The Guarda Carta

In support of our ultimate goals; to wit:

● To support the enjoyment and atmosphere of Scarborough Faire.
● To support the health and safety of the cast and crew of Scarborough Faire as best we can while keeping in mind all healthy boundaries on our part and theirs.
● To support one another in all of the above

We the Scarborough Royal Honor Guard do agree to the following guidelines and directives.

 

Participation

Those who have not yet fully qualified for the Scarborough Royal Honor Guard (hereafter called the SRHG) are known as ‘G.I.T.s’, an abbreviation for Guard In Training. All who wish to attend muster and see if they desire to participate are welcome. Once a G.I.T. has participated three times in one season, they will earn their green sash (provided by the SRHG) that becomes their property. Patches with the SHRG coat of arms are available for purchase, and any decorations that do not violate any other rules of the SHRG are permitted. For each year participation requirements are met, a year marker is award to members of the SRHG to add to their sash. Year markers are ribbon stripes given out by the Officers at the end of each Season.

Participation revolves around two events: the Parade and Mug Line. Both activities are completely acceptable and equal in the eyes of the SRHG. To participate in an activity, a G.I.T. or member attends muster, signs the attendance book, and chooses to strut in the parade or join the mug line in Crown Meadow.

 

Garb Requirements
 

The minimum required garb for participation in Mug Line is:

1. Clothing appropriate to the Medieval/Renaissance atmosphere of Scarborough Renaissance Festival (dress / doublet / kilt / armor / jerkin / captain’s coat / etc.). Themed weekend garb is allowed if it falls within the accepted Medieval/Renaissance period atmosphere of Scarborough Renaissance Festival.

2. Footwear suitable for the site, activity and time period.

3. Some manner of head covering or hat is preferred but some flexibility is allowed.

4. A weapon at least the length of your forearm. Weapons are not required to be metal; a bow, staff, wooden sword, or belaying pin are acceptable.

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The minimum required garb to participate in the Parade includes all of the above, and IN ADDITION:

1. Adherence to the requirements of attire set forth by Scarborough Renaissance Faire. We do not have control over these and they may change without our prior knowledge. The year’s rules will be acquired by Leadership and made available at the earliest opportunity.

2. All ‘modern’ objects such as cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, plastic bottles, headphones, earbuds, etc. must be hidden and silenced (as appropriate) for the duration of the parade. Sunglasses may only be worn if they are medically necessary.

3. Keep your words and behavior roughly in line with the 16th century. You may refer to holidays like Mother’s Day, but avoid commenting on other modern activities. Cast members work very hard to build a bubble of belief; it is expected that members of the SRHG (including G.I.T.s) will be polite and preserve that bubble.

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The minimum required garb to accompany cast members as Guards includes all of the above and IN ADDITION:

1. No plastic or paper food or drinkware. Guards must have their own period-appropriate mugs and bowls.

2. Sunglasses are not permitted.

3. Guard members will maintain the facade of existing within period in word and speech.

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Age Restrictions
 

Reluctantly, for the liability of the SRHG and the safety of all within it, we must enact some restrictions for underage yeoman.

1. Any participant under the age of 14 must be in the company of a responsible adult that specifically has authority over that participant at all times.

2. Beginning at the age of 14, participants may strut in Parade or join Mug Line without being accompanied by a responsible adult  provided they are dropped off at Muster and met at the end of Parade by a responsible adult.

3. Beginning at the age of 16, participants may strut in Parade unaccompanied if a responsible adult dropped them off at Muster.

4. At the age of 18, all restrictions are lifted.

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Roles and ranks

It is important to keep in mind that all members of SRHG are volunteers, and, as such, we are all equals. Ranks have been instituted, not on the grounds that anyone is superior to anyone else, but to indicate that some people have willingly taken on additional responsibilities. Leaders in the Guard are not leaders because they tell us what to do but because they set an example for our behavior. The ranks areas follows:

1. G.I.T. (Guard in Training): You have not yet earned your sash, but you are one of us nonetheless.

2. Yeoman: You have earned your sash and represent the SRHG when you do.

3. Corporal: You have earned black trim on your sash by being a consistent and helpful presence.

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4. Scarlet: You have earned the fancy red velvet doublet through devoted service and are the face of the SRHG to the cast and the public.

