2018

War Council decisions in 2018

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 (2019)

Telanar was elected President
Sir Guts was elected Vice President
Yoshi Tatsu was elected Treasurer
Lady Marek was elected Public Relations Coordinator

Realm Status Changes

Speaking rights were granted for Carthage, Tir na nOg, Monachium
Voting rights were granted for Sunspear
Voting rights were removed for Aquilonia

Book of War changes in 2018

Addition to 3.5.2.2:

3.5.2.2. Combatants striking with a two handed swing should call "Two" or the appropriate tape color as indicated on the weapon as they strike.

Modification to 3.7.2.4 (Legged Movement):

3.7.2.4.1. A combatant who has their leg disabled may either shuffle on the knees or move in any way that doesn’t involve weight on the foot of the disabled leg.
3.7.2.4.2. Knee shuffling is defined as moving on the knees such that one knee is on the ground at all times.
- 3.7.2.4.2.1. Examples of legal non-shuffling movements include crawling, rolling, lunging from the non-injured leg, or being clearly supported by others.
- 3.7.2.4.2.2. Examples of illegal movement include duck walking, lunging off the injured leg, or standing using the uninjured leg in any way.

Addition to 3.7.4.:

3.7.4. Combatants attacking an unaware combatant with a Class 2 or 3 weapon must shout "Two" or appropriate tape color as indicated with the weapon as they strike with a two-handed Class 2 swing, “Single” with a one-handed Class 3 shot, and “Double” if with two-handed Class 3 attack as appropriate. If the weapon class is not called, the combatant should consider a successful strike to cause a single hit.

By-Laws changes in 2018

Changes to our mission statement:
It is the mission of BMCS to create a safe, fun, inclusive, and friendly environment in which participants may engage in medieval-fantasy activities, especially simulated combat with sports equipment and the pursuit, study, and appreciation of related arts and sciences. BMCS shall promote artistry, study, and appreciation in pre-1600’s cultures as well as in the medieval fantasy genres.

Changes to Article 2:

2.1 BMCS as an organization shall strive for the following:
- 2.1.1 To promote greater interest and understanding of BMCS and its mission statement to the public.
- 2.1.2 To educate members about the medieval arts and sciences, fantasy lore, and the safe practice of simulated medieval martial arts.
- 2.1.3 To enable realms and individual members to further the BMCS mission statement and promote the organization as a whole by identifying and promoting best practices so that members can better engage with the public and build cohesion within the community.

Changes to Article 4:

