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RULES & REGS
*Please note that this event will adhere to all event guidelines soon to
be published by the Civil War Reenactors Liaison Committee (CWRLC).
- These rules are not mere "guidelines." We will stand by them. We have heard
from many reenactors who wished we had spent more time enforcing these rules at the
Gettysburg event. We will spend more time enforcing these rules at Grant vs. Lee. If you
cant abide by them, please consider passing on this event.
- All reenactors must register with a battalion affiliation clearly indicated on
the registration application. Under no circumstances will an individual unit be allowed to
register without a battalion affiliation.
- No one under the age of 16 will carry or use a weapon of any type while in camp or on
the field. No one under the age of 16 will take the field unless he is a fully functional
musician. No "aides," "foot couriers," "guide-on carriers,"
or "orderlies." No one under the age of 12 is allowed on the field under any
circumstances.
- All "impressionists" must be approved by both the host and their respective
army commanders. No impressionists tent should be erected without clear permission
from both the host and their army commander. Impressionists should not attempt to command
troops unless invited to portray such actions by the army commanders. Impressionists
should not portray any individual incorrectly in terms of rank, injury, uniform, day of
appearance, etc. All impressionists must have prior written permission to attend this
event and must carry a copy of our written approval on them at all times.
- No "Lincolns" or "Jeffersons," please.
- Officers are expected to bring troops to justify their rank.
- Rank above Captain is subject to the approval of your Battalion Commander and/or Chief
of Staff. No Battalion Commander will hold the rank above Colonel without military
approval.
- Artillery and Cavalry are under the direct command of their respective army commanders.
- The respective artillery and cavalry commanders will enforce whatever safety standards
and rules of engagement in camp and on the field.
- Any brigade, battalion or unit commander directly disobeying the order of their
respective overall commander will be subject to removal from the event.
- Meetings of event coordinators and commanders will include all brigade commanders to
review safety procedures and scenarios. These meetings are mandatory and must supersede
any non-medical commitment on-site.
- No fireworks or pyrotechnics allowed at any time either in camp or on the battlefield.
We will provide these.
- Any vehicle left in or near the camp area after the allowed time will be towed and
impounded until the tow charge is paid by the vehicles owner(s). We must maintain an
authentic camp environment.
- The event hosts are not responsible for lost or stolen items or vehicles. We provide
security on a "best efforts" basis in the parking lots, but it is up to each
army/battalion to patrol their own camp area.
- No fire pits or fires will be permitted in the sutler area. All sutlers must have a fire
extinguisher nearby.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs will not be allowed. Drunkenness and abusive
or unruly behavior will not be tolerated.
- No visible uncovered coolers will be allowed.
- Recruits should be properly drilled prior to the battles. Recruits should always be in
the front rank (infantry) whenever possible and surrounded by watchful veterans.
- Weapons will not be discharged in camp and only fired in designated areas under the
command of N.C.O.s or officers. Recruits can be instructed by N.C.O.s and should certainly
be well-drilled as to loading and firing amidst other reenactors.
- No reenactor will allow any civilian or spectator to handle or fire a loaded weapon or
ride or sit on a horse during the weekend. Their lawyers would eat you alive in court.
- Cartridges for rifle-muskets should not exceed 70 grains of powder.
- Ramrods will not be used during any scenario. Ramrods may be used during inspection and
for Living History/Drill Competitions only.
- No "wadding" is to be done after powder is poured. Sparks and burnt paper may
ignite dry grass and end the scenario.
- All bayonet scabbards should have a metal tip securely fastened.
- Uniforms should be of period design or style. Please pay particular attention to
footwear.
- Modern eyeglasses will not be tolerated on the battlefield. Those needing period eyewear
should make the needed arrangements prior to this event. Officers, please see to this!
- No Zouave, Hawkins, or Mississippi rifles. Only 3-banded muskets allowed for infantry.
- Sibley tents are allowed on with the approval of the commanding officers. Wall tents are
strongly discouraged due to the amount of space required.
- No women, dressed as women, can assist with ice on the battlefield. We totally agree
that these "ice angels" have saved many a brave soldier in July heat, but we
will pre-position ice and seek volunteers or women dressed as soldiers so as not to
present a somewhat comical and unauthentic view of dresses among the soldiers. You are
appreciated, but we must be aware of what this looks like to reenactors and spectators
alike. Thank you for your understanding and assistance.
- Women may portray combatants with approval of their immediate commanders. Every
reasonable effort must be made to disguise your gender. The event organizers reserve the
right to determine what is "reasonable." Hair must be "up" at all
times, in camp and on the field if this impression is adopted.
- Any overly aggressive "hand-to-hand" sabre fighting is forbidden. Breaking
someones sword or knocking someone off his horse is not an example of manhood but of
selfishness and stupidity and will not be tolerated by us.
- No unscripted hand-to-hand will occur.
- No "flag grabbing" will occur unless it is agreed to, in advance by Army,
Battalion and Unit Commanders.
- Fire pits will be neatly maintained and free of garbage at all times. Excess wood will
be stacked at the head of company streets and fire pits filled in following the event.
Reenactors have been and must be considerate guests.
- No flashlights, tape recorders, or Coleman lanterns are allowed in any civilian or
military camp. Small flashlights should be used only inside of closed tents if you must
use them.
- All non-Period dressed friends and family must depart the camp area by 7:30 Friday and
Saturday evenings. Civilians must remain "period" throughout the weekend. If
its too hot for the kids, then they must leave the camp.
- 12:00 PM Friday and Saturday will be enforced "all quiet." Over 30% of highway
fatalities are thought to be due to drivers falling asleep while driving. Please respect
the sleep of fellow reenactors. You may be saving their lives.
- Passes must be on your person at all times. Several pass checks may occur with a fee
charged for replacement. Officers, please avoid the embarrassment and delay by having
preliminary pass checks prior to formations.
- Any person failing to provide a pass will pay an additional $5.00 replacement fee.
- Reenactors found with forged passes will be expelled from the event. We must insist that
every reenactor sign a waiver of liability in order to participate. Minors must have
written permission of a legal guardian.
- All canteens must be full prior to the battles. Two canteens are okay by us!
- Officers have a responsibility to know the medical conditions of their commands!
Reenactors with heart and respiratory conditions are urged not to attend this event.
Officers must consider not allowing reenactors who are obese from taking the field for
health reasons. We lost a man at Antietam with a pre-existing heart condition.
- Reenactors with high blood pressure, epilepsy, kidney disease, a history of heart or
respiratory ailments, asthma, or any other condition aggravated by heat and physical
exertion are urged not to attend this event or take the field.
- No pets are allowed on-site by reenactors, spectators, or sutlers under any
circumstances. No pets will remain in any vehicle or RV under any circumstances.
- No civilian reenactors may ride or bring a horse to this event. This is a military
reenactment, and many riding accidents have been attributed to civilians at recent events.
- All reenactors must sign a "waiver of liability" before receiving the event
medallion. This waiver may include a provision for the organizers to have a video made for
sale.