1. Revised 3-21-09
Preamble:
We, as Civil War Reenactors in the Greater Pacific Area, have come together to provide a common set of
Safety Rules for the betterment of reenacting in California. Having brought forth this common safety
standard, a uniformed safety practice can be found at each Civil War Event. The elimination of
ambiguous understandings, different interpretations, and priorities of prior safety rules found among the
different and independent Civil War Clubs in the State of California has been foremost in the creation of
this new standard. Great care has been taken in getting the best of each clubs safety rules and compiling
all that applies to safety and workings found in reenacting to this document. Safety is first and foremost.
Without a safety standard this hobby can easily be lost in history; with a standard we, all, can enjoy a
long-lasting and safe experience of reenacting the Civil War.
The following organizations have adopted and subscribed to these rules:
ACWA (American Civil War Association) Northern California
NCWA (National Civil War Association) Northern California
CHAS (California Historical Artillery Society) Northern California
RACW (Reenactors of the American Civil War) Northern California
CWRS (Civil War Reenactors Society) Central California (not signed as of 3-21-09)
ACWS (American Civil War Society) Southern California
WBSHA (War Between the States Historical Association) Southern California
CCWR (Comstock Civil War Reenactors) Nevada
2.
Pacific Area Civil War Reenactors
Memorandum of Understanding
The intent of PACWR is to form an association of Civil War Reenactment Clubs, who retain their Independence, to present a united
effort to achieve the following goal:
“To promote a higher state of safety awareness, the Organization will formulate safety rules”
(1) Each Member Organization of PACWR is recognized as an Independent and autonomous corporation that is governed by its own
Board of Directors and its members. As such, membership in PACWR is voluntary and is subject to the Member Corporations’
ratification, agreement and cooperation. Agreement to, ratification of, and willing participation in the rules, agreements and
cooperation in PACWR in no way constitutes any attempt by PACWR to subvert or impose any undue influence or control over
any Member Corporation.
(2) PACWR recognizes that all Members have sovereign control over their sponsored events
(3) PACWR is established as a combined group of members that agree to establish a set of Safety rules, adhered to by all members,
for the common good and safety of their membership at all Civil War Events sponsored and conducted by the members, and to
otherwise further and promote the interests of Civil War reenacting.
To this end, members agree to abide by the Safety rules established by the representatives of the members; agree to support either in
person or by establishment of a publication of scheduled events in their respective newsletters; and extend reciprocal membership to
members upon written ratification by the Board of Directors of each Member Corporation and with written communication of same to
the PACWR governing Board once a year, at the meeting to be held as soon as possible after the first of each Calendar year.
Mission Statement:
All Pacific Area Civil War Reenactors members are independent Corporations that own autonomous activities.
All Member Corporations agree and covenant themselves to:
(1) Agree to the current Pacific Area Civil War Reenactors safety rules and tests governing reenactments events.
(2) Agree to use Pacific Area Civil War Reenactors waiver of liability forms.
(3) Agree to us best efforts not to establish competing events on the same weekend another member corporation is holding its events.
(4) Maintain all membership qualifications as outlined in minutes of March 24, 2007.
Membership:
(1) Membership in PACWR is limited to those Corporations that are recognized as a not-for-profit Corporation under the Internal
Revenue Code Section 501 (c) 3.
(2) Each Member must have its own liability insurance policy in which it is named as a sponsor of the event.
(a) WBSHA as a Charter Member is exempt from this clause as it is an Educational and Historic Preservation Corporation
only, and does not at this time conduct Civil War Reenacting Events. Should WBSHA in the future start to conduct Civil War
Reenacting Events it shall become subject to the same rules as other Members.
(3) Each Member must by itself, or in concert with other Corporations, present a reenactment event at least once during a calendar
year.
(4) Each Member must agree to reciprocal membership status of individual reenactors for other members in PACWR.
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(a) Reciprocal recognition of participating individual reenactors at events presented by members with respect to waiving fees
applicable to guest and recognition of having taken and passed the required safety tests, if so indicated on the individual’s
membership card.
(5) Each member agrees to adopt the safety rules promulgated by PACWR and communicate the same in writing once a year to the
PACWR Governing Board.