4.1. Member Rights and Responsibilities
- 4.1.1. Membership in BMCS shall be reserved for individuals and institutions that support the mission and objectives of BMCS, and agree to adhere to and uphold the BMCS Code of Ethical Guidelines and Policy of Nondiscrimination.
- 4.1.2. Participation in BMCS activities at any level is reserved for members and non-members approved by the member hosting the activities.
4.2. Non-Members
- 4.2.1. 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.
- 4.2.2. Non-members are those persons who have not agreed to uphold the responsibilities of membership, or for whom membership has been revoked or denied.
- 4.2.3. Non-members may only participate in activities in which the hosting member has granted explicit permission. This includes but is not limited to events and practices.
- 4.2.4. Non-members are explicitly barred from attending and participating in BMCS funded events.
4.3. Non-Member Participation
- 4.3.1. Members that choose to allow non-members to participate in their hosted activities assume full liability for said persons.
- 4.3.2. Hosting members must clearly advertise ahead of time when an activity will allow non-members, and must specifically name the admittance of persons for which membership has been revoked or denied by BMCS.
4.4. Automatic Denial of Membership
- 4.4.1. Individuals with the following legal status or history will be automatically denied membership in BMCS:
  - 4.4.1.1. Persons who have ever been convicted of sexual offences against a minor, or related actions thereof. This includes but is not limited to solicitation of a minor for sexual acts, grooming behaviors or predation, possession, distribution, solicitation for, or creation of child pornography, or sexual exploitation of a minor.
  - 4.4.1.2. Persons who have ever been convicted of rape or sexual assault.
  - 4.4.1.3. Persons who have ever been convicted of severe violent offences such as murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, or violence against a child.
4.5. Procedural Denial or Revocation of Membership
- 4.5.1. An individual may be preemptively denied membership, or have their membership revoked, via the following criteria and procedures.
  - 4.5.1.2 Criteria
    - 4.5.1.2.1 A person may be denied or lose membership for the following non-exclusive criteria, and non-listed criteria determined to be in keeping with the spirit of this list by the BMCS War Council:
    - 4.5.1.2.1.1 Sexual offences for which the person may or may not have received a conviction, including sexual harassment, assault, rape, and sexual offences related to a minor.
    - 4.5.1.2.1.2 Repetitive or severe violent offences for which the person may or may not have received a conviction, including but not limited to domestic violence, murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, physical assault, or credible threats pertaining to the above.
    - 4.5.1.2.1.3 Known association with or dissemination of extremist views that dehumanize and/or promote violence against any person or group, or are otherwise not in keeping with the BMCS mission statement, objectives, code of ethical guidelines, or policy of nondiscrimination. This includes affiliation or support of groups that promote such ideologies, such as Naziism.
    - 4.5.1.2.1.4 A person may not be denied or have membership revoked for their political, religious, or social ideology, where those ideologies do not advocate for the dehumanization of or violence against any persons, classes, races, etc., and do not violate the Article 2 or Article 13 of these bylaws.
      - 4.5.1.2.1.4.1 Persons using such beliefs to actively create unwelcoming environment to other participants, through word or deed, are in violation of section 13.2.6, and should be reprimanded via the guidelines in section 13.3.
- 4.5.3. Procedures
  - 4.5.3.1. The revocation or preemptive denial of membership shall adhere to the following guidelines:
    - 4.5.3.1.1. A motion for denial or revocation of membership must include statements supporting the criteria for which the denial or revocation is levied. This may include witness statements.
      - 4.5.3.1.1.1. Witnesses may choose to remain anonymous, but their identity must be disclosed to a member of the BMCS Officers of the accuser’s choosing.
    - 4.5.3.1.2. Once seconded, the person for which the denial or revocation is intended must be given at least fifteen (15) days notice of the pending action against them before a vote may begin. This notice may be part of the twenty-one (21) day voting period.
      - 4.5.3.1.2.1. During this time, the person must be granted access to the discussion thread for that motion, either directly or by BMCS Officer proxy, so that they may present their defense, and answer questions.
      - 4.5.3.1.2.2. A person knowingly refusing to acknowledge a notice of pending action will be considered to have declined to speak.
    - 4.5.3.1.3. A ¾ vote in favor of the action, with a ¾ quorum, is necessary for such a vote to pass.

Changes to Article 6 (Officers duties)

President

6.1.1.1. The President will work with the WC to ensure that all BMCS rules are observed at all BMCS sponsored and funded events.
6.1.1.2. The President will select Marshals for BMCS sponsored/funded events if the hosting group 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. The President shall oversee the progress of all Officers.
6.1.1.4. The President shall issue any web site changes to the Webmaster should any need to be made.
6.1.1.5. The President will ensure that Belegarth’s non-profit corporation status is maintained.
6.1.1.6. The President will perform all other duties usually associated with this office.
6.1.1.7 The President may designate awardees for the Presidential Orders of Recognition.
6.1.1.8 As with all other Officers, the President is a point of contact to report issues of a delicate nature which requiring reporting via Article 13 of the Belegarth International By-Laws.

Vice President

6.1.2.1. The Vice President will fulfill any obligation that the President is unable to accomplish or any task that the President delegates.
6.1.2.2. The Vice President will assume control of all Presidential powers & responsibilities at a BMCS funded/sponsored events should the President not be able to attend.
6.1.2.3. The Vice President will work with BMCS Realms and BMCS Events concerning BMCS Rules.
6.1.2.4 The Vice President will “Chair” and oversee the running and rulings of the War Council in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order.
- 6.1.2.4.1 They will be responsible for calling a vote once the War Council’s discussion is complete and tallying the votes.
6.1.2.5 The Vice President may call for a speaking limit on the representatives of the War Council in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order.
6.1.2.6 The Vice President may designate awardees for the Presidential Orders of Recognition.
6.1.2.7 As with all other Officers, the Vice President can be contacted to report issues of a delicate nature which requiring reporting via Article 13 of the BMCS By-Laws.

