Safety & Etiquette
Safety Regulations
The goal of these regulations is to ensure that each and every member of this Association has a safe and enjoyable time at all events. The following regulations will help its members to be more conscious of safety. These regulations are to be used as a base level of guidelines, with event safety regulations being enforced in those instances where they surpass these regulations. The Officers and the NCOs are there to help if any problems should arise. Safety is the responsibility of all of us. Constructive comments are encouraged in order to improve on the safety of the Association, on and off the battlefield.
General Regulations
-All members must fill out an Association’s Membership Form and these will be put on file with the Secretary/Treasurer.
-No participant shall be permitted to carry a weapon under the age of 16. 16 and 17-year-old members must have a written consent from a parent or guardian to participate.
-No sheathed knives longer than eight (8) inches will be allowed to be carried on the battlefield. The carrying of belt knives at all is discouraged however.
-No live ammo is allowed at any Living History Event. Display cartridges are to be filled with non-explosive material.
-Everyone must have a full canteen of water before leaving the camp for Drill or Battle.
-The consumption of alcohol will occur only after weapons are put away for the day, i.e. after 18:00hrs at most events. If at the beginning of the next day the Commander feels that a person is unfit for duty due to excessive alcohol consumption the previous night, that person will not be able to use a firearm that day.
-At the call of ``Medic!``, stop firing. Medic indicates a real-world injury. All members are to return to their Unit unless you have medical training. Please let the Officer or NCO in charge know where you are.
-Do not engage in hand to hand combat at any time. Any exception to this rule will be given by the Officer or NCO in charge at the beginning of the battle.
Camp Safety
-No horseplay within the camp.
-Keep the camp clear of all unnecessary items and equipment.
-Fire pits will be located at the end of the street within the tent line at a distance of not less than fifteen (15) feet from the last tent.
-No playing with the fire allowed at any time.
-Fire size must be kept to as small as possible.
-When leaving camp let the Officer or NCO know where you are going.
Weapon Safety
-Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
-Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire safely.
-Do not fix bayonets unless ordered to do so during Drill. Never fix bayonets during a battle.
-At all times keep your hands, fingers and chin away from the muzzle of the weapon.
-Never use your ramrod during a battle.
-While in the field, nothing should be placed down the barrel except black powder.
-All rifles and pistol will aim at least at 30 degree above direct level at all times. This elevation will increase the closer the enemy is. Never aim directly at the enemy.
-Powder loads for blank rounds will not be greater than the following amounts:
Rifles .58 cal 60 gr
Smoothbore .69 80 gr
Revolver 30 gr
-Cartridges are to be made out of white paper without the use of tape or staples.
-All weapons will be inspected by the Safety Officer or by the Officer in charge every time the Unit forms up either for drill or for Battle.
-All weapons will be cleaned after each Drill or battle in which they are fired.
-Officers’ weapons will be inspected by the safety Officer or a NCO every time the Unit forms up either for Drill or Battle, regardless if the weapon is loaded or not.
-The Unit will always cap off as a Unit before and after weapons have been fired.
-No gunfire or capping off in camp. Ask permission from the NCO before taking your rifle out of camp to cap off at a safe distance. Yell 'Fire in the hole!' before capping off.
-When loading, leave the spent cap from the last fire on the nipple until ready to prime.
-If it is necessary to recover from aim position, gently place the hammer on half-cock.
-When the barrel of your rifle becomes too hot to touch, step out of line to allow it to cool in order to avoid an early cook off.
-If weather permits, weapons will be stacked at the Unit Colors line after they are cleaned. In foul weather, or if the owner of the weapon does not want his weapon stacked, they will be placed inside the owner’s tent. No weapon shall be hung on the outside of the tent at any time.
-Before you take a hit, either discharge your weapon or dump the round out the barrel and remove the cap.
-When taking a hit, fall forward and keep at 90-degree angle of the battle line with your rifle under you. This keeps your rifle from being stepped on and makes it easier for people to pass by you on the ground.
-Two (2) weapon misfires are allowed before the weapon is ruled foul and unsafe. The powder should be dumped and a hit taken at the next opposing volley.
-Only Officers and Senior NCOs may carry revolvers.