(a) The Safety rules are meant to be the Minimum accepted Safety rules at all events sponsored by and facilitated by PACWR
members and do not in any way constitute the only rules at a specific event.
(b) PACWR recognizes that minimum safety rules are meant as basic accepted rules ratified by the Governing Board of
PACWR, and this in no way is meant to construe that a member cannot enforce more stringent rules based on circumstances
out of their control (i.e. site owners requirements, community laws, state laws, federal laws, common sense, etc.).
(c) If additional rules are to be imposed by the sponsoring member, they will to the best of their ability make the same known to
the other members on a timely basis, as soon as same is known to them.
(6) Each member must agree, to the best of their ability, to attempt to abide by the event calendar established by PACWR, and to
refrain from scheduling competing events on the same date as another member and in the same geographical area (i.e. Northern
California, Central California, Southern California) if avoidable.
(a) This in no way is meant to mean that should an event site be unusable due to no fault of the hosting event Corporation (e.g.
inclement weather or circumstances beyond the control of the Event Organizer) that an alternative date or site should not be
used for the good of said Corporation.
(7) Each Member will, each calendar year submit to the Governing Board of PACWR a written communication of their respective
Corporation’s intent to be a member of PACWR for the ensuing year, and agree to abide by the Rules of Membership in PACWR.
Rules for Soliciting Membership in PACWR
(1) Each member petitioning membership in PACWR must submit a copy of a letter of determination as a not-for-profit Corporation
from the Internal Revenue Service; Proof of Insurance (subject to the same criteria as Members); a letter from the petitioning
Corporation’s Board of Directors requesting to join PACWR; a copy of their proposed event schedule for the ensuing calendar
year; 45 days prior to a scheduled meeting of PACWR members.
(2) Each member petitioning membership in PACWR must agree in writing to the adoption of the Safety Rules established by
PACWR, and to requirements of membership. This agreement must be in the form of a letter of intent and agreement signed by
the petitioning Corporations Board of Directors.
(3) Petitioned Membership is subject to a 2/3(3) majority vote of the members. This vote is to be a secret ballot conducted in closed
session of the PACWR Governing Board, and is subject to one vote per member.
(4) Proxy voting is permitted by a member in the form of a written document only, received by the current Chairman at least five (05)
days prior to the scheduled meeting of PACWR, and signed by the authorized representative of the member. This proxy may be
rescinded only by the submitting member in person.
(a) Proxies submitted less than five (05) days prior to the meeting may be approved by a simple majority present.
Sanctions against members not in compliance with
the membership Rules.
(1) Member Corporations that are believed not to be in compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding shall be required to
show cause as to why they should note be subject to sanctions at either a regular or special meeting called as such.
(2) Members found to not be compliance with or in violation of the PACWR general rules will suffer the following sanctions of other
PACWR members:
(a) Removal of their Events from the calendar of the official PACWR schedule of Events.
(b) No reciprocal membership at PACWR scheduled events.
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(c) Termination of their membership in PACWR will be by a 2/3 vote of the Board of PACWR.
(3) Members that have been sanctioned will need to submit for consideration and vote, a request for reinstatement in PACWR subject
to the rules for solicitation of new membership.
Footnotes:
i. PACWR minutes 3/24/07
ii. PACWR minutes 3/24/07
iii. PACWR minutes 3/ 08/08
iv. PACWR minutes 3/24/07
Section 1 - General Safety
1. All members and guest participants must read and have a working knowledge of the Safety
Rules before participating in any reenacting event. Members and guests are personally
responsible for this. It is, also, the responsibility of the commanders (military and civilian)
and their subordinates, to instruct those under their command in these rules and to enforce the
at all times.
2. Hazardous conduct on or off the field is prohibited.
3. There are to be no unattended fires at any time. Water buckets and/or camouflaged fire
extinguishers are to be maintained near open fires at all times. A safety area of 10 feet is
required between any fire and tents (this does not apply to fires built under flies during the
rain; soaked canvas does not burn.
4. Members of the public may not enter any member’s tent, unless by express invitation of the
owner.
5. Rowdiness, abusive language or public drunkenness will not be tolerated at any time. Unit
commanders are responsible for all unit members – military and civilian.
