AMERICAN CIVIL WAR ASSOCIATION RULES AND REGULATIONS

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Adopted 2026

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

Mission Statement..........................................................................................................     2

Safe Responsible Behavior…………………………………………………………………..      2

Definitions………………………………………………………………………………………     3

Section 1: Membership...................................................................................................     3

Section 2: Guests at events............................................................................................     4

Section 3: Brigades and Corps.......................................................................................     4

Section 4: Authenticity Standards...................................................................................     5

Section 5: General Rules................................................................................................     6

Section 6: Safety in Camp..............................................................................................      7

Section 7: Weapons Safety............................................................................................       8

Section 8: Safety on the Battlefield.................................................................................      9

Section 9: Safety Zones…..............................................................................................     10

Section 10: Artillery Safety Rules...................................................................................     12

Section 11: Equine Safety Rules....................................................................................     12

Section 12: Responsibility for Safety………………………………………………………...     13

Section 13: Formation of New Units..................................................................................  13

 

 

Mission Statement

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We, the American Civil War Association, are foremost a group of friends and families that come together to share in our enjoyment of history in as many ways as we have members. Each of us brings a different set of values and viewpoints to the hobby of Civil War reenacting and no two approaches will be identical.

Secondly, the ACWA professes to be an organization accurately portraying the Civil War for the public at large, educating them on the era to the best of our ability. In order to responsibly do so, our membership must recognize that during the time the public is in our camps, viewing our battle reenactments or speaking to our members we must conduct ourselves in a manner befitting the era we portray. Our members should realize and accept that their personal comfort and convenience should not hinder our ability as a club to convey a reasonably accurate glimpse of history to those who come to see it at our events or events at which we are guests.

Safe Responsible Behavior is defined as having, but not limited to:

1) An acceptable level of situational awareness on the battlefield and in the camps.

2) The ability to safely handle a loaded or unloaded weapon in close proximity to others.

3) Willingness to follow orders.

4) Positive attitude toward authority.

5) Safe, orderly, conduct in camp.

It is the responsibility of all ACWA (American Civil War Association) members to exhibit safe responsible behavior at all times at all events.

 

 

Definitions:

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Combatant: A member who is actively engaged in any battle scenario who may or may not carry a weapon as part of their impression, on the battlefield, in camps, or otherwise.

Designated Responsible Adult:  A parent, legal guardian, or other adult person officially designated as the legal guardian for the event, with the authority to administer medical decisions, ensure proper following of the rules and regulations for the minor, and take any authoritative actions necessary to ensure safety and adherence. If not the parent or legal guardian, a form must be filed for each event or designated for the current year participation.  Must be on-site at the reenactments with the minor.

Civilian (Townsperson or Military Family) : A member who resides either in the civilian town or in a military camp.  Civilians may carry weapons if approved by Brigade Commanders or Civilian Coordinator.

Medical Personnel:  A combatant or non-combatant member whose impression represents medical personnel, including doctor, nurse, or medical orderly.

Non-combatant: A member whose impression is not actively engaged in battle scenarios or on battlefield, but is for supporting civilian roles before or after battles.

Mounted Cavalry:  Any portrayal that includes a live equine on the field or in camp.

Mounted Artillery:  Any artillery portrayal that includes live equine (i.e CHAS).

Artillery:  Any portrayal that includes any cannon, howitzers, or mortars.

Fall In: Join in the ranks of units/muster with Brigades

Unit: A minimum of 6 members who are able to take to the field representing an ACWA recognized military unit, and are in good standing with ACWA.

 

 

Section 1: Membership

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1.1 All members of the ACWA must completely fill out an annual membership form (located at www.acwa.org/acwa.application).  This may be done online or in printed form. This, along with the safety test(s), must be completed online or mailed in printed form. Each individual who will be participating at ACWA events, including children of any age, is required to submit a membership form.

1.1.1: Applications of children or minors between the age of 12 and 18 must be signed in conjunction with a parent or legal guardian. Under 12 can be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

1.1.2: All applicants must use their correct and legal information (names, birth dates, etc.) on their applications or they can be removed from good standing.

