problems.
    • 6.1.1.2.1 The President has the right to veto Marshals at BMCS sponsored and funded events.
    • 6.1.1.3. Shall oversee the progress of all Officers
    • 6.1.1.4. Shall issue any web site changes to the Webmaster should any need to be made.
    • 6.1.1.5. Will “Chair” and oversee the running and rulings of the WC. He/she is responsible for calling a vote once the WC’s discussion is complete and will tally the votes.
    • 6.1.1.6 The President may call for a speaking limit on the representatives of the WC.
    • 6.1.1.7. Will be responsible for the voting on the Belegarth Forums and must be able to tally votes accordingly.
    • 6.1.1.9. Will ensure that Belegarth’s nonprofit corporation status is maintained.
    • 6.1.1.10. Will perform all other duties usually associated with this office.
  • 6.1.2. Vice President
    • 6.1.2.1. Will fulfill any obligation that the President is unable to accomplish or any task that the President delegates.
    • 6.1.2.2. The office will be able to assume control of all Presidential powers & responsibilities at a national event should the President not be able to attend.
    • 6.1.2.3. Will work with BMCS Realms and National BMCS Events concerning BMCS Rules.
  • 6.1.3. Treasurer
    • 6.1.3.1. WIll accurately record all financial records for the National BMCS.
    • 6.1.3.2. Will collect all receipts from the National BMCS.
    • 6.1.3.3. Will file any appropriate tax information as needed.
    • 6.1.3.4. Will prepare a quarterly Belegarth financial report for public release.
    • 6.1.3.5. Will prepare and publish an annual financial report for the public release.
    • 6.1.3.6. Will establish and maintain a corporate checking account (Need the articles of incorporation for this).
    • 6.1.3.7. Will review and remit payment for debts accrued by the BMCS.
  • 6.1.4. Secretary
    • 6.1.4.1. Will be responsible for keeping the official minutes of the WC meetings and completing and filing all necessary paperwork for the BMCS (If not in attendance, the WC may elect another to fulfill this obligation for the meeting).
    • 6.1.4.2. Will be responsible for filing necessary paperwork as well as posting the WC minutes to the Belegarth Forums.
    • 6.1.4.3. Will be responsible for ensuring the corporate paperwork is filed on a timely basis. The secretary may delegate this task as needed.
    • 6.1.4.4 Will be responsible to create and maintain an updated list of contact information for realm leaders of voting realms and/or their appointed designees.
  • 6.1.5. Webmaster
    • 6.1.5.1. Will be in charge of the national web page, making any and all changes to the page that the President has mandated.
    • 6.1.5.2. Will be in charge of the national online web board; moderating and making any and all changes and updating the online web board as necessary.
    • 6.1.5.3. Will report to the President so that the President may report to the WC any and all issues dealing with the page in question.
    • 6.1.5.4. Will, in conjunction with the Public Relations Coordinator, promote the ease of access to BMCS on both the website and social media channels.
    • 6.1.5.5. Will, in conjunction with the Public Relations Coordinator, ensure BMCS follows website, social media and search engine optimization best practices.
    • 6.1.5.6. Will, in conjunction with the Public Relations Coordinator, be responsible for compilation and analysis of web traffic analytics.
  • 6.1.6. Public Relations Coordinator
    • 6.1.6.1. Will be the main point of contact for all organization-level media coverage and manage all social media channels officially associated with Belegarth Medieval Combat Society, http://www.belegarth.com and http://www.geddon.org
    • 6.1.6.2. Will compile analytic data associated with these social media channels.
    • 6.1.6.3. Will oversee propagation of official Belegarth-related content, including, but not limited to: blogs, instructional videos, press releases, images, promotional materials, documentaries, and newspaper/magazine articles, to be posted on the website and across all social media channels.
    • 6.1.6.4. Will be the primary point of contact for new realms.
    • 6.1.6.5. Will, in conjunction with the Webmaster, promote the ease of access to BMCS on both the website and social media channels.
    • 6.1.6.6. Will, in conjunction with the Webmaster, ensure BMCS follows website, social media and search engine optimization best practices.
    • 6.1.6.7. Will, in conjunction with the Webmaster, be responsible for compilation and analysis of web traffic analytics.
  • 6.2. War Council Representatives
    • 6.2.1. Each Realm shall determine their own WC Representatives.
    • 6.2.2. The WC shall consist of two delegates from each Realm, either one may place their realm’s one vote.
    • 6.2.3. Realm WC representatives must have the means to access the internet at least one per week.
    • 6.2.4. The WC shall determine the rules and safety procedures that BMCS requires.
    • 6.2.5. The WC shall elect the National Officers.
    • 6.2.6. The WC shall determine the BMCS Bylaws.
    • 6.2.7. If the Secretary is not present, WC will elect someone to take accurate notes from the WC Meeting.
    • 6.2.8. The WC will do its best to support the National Officers as well as general members of BMCS.
    • 6.2.9. National Officers may not serve as War Council Realm Voting Representatives during their tenure.

