Events in An Tir
by Master Pyotr Constantinovich, OP

Corpora defines a genuine SCA event and they set only four criteria. First, the event must further the goals and ideals of the SCA. It may only be sponsored by an official SCA branch. The event must have the knowledge and approval of the sponsoring branch Seneschal. And last, the event must be advertised to at least the sponsoring group in the customary fashion (no matter what that is).

There are four basic classes of events in An Tir: crown, kingdom, kingdom sanctioned, and local. They differ in sometimes subtle ways. In this article I shall endeavor to explain the differences, how they relate to the Crier and calendar and tie them into the non-member surcharge.

Crown events are named in An Tir law and are the two crown tournaments, May and September, and the two coronations, 12th Night and July. An event information form (EIF) must be on file, event copy must be published in the Crier along with a calendar listing, and the non-member surcharge(NMS) must be levied on all adult non-member attendees. No event anywhere within An Tir may conflict without specific permission from the Crown.

Kingdom events are also named in An Tir law and are inter-kingdom wars, kingdom arts & sciences championship, kingdom bardic championship (not yet, but soon), and crown councils. An event information form must be on file, event copy must be published in the Crier along with a calendar listing, and the non-member surcharge must be levied on all adult non-member attendees. No other event may conflict with a kingdom event within the region or Principality where the kingdom event is being held.

Kingdom sanctioned events are those where formal actions and announcements with long-term impact on the Kingdom may occur. This includes: coronet lists, investitures, appointment of officers at the principality level and up, the presentation of kingdom awards and titles, proclamation of law, and the establishment or advancement of branches. An event information form must be on file, event copy must be published in the Crier along with a calendar listing, and the non-member surcharge must be levied on all adult non-member attendees. Conflict policies as defined are in effect.

Local events include all other "official" SCA events. Per Corpora, "All Society events must be sponsored by branches of the Society, registered with the Seneschal of the sponsoring branch, publicized at least to the members of that branch, and conducted according to Society rules." This includes everything from formal events with entrance fees to fight practice, business councils, stitch & bitch… as long as it meets the definition. If the group desires a calendar listing, an EIF must be submitted, otherwise not. Event copy is not published in the Crier but may be included in the web site calendar. Non-member surcharge does NOT apply to these events. Conflict policies as defined are in effect.

You’ll notice most events fall under the criteria for the last two classes and the significant difference is whether or not event copy is published in the Crier. This difference impacts two important factors, kingdom level business and non-member surcharge. When you decide what kind of event you want to hold, it would be wise to consider these criteria.