1.2 All members must designate on their annual membership form which Brigade and unit they will be participating with, whether a soldier or civilian.

1.3 All members must sign all ACWA insurance waivers (included with membership form) for each individual participating annually, including all minors.

1.3.1: Insurance waivers of minors, must be signed in conjunction with a parent or legal guardian (if applicable).

1.4 All members of the ACWA must completely fill out an annual safety test (located at www.acwa.org/acwa.application).  This may be done online or in printed form. Each individual participating at ACWA events must pass the safety test. Minors under the age of 12 are exempt, but they must be taught and abide by all safety rules, and are the direct responsibility of their legal parent, guardian, or designated responsible adult.

1.5 New members may apply for a single event pass.  The cost of the event pass shall be deducted the full membership dues if they decide to attend a second event.

1.6 Any members participating in mounted cavalry or artillery units, are required to take additional written and practical safety tests related to their specialty unit.

1.7 All members must obey all rules, regulations, policies, and the by-laws of the American Civil War Association at all times.

1.8: Any event times for entry into the camps must be strictly adhered to unless prior arrangements are made through the event coordinator and host, in cooperation with the Brigade or Civilian Commanders.

1.9: After events, ALL participants and Units will ensure the camp areas are clean, free from debris, and left better than found. Areas will be cleaned to the satisfaction of the event coordinator and host, in cooperation with the Brigade or Civilian Commanders.    

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Section 2: Guests At ACWA Events

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2.1 Non-ACWA members may participate in ACWA events as a guest.

2.2 NO person convicted of a felony may participate in an ACWA event.

2.3 Any member who is a member in good standing, with a current membership card, of any PACWR (Pacific Area Civil War Reenactors) affiliate reenactment group, may participate in any ACWA events.

2.4 It is the responsibility of the guest reenactor to contact the ACWA Brigade commanders or civilian coordinator as applicable, for event information and instructions prior to the event they will be participating in.

2.5 Reenactors that are not members of a PACWR affiliated group may participate in ACWA events only after completion of a guest membership application form, completion of all insurance and liability waivers, successful completion of a written safety test, and certification of safety by the ACWA Brigade Commander or Civilian Coordinator.

2.6 Any non-PACWR member guest reenactors, must also pass the appropriate written and practical tests prior to participation.

2.7 All guest reenactors must obey all rules and regulations set forth by the ACWA. Brigade Commanders or Civilian Coordinator are responsible for advising all guests of the ACWA safety rules.  Brigade commanders and the Civilian Coordinator shall have a copy of the safety rules at events.

2.8 All guest reenactors must fall in with one of the ACWA Brigade Commanders or Civilian Coordinator.

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Section 3: Brigades and Corps

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 3.1 The ACWA will have three Brigades or Corps: Union Brigade, Confederate Brigade and the Civilian Corps. Any member participating in an ACWA event must fall in with one of the existing Brigades or Civilian Corps.

3.2 The Brigade Commander of each brigade will be the Officer in charge of all military personnel and military families. All military and civilian impressions will be under the command of their chosen brigade.

3.3 The Civilian Coordinator will have jurisdiction over all civilian impressions. All civilian impressions will live in the “civilian town” and are not associated with either military camp (Union or Confederate).

3.4 Both military Brigade Commanders have equal authority on the battlefield. Any inconsistencies will be settled by the time honored tradition of hand to hand combat, or Roe-Sham-Bo.

3.5 The Brigade Commanders and the Civilian Coordinator will be elected annually by their respective brigades and corps. Brigade Commanders and the Civilian Coordinator are voting members of the ACWA Board of Directors.

3.6 Each Brigade and the Civilian Corps shall have on file with the ACWA, Official Brigade or Corps Rules and regulations.

3.7 Brigade or Civilian Corps, Rules and regulations may not supersede the ACWA rules regulation, the ACWA by- laws, or the ACWA Articles of Incorporation.

3.8 Each Brigade and Civilian Corps will maintain a fully stocked first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.