Article 9: Referendum or Vote

  • 9.1. Referendum vote may be held through the Belegarth Forums at any time upon the initiation of the WC or President. A Referendum petition must request and receive permission from said WC.

Article 10: Emergency Votes

  • 10.14.3. Votes required due to pending litigation or an emergency financial situation that requires expenditures outside the annual budget.

Article 13: Code of Ethical Guidelines

  • 13.1. The following guidelines shall be adhered to by the BMCS to advise the most ethical course of action in the various matters which may arise.
    • 13.2. Ethical Responsibility to the Public
    • 13.2.1. BMCS members shall:
    • 13.2.1.1. Recognize a primary commitment to present the public with any information that will promote the BMCS.
    • 13.2.1.2 Actively support the BMCS by any means available under law.
    • 13.2.1.3 Encourage the members of the BMCS to uphold the involvement of educational awareness of local realms and the disposition of materials for the growth of the BMCS.
    • 13.2.1.4. Encourage careful compliance with procedures specified in state and federal law regarding the use of lands or facilities for the purpose of the BMCS populace.
    • 13.2.1.5. Realm leaders are responsible for contacting local park services to ensure all aspects of local law and codes are being maintained by their respective realms.
  • 13.2.2. A BMCS member shall not:
    • 13.2.2.1. Advocate destruction of any site or cause damage to any property that the BMCS is using.
    • 13.2.2.2. Allow his or her name to be used in the support of illegal or unethical activity in which any BMCS event is taking place.
    • 13.2.2.3. Knowingly misrepresent oneself as "qualified" in matters for which there is a reasonable doubt of qualification such as weapons checker, marshal, medical personnel, or any other office at the Realm or National levels.
    • 13.2.2.4. Violate any local or federal laws while at a BMCS event.
  • 13.3. If a member has been found to be in violation of Article 13:
    • 13.3.1. In the case that the violation occurs at any local or regional inter-realm event or any intra-realm event, at their sole discretion, the event coordinator(s) may take any action they deem appropriate and/or necessary including, but not limited to: removal from the field of play, ejection from the event, a semi-permanent or permanent ban.
    • 13.3.2. In the case that the violation occurs at a national or international event funded and sponsored by BMCS, the event coordinator(s) may take any action they deem appropriate and/or necessary, up to a ban from all events funded and sponsored by BMCS for a period of one year beginning after the conclusion of the event in question.
  • 13.3.3. For any situation occurring at a Local or Regional inter-realm event that results in a punishment longer than the duration of the event in question (i.e. ejection from the event), the event coordinator(s) must submit to the BoD a description of the events and outcomes, the names of the involved persons as well as the actions taken by the event coordinator(s) within 90 days from the incident.
    • 13.3.3.1. After receiving the report, the BoD will review the situation and report findings to the WC.
    • 13.3.3.1.1. The BoD can, at their discretion, omit a victim's name from the report to the WC.
    • 13.3.3.2. WC can review and discuss the report. If necessary, the event coordinator(s) should be ready to provide clarification or further evidence at the WC's request. Based on this discussion, the WC may issue warnings, suspensions or bans from events funded and run by the BMCS.
    • 13.3.3.3. The full discussion and conclusion shall be made publicly available for all realms to review and, at their discretion, impose their own restrictions.

Article 14: Policy of non-discrimination

  • 14.1. Belegarth shall be nonprofit and nonsectarian. There shall be no discrimination in membership, employment or services due to race, color, sex, gender identity, age, lifestyle, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, mental disability, or physical disability.
  • 14.1.2 BMCS retains the right to refuse participation in simulated combat to members with medical conditions that would pose a safety risk to themselves or other members. The risk is to be determined by the head marshal of the event. This ruling shall apply only to simulated combat and will not bar any person from any other aspect of participation.

