4.2 Academy Badge
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1 The purpose and focus of the Academy
1.1 General
1.1.1 The Drachenwald Academy of Defence is based on the London Masters of Defence.
1.1.2 The Academy is an institution of the noble art of fence, for like-minded gentles in the interest of promoting fencing with in the Kingdom of Drachenwald.
1.1.3 The Academy is a non-profit institution.
1.1.4 Academy members should make themselves available to Event Stewards to aid in the organizing and running of fencing activities at Events.
1.1.5 The primary goal of the Academy is to promote fencing in the Kingdom of Drachenwald by teaching, spreading knowledge, and by arranging and holding fencing related activities and events, i.e. prize fights, tournaments, collegiums, etc.
1.2 Teaching the Art of Defence
1.2.1 Academy members are encouraged to take students and teach them as best they can in the Art of Defence.
1.2.2 Normally a student will be trained until they reach the skill level of their teacher and then seek a new teacher or take on students themselves.
1.2.3 Students and teachers may part company at any time.
1.2.4 No obligation other then the willingness to teach and learn will be placed on either student or teacher.
2 Membership and Rank
2.1 Joining the Academy
2.1.1 Membership is open to all gentles that have an interest in the Academy and wish to join.
2.1.2 Membership is voluntary and free of charge.
2.1.3 New members are responsible for letting the Academy Scribe know that they have joined the Academy. The Academy Scribe will then add the new members name to the Academy Roster.
2.1.4 Membership in the Academy is for life, as long as the member chooses not to leave the Academy or is removed by the other members, subject to the rules of expulsion in section 2.3 of these By-Laws.
2.1.5 If an Academy member leaves the Kingdom for more than six (6) months they lose their right to vote on Academy business until they return. They are still considered members.
2.1.5.1 Academy members that leave the Kingdom for more then six (6) months are responsible for letting the Academy Scribe know that they will no longer be residing with in our Kingdom.
2.2 Leaving the Academy
2.2.1 A member of the Academy may leave at any time.
2.2.2 A resignation must be in a written form and sent to the Preceptor, who will then forward the resignation on to the Academy Scribe.
2.2.3 Should a member that has left the Academy chose to rejoin, he or she may do so, with their current rank retained, if five (5) Academy members of the corresponding rank or higher support it. The time spent outside the Academy will not count as time needed to fulfill the requirements towards the next rank.
2.3 Expulsion from the Academy
2.3.1 If sufficient grounds exist a member may be removed from The Drachenwald Academy of Defence.
2.3.1.1 Sufficient grounds for expulsion include not adhering to the words of this charter and the By-Law of The Drachenwald Academy of Defence.
2.3.2 Expulsion from the Academy is subject to the following procedure:
At least two (2) members must announce to the Preceptor (or the Academy Scribe if the Preceptor is to be removed) that they want to remove a particular member from the Academy. The Preceptor will inform the member to be expelled and announce over the DrachenRapier e-mail list and in the Dragon's Tale when and where the meeting to vote on such expulsions will be held.
2.3.3 A vote will take place on the removal of the member, subject to the voting rules in section 6.2 of these By-Laws.
2.3.4 The Preceptor and Academy Scribe cannot be removed from the Academy before they are removed from the office.
2.4 Rank
2.4.1 The Academy claims no rank outside the Academy. The only purpose of the rank structure within the Academy is to signify a fencer's development, skill and dedication to the Art of Defence. This will be shown through the wearing of a braid, see section 4.1 of these By-Laws.
2.4.2 The higher ranks of the Academy are known as Free Scholar, Provost, Prefect, and Companion.
2.4.3 Rank is gained by "Playing the Prize" for the next higher rank.
2.4.3.1 The Academy has three (3) marshal ranks.Free Scholar of the Drachenwald Academy of Defence
Provost of the Drachenwald Academy of Defence
Prefect of the Drachenwald Academy of Defence2.4.4 Higher rank in the Academy may also be granted to gentles that show interest in the Academy and contribute with work and continuous service. They will be known, within the Academy as Companions of the Drachenwald Academy of Defence.
2.4.4.1 The Academy also has one (1) rank for service to the Academy.
Companion of the Drachenwald Academy of Defence
2.4.4.2 Non-Members of the Academy may be made Companions of the Drachenwald Academy of defence, but they must first be asked if they are willing to join the Academy. Companions are outside of the normal rank structure of the Academy.
3 "Playing the Prize"
3.1 General
3.1.1 "Playing the Prize" for a rank within the Academy is a test where the Candidate's skill, stamina and chivalry will be exposed to the Academy and to the rest of the Kingdom.
3.1.2 "Playing the Prize" should be a joyful and merry occasion.
3.1.3 The requirements for the playing of the prize for each rank are laid out in the above charter.
3.1.3.1 Should a super-qualified Candidate ask to "Play the Prize", the Preceptor may grant them the chance to Play the Prize for a higher level than otherwise required. It is however, recommended not to use this more than absolutely necessary, making the journey through the ranks valuable in itself.