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Section 4: Authenticity Standards

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4.1 The goal of the ACWA is to portray, as accurately as possible, the American Civil War during the years of 1861 to 1865.

4.2 During public hours at events, all members will be dressed in period appropriate clothing of the years 1861 to 1865. No members may be in the military camps or civilian town areas unless dress codes are adhered to (at the discretion of the Brigade Commander or Civilian Coordinator).

4.3 Members portraying military persons or civilians will adhere to Civil War era standards (1861-1865) of military regulation dress codes or societal standards of dress as applicable.

4.3.1: No modern clothing, cosmetics, jewelry, adornments or hair styles will be permitted.

4.3.2 No modern camping equipment, fire pits or tents will be allowed to be used during public hours.

4.3.3 Any modern camping or cooking equipment must be hidden from public view at all times during public hours.

4.3.4 No modern food or drink containers will be allowed during public hours. Efforts to conceal such items may include reproduction labeling, transferring to a period appropriate container, such as glass or metal, or covering with canvas.

4.3.5 Unit commanders and Civilian Coordinator(s) are responsible for ensuring all modern items are hidden from public view at least one half (1/2) hour prior to public hours.

4.3.6 Unit commanders and Civilian Coordinator(s) are responsible for ensuring dress codes are adhered to during public hours.

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Section 5: General Rules

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5.1 The ACWA has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal or illicit drugs at any time. No illicit or illegal drugs may be on site at any ACWA sanctioned event.

5.2 Members or guests may not consume or be under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs during public hours.

5.4 Rowdiness, abusive language or public drunkenness will not be tolerated at any time.

5.5 All members and guests must abide by all ACWA and PACWR rules and regulations, and exhibit safe and responsible behavior at all times.

5.6 No person may represent the ACWA without prior consent of the ACWA Board of Directors.

5.6.1 Members may approach landowners to gauge their interest in hosting an event.  If landowners are interested, ACWA Board members shall be engaged for participation and Board approval.

5.6.2 Members may make presentations at schools or events without Board approval.

5.7 A parent, or legal guardian, or responsible adult, is responsible for the actions of any minor member under their charge at all times at all ACWA sanctioned events.

5.7.1 No person under the age of twelve (12) will be allowed on the battlefield at any time, during battles.

5.7.2 No person under the age of fourteen (14) may carry a weapon of any kind, at any time, on the battlefield unless under direct supervision and approved by the Brigade commanders.

5.7.3 All persons under age eighteen (18) must be accompanied by, or under the supervision of, an adult at all times when on the battlefield.

5.7.4 All persons under the age of eighteen (18) must be accompanied by a parent, or legal guardian at all events.

5.7.5 Persons under the age of eighteen (18) may move freely throughout military camps and civilian town during public hours, provided they abide by all safety zones, rules, and safety standards.

5.8 No member of the public may enter any members’ or guest tent, unless by express invitation and supervision of the owner.

5.9 Spectators may only handle a weapon if:

(a) The weapon is unloaded and in fully safe condition.

(b) It is in controlled demonstrations.

(c) The weapon being demonstrated is never to leave the sight of the demonstrator.

5.10 No pets are allowed at ACWA events. Service animals are allowed, but must be restrained at all times as required by local and state laws (leashes and muzzles for example).

5.11 Unsecured firearms and powder supplies shall be locked up and out of site of the public at all times.  Muskets may be left in a stacked formation. 

5.12 The possession of live ammunition, either period or modern, is prohibited. Sworn peace officers or Concealed Carry permit holders are exempt.

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Section 6: Safety In Camp

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6.1 Open fires shall not be left unattended at any time.

6.2 All campfires will have either a bucket full of water or fire extinguisher located within 10 feet of the open fire, for the purpose of extinguishing an out-of-control fire.

6.3 No open flame will be closer than 10 feet from any canvas or other flammable material.

6.4 No person wearing a hoop skirt may be closer than 10 feet from any open flame.

6.5 No person wearing any man-made synthetic material may be closer than 10 feet from any open flame. All clothing material must be of natural fiber.