-No wonder wads, cork or peanut butter will be used in revolvers.
Heat Weather Safety
-Know your limits.
-Keep drinking throughout the day, not just while in the field.
-Eat meals, even if you do not feel like eating anything.
-If you don’t feel well - DROP OUT. Let either an Officer or a NCO know that you are dropping out and where you are going to find some shade. Stay with someone. The Unit will come back to get you after the Battle.
-Once you find shade, loosen your clothing and take off your gear.
-If you don’t feel better after a couple of minutes, stay put but send someone to get medical assistance.
Cold Weather Safety
-Always bring enough sleeping gear to keep you warm during those spring and late fall events.
-If you are cold and cannot seem to get warm, let an Officer or NCO know.
-Always keep in mind, cold weather is as dangerous as the warm weather.
Etiquette
-Keep the camp authentic at all time, especially during visitor hours. All non-period articles must be placed in the owner’s tent and covered up.
-Eat and drink from a period cup, plate or bowl at all times. After you empty your beverage into your cup, dispose of the non-period containers (i.e. cans) as quickly as possible in the Unit trash container, or in the one provided by the event organizers.
-Enter the Unit Street from the Colors line and not by crossing through the tents from another Unit’s streets.
-When visiting another Unit, always ask for permission before entering their Street.
-Always ask permission to enter someone else’s tent or before you handle their equipment.
-Do not visit the Yankee camp during visitor hours while in Confederate uniform, or vise-versa.
-Keep the Unit Street clear of any unattended items at all times.
-All items found unattended (i.e. cups, plates, guns, etc.) will be given to the Officer in charge and the owner of such item will be fined.
-Everyone is responsible for cleaning their own plate and flatware. Pots and pans will be assigned as camp duties.
-Camp Etiquette requires military courtesy to Officers and high-ranking civilians of both Armies. Soldiers should stand and salute when they encounter such individuals. If on a detail (wood, water, etc.), the individual in charge of the detail does the salute.
-Keep noise to minimum after 23:00hrs.
-If you arrive late and after dark in a new camp, set up as quietly as possible. Set up the equipment needed for the night. Unpack and set up the other items in the morning.
-When turning in for evening, pick up and place your camp stool neatly in front of your tent, and put your personal items in your tent for the night.
-Think about personal hygiene, for yourself and also for the others.
General Regulations
-All members must fill out an Association’s Membership Form and these will be put on file with the Secretary/Treasurer.
-No participant shall be permitted to carry a weapon under the age of 16. 16 and 17-year-old members must have a written consent from a parent or guardian to participate.
-No sheathed knives longer than eight (8) inches will be allowed to be carried on the battlefield. The carrying of belt knives at all is discouraged however.
-No live ammo is allowed at any Living History Event. Display cartridges are to be filled with non-explosive material.
-Everyone must have a full canteen of water before leaving the camp for Drill or Battle.
-The consumption of alcohol will occur only after weapons are put away for the day, i.e. after 18:00hrs at most events. If at the beginning of the next day the Commander feels that a person is unfit for duty due to excessive alcohol consumption the previous night, that person will not be able to use a firearm that day.
-At the call of ``Medic!``, stop firing. Medic indicates a real-world injury. All members are to return to their Unit unless you have medical training. Please let the Officer or NCO in charge know where you are.
-Do not engage in hand to hand combat at any time. Any exception to this rule will be given by the Officer or NCO in charge at the beginning of the battle.
Camp Safety
-No horseplay within the camp.
-Keep the camp clear of all unnecessary items and equipment.
-Fire pits will be located at the end of the street within the tent line at a distance of not less than fifteen (15) feet from the last tent.
-No playing with the fire allowed at any time.
-Fire size must be kept to as small as possible.
-When leaving camp let the Officer or NCO know where you are going.
Weapon Safety
-Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.
-Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire safely.
-Do not fix bayonets unless ordered to do so during Drill. Never fix bayonets during a battle.
-At all times keep your hands, fingers and chin away from the muzzle of the weapon.
-Never use your ramrod during a battle.
-While in the field, nothing should be placed down the barrel except black powder.