5. Ensign: This is a special designation available to members under the age of 14. The rank is granted for a single day to the yeoman who carries the banner in Parade. The Ensign will be awarded a special token to denote their rank; the token becomes theirs to keep.

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Behavior and expectations

As we are all volunteers and all equals, we must treat one another with respect and dignity. As we are guests of Scarborough Faire, we need to keep in mind that they do not owe us anything, even the right to participate. Therefore, we have instituted the following guidelines. Signing in the attendance book indicates that you have read and agreed to these guidelines:

1. No racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise hateful behavior will be tolerated.

2. Do not interfere with the people employed by the Faire; allow them to do their jobs.

3. If your sash is on your shoulder, you are considered to be ‘on duty’. This means that members of cast and crew and possibly even vendors may ask you for assistance in minor tasks. You are of course free to decline, but if you don’t want to be asked at all, you may fold your sash and hang it from your belt to denote that you are ‘off duty’.

4. If you choose to drink alcohol on site, when you get to a point of even minor inhibition, please remove your sash and put it away. When we wear the sash, we are representatives of the Guard and should maintain high standards of personal behavior.

5. Remember that the actions of individual members reflect on the Guard as a whole. Do not let inappropriate behavior or poor decisions affect the standing of the Guard.

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Amendment I

April 2025

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Leadership Guidelines

 

These guidelines outline who is considered in a leadership position within the SRHG and the steps for members who aspire to leadership. We aim to foster a transparent and supportive environment where dedicated members can grow and contribute at a higher level.

 

Who is Considered Leadership?

Leadership roles within the SRHG encompass individuals who have taken on specific responsibilities to guide, support, and organize the activities of the organization. 

 

Currently, the following roles are considered leadership positions:

Officer Roles + 501(c)(3) board members.

 

These individuals are formally appointed and hold specific duties that contribute to the overall functioning of the SRHG. Their responsibilities often include strategic planning, decision-making, and overseeing specific areas of operation.

• Captain

• Commander 

• Lieutenants 

• Sergeant Majors

• Sergeants with Distinction

• Corporals with Distinction 
   

Members who are not in formal leadership roles (but are vital to our success!):

• Sergeants

• Corporals at Large

• Yeomen: The backbone of the SRHG, participating actively in events and practices and contributing to our vibrant community.

• G.I.T.s/Probationary Members: Individuals who are new to the Guard and are undergoing their initial training and integration period.
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It's important to remember that while not everyone holds a formal leadership title, every member contributes to the success and spirit of the SRHG. We value each individual's participation, enthusiasm, and dedication.

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Steps to Becoming a Member of Leadership
We encourage members who are passionate about the SRHG and wish to take on more responsibility to pursue leadership opportunities. 

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Here are the general steps involved:

• Demonstrate Consistent Dedication and Participation: Active engagement in events, practices, and guard activities is the foundation of leadership. Consistently showing up, contributing positively, and demonstrating a commitment to the SRHG's goals are crucial.

• Show Initiative and Proactiveness: Look for opportunities to help and contribute beyond the basic requirements. This might involve volunteering for tasks, offering suggestions for improvement, or taking the lead on smaller initiatives.

• Develop Relevant Skills and Knowledge: Depending on the leadership role you aspire to, focus on developing the necessary skills and knowledge. This could involve enhancing your organizational and communication abilities, demonstrating leadership qualities, helping others, training GITs, learning more about the SRHG's history and traditions, etc.

• Express Your Interest: Talk to current leadership members about your interest in taking on more responsibility. This allows them to understand your aspirations and provide guidance. You can approach specific leaders whose roles interest you or speak to a senior officer.