6.6 No weapons may be fired within 30 feet/10 yards of any encampment, or a greater distance as directed by the Brigade Commanders.

6.7 No weapon may be cleared without permission of a Brigade or Unit Commander.

6.8 Anytime a weapon is being cleared, the person handling the weapon must clearly, and loudly, yell “FIRE IN THE HOLE” three (3) times prior to discharge of the weapon.

6.9 No person may touch a weapon that does not belong to them without express permission of the owner of the weapon, or unless they believe it is lost. If the weapon is believed to be lost, it shall be taken to Brigade/Company Commander.

6.10 All weapons in camp carried by combatants or any impression, will have their weapons inspected daily by the Unit or Brigade designee. If a civilian, inspections can be made by whichever Brigade Commander is closer during inspections.

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Section 7: Weapons Safety

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 7.1 All weapons shall be clean and in good repair.

7.2 All weapons, including those carried by civilians, shall be inspected by the Brigade Commanders or their designee prior to use on the battlefield. Weapons not cleaned, or not operating properly, shall be deemed unsafe and shall not be allowed on the battlefield.

7.2 All weapons shall be field cleaned at the end of the day.

7.3 Weapons may only be loaded when orders are given by the commanding officer.

7.4 Only FF or FFF grade black powder or reenactor powder equivalent (e.g. Schuetzen Powders) may be used. ABSOLUTELY NO BLACK POWDER SUBSTITUTES WILL BE ALLOWED.

7.5 Longarm muskets shall be loaded only with prepared cartridges. Cartridges shall be made of paper. Paper cartridges shall be folded over or secured with string; no other method of securing cartridges will be allowed. See 7.7 below for load limits.

7.6 When loading a muzzle loading longarm, only the powder may be placed in the barrel, not the paper. Paper cartridges for breach-loading arms may be placed in the barrel.

7.7 All longarm cartridges will be made prior to battle scenarios and will contain no more than 70 grains of black powder for .54 to .58 caliber, and 90 grains for .69 caliber/ or 130 grains for shot guns.

7.8 Powder horns, flasks, or other free loading devices are not allowed on the battlefield.

7.9 Carbine and other shoulder arm cartridges are allowed. All hard-cased ammunition is sealed only with “crumbling floral foam or blue painters” tape to cover the open end of the cartridge. No shooting grease shall be used.

7.10 Revolvers and single shot pistols of .44 caliber shall be loaded with no more than 40 grains of powder.  Single shot pistols shall not be loaded on the field.

7.11 Revolvers, and other pistols of .36 caliber, shall be loaded with no more than 15 grains of powder.  Single shot pistols shall not be loaded on the field.

 7.12 Instant Cream of Wheat or “crumbling” floral foam shall be the only materials used to seal pistol cylinders.  No shooting grease shall be used.

7.13 All pistol cartridges or cylinders shall be loaded prior to battlefield scenarios. Pistols may only be loaded on the battlefield with ammunition prepared beforehand.

7.14 Anyone using revolvers may carry extra pre-loaded cylinders and must have them secured in a leather pouch specifically designed for this function.

7.15 All pistols must be carried in a holster, whether loaded or not. Pistols are considered secured if they are carried in a holster with the flap secured, or a loop over the hammer.

7.16 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 commanding officer.

7.17 Bayonets, ramrods, or knives, shall never be drawn on the battlefield.

7.18 Swords may be drawn only by Officers or mounted cavalry.

7.19 All knives must be tied or otherwise secured in their sheaths.

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Section 8: General Safety On The Battlefield

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8.1 All spectators shall be removed from the battlefield a minimum of ten minutes before the battle.

8.2 Absolutely no spectators are allowed on the battlefield while troops are present on the field (this includes before, during and after scenarios). If at anytime a spectator enters the field a cease fire shall be immediately called.

8.3 All persons shall enter the battlefield with a water-filled canteen during battle scenarios.

8.4 No person on the battlefield may be armed with more than one long arm.

8.5 No person on the battlefield may carry more than one side arm, except mounted cavalry may carry 4 total, with 2 being secured in pommel holsters.