6. No consumption of alcohol during public hours.
7. No illegal substances at any time; violations will be referred to the local law enforcement
agency.
8. Spectators will only handle weapons in controlled, demonstration scenarios. The weapon
being demonstrated is never to leave the sight of its owner. Weapons will only be handled by
minors with the parent's approval and only when parent or guardian is present. All weapons
so used must be unloaded and in a fully safe condition. Handling of weapons by spectators or
noncombatant minors for any reason other than that described above is strictly prohibited.
9. ALL animals must be restrained for their safety and the safety of other individuals and/or
animals in the area. Any animal and its owner may be asked to leave by event coordinator if
animal remains unrestrained.
10. Smoking or open flame is prohibited during the following times: - While handling powder in
any form, within the artillery powder magazine Safety Zone; and after battles until all
weapons and cartridges have been secured.
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11. To avoid unnecessary conflict, at no time will a member pick up another members weapon
without permission from such member. The exception is when the member retrieving the
weapon has good faith and reasonable belief that the owner has "lost" the weapon. For
purposes of interpreting this rule, cannon implements are weapons.
12. Firearms and powder supplies will never be out of possession, sight or control. To prevent
access before, during and after battles or demonstrations, firearms, ammunition, caps and
powder supplies will be guarded to prevent theft, unauthorized tampering, personal injury
and/or damage to the explosives. No loaded weapons, caps, ammunition or powder will ever
be put into the hands of spectators, minors or noncombatants. The individual gun or powder
owner will be held responsible.
13. The possession of live ammunition, either period or modern and/or the possession of modern
weapons in camp are prohibited, except as may be possessed by sworn peace officers or
those retired with current carry permits.
14. Weapon firing or clearing of weapons outside of the battlefield must be authorized and
supervised by a member of the unit leadership. Prior to clearing weapon, make sure you have
a 10 yard safety distance from any general camp area or spectator area and 20 yards from
any picket lines and give the alarm "fire in the hole, or firing". Indiscriminate firing of
weapons is not permitted. The exception to this rule is where weapons are being cleared on
order in formation.
Section 2 - Battlefield and Camp Safety & Security
Battlefield Safety Zones:
A Safety Zone of 10 yards is required between or around:
• Anyone carrying unsecured and/or live weapons, and the public;
• Anyone carrying loaded weapons, and artillery ammunition boxes, limbers or caissons;
• Artillery powder magazines, tents, structures or anyone, and anyone not an authorized member
of the artillery;
• A loaded artillery piece, and persons standing to the side of the muzzle (except the gun's crew);
• Anyone firing weapons, and the persons the weapons are aimed at (if persons are within 10
yards, weapons are fired straight up in the air).
• The active area of the “battlefield” and any spectator or other public areas. All troops are
prohibited in this area.
A Safety Zone of 20 yards is required between or around:
• Anyone firing weapons, and mounted persons the weapons are aimed at (if mounted persons are
within 20 yards, weapons are fired straight up in the air);
• Anyone firing weapons, and mounted artillery pieces or wagons (weapons are not fired at all
within this Safety Zone);
• Anyone firing weapons, and equine picket lines;
• A loaded artillery piece, and persons standing in front of the muzzle;
• Artillery emplacements (guns and ammunition boxes), and the public.
Spectator Safety Issues:
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The public is not allowed:
1. On the battlefield, during battle scenarios, this will include the time after engagement while
troops are still present on the field;
2. On the battlefield between battle scenarios if live ground charges are present, or demonstrations
are being held;
3. In military camps during battle scenarios;
4. In the Civilian Town during battle scenarios unless the Town is declared open to the public;
5. In any member’s tent, unless by express invitation of the owner.
6. The public is allowed on the field immediately following battle scenarios only if they are part of
approved tours of the field guided by Event Host members.
7. The host site event organizers and the Safety Coordinator are responsible for the marking and
placement of battlefield spectator barriers.
Battlefield:
8. Barriers are patrolled by Provost Guards or Safety Team members during all battlefield
operations.
All Provost Guards or Safety Team members will be courteous but firm when requesting
spectators or guests to relocate to a designated spectator area.