• Seek Mentorship: Connect with current leaders and ask for their advice and guidance. Learning from their experiences can provide valuable insights and help you develop the necessary skills.

• Demonstrate Leadership Qualities: Through your actions, show that you possess qualities such as responsibility, reliability, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to motivate and support others.

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Important Considerations

• Leadership is a Service: Leadership within the SRHG is about serving the membership and contributing to the organization's overall well-being and success and patrons' merriment. 

• Not Everyone Needs to be a Formal Leader: The strength of our Guard lies in the diverse talents and contributions of all our members. Leadership is not the only way to make a significant impact.

• Open Communication is Key: We encourage open communication between members and leadership. If you have questions about leadership roles or the process of becoming one, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

By clearly outlining these guidelines, we can empower our members and ensure the continued growth and success of the SRHG.

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Membership Review, Demotion, and Removal Process

 

Purpose: 

To establish a transparent and consistent process for reviewing the membership status of individuals who no longer actively participate in the SRHG or whose actions may negatively impact the organization's reputation. This process aims to ensure the Guard's continued health, integrity, and positive standing with the Festival & SAPA. 

 

Guiding Principles:

• Fairness: All members will be treated with respect and given an opportunity to be heard.

• Transparency: The removal process will be clearly defined and communicated to all members.

• Best Interests of the Guard: Decisions will be made with the overall well-being and reputation of the SRHG as the primary consideration.

 

Reasons for Membership Review:

A member's status may be reviewed for, but not limited to, the following reasons:

• Leadership's Lack of Participation: Consistent absence from scheduled events and meetings without prior communication or a valid reason.

  • Leadership (Scarlets and Sergeants/Corporals with Distinction) is held to a higher standard and must participate in at least one (1) Royal Guard-related duty on each Faire Day they are present. 

    • Any absences or “days as a patron” must be communicated beforehand. Of course, there are exceptions for illness and/or emergencies. This allows us to ensure proper leadership coverage for each day’s events. 

    • Failure to fulfill agreed-upon responsibilities or commitments within the SRHG.

• Demonstrated unwillingness to adhere to the rules outlined in the Guarda Carta (e.g. proper garb, wearing the green sash while on duty, consuming alcohol before the Grande Parade, non-peace-tied weapons, etc.)

• Conducting oneself in a fashion detrimental to the SRHG's reputation: Actions, whether online or on Faire Grounds, that bring disrepute, ridicule, or negative attention to the SRHG. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Illegal activities - Harassment, discrimination, or disrespectful behavior towards other members, participants, or the public - both online and offline.

• Misrepresentation of the SRHG or its values.

• Actions that violate the SRHG's code of conduct outlined in the Guarda Carta.

 

Process for Membership Review and Potential Demotion or Removal:

• Identification of Concern: A concern regarding a member's participation or conduct may be raised by any member of the SRHG, SAPA, or patron to Leadership.

• Initial Review by Leadership: The leadership council will review the concern and gather relevant information. This may include speaking with the member in question and any witnesses.

• Notification to the Member: If Leadership determines that there is sufficient cause for further review, the member will be formally notified of the specific concerns and potential consequences, including suspension or removal. The Captain and Commander will deliver the notification and will outline the member's opportunity to respond (where applicable).

• Member Response: The member will be given a reasonable timeframe (varies by incident) to respond to the concerns to Leadership.

• Review Committee (Optional): For more complex or sensitive cases, the leadership may convene a review committee consisting of impartial Guard members to evaluate the information and provide a recommendation.

• Leadership Decision: After considering all available information, including the member's response and any recommendation from a review committee (where applicable), Leadership will decide the member's status.

• Notification of Decision: The Captain and Commander will notify the member of the decision. 

• Appeal Process (Optional): The SRHG may establish an optional appeal process, outlining the steps a removed member can take to request a reconsideration of the decision. This could involve presenting additional information to the leadership or a designated appeals committee.

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