Treasurer

6.1.3.1. The Treasure will accurately record all financial records for the BMCS.
6.1.3.2. The Treasure will collect all receipts from BMCS.
6.1.3.3. The Treasure will file any appropriate tax information as needed.
6.1.3.4. The Treasure will prepare a quarterly Belegarth financial report for public release.
6.1.3.5. The Treasure will prepare and publish an annual financial report for the public release.
6.1.3.6. The Treasure will establish and maintain a corporate checking account.
6.1.3.7. The Treasure will review and remit payment for debts accrued by the BMCS.
6.1.3.8 The Treasure may designate awardees for the Presidential Orders of Recognition.
6.1.3.9 As with all other Officers, the Treasurer can be contacted to report issues of a delicate nature which requiring reporting via Article 13 of the Belegarth International By-Laws.

Secretary

6.1.4.1. The Secretary will be responsible for keeping the official minutes of the Officer meetings (If not in attendance, the remaining Officers may elect another Officer to fulfill this obligation for the meeting).
- 6.1.4.1.1 The Secretary will be responsible for posting any Officer Meeting Minutes to the Belegarth Forum.
- 6.1.4.1.2 As all War Council Meetings take place on the BMCS Forums, the Forum Daily Backup will provide the record of any and all War Council Meetings/Discussion
6.1.4.2. The Secretary will be responsible for filing all necessary paperwork on behalf of the Officers and Belegarth Medieval Society INC including but not limited to Incorporation/Business Entity Fillings in the State of Idaho, Register Agent Fillings, and Change of Officers Paperwork.
- 6.1.4.2.1 The secretary may delegate this task as needed.
6.1.4.3 The Secretary will be responsible to create and maintain an updated list of contact information of the War Council Representatives of all Voting and Speaking Realms.
6.1.4.4 The Secretary will step in to help with War Council Voting Periods when required.
6.1.4.5. The Secretary will be required to schedule and announce all Officers Public Meetings.
- 6.1.4.5.1 There shall be at least 1 Public Officers Meeting per calendar year.
- 6.1.4.5.2 The Public Officers Meeting shall take place prior to the December Voting Period.
6.1.4.6 The Secretary will be responsible for handling all nominations for the Presidential International Orders of Recognition.
6.1.4.7 The Secretary may designate awardees for the Presidential Orders of Recognition.
6.1.4.8 As with all other Officers Positions, the Secretary can be contacted to report issues of a delicate nature which requiring reporting via Article 13 of the Belegarth International By-Laws.

Webmaster

6.1.5.1. The Webmaster 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. The Webmaster 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. The Webmaster 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. The Webmaster 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. The Webmaster will, in conjunction with the Public Relations Coordinator, ensure BMCS follows website, social media and search engine optimization best practices.
6.1.5.6. The Webmaster will, in conjunction with the Public Relations Coordinator, be responsible for compilation and analysis of web traffic analytics.
6.1.5.7 The Webmaster may designate awardees for the Presidential Orders of Recognition.
6.1.5.8 As with all other Officers, the Webmaster is a point of contact to report issues of a delicate nature which requiring reporting via Article 13 of the Belegarth International By-Laws.

Public Relations Coordinator

6.1.6.1. The Public Relation Coordinator 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. The Public Relation Coordinator will compile analytic data associated with these social media channels.
6.1.6.3. The Public Relation Coordinator 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. The Public Relation Coordinator will be the primary point of contact for new realms.
6.1.6.5. The Public Relation Coordinator 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. The Public Relation Coordinator will, in conjunction with the Webmaster, ensure BMCS follows website, social media and search engine optimization best practices.
6.1.6.7. The Public Relation Coordinator will, in conjunction with the Webmaster, be responsible for compilation and analysis of web traffic analytics.
6.1.6.8 The Public Relations Coordinator will maintain a group of Regional Public Relations Liaisons of their choosing to help facilitate a cohesive Public Relations Front across the community.
6.1.6.9 The Public Relation Coordinator may designate awardees for the Presidential Orders of Recognition.
6.1.6.10 As with all other Officers, the Public Relations Coordinator is a point of contact to report issues of a delicate nature which requiring reporting via Article 13 of the Belegarth International By-Laws.