Spectators not cooperating with Provost Guards or Safety Team members will be referred
to the host site organizers for removal, or to the police for arrest and prosecution.
Provost Guards or Safety Team members also patrol the Civilian Town and Army Camps
during battles.
Members are not allowed in the military camps during battle scenarios unless they are
wearing period clothing.
Mounted" vehicles-- artillery pieces, limbers, caissons or wagons, drawn by horses,
mules or oxen-- always have a clear route off the battlefield in case of an emergency.
Troops attempting to "capture" such vehicles on the battlefield and during a battle will
leave at least one open avenue for the animals to move through in an emergency, and
obey the safety instructions of the lead driver of the vehicle.
The call "Medic!" is for use in actual emergencies only! For living history, call "surgeon,""stretcher bearer," or other period terms.
Additional Safety Rules pertaining to the Battlefield:
• The minimum age to carry a weapon, service an artillery piece or ride with the cavalry is 14. No
one under the age of 12 is allowed on the field, and no one under the age of 14 will carry or use a
weapon of any type while in camp or on the field.
(rule amended on 3-21-09)
• Canteens are required for all those participating in battlefield activities.
• No Re-enactor may be armed with more than one long arm. No more than two revolvers may be
carried by any re-enactor, and each must be in an appropriate holster. No pistols in belts, pockets,
etc. Extra pistol cylinders may be carried on the field in an appropriate leather pouch.
• Cartridges shall be carried in cartridges boxes. Tompions shall be left in camp. No wonder Wads
shall ever be used.
• Hand-to-hand battle scenarios require the permission of the Army Commanders, and practice in
the techniques by the participants. Before engaging in any hand to hand all weapons must be
cleared and empty. Individuals who find themselves in unauthorized hand-to-hand combat will
surrender, take a hit or run away, as appropriate. After the battle the individual instigating the
unauthorized hand to hand will be reported to Brigade command.
• If a “Field Hospital” is established within the Battlefield area, then there will be no weapons fire
within 10 yard zone taken from the position of the Hospital fly or Tent.
• During battlefield activities, any member, observing a situation that is in violation of a safety
rule, may be allowed to correct the situation immediately, otherwise, if not resolved, may call a
cease fire, which shall remain in effect until the situation is corrected or resolved. Officers on the
field may take reasonable steps to correct the situation without calling "Cease Fire" if it is likely
to be quicker and safer. To make a cease fire obvious and quick the individual calling the cease
fire due to safety will take his weapon (rifle or sword) and hold over their head longitudinally,
using both hands. A signal that can be repeated by additional participants until the cease fire has
been produced.
• Soldiers may fire from the prone position only when commanded to by their CO. Before firing
the soldier will elevate his muzzle above any tall grass, sand or loose rocks (permission is
withheld for fire danger, or if loose gravel may be kicked up by muzzle blast).
• A wounded party may never fire from the ground. A soldier should discharge his weapon before
falling.
• No ramrods or bayonets shall be used on the battlefield. Rammers and bayonets shall be secured
while on the battlefield.
• Non-combatant members are not allowed on the active battlefield with the exception of period
military medical impressions, and war correspondents or scripted scenarios that have been
approved by both brigade commanders.
Section 3 - Long arm Safety
1. Weapons shall be clean and in good repair prior to use.
2. All weapons will be field cleaned at the end of the day.
3. Weapons will be loaded only when designated by your CO.
4. Only FF or FFF grade Black Powder or equivalent will be used (absolutely no black powder
substitutes are allowed). High velocity muzzle loading propellant, such as GOEX, or similar
product will not be substituted for the low velocity Black Powder as currently used today.
5. At no time will ramrods be drawn on the field.
6. Long arm cartridges for muzzle loading weapons must be made of paper, and tied with string if
desired, but no staples, tape, or glue or other methods of securing the cartridge are used unless
they conform to the civil war period. They will be made prior to battle and will contain no more
that 70-75 grains of black powder for 54 to 58 cal weapons, 90 grains for 69 cal weapons or 130
grains for 10 gauge shotguns. These loads are the maximum allowed and should not be regarded
as a suggested load for the weapon size.