8.6 No ramrods or bayonets shall be used on the battlefield. Ramrods and bayonets shall be secured while on the battlefield.

8.7 Swords and sabers may NEVER engage infantry.

8.8 Non-combatants are not allowed on the battlefield unless they have been approved by both brigade commanders.

8.9 No close quarter hand-to-hand combat scenarios will be allowed without prior permission from brigade commanders and the involved members, and rehearsal prior to the battle.

8.9.1  In order to avoid altercations, taking prisoners happens when one member touches a member of the opposing brigade and declares “You are now a prisoner”.

8.9.2 Before engaging in hand-to-hand combat scenarios all weapons shall be cleared.

8.10 Any person who observes a safety hazard of any kind while on the battlefield may correct the situation immediately. If the situation cannot be resolved immediately, then a cease fire shall be called and will remain in effect until the situation is corrected.

TO CALL A CEASE FIRE: The person calling the Cease Fire shall hold their weapon (sword or musket) above their head using both hands and repeatedly shout “CEASE FIRE” until a complete cease fire has been achieved.

8.11 The call “MEDIC” shall only be used for actual emergencies. The terms “surgeon”, “litter bearer”, “corpsman” or other period terms shall be used for scenario purposes.

8.12 Weapons may only be loaded when orders are given by the commanding officer. Orders may be given to reload, or fire at will, during battle scenarios and will be the only exception until ordered to come to the ready or Cease Fire.

8.13 No soldiers may fire from the prone position unless commanded by their commanding officer. If firing from the prone position, the muzzle must be elevated above any dry grass or any debris that could become a projectile.

8.14 All weapons shall be discharged before falling to the ground.

8.15 All weapons shall be cleared at the end of the battle.

8.16: Hearing protection is required for minors. Otherwise it is at the discretion of each individual.

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Section 9: Safety Zones

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9.1 Public Safety Zones:

9.1.1 A safety zone of 30 feet/10 yards shall be maintained by anyone carrying loaded weapons and the public.

9.1.2  No loaded weapons shall be pointed at a member of the public closer than 30 feet/10 yards.

9.2 Infantry Safety Zones:

9.2.1 A safety zone of 30 feet/10 yards shall be maintained between any person firing a weapon and any person they are firing at.

9.2.2 If there are any persons inside this safety zone the weapon shall not be fired.

9.2.3 Weapons may be fired over persons lying on the ground as “dead” or “wounded” who are lying within the safety zone, provided that it is done with reasonable caution and safety.

9.3 Cavalry Safety Zones:

9.3.1 A safety zone of 60 feet/20 yards shall be maintained between any person firing a weapon and any mounted person they are firing at.

9.3.2 A safety zone of 60 feet/20 yards shall be maintained between all mounted persons and infantry.

9.4 Artillery Safety Zones:

9.4.1 A safety zone of 60 feet/20 yards shall be maintained between any person firing a weapon and mounted, or horse drawn, artillery pieces

9.4.2 A safety zone of 60 feet/20 yards shall be maintained in front of loaded artillery pieces.

9.4.3 A safety zone of 30 feet/10 yards shall be maintained to the sides and rear of all loaded artillery pieces.

9.4.4  Pass Box Rule: The pass box shall be placed 30 feet to the rear of the artillery piece and shall be moved when the piece is turned. 

9.4.5 Tool Box Rule:  The tool box shall be placed next to the pass box, and shall be moved when the piece is turned. 

9.4.6 No artillery piece shall be loaded or fired if safety zones are not clear.

9.4.7 No artillery piece shall be moved/adjusted after loaded.

9.4.8 All “wounded” shall be removed from the artillery safety zones before firing.

 

Section 10: Artillery Safety Rules

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10.1 Refer to Section 9.4 for artillery safety zones.

10.2 All artillery pieces shall have the proper equipment and be in good repair.

10.2 All artillery pieces shall be inspected prior to taking the field. Brigade Commanders will designate an inspector regardless of what Brigade the artillery impressions are in.