Article 15: Realms

  • 15.1. A Realm is a community or territory that has an active status in the BMCS.
  • 15.2. An active realm in BMCS:
      • 15.2.1. Must have and maintain at least ten (10) active members.
      • 15.2.1.1. An active member is defined as a person who has signed a waiver and either attends practice once a month during the practice season and/or attends three inter-realm events in a calendar year.
      • 15.2.1.2. Minimum active membership shall not include members of another realm.
    • 15.2.2. Must register with the BMCS by contacting an Officer of BMCS.
    • 15.2.3. Must use the rules for combat based on those contained within the Book of War of the BMCS for any inter-realm event they run.
      • 15.2.3.1. Realms may have their own set of rules specific to their location.
      • 15.2.3.2. These rules may be used in place of the national BMCS rules at inter-realm events only if differences are posted for other attending realms to see at least one month prior to the event.
      • 15.2.3.3. Any event sponsored and funded by BMCS as a national event shall use the full national BMCS rules, without modification.
    • 15.2.4. Must not be within 20 miles of another BMCS realm. Alternatively, if the realm in question is within 20 miles of another BMCS realm, it must have at least ten (10) active members separate from the other realm.
    • 15.2.5. Must have a regularly scheduled practice at least once per month as space and weather permits.
    • 15.2.6. Must have a written constitution and/or bylaws. These will be submitted to the WC for review prior to being granted speaking or voting status.
  • 15.3. Becoming a Speaking Realm.
    • 15.3.1. Meet all the criteria from section 15.2 with the following exceptions or additions:
      • 15.3.1.1. Must submit their bylaws to the WC at the time of being nominated for speaking rights. Failure to do so invalidates their nomination.
      • 15.3.1.2. Must have been an active realm for a period of one calendar year before being nominated for speaking rights.
      • 15.3.1.3. An Officer of BMCS, and/or voting member of the WC must sponsor a new realm before they are granted a seat on the WC.
    • 15.3.2. Speaking realms are allowed two (2) representatives to the private WC Forum. They may voice their realm's opinions, but may not make motions, or vote, on any business.
  • 15.4. Becoming a Voting Realm.
    • 15.4.1. Meet all the criteria from section 15.2 and 15.3 with the following exceptions or additions:
      • 15.4.1.1. The realm in question is sponsored by a currently voting realm.
      • 15.4.1.2. The realm in question has maintained speaking rights in good standing for one calendar year before being brought up for voting rights
      • 15.4.1.3. A WC vote of 2/3rds majority is needed to move a realm from speaking status to voting status.
  • 15.5. Duties and responsibilities of a sponsor realm:
    • 15.5.1. Designate points of contacts for both the sponsor and sponsored realms.
    • 15.5.2. Exchange contact information including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email.
    • 15.5.3. Make an attempt to visit the sponsored realm’s practice or event at least once every six months.
    • 15.5.4. Once this is done, the sponsorship needs to be addressed by the WC and a vote taken.
    • 15.5.5. A simple majority vote by WC is needed to give a realm speaking rights.
    • 15.5.6. Any voting realm may nominate any speaking realm for voting status as long as the requirements of 15.5 are met.
  • 15.6 Duties of a Voting Realm
    • 15.6.1 Each Realm is only allowed one vote.
    • 15.6.2 Each Realm is allowed two (2) representatives to the private WC Forums.
    • 15.6.3 A voting realm is considered in attendance at all online votes so long as By-law 10.5.1 has been followed.
    • 15.6.4 Realms must always strive to be respondent.
      • 15.6.4.1 If a realm plans to abstain, they should respond as such.
    • 15.6.5 WC Representatives must contact the President or Secretary as immediately with changes to their representation
  • 15.7. Removal of a Realm:
    • 15.7.1. All votes to remove voting rights for any reason require a 2/3rds majority vote by the WC.
      • 15.7.1.1. If for some reason a realm does not fulfill the requirements of section 15.2, 15.3, 15.5, or 15.6 the WC may remove the voting status of the realm in question.
      • 15.7.1.2. If a Realm knowingly violates local or federal law, the realm may lose voting rights by order of the WC.
      • 15.7.1.3. Voting rights may be removed if WC determines that a realm does not represent BMCS in a positive manner.
    • 15.7.2. If a realm is dissolved or states its wish to no longer be associated with the BMCS, the realm will forfeit its voting and speaking rights.
    • 15.7.3. A realm may voluntarily choose to reduce its status from voting to speaking rights. To regain its voting rights, it must follow the procedures in sections 15.2, 15.3 and 15.5 of this article.


National Events of 2015

People who were knighted in 2015

People who started fighting in 2015

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