7. Powder horns, flasks or other free loading devices are not allowed on the battlefield.
8. When loading a muzzle loaded Long Arm, only the powder will be placed in the barrel, no paper.
Exception is when cigarette paper or equivalent is used for breech-loading shoulder arms.”.
9. When discharging a weapon inside the minimum safety distance, the weapon will be discharged
straight up at a right angle to the ground.
10. Carbine and other shoulder arm cartridges conform to Civil War specifications. Hard-cased
ammunition is sealed only with compressed Cream of Wheat, or with "crumbling" floral foam
and "shooting grease," but not both.
11. Ramrods are allowed on the battlefield when securely attached to the long arm, and are not used
in loading unless in controlled firing demonstrations. Paper cartridge wrappers will not be loaded
in muzzle-loading long arms due to potential fire hazard.
12. Long arms are reloaded on the battlefield only with prepared cartridges.
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Section 4 - Pistol Safety
1. Revolvers and other pistols of 36 cal. shall be loaded with no more than 15 grains of powder.
Pistols of 44 cal. shall be loaded with no more than 30 grains of FFF powder only. These loads
are the maximum allowed and should be not regarded as a suggested load for the weapon size.
2. Single shot pistols may be loaded with 40 grains and will be treated as a long arm in other
respects.
3. Only dry material of the following can be utilized as wadding for pistols and revolvers: Cream of
Wheat, or with "crumbling" floral foam and "shooting grease," but not both. All other wadding is
prohibited.
4. Pistols are reloaded on the battlefield only with prepared cartridges or spare cylinders.
5. Powder horns, flasks or other free loading devices are not allowed on the battlefield.
6. Re-enactors using revolvers may carry extra cylinders provided the cylinders are pre-loaded, and
securely carried in a leather pouch designed specifically for this function.
7. Minimum distance for aimed pistol fire is 10 yards.
8. All pistols are carried in a holster when loaded to avoid accidental discharge. Pistols are not
carried in waistbands, belts or boots, whether loaded or not. Carrying pistols in waistbands or
belts is prohibited.
9. Pistols are considered secured if they are carried in a holster with the flap closed, or a loop over
the hammer.
10. Pistols are loaded on orders of the unit commander, and on these orders, pistols may be loaded
prior to battle scenarios.
11. Orders may also be given to reload automatically during battle scenarios.
12. Cylinders shall be loaded as follows:
Charge all chambers with black powder.
Place Floral Foam in each chamber and ram down foam, or fill remainder of each
chamber with Cream of Wheat rammed down tight.
Completely seal each Floral Foam loaded chamber with grease.
Percussion caps are not applied to revolver cylinders until the chambers are loaded.
13. Pistols shall either be discharged at the end of a battle or have the caps removed and the pistol
secured.
Section 5 - Bladed Weapons
1. Steel bayonets may be fixed for parade, guard duty, arms inspection, stacking arms, drill, digging
in, or other non-battle scenarios, at the direction of the officers.
2. Bayonets will be fixed only at the order of the field commanders (except for public
demonstration). Metal bayonets will never be drawn on the battlefield.
3. During battles, only “non-lethal” (plastic) bayonets are fixed, and only on the orders of field
commanders for use in fully choreographed and planned scenarios. Companies participating in
such scenarios carry only non-lethal bayonets onto the field for battle, and commanders of such
companies inspect their men prior to battle to ensure that steel bayonets are not carried.
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4. Swords may be drawn only by officers or at the direction of the cavalry or artillery officers on
each side.
5. Knives shall not be drawn on the field and will be tied or otherwise secured to their sheaths.
6. Except as otherwise noted in this section, bladed weapons shall not be either drawn or used on
the battlefield and must be secured in the scabbard or sheath.
Section 6 - Artillery Safety
1. Muzzle loading artillery pieces are to be manned by a crew of at least 4, one of who is “Chief-of-
Piece / Gunner”, who has been trained in the proper operation of the gun which they are
operating.
2. All artillery shall have the proper equipment and be in good repair. Each piece is to be inspected,
by the senior artillery officer present, or their designee, prior to use at an event, for broken or
loose hardware, cracked or damaged wood, wheel alignment and wheel attachments straight and
secure (no wobbling). Determination of suitability shall be the responsibility of the senior
artillery officer. The senior artillery officer must approve artillery before being placed on the
field.
