A&S Officer Quick Reference

While it is required that all local MoASes and KMoAS Deputies be warranted, there is no requirement for specific training. It is hard to standardize the duties of an MoAS since all groups have different cultures and foci for their activities. Some are A&S-heavy and have frequent get-togethers for artists and scientists, have events that are dedicated to particular A&S disciplines, etc. Others are in areas where the martial community is stronger and dedicated A&S activity is limited. Nonetheless, there are duties a MoAS is expected to perform, or where they can be helpful to other groups or those in Crown Lands.

The first duty of an MoAS is to make themselves known and ensure he/she/they are aware of what is expected of them:

  • When appointed MoAS to a local group or as a KMoAS Deputy, apply for a warrant. The warrant is good for three years and is renewable indefinitely;
  • Once the warrant is approved, join the MoAS official mailing list. The KMoAS can send you an invitation or you can apply via the published link;
  • Unofficial, but very helpful, is to join the PRIVATE Facebook discussion group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/AtlantianMoAS.South). You will need to be “friends” with one of the administrators and get an invitation or receive an email invitation from the group from an administrator to join. Contact the KMoAS;
  • Ensure that you have all records from your predecessors’ terms in office. Records are required to be kept for five years;
  • If your group has an official email for the MoAS, e.g. moas@localgroup.sca.org, make sure you are receiving the email;
  • Review the Atlantia Arts and Sciences Handbook and the relevant sections of Kingdom Law and Policy.

Once you are plugged into the network for MoASes and KMoAS Deputies, you will have access to the collective experience and wisdom of the community. Use it!

The following is intended to be a summary of the sorts of things expected of an MoAS.

Duties outside of events

  • Networking with the A&S community, official and unofficial, awareness of resources available to the A&S community;
  • Classes and workshops in local groups, at least be familiar with what is going on within your group if you are lucky enough to inherit a group that is already active;
  • Make award recommendations to Crown and Baronage (if applicable) for those talented and hard working within the group. If you are reluctant or unsure, ask the KMoAS for guidance or to make the recommendation on your behalf.

Duties at Local Events

To run and assist in displays, challenges, and contests (DCC). These come in all shapes and sizes. The Handbook discusses this in detail. Success depends on announcing the DCC well in advance (minimum of two months) on several platforms (web, social media, interest groups) and in being well-prepared on the day of the event. Recruit the necessary personnel in advance and have supporting materials ready at hand.

  • Before the event:
    • Work with Event Steward on theme and logistics at inception of event;
    • Have a theme and avoid open contests (open displays are fine);
    • Find judges ahead of time. Don’t confine your choices to Laurels and Pearls.
    • The 2019 judging form is designed to aid anyone not familiar with a particular art or science to objectively judge an entry. Therefore it does not require a high level practitioner to make a qualitative assessment. Also, Laurels and Pearls tend not to want to judge anything outside their area of expertise;
    • Hold a class or workshop related to the contest theme before the event;
    • Have appropriate prizes for the category. Work the costs into the event budget, if possible;
    • Make sure a schedule is set and entry deadlines make it into the Acorn and social media.
  • At the event:
    NOTE: If there is more than one contest planned for the day, only run one yourself and have deputies or officers from nearby groups help you run the other categories. One contest per person at an event gives each contest its proper attention.
    • Check with all judges at the event to ensure the schedule works;
    • Have all proper forms handy, i.e. rosters, judges and entrants, and judging forms, if being used;
    • Have A&S area away from any children’s activities, but as close to the center of activity as possible;
    • If possible, bring tablecloths to cover tables;
    • Don’t allow entries after the deadline;
    • Patrol and keep populace away from area while judging is taking place;
    • Start judging well before court. Try to have everything ready for the Court Secretary or Court Herald 1⁄2 an hour in advance. Ensure any prizes are in their hands.
  • Classes at events:
    • Check with Event Steward and coordinate for use of space and time guidelines;
    • It is generally better to stick to the theme, e.g. naalbinding at a viking event, etc.;
    • Set schedule ahead of time so teachers know when and where to be;
    • Ask specific people to do specific classes instead of only asking for volunteers, this can be a great opportunity for those new to teaching to get feet wet;
    • No more than two tracks of classes unless running a collegium;
    • Include teacher’s name, class info and attendance in event report. This is necessary in ensuring that if University of Atlantia credit is available, the person receives it.