Changes to Article 13 (Code of Ethical Guidelines):

13.1. Members of BMCS shall adhere to the following guidelines. Those members failing to do so may be subject to action, as outlined below and in Article 4: Membership.
13.2. Members of BMCS shall:
- 13.2.1. Promote BMCS in a manner consistent with its mission statement and objectives.
- 13.2.2. Encourage careful compliance with all applicable laws in regards to the promotion and execution of BMCS activities.
  - 13.2.2.1. This includes ensuring appropriate and respectful use of lands and facilities utilized for any BMCS activity
- 13.2.3. Encourage other members in upholding these guidelines, the BMCS mission statement and objectives, and the requirements of membership.
- 13.2.4. Encourage and support prospective and new members of BMCS as they enjoy and become productive and valuable members of BMCS.
- 13.2.5. Uphold the standards outlined in this document and act within the best interests of the organization and its members to provide a safe and welcoming environment.
- 13.2.6. Create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, age, lifestyle, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, or socioeconomic status.
13.3. Members of BMCS shall not:
- 13.3.1. Advocate destruction of any site or cause damage to any property being utilized for BMCS activities.
- 13.3.2. Allow their name to be used in support of illegal or unethical activity at any BMCS activity, including practices and events.
- 13.3.3. Knowingly misrepresent oneself as qualified in matters which could result in harm to the well being or reputation of the organization or its members, such as weapons checker, marshal, medical personnel, or any other position or office at the realm or national level.
- 13.3.4. Violate any applicable laws while at a BMCS event, including laws of local municipalities, states, provinces, territories, or federal governments.
13.4. Violations
- 13.4.1. If a member has been found to be in violation of Article 13:
  - 13.4.1.1. In the case that the violation occurs at any inter-realm or intra-realm activity, at the their sole discretion, the host(s) of that activity may take any action they deem appropriate and/or necessary including, but not limited to:
    - 13.4.1.1.1. Removal from the field of play
    - 13.4.1.1.2. Ejection from the activity, including events
    - 13.4.1.1.3. A semi- or permanent ban from the host’s future activities
  - 13.4.1.2. In the case that the violation occurs at an activity funded and sponsored by BMCS, the event coordinator may take any action deemed appropriate and /or necessary, as above, including ejection from the event and banishment from attending the event the following year.
  - 13.4.1.3. For any situation resulting in a ban of any sort, occurring at any level within the community including but not limited inter-realm, intra-realm, and online activities, the host issuing such punishment must submit to the BMCS Officers, within 90 days, a description of the events and outcomes, the names of the persons involved, as well as the actions taken by the host.
    - 13.4.1.3.1. After receiving this report, the BMCS Officers will review the situation and report its findings to the WC. The BMCS Officers can, at their discretion, omit the name of victims from the report to the WC.
    - 13.4.1.3.2. WC can review and discuss this report. If necessary, the party applying the punishment should be ready to provide clarification or further evidence at the WC’s request. Based on this discussion, the WC may, by a ¾ vote, issue warnings and/or semi- or permanent bans from future activities sponsored and funded by BMCS.
      - 13.4.1.3.2.1. Alternative to the issuance of a semi- or permanent ban, WC may also elect to vote on revoking membership as outlined in article 4. WC may decide to make a motion to recommend that a member be banned from future activities hosted by BMCS realms or other hosts for a set time; those groups that allow the member to attend despite the recommendation assume all risks for that member’s participation during the ban period.
    - 13.4.1.3.3. The full discussion and conclusion shall be made publicly available for all realms to review and, at their discretion, impose their own restrictions.

National Events of 2018

People who were titled in 2018

-Dragoon Sare (Pyke)
-Sir Juggernaut (Grey Haven)
-Sir Ra Carnifex (Sunspear)
-Sir Thumbs (Stygia)
-Dame Idril Frostfoot (Middle Earth)
-Sir Sahnz (Middle Earth)
-Sir Collister
-Dame Ruby the Stalwart (The Southern Plains)
-Sir Marik (Spira Draconis)
-Artificer Master Faline (Wolfpack)
-Artificer Master Anij Kalish (Stygia)
-Artificer Master Thurat (Carthage)

People who started fighting in 2018