3. No material is loaded that, when fired, passes out of the Safety Zone, including the foil that
wraps the charges.
4. An artillery ammunition box, with a self-closing, hinged lid. Artillery ammunition boxes
containing black powder are constantly manned when unlocked, with lid closed when in battery
position (open lid standing between the piece and the open box). The lid of the ammunition box
is kept closed, except for loading the box, inspection, or the removal of a charge. Munitions
boxes will be at least 10 yards to the rear of the cannon and 20 yards from the nearest public.
5. When not in use the Munitions Box is to be stored in a safe and secured area keeping with all
governmental regulations governing black powder storage.
6. Ammunition boxes not in use are locked and removed to a secured storage area.
7. Powder magazines are marked with signs, and the Safety Zones surrounding them are marked off
with ropes and red flags.
8. The placement of the artillery is the responsibility of the senior artillery officer.
9. The safety zone for artillery will be 10 yards to the sides and rear and 20 yards to the front. Only
artillery crews or authorized personnel are allowed within the safety area when the gun is loaded
or the munitions box is opened.
10. No gun shall be loaded when the safety zones are not clear. No gun shall be fired when the
frontal safety zone is not clear.
11. All artillery rounds shall be made of only black powder.
12. Charges are made with F grade or cannon grade black powder only or equivalent, with the
amount such that the muzzle blast will not extend past the Safety Zone. Such amounts are
determined by bore diameter and tube length.
13. If an artillery piece is loaded, the number one and two men will place the rammer or other
implements of poles, in a vertical position on top of each gun wheel.
14. Rammer (#1 man) always has thumbs pointing away from muzzle when ramming.
15. Cannon are to be no closer than 5 yards (wheel to wheel), unless only volley fire, or fire by files,
is to be used (all cannon to be loaded at one time).
16. Remove "wounded" from safety zone before firing.
17. Ammunition chest will be constructed from wood only, with nonferrous metal attachments (brass
locks, hinges, hasps).
18. A fire extinguisher will be kept at each battery (it may be kept under a burlap cover).
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For muzzle loading artillery, required equipment is:
• A priming pick or wire brush, for cleaning the vent, and opening a hole in the charge (priming pick);
• A leather thumbstall or leather glove, for stopping the vent;
• A worm, for clearing the tube of debris; A sponge-bucket, for holding water with which to sponge the
bore;
• A wet sponge, for extinguishing sparks;
• A dry sponge, for drying the tube;
• A leather gunner's haversack to carry the charge in from the ammunition box to the piece;
• A rammer, for seating the charge;
• Pliers or similar tools, for removing any friction primers or other materials that may jam in the vent;
• For guns using friction primers, a lanyard, or;
• For guns fired by fusing, or use of "quills," a linstock.
• Quills are made of material such as cardboard or paper straws; plastic straws may not be used for
because of the danger of blocking vent.
Blank charges for all artillery pieces consist of:
• Charges are made with F grade or cannon grade black powder only, with the amount such that the
muzzle blast will not extend past the Safety Zone. Such amounts are determined by bore diameter and
tube length. Charges are made by:
1. A cylinder of heavy-duty aluminum foil is formed of a diameter smaller than that of the bore.
2. Black powder rounds should be prepared in advance using two wraps of aluminum foil.
3. The cylinder is closed at one end, forming a "cup," then filled with the black powder charge;
4. The open end is twisted closed, and the twisted end folded back against the charge.
NOTE!
No material is loaded that, when fired, passes out of the Safety Zone, including the foil that wraps the charges.
Firing procedures are performed in a careful, deliberate manner. For all firing procedures, all body parts not
needed during the procedure (for example: face, other hand) are kept away from the vent and muzzle at all
times.
Firing procedures (with explanations) for muzzle loading artillery are, in order:
1) Clean the Vent
2) Stop the Vent
3) Worm the Bore twice
4) Wet Sponge the Bore
5) Dry Sponge the Bore
6) Bring forward the charge from the ammunition box, in a gunner’s haversack;
7) Insert the charge; At this point the piece is loaded and is not left unattended or moved (except for small adjustments immediate
safety reason) until the piece is fired.
