[Northkeep] Puck's Rapier Practice

[GabriDAvila at netscape.net]

Greetings and felicitous salutations,

As many of you already know, due to a clerical mis-step the proper authentication was never given by the SCA's Board of Directors (BoD)for any fighter under the age of 14 years old.

I have been told that all official practices must cease allowing youths under 14 to spar.  I have been told that training them without sparring is acceptable.  The process has been restarted but the issue is not on the BoD's agenda for their next meeting in July.  Given time, they may add it to their agenda for the July meeting, but that is merely a hope.  It will probably be on the agenda for their following meeting.  It may be no more than a rubber stamp and we have capable people working on the issue.  This has the unfortunate effect of delaying any sizable youth tournament until after Castellan.

If we may make any difference by writing letters to the BoD, I will organize a letter writing campaign.  That tactic is premature at this time, but it's time may come.

As Don Pachomius OneShoe I am no longer allowed to train my younger students as I have in the past.  I cannot, as a White Scarf of Ansteorra, refuse to follow the directives of the Society Rapier Marhsal.  I cannot, however, ignore the dedication and work that our younger students have displayed.  The measure of a defeat is in its effects on our spirits.  I have spoken with Gabriela and it is our intention to cancel indefinitely any official SCA practice that we have been holding.  When the ban is lifted, then we may consider reinitiating the practice.  I raise my blade in salute to those younger students who, as a White Scarf, I can no longer train.

As a side order of business, it is our pleasure to announce that in our mundane lives we have formed an open fencing club that allows youth Rapier fighters to participate.  We do not have any kind of liability insurance to cover this activity and all fencers will have to be responsible for their own risks.

This new club is not associated with the SCA in any way, but SCA members and any other attendee is welcome.  Children are welcome with a parent or guardian.  We will be meeting at Tuesday nights in Woodward Park at 7pm until sunset to train.  I'd recommend bringing folding chairs, blankets, and something to drink.

With high regards to you all and sincere affection,

Don Pachomius OneShoe
White Scarf of Ansteorra
Premier Insegnante' of Mooneschadowe


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