[Ravensfort] SCA gate - a puzzle for those who like such things

[Brian du Val]

Well,
    Since I have been ordered by my wonderful lady with child not to take
any more obligations let me be the first to answer this puzzle:

In order:
A gentleman who forgot his membership card and thinks it
 expires either last month or next month.
                                                 SMILE
        Ask if he has a black star addressed to him. Ask him for his Drivers
License and if He is unable to produce a proof of SCA membership inform him
of the three dollar surcharge and have him sign an adult waiver.
                                                SMILE
His lady who is a current member with a card.
                                                SMILE
        Ask her for her Drivers License or proof of identification. and
inform her that she needs not sign the adult waiver nor pay a non member
fee.
                                                SMILE
Their two children ages 8 and 13, one is a member and one is not.
                                                 SMILE
        Ask the child who is a member if they have proof of identification
and if they are unable to produce one you may have to use your better
judgment and just place a minor wrist tag on them and note the name of their
parents on it. As for the nonmember child they are still a minor and not
required to own a membership to attend events with their parents. Be sure to
have their parent sign the minor waiver form after it is filled out
completely and have a wrist band made for the second child.
                                                  SMILE
Their 16 year old nephew who isn't a member.

        Now here is where you may get some negative feed back. The parents
being in the SCA a while  should be able to produce a Notarized Minor Event
Waiver form allowing their nephew to attend the event with them. Ask him for
proof of identification and match it to the NMEW form. If it does not match
they will not be allowed to bring him on to the site with out his parent or
legal guardian. If their nephew is a member of their household ( who lives
with them at home ) they do not need a NMEW form because they are his legal
guardians and can make decisions concerning his medical needs.

                        Side note: depending on their age some minors will
pay different costs. Minors who are 18
                                         or older who are under 21 living on
their own or attending collage will have to
                                         pay the $3.00 surcharge if they
have no proof of membership. As long as a
minor is under the legal responsibility of a parent or guardian they do not
have to                                          pay a nonmember surcharge.
This also applies to special needs children who
need constant care and are still under their parents or legal guardians care
regardless of age.

A dog, ferret, and a parrot in a large cage.

             Sounds like a bad joke, Hmm....Well, first the dog: ask the
owner for a current rabies vaccination form from their veterinarian. If they
can not produce one they can not have the dog on the site. Tags do not count
but some may argue with you but the LAW is real clear on that issue. The
Ferret: Same as the dog. The Parrot: no vaccination record is needed. All
the animals will need to kept on a leash and not allowed to run or fly free
on the site.

The trailer has a horse looking out at you.

            The Horse owner will need to produce a Current Negative Cogans
Test form from their veterinarian  to be allowed on site. If the horse owner
can not produce one then the horse can not be allowed on site. Again the Law
is very clear on the transportation of equines with Cogans. If the horse is
allowed on site it must remain tethered and not allowed to wander freely on
the site. Horses are not to be left unattended at all.

The parents want feast, the kids don't.

            The children may be smarter than their parents at this point.
Either way do the math and take the money.

    Now at this point I would like to shmooooos a bit and give them a copy
of the site rules and direct them to the equestrian camping area. if they
want a split camp I will direct them to appropriate camping depending on
their local group, house affiliation or special needs. At this point a map
or guide would be helpful.

Now lets to some math:
            The cost of all the family may not exceed a set price on some
sites so check out this option before you tally up the cost. The $3.00
surcharge will apply above all other cost to the adult non member who can
not provide proof of membership. The full charge for the site will apply to
both adults. The children will pay the cost of a minor older than 5 years of
age but not 18 years of age.

Now lets get some options on the table:
            If it is not too late in the afternoon the family may be able to
get any notarized forms or needed vaccinations in town or back home. Fax
copies are still accepted if that is their only recourse. Flexibility is not
suggested toward the rules but the judgment of the Autocrat, Seneschal and
the Baron and Baroness should be sought out before turning away any one who
has traveled a great distance.

            Site tokens and feast tokens in hand, Money in our box, all
forms fill out correctly and completely they should be on their way. Their
Majesties should be impressed at your ability to move the gate so quickly
they may even complement you when the leave. At this point contact the
Autocrat and inform them TRM's are on site.


                                    Did I miss anything?



Brian   :o)