Sponsoring list fields

[cormac]

At QC on Sunday, quite by accident, my lady and I assumed ownership and responsibility for one of the list fields. We supplied the fighters, consorts, marshals and list runners with shade and refreshment, and a good time was had by all.

I think this idea may really benefit the kingdom, and propose that baronies and major households consider "sponsoring" their own field for kingdom events, on a volunteer basis; providing a banner, herald, marshals and list runners (if they've got 'em) and hospitality. It would drastically ease the burden of Bellows and the KEM, make the day a lot easier on the fighters and consorts, and (especially for Crown Tourney) introduce some of the lesser-known aspirants to the Crown to their populace. It would also instill pride in the group, as instead of "on the Or field" or "on the field picnicky" the heralds would cry "on the Angels field" or "On the Hospitallers field."

Though the minimum number of fields wouldn't be impacted, assuming there were enough volunteers to fill the fields before this idea came about, the maximum number of fields could be increased as more groups wish to sponsor a field, making the tournaments run that much faster.

I put it out for discussion: what do you think? Would there be interest in voluntary sponsoring of fields for kingdom events?

Comments

Re: Celestia's Tavern

[matrygg.livejournal.com]

I like this a lot better than trying to add a level of organization to the process. Admittedly the aspect of cormac's original idea I liked the most is the idea that sponsorship of fields would allow more erics, thus making the tourney easier. A more decentralized system would preclude that to an extent.

What if instead of sponsoring a field, groups were to set up their own hospitality on this model, make it clear that it's open to anyone who wants to come in (not something that's always perfectly clear) and then people looking for volunteers could just visit each hospitality center rather than sort of canvassing the whole field? Or, conversely, the various centers could funnel people who seem interested towards the appropriate bodies without it being "you're with us, so you need to go do X"

I know that my 'household' (laughable at best these days -- call it the folks on the fringe I camp with. . . I only really have a household at Estrella) doesn't tend to do a whole lot, but that since I don't get a chance to come out and play very much my lady and I like to volunteer at any event we do make. Being able to do that without a commitment to a group is important to me, since I'm a bit leery of joining anything larger than the aforementioned household right now (long story harkening back to my first event and various other things. I'll talk about it if anyone is interested but I'm not sure it's germane). The sense that I have to do X, Y, and Z to volunteer is going to put me off. I like the ability to just walk up and say "hi, I'm here to help, what do you need?"

Re: Celestia's Tavern

[the-celestia.livejournal.com]

"What if instead of sponsoring a field, groups were to set up their own hospitality on this model, make it clear that it's open to anyone who wants to come in (not something that's always perfectly clear) and then people looking for volunteers could just visit each hospitality center rather than sort of canvassing the whole field?"

Because they won't get 'credit' for just doing it.
I did not even receive an AOA for five years of hospitality at my own expense.
Yet the Court and Guard always seemed to know where they could refill Their Majesties' goblets...

It is very important to me that there not be unnecessary layers of protocol and paperwork added to ANY of the SCA. It simply is not needed other than to make an individual or two feel 'important'.

I too like the ability to just walk up and say I'm here to help. We've lost that, to a great extent. I cannot tell you how many events this past year or two I have driven to, paid site fee, gone to see what I could do to help, been told no help is necessary, and then left before noon, in search of some modern-world interesting thing to do...because I wasn't needed, or needed to be in the 'in group' in order to help.

People who are IN the 'in group' never do grok this. There's two fine examples of that right here on this comment page.

t_C, calling it like it is, folks.