8) As soon as the charge is placed in the muzzle of the piece, the other implement (sponge, for example) is placed upright:
1. On the wheel hub or axle, for field artillery, providing the top of the rammer is at a minimum height of 7 feet.
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2. On the top of the wheel rim, for pieces with smaller carriages or rammers, so that the top of the rammer is at a
minimum height of 7 feet.
9) Prime Charge
NOTE!
For pieces not mounted on field carriages with large-diameter wheels, pieces with short implements, or other
pieces where the implement resting on the wheel does not attain a minimum height of 7 feet, either will be used
to signal that the piece contains a charge:
1) A short implement will be held up, off the ground, so that the minimum height of the top of the implement
is 7 feet, or;
2) A separate staff of 7-foot minimum height is held next to the piece, resting on the ground. In order to be
clearly visible to those in front of the piece, outside the safety zone, the staff has a minimum diameter of 1
1⁄2 inches.
NOTE!
The “Chief-of-Piece / Gunner” ensures that everyone and everything are in safe order, and calls "Ready / Clear
Front!" before giving the order to fire.
Misfire procedures for muzzle loading artillery are, in order:
1) The rammer or other implement are held over the piece in an "X" as a warning signal that the piece is
hazardous;
2) After a minimum interval of 3 minutes, the piece is re-primed;
3) The Chief-of-Piece ensures that everyone and everything are in safe order, and calls "Clear Front!" before
giving the order to fire;
4) If the second firing attempt fails, after a minimum interval of 3 minutes the vent and bore are flooded
completely with water, and after a minimum interval of 3 minutes following flooding, worming clears the
bore.
For breech loading artillery:
“Chiefs-of-piece / Gunner” of Breach Loading Guns will have applicable equipment and procedures approved
by the respective artillery commander before being used in firing demonstrations or a battle scenario. Whenever
specific breech loading procedures are not required, muzzle loading procedures are used.
No breech loading artillery piece may be accepted without the adoption of breech loading safety rules before
being used in a firing demonstration or battle scenario. The adopted rules may be specific to the model of piece
being accepted (for example, "Safety Rules for the Armstrong Gun").
Section 7 - Horse Safety
1. Attacking horsemen must honor all of the safety zones contained within the Battlefield area.
2. All riders and horses will be tested by the equine safety officer of each Branch of the
Organization or their designee for their riding ability. It should be noted that each horse to be
used by a member, must be tested individually.
3. All horses must be tested with firearms and cannon.
4. Horses and mules must have safe and serviceable tack and shoes (if shod), and be in "sound"
health. All tack and shoes will be inspected for serviceability.
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5. Surcingles are required on military and civilian single-billeted saddles, except artillery team
valise saddles.
6. Horses may only be touched or handled by the owner or by persons designated by the owner.
7. Those in charge of picketed horses or mules ensure that members of the public approach the
animals from the front or side only, not from the rear, and only with permission.
8. There will be no fighting within 20 yards of picketing areas when in use.
9. The senior horseman of each side will be responsible for the placement of horse picketing areas.
Horses and mules, when not in use, are tied to a picket line, or other secure objects, kept in
sturdy corrals or pens, or tied to picket (or grazing) pins with lariats. If on picket pins, they are
far enough away from tents that animals secured to them are always at least 30 yards away.
10. Stable guards, or owners, keep watch on picketed horses or mules throughout public hours.
11. The picket line shall be kept taut and horses will be securely tied to the picket line.
12. Management of animals after public hours is at the discretion of the mounted Unit Commanders.
13. For members with horses or mules not in a mounted unit, the Army Commanders or Civilian
Corps Coordinator/Mayor may delegate responsibility (e.g., to the owner, or to a mounted Unit
Commander).
14. Horses and mules must be ridden at a walk in camp streets, and when entering the battlefield via
avenues through the public.
15. Horses and mules are not intentionally spooked or stampeded.
Section 8 - Spectator Safety
1. At no time shall any weapon be pointed at a spectator who is closer than 20 yards away.
2. No weapon will be fired within 10 yards of a spectator.
3. If, at any time, a spectator enters the battle area a cease-fire will be called by any member
observing the action. The cease-fire will be maintained until the spectator is removed from the
battlefield (see cease-fire above).