10.3 All artillery units shall ensure that all artillery pieces on the field have fire prevention and suppression tools available prior to battle.

10.4 No material shall be loaded that, when fired, will pass out of the safety zone, including the foil that wraps the charge.

10.5 All artillery ammunition boxes containing black powder shall be constantly manned when unlocked, with the lid closed when in battery position (when the lid is open hinges must be facing the cannon).

10.6 All powder magazines (tents) will be marked with signs, and the safety zones surrounding them shall be marked off with ropes and red flags.

10.7 If an artillery piece is loaded, the crewmen shall place the implements in a vertical position at the side of the piece.

10.8 If an artillery piece mis-fires or has issues when loaded, crewmen shall place the implements in a vertical position crossing each implement in the shape of an “X” and will wait 2 minutes before attempting to fire again. IF the piece mis-fires or has issues after the 2 minute wait, the piece shall be flooded, swabbed, and not used until repaired.

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Section 11: Equine Safety Rules

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11.1 These safety rules apply to all portrayals involving equine military and civilian.

11.2 The ACWA equine safety officer, or the Brigade Commanders’ designee, is responsible for ensuring that all equine and their riders are safe to perform in the presence of fellow re-enactors and spectators.

11.3 All animals will be inspected for soundness, obvious sickness and injury.

11.4 Abuse or neglect of animals will not be tolerated.

11.5 All animals not in use shall be tied to a taut picket line and shall be monitored by equine units at all times

11.6 All stock must be ridden or driven at a walk in camp streets and when entering the battlefield via avenues through the public.

11.7 Stock will never be intentionally spooked or stampeded. All reasonable measures will be made to prevent such occurrences.

11.8 Mounted cavalry should only take hits as wounds, and at NO TIME shall a rider intentionally come off of their horse. If this happens a cease fire will be called.

11.9 Horses may only be touched or handled by the owner or by persons allowed by the owner to do so.

11.10 All mounted activity is to cease, and a cease fire will be called, if a rider is unhorsed or injured on the battlefield.

11.11 Mounted artillery pieces, wagons, caissons etc. must always have a clear route off the field in case of emergency.

11.12 Troops attempting to “capture” mounted wagons, artillery pieces, etc. during a battle scenario will leave an open lane large enough for the vehicle to pass through in case of emergency. Any orders given by the driver of the vehicle must be immediately obeyed.

11.13 All horses and riders must also pass a practical safety test, that includes demonstrating that the rider/driver has full control of the horse/s at all times. All horses must be safe during musket and cannon fire.

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Section 12: Responsibility for Safety

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12.2 The Brigade Commanders and Civilian Coordinator are responsible for ensuring all safety rules, regulations, policies and standards are being adhered to.

12.3 The Brigade Commanders and Civilian Coordinator, have the authority to remove any member at any event for any safety violations.

12.4 The Brigade Commanders and Civilian Coordinator are responsible for coordinating with the event coordinator for specific safety needs at each event.

12.5 The Brigade Commanders and Civilian Coordinator or designee are responsible for certification of any reenactor as to proficiency in handling all weapons (including blades) and ensuring they may safely participate in weapons handling as it applies.

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Section 13: Formation of new Brigade Units

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13.1 A proposed new unit must be a unit that existed between the years of 1861 to 1865.

13.2 A proposal that states the unit’s history and uniform requirements must be presented to the Brigade.

13.3 Any unit approved by the Brigade with at least six members of that unit present, and whereas those members are in good standing with the ACWA, may take the field in battle scenarios as a unit.

13.4 Approved units with less than six members may still participate in all ACWA events at the discretion of the Brigade Commander, and may actively recruit at any ACWA events.

13.5 Any new unit approved by the Brigade will have a 1-year probationary period for the purpose of achieving minimum numbers of combatants.

13.6 The Brigade will inform the ACWA Board of Directors when a new unit is accepted and has established brigade compatibility.

13.7 The unit must have on file with the Brigade Commanders their unit history and uniform requirements.

 

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