The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is a non-profit educational organization devoted to the study of pre-seventeenth century Western Culture. It concentrates on the European Middle Ages, Renaissance, and members work to recreate the arts and skills of this era. Some members study the Middle East and explore the interaction between Europe and Asia during the period under study. The SCA was incorporated in 1968, but recognizes a tournament held in Berkeley, California, on May 1, 1966, as its founding date. (Source: http://www.ansteorra.org/regnum/hospitaler/articles/fip.htm) Volunteerism is what makes it possible for us to play in the SCA. There are only a handful of paid positions, everything else is done by volunteers.

Herald

The Herald is responsible for several areas - firstly, to help people design and authorize their personal shields and names, secondly, to ensure the smooth running of official functions with announcements and suchlike, and thirdly, to assist at tourneys, wars, etc with the combat lists and announcements. You don't have to be a branch herald in order to take part in the activities of the An Tir College of Heralds. Anyone with an interest in heraldry is encouraged to "come and play", and become a herald-at-large. Heraldic activities fall into two broad categories: Voice and Book. Voice heralds are involved in doing court, announcing combat on the lists field, and making announcements at events. Book heralds do research into medieval names, devices, ceremonies and regalia, and assist the populace in registering their names and devices with the College of Arms. (source: http://www.antir.sca.org/Pubs/ATH/2herald.html) Gate When you first get to an event, you will register and pay your fees at the gate, or troll booth. This point is where everyone passes through on the way to their encampment or feast table. Volunteering to help at gate is a great way to meet everyone coming to an event.

Constable

The Constable is responsible for keeping the peace at feasts, encampments and the like. Anyone can become a Marshall but to become a good Marshall you should do the following. It will make marshalling more enjoyable and safer for everyone involved. ONE: Find someone to teach you the ropes, such as a respected senior field Marshall. As in everything, there are people who do a good job and those who only pass on their bad habits. Talk to other fighters, even other Marshalls, to find out who they respect and who's willing to teach. If you're not sure, talk to the Earl Marshall who can recommend someone in your area to show you the way a Marshall functions. Learn from several Marshalls to see what techniques they use. TWO: Get a copy of the ABC (An Tir Book of Combat) and read through it. If you have questions, ask the experts until you're satisfied. Ideally, one should read this through before every major martial event. Realistically, if you read it through once a year and familiarize yourself with the most pertinent areas this will get you by. Carry your ABC with you if you're not sure, and ask for advice. THREE: You don't have to be a fighter to be a Marshall, and all fighters/knights are not Marshalls. I recommend that everyone should take a basic fighting skills class or go to some fighter practices so that you at least know what you might be observing. It helps in giving a fair assessment of a fight if asked. FOUR: Volunteer and gain experience through tournaments and wars. These situations demand different skills. Know what you're getting into and seek to keep yourself up to date on changes. (source: http://www.antir.sca.org/Pubs/ATH/2marshall.html)

Chirurgeon

All you really need is a valid basic first aid ticket and the willingness to help. If you would like to be warranted, the Kingdom Chirurgeon will need copies of your certification and there will be forms to fill out. You do not need to be warranted to volunteer as a medic at events. Your group will have its own first aid supplies, but it is advised that you carry your own breathing device, and latex gloves with you at all times. To volunteer, find the site medic, usually located by a banner with a white blood drop on a red background, and make yourself known to her or him. Let that person know your qualifications, and any special training you have. He or she will fill you in on what is expected at that particular event, and put you on the schedule. You only need to volunteer as much time as you feel you can, though shifts are typically about 2 hours long. If you are posted where there is a chance you will be called onto the fighting field, please remember that no live steel is allowed on the field, and that includes belt knives. The scissors in your First Aid kit are okay.

Source - http://www.antir.sca.org/Pubs/ATH/2chirurgeon.html

Waterbearing

Anyone can be a waterbearer. People less than 12 years old or shorter than 4 feet tall run the risk of being run over by fighters who can't see them. However, they are encouraged to participate as waterbearers by staying at the waterbearer station or acting as runners. Adults and taller people can give water to fighters without worrying about being run over. To volunteer to be a waterbearer, talk to the Waterbearer In Charge. Wear good footgear and if the weather is sunny and hot, wear a hat. Bring waterbearing gear if you have any. Knowledge of the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion are a definite asset. Being a good waterbearer helps to prove you can work independently and as part of a team. (source: http://www.antir.sca.org/Pubs/ATH/2waterbearer.html) Sign in at every event with the Chirurgeon Waterbearer in Charge Pay attention to the marshals. Never enter the field without their invitation Offer water to everyone, including spectators. Keep water and sports drinks in separate containers at all times – and labeled whenever possible. Don’t Use clear flavors of sports drinks - they can confuse Mix sports drinks to no more than HALF strength. Gatorade should be mixed to QUARTER strength. Make sure that water is potable and as tasty as possible, using filters or bottled water when necessary Have coolers, cups and vinyl tubing on hand Ask your local or event chirurgeon how you can help with waterbearing at events and practices

Source "http://chirurgeon.atlantia.sca.org/Waterbearing/dodont/dodont.html"

Pied Piper

The Pied Piper's responsibilities include organizing activities for children under the age of twelve at Society events; promoting the welfare of children at Society events; educating children on age related topics about aspects of the Society and our historical period of study; and sharing knowledge with interested persons on children's activities. Anyone working with children may be required to provide additional information and submit references. Pied Pipers are not baby sitters and should not be regarded as such. Merchant relief Give them a break Entertain them, play musical instruments in Merchant’s Row Run errands General Dog’s body Serve at feasts Fetch and carry for autocrats Clean-up at events Help set up for court and other events Wash dishes at feasts