-All rifles and pistol will aim at least at 30 degree above direct level at all times. This elevation will increase the closer the enemy is. Never aim directly at the enemy.
-Powder loads for blank rounds will not be greater than the following amounts:
Rifles .58 cal 60 gr
Smoothbore .69 80 gr
Revolver 30 gr
-Cartridges are to be made out of white paper without the use of tape or staples.
-All weapons will be inspected by the Safety Officer or by the Officer in charge every time the Unit forms up either for drill or for Battle.
-All weapons will be cleaned after each Drill or battle in which they are fired.
-Officers’ weapons will be inspected by the safety Officer or a NCO every time the Unit forms up either for Drill or Battle, regardless if the weapon is loaded or not.
-The Unit will always cap off as a Unit before and after weapons have been fired.
-No gunfire or capping off in camp. Ask permission from the NCO before taking your rifle out of camp to cap off at a safe distance. Yell 'Fire in the hole!' before capping off.
-When loading, leave the spent cap from the last fire on the nipple until ready to prime.
-If it is necessary to recover from aim position, gently place the hammer on half-cock.
-When the barrel of your rifle becomes too hot to touch, step out of line to allow it to cool in order to avoid an early cook off.
-If weather permits, weapons will be stacked at the Unit Colors line after they are cleaned. In foul weather, or if the owner of the weapon does not want his weapon stacked, they will be placed inside the owner’s tent. No weapon shall be hung on the outside of the tent at any time.
-Before you take a hit, either discharge your weapon or dump the round out the barrel and remove the cap.
-When taking a hit, fall forward and keep at 90-degree angle of the battle line with your rifle under you. This keeps your rifle from being stepped on and makes it easier for people to pass by you on the ground.
-Two (2) weapon misfires are allowed before the weapon is ruled foul and unsafe. The powder should be dumped and a hit taken at the next opposing volley.
-Only Officers and Senior NCOs may carry revolvers.
-No wonder wads, cork or peanut butter will be used in revolvers.
Heat Weather Safety
-Know your limits.
-Keep drinking throughout the day, not just while in the field.
-Eat meals, even if you do not feel like eating anything.
-If you don’t feel well - DROP OUT. Let either an Officer or a NCO know that you are dropping out and where you are going to find some shade. Stay with someone. The Unit will come back to get you after the Battle.
-Once you find shade, loosen your clothing and take off your gear.
-If you don’t feel better after a couple of minutes, stay put but send someone to get medical assistance.
Cold Weather Safety
-Always bring enough sleeping gear to keep you warm during those spring and late fall events.
-If you are cold and cannot seem to get warm, let an Officer or NCO know.
-Always keep in mind, cold weather is as dangerous as the warm weather.
Etiquette
-Keep the camp authentic at all time, especially during visitor hours. All non-period articles must be placed in the owner’s tent and covered up.
-Eat and drink from a period cup, plate or bowl at all times. After you empty your beverage into your cup, dispose of the non-period containers (i.e. cans) as quickly as possible in the Unit trash container, or in the one provided by the event organizers.
-Enter the Unit Street from the Colors line and not by crossing through the tents from another Unit’s streets.
-When visiting another Unit, always ask for permission before entering their Street.
-Always ask permission to enter someone else’s tent or before you handle their equipment.
-Do not visit the Yankee camp during visitor hours while in Confederate uniform, or vise-versa.
-Keep the Unit Street clear of any unattended items at all times.
-All items found unattended (i.e. cups, plates, guns, etc.) will be given to the Officer in charge and the owner of such item will be fined.
-Everyone is responsible for cleaning their own plate and flatware. Pots and pans will be assigned as camp duties.
-Camp Etiquette requires military courtesy to Officers and high-ranking civilians of both Armies. Soldiers should stand and salute when they encounter such individuals. If on a detail (wood, water, etc.), the individual in charge of the detail does the salute.
-Keep noise to minimum after 23:00hrs.
-If you arrive late and after dark in a new camp, set up as quietly as possible. Set up the equipment needed for the night. Unpack and set up the other items in the morning.
-When turning in for evening, pick up and place your camp stool neatly in front of your tent, and put your personal items in your tent for the night.
-Think about personal hygiene, for yourself and also for the others.