3.1.4 The outcome of the Prize Fight can be announced along with the presenting of the Candidate's braid. This may either be done in Court (if permitted by Their Majesties) or at some other merry occasion, such as Feast.
3.1.5 Any money raised be the Academy from a "Playing the Prize" will go to the Kingdom travel fund.
3.2 Sponsors
3.2.1 Each Candidate must have a Sponsor. Normally for the Free Scholar Prize Fight, the person approached by the Candidate acts as Sponsor, although that doesn't have to be the case.
3.2.2 The Sponsors responsibilities consist of the following.
3.2.2.1 The Sponsor will make the arrangements for the "Prize Fight".
3.2.2.2 When possible the Sponsor should try to post an announcement the playing of prize to the Drachenrapier.
3.2.2.3 When possible the Sponsor should contact the Event Stewart so the Prize Fight may be announce with the event in the Dragons Tale.
3.2.2.4 The Sponsor is to make sure the equipment; time, Challengers and space are all in order before the start of the prize playing.
3.2.2.5 The Sponsor is also responsible for notifying the Academy Scribe within thirty (30) days of the Prize Fight taken place.
We would like to keep an as up to date record as possible of all Academy members to include name and date of rank. Where the Prize Fight was fought and against whom the candidate fought is also recommended for complete record keeping.
3.2.2.6 The Sponsor is also responsible for making sure that a braid is ready for the Candidate, should he or she be accepted.
4 Insignia and Academy Badge
4.1 Insignia
4.1.1 Officers will not wear any special markings to signify their office.
4.1.2 Insignia of membership with in the Academy is the Academy Badge [reserved].
4.1.3 Insignia of the higher ranks of the Academy is show through the wearing of a braid on the left side either on the shoulder or upper arm. Each rank will have a different colored braid.
4.1.3.1 Insignia for a Free Scholar; a braid of three black ropes.
4.1.3.2 Insignia for a Provost; a braid of two black ropes and one red rope.
4.1.3.3 Insignia for a Perfect; a braid of two gold ropes and one black rope.
4.1.3.4 Insignia for a Companion; a braid of two red ropes and one gold rope.
4.2 Academy Badge
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5 Officers of the Academy
5.1 General Rules
5.1.1 The Offices of the Academy are in no way bound to the rank structure.
5.1.2 The changing of office will take place on the 1st day of December, of the Gregorian year they were voted in to office.
5.1.3 The right to hold an office in The Drachenwald Academy of Defence is open to all members of the Academy.
5.2 The Academy Preceptor
5.2.1 The Preceptor is the head of the Academy.
5.2.2 The Preceptor will represent the Academy before the Crown, the Preceptor appoint the Academy Scribe or an other member this honor if the Preceptor or Academy Scribe are not attending an event where the Crown will be at, if there is Academy Business.
5.2.3 The Preceptor is responsible for making changes to the Charter and By-Laws as voted on during Academy Meetings to ensure that it serves the Academy best. All changes must be published in the Dragon's Tale and on the DrachenRapier e-mail list (after receiving written permission of the list owner).
5.2.4 The Preceptor is responsible for maintaining the Academy banner.
5.2.5 In situations where the Charter fails (for example the arranging of a Playing for the Prize where three fencers of the rank in question cannot be gathered), the Preceptor should step in and decide how to solve the problem. This includes waving requirements and/or finding worthy replacements for Challengers.
5.2.6 Electing a Preceptor.
5.2.6.1 The members of the Academy elect the Preceptor on even numbered Gregorian Years for a period of two (2) years (i.e. 00, 02, 04, etc.).
5.2.6.2 If the Preceptor should step down from office the Scribe will take over the position of Preceptor until an election of a new Preceptor can be arranged.
5.2.6.3 The election should if possible, take place at the annual Collegiums of Defence.
5.2.6.4 All members may nominate anyone that is a member of the Academy (members may nominate themselves).
5.2.6.5 Voting takes place subject to the voting rules in section 6.2 of these By-Laws.
5.2.6.6 A person may hold the office of Preceptor for more then one (1) term, but not longer then two (2) consecutive terms.
5.2.6.7 In the event of a tie, the current Preceptor chooses the Successor from the Candidates that had most votes. The Preceptor may not choose himself/ herself in the event of a tie!!!
5.2.7 Removing the Preceptor from office.
5.2.7.1 A minimum of two members must announce that they want the current Preceptor removed from office. The Academy Scribe will announce over the DrachenRapier e-mail list and in the Dragon's Tale when and where the meeting to vote on the proposed removal from office will be held.
5.2.7.2 Voting will take place subject to the voting rules in section 6.2 of these By-Laws.
5.2.7.3 If the Preceptor is removed from the office, the Scribe will take over the position of Preceptor until an election of a new Preceptor can be arranged.
5.2.7.4 If the Preceptor is removed office, he/ she is still a member of the Academy. It is just the office, not the membership that is withdrawn.
5.3 The Academy Scribe
5.3.1 The Academy Scribe is responsible for keeping an updated Membership Roster.
5.3.2 Electing an Academy Scribe.
5.3.2.1 The members of the Academy elect the Scribe on odd numbered Gregorian years for a period of two (2) years (i.e. 01, 03, 05, etc.).
5.3.2.2 If the Academy Scribe should step down from office the Preceptor will take over the position of Academy Scribe until an election of a new Preceptor can be arranged.
5.3.2.3 The election should if possible, take place at the annual Collegium of Defence.
5.3.2.4 All members may nominate anyone that is a member of the Academy (members may nominate themselves).
5.3.2.5 Voting takes place subject to the voting rules in section 6.2 of these By-Laws.
5.3.2.6 A person may hold the office of Academy Scribe for more then one (1) term, but not longer then two (2) consecutive terms.
5.3.2.7 In the event of a tie, the current Academy Scribe chooses the Successor from the Candidates that had most votes. The Academy Scribe may not choose himself/ herself in the event of a tie!!!
5.3.3 Removing the Scribe from office.
5.3.3.1 A minimum of two members must announce that they want the current Academy Scribe removed from office. The Preceptor will announce over the DrachenRapier e-mail list and in the Dragon's Tale when and where the meeting to vote on the proposed removal from office will be held.
5.3.3.2 Voting will take place subject to the voting rules in section 6.2 of these By-Laws.
5.3.3.3 If the Academy Scribe is removed from the office, the Preceptor will take over the position Academy Scribe of until an election of a new Academy Scribe can be arranged.
5.3.3.4 If the Academy Scribe is removed office, he/ she is still a member of the Academy. It is just the office, not the membership that is withdrawn.
5.3.3.5 If an Academy Scribe is removed from office, they are still a member of the Academy. It is just the office, not the membership that is withdrawn.
6 Meetings and Voting
6.1 Academy meetings
6.1.1 Academy meeting may only be held at an official SCA event announced in the Dragons Tale.
6.1.1.1 Academy meetings must be announced in the Dragon's Tale.
6.1.1.2 Academy meetings must also be announced over the Drachenrapier e-mail list, along with the meeting agenda.
6.1.2 No Academy meeting will be held in secret to the populace or the Crown of Drachenwald, we are not a secret society or an elite school. Academy meetings are open for attendance by all willing to attend.
6.1.3 Anyone attending an Academy meeting may add to or bring up a point of discussion as long as it contributes to the meeting agenda.
6.1.4 The Preceptor, if present will chair the academy meeting. If they are not present then the Academy Scribe if present will chair the meeting, in the Preceptors absence. If neither the Preceptor nor the Scribe is present then the highest-ranking member in attendance will chair the meeting.
6.2 Voting
6.2.1 For voting on issues on the meeting agenda, all members have one (1) vote. Non-members are not allowed to vote on matters of the Academy.
6.2.2 A minimal of eleven (11) members must vote for a vote to be passed.
6.2.3 Absentee votes are allowed, and must be written in the e-mail form. These votes must be sent to the Preceptor or Academy Scribe who will then forward it on to the highest-ranking member of the Academy attending the event.
6.2.3.1 Absentee votes should be sent at least two (2) weeks, but not later then four (4) days before the date of the meeting.
6.2.4 Only the attending members votes and absentee vote received before the meeting will be counted.
6.2.5 Voting options are YES, NO and ABSTAIN.
6.2.5.1 If there are more YES votes than ABSTAIN or NO, then the agenda point is passed. Should the ABSTAIN votes be greatest in number, the voting will be redone at a later event or dropped completely.
7 Amending of Academy Charter
7.1 General
7.1.1 Members may propose changes to the charter at any time.
7.1.2 Changes can only be made during the annual Collegium of Defence event with a minimal attendance of eleven (11) members and a majority vote of the attending members.
7.1.3 The Preceptor may not make changes to the Charter and By-Laws unless voted on by the members of the Academy. Voting takes place subject to the voting rules in section 6.2 of these By-Laws. All changes must be published in the Dragon's Tale or on the DrachenRapier e-mail list (after receiving written permission of the list owner) at least two (2) months in advance in order to give the fencing community time to respond to the suggestions. The Preceptor is responsible for enforcing any changes to the charter immediately.
8 The Collegium of Defence
8.1 General
8.1.1 The Academy will if possible, host an Event each year, called the Drachenwald Collegium of Defence, dedicated to the teaching of the Art of Defence.
8.1.2 At Collegium, the Academy will hold a meeting to discuss at a minimum needed amendments to the charter and hold an election for a new Preceptor or Academy Scribe as required.
8.2 Location
8.2.1 The set regions of the Academy are;
Central: Continental Europe
Insulae Draconis: the United Kingdom and Ireland
Nordic: Sweden and Finland
8.2.2 Collegium should rotate each year to a different region through, Central, Insulae Draconis, and Nordic, when possible.
8.2.2.1 Collegium should also rotate within these regions (Central, Insulae Draconis, and Nordic) when possible, so not be hosted by the same group as last time.
8.2.3 Members wishing their local group to host Collegium should contact the Preceptor at least four (4) months before the planned date of Collegium to determine if the site is adequate or not.