4. Individuals assigned to provost have absolute authority to call cease-fire and redirect soldiers or
units that are positioned too close to the crowd.
5. The host event site and/or Board shall be responsible for the placement of spectator viewing
areas. These shall be patrolled by readily visible "guards" to keep the public in proper place
while battlefield operations are going on.
6. All safety members assigned to safety activities involving spectators and guests will use utmost
courtesy when requesting that spectators or guests relocate to a designated spectator area. Any
abusive attitude or language is prohibited.
7. The provost will have the battlefield cleared of spectators a minimum of 10 minutes before a
battle.
8. The Safety Committee shall consist of the provost marshal of each Brigade and a representative
from the Noncombatant Corps. This committee shall coordinate all safety guard responsibilities.
9. The Program Announcer, if any present, shall remind spectators of safety precautions before
each battle.
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Section 9 - Ground Charge Procedures
1. Ground charges shall be marked by a white chalk or flour circle, or new straw and marked with a
further 10-foot diameter circle of the same. Only ground charge “staff” is to enter the 10-foot
safety zones around ground charges.
2. Ground charges will not be of greater than four (4) ounces of black powder with a recommended
charge of two (2) ounces, and shall be placed only in containers designed to withstand repeated
detonation of such a charge. Materials used must meet with Host Event Member Board approval
before added to the mixture, such as peat moss.
3. Ground charges shall only be used in scenarios where placement and safety of charges have been
reviewed by the senior member of the ground charge staff and the senior artillery officers and the
commanders of both armies and senior safety personnel have been briefed as to charge location
and use scenarios.
4. Ground charges must be electrically activated only and so wired and packed as to prevent
discharge by any other means
5. The ground charge control box will be inactive and shall not be handled when placing charges.
6. Only staff members authorized by both brigade commanders and a Board member shall handle
ground charges, wiring or control boxes, whether such items are active or inactive at the time.
7. No tripping of ground charges by foot controls. Only by control box with an approved staff
member in attendance at all times during the planned battle scenario where they are used.
8. The brigade commanders of both armies along with the senior staff member shall submit to the
Board necessary equipment and loading procedures for ground charges.
Section 10 – Safety Test
The Army Commanders and Civilian Corps Coordinator/Mayor are responsible for the oversight of the Club’s
Safety program. Under the guidance of these individuals, the Unit Commanders are responsible for
administering Safety Tests. The purpose of the tests is to show that members have a "working knowledge" of
the Safety Rules, with the aim of preventing accidents.
Tests cover specific safety areas, and include:
i) General safety, including provost line duty;
ii) Weapons safety, specific to weapons type, for those members using weapons;
iii) Equine safety, for those riding, driving vehicles, or using horses or mules for other purposes.
Note: The equine safety test determines that those riding, driving, plowing, etc. have the basic skills to handle
and control animals, and the tests are specific to such use. Equine tests are administered by the Equine Safety
Officer. Horses and mules are certified as safe for use by the equine safety test.
Tests have written questions and an answer key, but may be given orally, or ask for demonstrations of safety
knowledge.
i) Unit Commanders sign passed tests; they determine passing grades, and may pass a member with
restrictions.
ii) Members need to take the appropriate test before participating on the battlefield, and to take
whatever tests are appropriate for whatever battlefield function is performed. For example, an
infantryman needs to pass the test appropriate to artillery before participating as a member of an
artillery gun crew. Civilian Corps members need to pass the appropriate test during their first event
of participation.
iii) Minors age 14 or over take the appropriate Safety Test.
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The Club Secretary keeps signed copies of the tests, and records the month and year passed for the members'
tests for the database and membership cards. The test is retaken only if:
i) Requested by the Unit Commander, for cause;
ii) Membership is not renewed, or the member does not attend any events, for a year or more;
iii) The member is found in violation of a Safety Rule.
iv) Visiting reenactors (a non-member club that hasn’t elected these safety rules and procedures) read
the Safety Rules and acknowledge that they have by their signature, but are required to take the
Safety Test only at the discretion of the Army Commanders or Civilian Corps Coordinator/Mayor.
