[Ansteorra-archery] the future ??

[Susan Hill]

I think that it's too bad that Carolingia feels that they need a form filled 
out in order to make people consider what is expected, but I suspect that 
they have had some bad experiences with people that have not upheld the 
duties of a champion, no matter how trivial or small they may seem. Maybe 
standing behind thrones like a 'peacock' is an insignificant thing to some, 
but to the people of the barony, canton, shire, etc that that 'peacock' 
represents, it is a big deal. We have had some cases in Central Region where 
champions did not fullfill their obligations and it has left a bad taste in 
the mouths of the people that they were supposed to 'defend.' It ends up 
reflecting badly on the archery community and can take years to repair 
trusts. That little championship is a BIG thing to a lot of people. To look 
upon it as just another win is a sad mistake.

To compete in a championship and to win it knowing that you cannot, or will 
not take on those duties, trivial or otherwise, is a breach of honor. A 
person can be an honorable, decent person in their lives, but all it takes 
is one lie to be branded a liar, one dishonesty to be labeled a cheater, one 
foolish mistake to be labled a fool. Yes you should shoot your best if you 
are going to compete, but if you cannot or will not do the duties you should 
bow out. If you win and do not do them, then your honor isn't worth a 
plugged nickel in my opinion. It is not up to you to decide whether the role 
of a champion is trivial or not. It is important to someone or there 
wouldn't be a championship.

It is going to be a while before I win any championships, if it ever 
happens, but if it should, I will stand behind those thrones proudly for as 
long as I am required or physically able. It is part of the duty I agreed to 
when I chose to compete and win, and part of the game we play. If I just 
want to chalk up wins...I can join some other archery club...one that 
doesn't have a dream attached to it.

Lyneya de Grey

Arcarius to Jaque the Spink