From the Board of Directors, SCA Inc – Omnibus Peerage Discussions
Currently, approximately 8000 people around the Knowne World actively participate in target archery, combat archery, siege weapons, thrown weapons, and equestrian martial activities. At present, there is no path to a prowess related peerage for these activities. Over the last decade, discussions have been ongoing with many people working hard to provide a range of proposals for the various members of the Board of Directors to consider. We acknowledge that the duration of this discussion is frustrating for many in the communities involved.
On January 29, 2024, the Board requested commentary on proposed language to Corpora that could be used if a new peerage were created. We received 362 emails, with the majority commenting not specifically on the language but on the wider matter of a new peerage itself.
Overall, the commentary reflected ongoing positive sentiment towards a path to peerage for the included activities and the why of it. There were significant variations in opinion on what and how of a new peerage with no overarching consensus apart from the clear consensus that something was needed. This included whether certain activities should be included as written in the draft language.
This commentary reflects the current opinions of the Board – there is a need for a path forward, but Board members have not reached a consensus on exactly what it looks like. We remain committed to finding that next step, noting that compromises will be necessary, and no solution will satisfy universally.
At the meeting, language was proposed for a ‘pre-17th century ranged martial pursuits’ peerage (currently archery – combat, target and mounted, thrown weapons and siege), removing the ‘limited to’ language, noting that work would still need to occur to establish a name for the new order and heraldry so this was an ‘in principle’ approval type first step. There was robust discussion on whether this was the right next step to take. There were several opinions amongst us as to the right path forward. Voting was split down the centre – 3 directors in support, 3 opposed and one abstention.
More work is required by the Board, and we commit to doing it as openly and as promptly as possible.
Thank you for your feedback and advice. We know this is hard. Discussions will continue at the next conference call meeting, and we will provide an update as to the progress of those discussions.
The Directors welcomes any additional context that people feel may be of use to the discussion.
Please email all commentary to SCA-Comments@sca.org and use the title “Omnibus Peerage Proposal” in the subject line.
NOTE: Do not use attachments in your commentary. Attachments will mark your message as spam and it will be rejected by the server.
You can also send commentary by mail, Postage-Prepaid, to:
Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
RE: Omnibus Peerage Proposal
P.O. Box 611928
San Jose, CA 95161