Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism may copy and distribute this document to other members of the Society so long as copyright credit is given and no changes are made in the text.

The governing version of this document is the SCA ORGANIZATIONAL HANDBOOK, published 1989, and the official update sheets released subsequently. Printed copies are available from the SCA Stock Clerk, P.O. Box 360743, Milpitas CA 95036, for $6.00. Any disputes over the actual content of the document will be decided in favor of the printed version. [ As of 8/1992 ]

Introducing the Society

The main focus of most outdoor events is a form of combat based on the tournaments of the High Middle Ages. Participants wear replica armor, and use weapons made from rattan, which have the balance and handling properties--but not the lethal effect--of the originals. They fight on foot, as was done a good part of the time after the mounted courses were run, following a system of rules which permit a realistic sport while promoting a very high safety record. Extensive training is required, and all participants sign waivers of liability.

Besides costuming, armoring, and combat, activities include calligraphy, dancing, music, cookery, and board and field games, plus a variety of technical and social skills which help establish the ambience of life at a period court. Society events are open to the public, but, in keeping with the emphasis on living history rather than dramatic performance, all attendees are expected to make an attempt to preserve the atmosphere and fit in with the SCA's standards of dress and behavior. Many chapters keep a collection of period clothing and other gear to loan out, and larger events often include arrangements to assist unprepared visitors.

Teachers and others planning programs related to the Middle Ages and Renaissance are welcome to write to the SCA. Various useful publications are available, either free or for a nominal fee, and (where possible) the SCA arranges contacts with members who can set up demonstrations of combat, dance, heraldry or other themes designed to appeal to audiences of all ages.

The SCA divides its Known World - that is, the territory where members live, which currently includes all the United States, most of the provinces of Canada, and also Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia--into regions called Kingdoms. Each Kingdom has a King and Queen, selected by tournament combat, wherein each entrant seeks the Crown both for himself and for his (or her) chosen consort. Some of the Kingdoms include Principalities, ruled by Princes and Princesses also chosen by combat. These regional organizations are responsible for the smaller branches based in individual cities or counties. While the rulers hold executive authority, ongoing administration at each level is entrusted to a civil service of appointed officers.

The SCA was incorporated in 1968, but counts its years from the first tournament--actually a medieval- theme party with no thought of starting a club--held on May 1st, 1966. The corporation maintains a central membership registry and publishes a quarterly magazine, Tournaments Illuminated, and provides mailing lists for the monthly regional newsletters published by the Kingdoms for all subscribing members. It also maintains a central heraldic registry and sets overall standards for safety and organizational structure, within which each Kingdom works as an independent unit.

As of the beginning of 1989, there were about 14,000 members, and nearly 550 local and regional chapters. Branch addresses and other information about the Society for Creative Anachronism can be obtained by writing to: