Bylaws of the 17th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Company D, "Fairfax Rifles," Living History Society Revised 2/04

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Article I – Name

1.00 The corporation shall be known as the 17th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Company D, “Fairfax Rifles,” Living History Society. Hereinafter referred to variously as the corporation, the company, the regiment, the unit, or the l7th Va.

1.01 The principal office of this corporation shall be the home address of the president of the corporation for his or her term of office.

Article II – Purpose

2.00 The corporation is organized for the following purposes:
a) To educate the general public on the lives of ordinary American citizens, both men and women, of the period 1861-1865.
b) To preserve the history of the American civil war, as it relates to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Northern Virginia in particular.
c) To benefit Civil War related museums, foundations and other non-profit organizations.

As a non-profit entity, the corporation will fulfill its purpose through living history demonstrations. The membership will portray ordinary American men and women of the period through participation in Civil War Reenactments, encampments, living histories, demonstrations, parades, memorial services, and other civic functions.

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Article III – Membership

3.00 Generally
Membership in the 17th Virginia, Company D is open to all people regardless of race, sex, national origin, religion or physical disability and is subject only to those restrictions hereinafter listed.

3.01 Application
Membership in the 17th Virginia shall be obtained by any eligible individual by submitting a completed application to an established member of the unit.

3.02 Classification
The corporation will have six (6) classifications of membership: charter; probationary; established; associate; inactive; and affiliate.

3.03 Eligibility
Any individual aged 18 or older, possessing and earnest interest in the historic period represented by this corporation and expressing a willingness to attain the objectives of this corporation and abide by the by-laws and articles of incorporation set forth herein shall be deemed eligible for membership in this corporation.

Any individual under the age of 18, possessing the aforementioned interest and willingness shall be deemed eligible only with the participation of a parent or legal guardian at any event the minor attends.

In all respects, women members, or prospective members, of this corporation shall be able to participate as soldiers in all events sanctioned by this corporation.

3.04 Charter Members
To facilitate the organization of this corporation all initial members actively engaged in the initial, first year, organization of this corporation shall be deemed charter members. Their names shall be spread upon the records of this corporation and they shall immediately considered established members.

3.05 Probationary Members
All prospective members shall be deemed probationary for a period of a minimum of six months and up to 1 year. The probationary period begins on the day the prospective members application is received by the president of the corporation. During this time probationary members must endeavor to educate and authentically attire themselves with the minimum uniform and accoutrements and/or civilian clothing. See Minimum Uniform and Equipment List. Probationary members 18 or older, may vote on sanctioning unit events, but may not vote on any other corporate affairs. Probationary members may not hold corporate office or field command. Probationary members must acquire a minimum of six (6) points as defined under “Points” in this section. Probationary membership ends when the member has satisfied all probationary requirements and is accepted by the Executive Committee and confirmed by the membership by a simple majority vote at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

3.06 Established Members
Established members are those members who have a.) paid their annual dues for the current year; b.) accumulated at least six (6) points for attending company sanctioned events for the preceding 12 months; c.) own all their own equipment listed on the Minimum Uniform and Equipment List. Established members, who are 18 or older, may vote and hold corporate office or field command. Established members may be returned to Probationary status if they fail to meet the requirements of established membership or upon either the recommendation of the Executive Committee or the field commander with approval of the Executive Committee and a confirming vote by the majority of the membership.

3.07 Inactive Members
Inactive members are those members who have achieved established membership status and participate in company activities but have either a.) not paid their annual dues; or b.) have failed to accumulate the required minimum of six (6) points for attending company sanctioned events for the preceding 12 months. Inactive members may be restored to established membership status by correcting one or both of these aforementioned deficiencies. Inactive members may not vote and may not hold corporate office or field command.

3.08 Affiliate Members
Affiliated members are experienced re-enactors who, while maintaining their separate individual or unit affiliations, may from time to time wish to combine with and function under the command of the field officers of the 17th Virginia. Affiliated members may not vote, hold corporate office or field command. The Executive Committee may, at its sole discretion, waive the need for a period of probationary membership on the application of any affiliated member. Affiliated members shall be subject to reduced annual dues.

3.09 Points
One (1) point is earned for each day’s attendance at a company sanctioned events. No points are earned for any half-day or fractional participation. No points are earned for attendance on days, which the event organizer has not scheduled any activities. At the discretion of the field commander, members will not have been deemed to have earned a point unless that member has participated in a majority of that day’s activities. At least two (2) of any six (6) required points must be earned at events where the member is present for an entire two or three day event.

3.10 Reinstatement of Inactive or Former Members
Any Inactive Member—or former member—oweing money to the corporation, is required to repay all money, in full, if they wish to be reinstated as an Established Member of the company.

3.11 Responsibilities
All members shall studiously endeavor achieve the objectives of the corporation and shall project themselves as authentically as possible observing the social, cultural and military etiquette of the period. Members shall take pains to eliminate, as much as possible, all modem anachronisms. Members shall at all time conduct themselves responsibly and shall observe any and all rules set forth by event organizers and abide by any and all local laws and ordinances.

3.12 Termination or Dismissal
Any member may at anytime terminate his or her association with this corporation by submitting a written letter of resignation to any member of the Executive Committee.

Any member who fails to abide by the bylaws and policies of this corporation may be subject to dismissal through the action of the Executive Committee and a confirming vote by a simple majority of the membership.

If the member in question desires to appeal his or her dismissal, such action shall be held in abeyance pending their defense before the general membership at the next scheduled meeting of the corporation. Anyone so removed shall not be allowed to reapply for membership for a period of one (1) calendar year.

Members subject to dismissal or voluntary termination shall be subject to a refund of their annual dues at the sole discretion of the Executive Committee.

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Article IV – Administration

4.00 The affairs of the corporation shall be administered by the membership under the direction of a duly elected President, Treasurer and Secretary and a Board of Directors or Executive Committee. The duly elected officers of the corporation shall also comprise the Board of Directors or Executive Committee.

4.01 Election of Corporate Officers
Corporate officers shall be elected at the annual meeting by a simple majority of eligible members and shall hold office for a period of one year, or until such time that they resign, or are removed from office. Members may hold only one elected office and one field office at a time. A member may not simultaneously hold the positions of corporate president and field commander. The election of corporate officers and the Board of Directors will be conducted in accordance with Article VII, Section 8.03 “Voting.”

4.02 President
The duties of the president of the corporation are as follows:
a) To preside at all corporate and Executive Committee meetings.
b) To organize, direct, and coordinate the efforts of the corporate officers and personally conduct, or designate responsible parties to conduct the business of the corporation.
c) To coordinate all non-military activities & recommend administrative polices.
d) To cooperate with the field commander in coordinating military activities.

4.03 Treasurer
The duties of the treasurer are as follows:
a) To maintain the financial records of the corporation and the corporate treasury.
b) To make a report of financial condition at all corporate and Executive Committee meetings.
c) To accept and deposit, within 30 days of receipt, all annual dues, donations and reimbursement of funds to the treasury.
d) To execute payment of all corporate liabilities and to disburse funds, by countersigning a corporate check that has been signed by either the president or the secretary.

4.04 Secretary
The duties of the secretary are as follows:
a) To record and preserve a record of the minutes of all corporate and Executive Committee meetings.
b) To read the minutes of the previous meeting at all corporate and executive committee meetings.
c) To maintain a record of the membership of the corporation.
d) To compose and distribute all authorized correspondence of the unit.
e) To maintain a record of all incoming and outgoing corporate correspondence.
f) To compose and distribute the company newsletter or officially designate a responsible party to do so.

4.05 Board of Directors/Executive Committee
The Board of Directors, also referred to as the Executive Committee of the corporation, shall be the initial administrative vehicle of this corporation. Subject to a confirming vote by the membership at the next regularly scheduled meeting the Executive Committee is responsible for making recommendations concerning the programs and policies of this corporation to the membership. Subject to a confirming vote by the membership at the next regularly scheduled meeting the Executive Committee is empowered to sanction all corporate events and activities and officially approving and reclassifying all probationary members. A majority of the Executive Committee shall meet at least four times per year at a time and place determined by the president. Members of the executive committee are required to attend all company meetings. Absence from three consecutive meetings shall be considered cause for removal upon a majority vote of the regular membership.

4.06 Resignation or Removal of Corporate Officers
A member holding corporate office may resign at any time by submitting a written letter of resignation to any other member of the Board of Directors/Executive Committee. Upon the occasion of such a resignation the remaining members of the Executive Committee shall call a special meeting of the membership or initiate a vote on a replacement of the office. If a meeting is not practical, a majority vote may be obtained by written correspondence.

All corporate officers serve at the pleasure of the membership and may be removed with just cause. At request of any three (3) eligible members showing just cause, a vote for removal may be initiated by the membership at any scheduled corporate meeting or event at which a quorum is present and acting throughout. A simple majority shall rule such vote.

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Article V – Sponsorship

5.00 The 17th Virginia recognizes the substantial expense imposed on prospective new members to participate in reenacting. Consequently, any prospective member, (i.e., a probationary member) shall be deemed eligible to be partially or wholly equipped by the company. Sponsored participants shall be provided with all necessary clothing (provided the proper size is available), shelter, equipment and accoutrements by the corporation.

Sponsored participants may or may not be corporate members, but in either case shall be advised of and expected to comply with any corporation policies, rules regulations and bylaws. New, or probationary members, shall have precedence over non-members for sponsorship. Once a probationary member has been sponsored he or she is expected to endeavor to educate and authentically attire themselves with the minimum uniform and accoutrements and/or civilian clothing. See Minimum Uniform and Equipment List.

The number of sponsored individuals shall be limited to the amount of clothing and equipment available within the corporation for loan. In no case shall the number of sponsored participants exceed 25% of the membership commitment to any event.

Article VI – Company Funds & Dues

6.00 Company Funds
The company shall maintain a treasury in order to conduct the business of the company. Company funds shall be raised through the collection of dues, the acceptance of donations, and the receipt of fees for conducting living histories, reenactments, presentations and seminars.

A checking account will be established and maintained in a local Virginia bank by the corporate Treasurer.

Disbursements for routine and customary expenses associated with the normal business of the company will require the approval of both the company Treasurer and one additional Executive Committee member. From time to time large or unusual disbursements may be made from the treasury upon the recommendation of any eligible member. Such disbursements shall be executed in accordance with the foregoing and shall require the additional approval of a majority of the membership.

6.01 Dues
All eligible members shall pay annual dues into the corporate treasury on or before the annual meeting of the corporation, but in no case shall dues be paid later than March 1st of each calendar year. Annual dues will be established yearly at the first meeting of each calendar year.

The corporation will use two categories of dues, regular dues and affiliate dues. Members will be offered either a single membership or family membership rate.

The initial dues for the company will be as follows:

Regular Dues
Single Membership $25.00
Family Membership $35.00

Affiliate Dues
Single Membership $10.00
Family Membership $15.00

Any changes in annual dues will be decided by the membership. A simple majority shall rule such vote.

6.02 Disposal of Company Funds
Upon dissolution of this corporation, the Executive Committee shall, after satisfying all corporate liabilities, dispose of the assets of the corporation exclusively for charitable purposes to the Fairfax Museum and Visitors Center, 10209 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030 to do with as they see fit.

Article VII – Committees

7.00 There will be one standing committee—the Executive Committee—which will be in place at all times in the life of this corporation. The Board of Directors/Executive Committee may, when needed, establish various additional committees and appoint members to serve thereon.

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Article VIII – Meetings

8.00 Special, Committee and Annual Meetings
Special corporation meetings may be called on the recommendation of the president and/or Board of Directors/ Executive Committee. A majority of the Board of Directors/Executive Committee will meet at least four (4) times each year. There will be an annual meeting of the corporation as close as possible to the start of the calendar year at a place to be determined by the membership.

A minimum often (10) business days notice is required for all annual company and Executive Committee meetings. A minimum of five (5) business days notice is required for any special meetings of the company. Such notice shall contain a tentative agenda and relevant purpose for the meeting.

All corporate meetings will be on prior written notice. At no time will any corporate meeting, of the membership or Executive Committee be held in secret.

8.01 Basic Procedures
The president shall act as chairman and conduct all corporate and Executive Committee meetings in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order. In the event of his or her absence one of the two remaining officers shall conduct the meeting. All meetings of this corporation will be conducted with the following basic procedures:

1) Call to order
2) Adoption of the Agenda
3) Invocation and Reading of the Pledge of Allegiance
4) Roll Call
5) Reading and Approval of the Minutes
6) Treasurer’s Report
7) Report of Committees
8) Old Business
9) New Business
10) Announcements
11) Program (if any)
12) Adjournment.

8.02 Quorum and Attendance
All actions and decisions regarding corporate affairs shall be determined by the quorum of the membership. For scheduling of events the quorum shall constitute at least 50% of the eligible membership. For all other matters a quorum shall constitute at least 75% of the eligible membership. For committees a quorum shall consist of two thirds of the members of the committee. The chairman shall verify that a quorum exists for any particular meeting.

8.03 Voting
All matters of importance to the corporation, including the election of the board of directors, corporation and field officers, shall be acted on by the membership and be subject to a decision by majority vote. Such decisions shall be reached in the following procedure:

1) Motion by an eligible member
2) Motion seconded by another eligible member.
3) Chairman to call for discussion
4) Discussion (if any)
5) Substitute or amended motions (if any)
6) Call of the question by the chair or any eligible member.
7) Voting procedure determined by the chair (i.e. by voice, show of hands, rising, or secret ballot).
8) Execution of the vote
9) Announcement of the result by the chair

If the vote is to be by secret ballot the secretary shall prepare and distribute paper ballots and writing implements to the members. Members will in turn record their vote fold their ballots and await collection by the secretary. The chairman will then appoint another officer who, with the secretary shall repair to a location apart from the assembly, count the ballots, record the results, destroy the ballots and return with the results. The chair will hold his vote in the event of a tie and cast it in his or her capacity as the presiding officer. In the event the chair’s vote causes a tie, the motion will be rejected due to a lack of a majority.

8.04 Proxy
Any eligible member may designate in writing that another eligible member is empowered to cast his or her vote on any item at any specific meeting.

8.05 The Annual Meeting
An annual meeting of the corporation will always occur as close as possible to the start of the calendar year. The following business will always be conducted at the annual meeting:

1) Election of board of directors, corporate and field officers
2) Election of company sanctioned events
3) Collection of annual dues and event registration fees.

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Article IX – Events

9.00 Sanctioned Events
At the annual meeting the membership will determine which events to attend, participate, sponsor and otherwise sanction for the upcoming calendar year. Each member shall have the right to nominate any event of his or her choosing that he or she would like the company to attend, participate in, sponsor or sanction. Members nominating events will have the responsibility of informing the membership as to the specific time, date, location and nature of the event nominated. Upon receiving all nominations the chair in accordance with procedures established in Article VIII, section 8.03 “Voting” shall call for a simple majority vote. Such decision shall determine whether or not the company officially sanctions a particular event.

On determination of all company sanctioned events the membership shall inform the president which events they plan to attend. Any and all fees associated with event registrations are then immediately due and payable to the treasurer along with members’ annual dues. In accordance with Article III, section 3.10 “Points” will be awarded for attendance at any sanctioned event.

9.01 Additional Sanctioned Events
At various times during a season, the company or its individual members are invited to participate in educational, ceremonial, or celebratory events. These events often result in an honorarium or donation to the company. Although not sanctioned by a majority vote of the membership, these types of events will be considered sanctioned if those attending: 1.) notify the president regarding date, location and nature of the event, prior to attending; 2.) are dressed in 1860s attire; 3.) are specifically representing the company; and 4.) conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit on themselves and the Fairfax Rifles.

No more than two (2) points toward the six (6) required points may be earned at these types of events. If more than two (2) points are earned at these events, they will be added to the total number of points for the season.

9.02 Non-Sanctioned Events
Each member may attend any non-sanctioned event of his choice as an individual. In accordance with Article III, section 3.10 “Points,” no points will be awarded for attendance of any non-sanctioned event.

Individuals choosing to attend non-sanctioned events attend said events with the understanding that they are acting alone and not under the authority of the corporation. A simple majority shall rule such vote.

Article X – Military Organization

10.00 Generally
The 17th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Company D seeks to portray as authentically as possible a military infantry regiment of the period. Consequently, there exists a need to establish proper military protocol, chain of command and etiquette. The corporation adopts the following structure for military demonstration purposes only. The authority, privileges and prerogatives accompanying the field officers of this company may only be exercised within established camps or company sanctioned events.

10.01 Structure
The company field officers of this corporation shall consist of one (1) line officer, either a captain, or, 1st or 2nd lieutenant, one (1) first sergeant and one (1) corporal. In addition to those already established by this section, additional field officer ranks may be created on the recommendation of the line officer. The Executive Committee shall approve the recommendation place it before the membership for a confirming vote of the majority.

The field commander shall, at all times, be the highest ranking officer of the corporation at any sanctioned event. Any duly elected field commander of this company shall remain in command of all troops who are established, associate or affiliated members of this company.

10.02 Election of Field Officers
Field officers shall be elected at the annual meeting by a simple majority of eligible members and shall hold office for a period of one year, or until such time that they resign, or are removed from office. Members may hold only one field office and one corporate office at a time. A member may not simultaneously hold the positions of corporate president and field commander. The election of field officers will be conducted in accordance with Article VII, Section 8.03 “Voting.”

10.03 Field Commander
The field commander is the leader of the regiment in the field and has authority over all military personnel. The field commander will be the highest ranking company field officer on the field. The field commander’s duties are:
1) To organize and direct camp set-up and safety.
2) Act as the company representative at all military meetings.
3) Issue orders and otherwise inform the company of the order of military events.
4) Conduct or oversee military instruction and drill.
5) Supervise the overall authenticity of the unit.

10.04 First Sergeant
The first sergeant is the leader of the regiment in the absence of the field commander and has authority over all military personnel except the field commander. The first sergeant’s duties are to:
1) Communicate the orders of the field commander and otherwise inform the company of the order of military events.
2) Assist the field commander in all military matters as needed.
3) Oversee the daily operations of the camp and all subordinate military personnel.
4) Assign members to work details including but not limited to the gathering of wood and water.
5) Insure that all members are properly and authentically uniformed, equipped and have adequate food and water.
6) To form the company at reveille or as might be directed by the field commander. Drill and otherwise instruct the company as directed by the field commander.
7) To call maintain the company roll.
8) To communicate with the corporation secretary member attendance at sanctioned events.

10.05 Corporal
The corporal is the leader of the regiment in the absence of the field commander and the first sergeant and has authority over all military personnel except the field commander and the first sergeant. The corporal’s duties are to:
1) Assist the first sergeant and field commander in all military matters as needed.
2) Assist the first sergeant in overseeing the daily operations of the camp and all subordinate military personnel.
3) Assist the first sergeant in assigning members to work details including but not limited to the gathering of wood and water.
4) Assist the first sergeant in seeing that all members are properly and authentically uniformed, equipped and have adequate food and water.
5) To form and drill the company under the direction of the field commander or first sergeant.

10.06 Resignation or Removal of Field Officers
A member holding a field office may resign at any time by submitting a written letter of resignation to any member of the Executive Committee. Upon the occasion of such a resignation the Executive Committee shall call a special meeting of the membership or initiate a vote on a replacement of the office.

All field officers serve at the pleasure of the membership and may be removed with just cause. At request of any three (3) eligible members showing just cause, a vote for removal may be initiated by the membership at any scheduled corporate meeting or event at which a quorum as present and acting throughout. A simple majority shall rule such vote.

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Article XI – Military Protocol and Courtesy

11.00 Generally
In camp and on the field strict military protocol will be observed at all times.

11.01 Orders
Members are expected to obey promptly all legitimate orders issued by the properly appointed field commander and/or NCO. Orders of other recognized military units shall be recognized subject to the proper chain of command.

11.02 Courtesy & Saluting
During the period between reveille and tattoo, in the field or in camp, all members shall extend proper military courtesy towards each other and towards other units.

Any properly appointed commissioned officer of any command, Confederate or Federal, is entitled to be addressed by his title and given the courtesy of a salute. Any properly appointed non-commissioned officer of any command is entitled to be addressed by his title. When addressing or being addressed by any properly appointed commissioned or non-commissioned officer of any command, members of this command will come to attention and salute as necessary and address the officer by his appropriate title.

Members are expected to behave at all times in the proper military or civilian manner appropriate for the period.

Article XII – Uniform and Equipment

12.00 Generally
All members will endeavor to authentically attire themselves with the minimum uniform and accoutrements and/or civilian clothing according to Minimum Uniform and Equipment List. All outer garments, shoes and eyewear should be as close as possible to the 1860s period. Although new members are not expected to be fully equipped immediately they may seek sponsorship from the company and shall fully attire and equip themselves as soon as practical.

12.01 Minimum Uniform and Equipment List
Members of this company shall equip themselves with, but not limit themselves to, the following items:

MANDATORY military equipment for this company:
Hat - Kepi or Slouch (having both, eventually, recommended) or Forage Cap
Military Coat - CS Issue Shell or Sack Coat
Trousers - CS Issue or Civilian pattern
Shirts - cotton or wool homespun
Suspenders - CW period-correct
Wool Socks - gray or natural
Brogans (Shoes) with Heel Plates or period Civilian Work Boots
Waist Belt - black leather
Belt Buckle - rectangular Va. State Seal (brass) (or ** below)
Cartridge Box - black leather (sling optional)
Cap Pouch - black leather
Canteen - tin, wood, or stainless steel
Haversack - cotton duck or tarred
Rifle - 3 band .58 cal. Enfield or Springfield
Bayonet - Enfield or Springfield (to match rifle)
Bayonet Scabbard with Springfield-style frog (regardless of musket type)
Poncho or Ground Cover (Oilcloth)
Blanket - wool or jean cloth
Plate, Cup and Utensils

OPTIONAL military equipment for this company:
Rifle Sling
Belt Buckle** - Frame or Forked Tooth (brass)
Mucket (Coffee Boiler - handy to cook in)
Lantern - wood or tin
Tent - 9 foot A-tent (or Shelter halves - "Dog Tent")
Tent Stakes (10)
Greatcoat (Winter Overcoat) - wool, gray or light blue
Hat Pin- Va. State seal (brass)
Camp Chair – wood, duck or carpet material
Breast Plate(s) - round Va. State seal (brass) for cartridge box and/or sling

The following are items you may need to replace after an event or two:
Item
Cartridge Tubes (125 - 250 count)
Black Powder - Ffg or FFFg (1 lb) [Not Smokeless]
Percussion Caps (250 per tin) [NO SIX-WINGED CAPS†]
† Six-winged or "hot" caps are for in-line black powder weapons and can cause serious injury if used on our rifles.

12.02 Civilian Clothing and Equipment
Civilian clothing does not have the same kind of mandatory equipment as the military. Of course, there is a minimum amount of clothing required in order for civilian re-enactors to pass as 19th Century citizens. All outer garments, shoes and eyewear should be as close as possible to the 1860s period. There is a little flexibility in the area of children’s shoes (they are outgrown so fast!), but they should be made of leather, not sneakers. There are linked resources on our “Links” web page to web sites which deal with civilian re-enacting.

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Article XIII – Camp Rules and Safety

13.00 Generally
Safety and authenticity should be of paramount concern to all members and their guests. The members of this company owe it to themselves, the public and other participants to be mindful of the inherent dangers of handling weapons and explosives.

Authenticity is the key to creating a good impression. Modern (non-period) items will be stored out of public sight or covered with period-appropriate material.

Unless otherwise stated, the rules of this section will apply and remain in effect during all company sanctioned events.

13.01 Weapons
All members will be mindful of their weapons and equipment at all times.

When in the field, members will handle their rifles and edged weapons according to the manual of arms as defined in Hardee’s Light Infantry Tactics. To ensure the company’s authenticity and safety compliance the field commander and the first sergeant will conduct an inspection of all weapons each morning or prior to first formation.

When in camp rifles will be kept stacked at the discretion of the field commander or secured in one’s tent. Edged weapons shall also be secured in tents when not in use.

13.02 Fires
Extreme care should be exercised when locating, building and maintaining cook fires and handling candle-lit lanterns.

Fire pits are to be located at the end of the company street out of the path of traffic and well away from the nearest tent. The sod should first be carefully removed if possible in order that it might be reset after the event. Fire pits are to be dug no larger than 2 feet x 1 1/2 feet and 4 inches deep. All dry combustible materials such as leaves grass and fuel should be kept at least two feet away from the fire. Remember to also look overhead for dry tree branches or other obstacles.

In your tent be extremely careful with matches and candle-lit lanterns. Gunpowder and other flammables should be stored well away form the source of the flame.

Always have a full bucket of water on hand in the event of a fire.

13.03 Cleanliness
Hygiene is one advantage that we have over our ancestors. Most events take place well away from modern facilities. Event organizers vary greatly in the conveniences they supply. Accordingly, each member should plan for the worst. Camp cleanliness is one area where authenticity will be readily sacrificed!

Each member should plan bringing some soap, a washcloth, a small towel and a small amount of toilet paper to each event. If you do not wish to bring all of the foregoing consider at least bringing some moist towelettes or baby wipes to clean up with. These items are easily stowed out of site and are obviously beneficial to all the members of the company.

13.04 Medical Conditions
Each member shall inform the highest ranking field officer, and any other members, of any significant medical condition that could manifest itself at an event. The field commander should be notified immediately of any injuries that have occurred regardless of how minor.

13.05 Fatigue
In hot weather members should be aware of the dangers of fatigue and should take extra precautions. Anticipate periods of exertion in hot weather and rest beforehand. Pace yourself, rest often, in the shade if possible and take in adequate amounts of water. If you feel faint or simply cannot make it – STOP! Inform the field commander, or another company member. Equal diligence should be observed in cold weather.

13.06 Public Demonstrations
Members shall act at all times to ensure the safety of the public.
1) Use extreme care when demonstrating weapons.
2) Never allow a member of the public to handle a loaded weapon.
3) Police the camp of hazards before the public arrives.
4) Never leave an unattended fire burning in camp.
5) Do not allow children to handle black powder.
6) Always keep at least one hand on any weapon being handled by a member of the public.

13.07 Battles and Skirmishes
All members shall observe the following precautions in the field:
1) Always assume firearms are loaded.
2) Never place your hand or face over the muzzle of any weapon.
3) Never, never, never, draw your ramrod or attempt to ram your cartridges.
4) Never use antique weapons.
5) Never fix bayonets unless ordered to do so.
6) Do not load more than 70 grains of black powder in rifle cartridges.
7) Be certain your weapon is always in the half-cock (safety) position until ordered to fire.
8) Do not discharge your weapon until specifically ordered to do so.
9) When firing from the rear rank always be certain you are firing over the right shoulder of your file partner and that his right ear is between the 2nd and 3rd band of your rifle.
10) Always elevate your rifle above opposing re-enactors, even at great distances, before discharging.
11) Never carry live rounds.
12) Never engage in hand to hand combat unless previously agreed upon by all parties.
13) Never attempt to capture an opposing unit’s colors.
14) Never smoke in the presence of black powder.
15) Use of cotton or ear plugs as ear protection is encouraged.
16) Maintain all firearms in a good working condition.
17) No minors under the age of 16 will be permitted to carry any weapon onto the field.
18) No one will be permitted onto the field under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
19) The field commander and the first sergeant will inspect all members’ weapons for cleanliness and operating condition at each event.
20) Any weapon deemed to be unsafe will not be permitted to be used until it has been either cleaned or put in working order and re-inspected.

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Article XIV – Amendments

14.00 Generally
The bylaws of this corporation can, from time to time, be amended by action of a voting majority of the membership.

14.01 Submission
Any proposed amendment(s) to the bylaws must be submitted in writing to a Bylaws Committee or the Executive Committee for review. The Committee will distribute or cause to be distributed a copy of the proposed amendment(s) to each eligible (voting) member. If the Committee deems the proposed amendment unjustified, that Committee must show just cause to the membership at the next regularly scheduled meeting why such an amendment should not be adopted. The question will then be put to the membership and a simple majority shall rule such vote.

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