Waterbearer's Handbook

Waterbearing is a very useful way to be part of the activities of an
event, and is very much appreciated. Most often, waterbearing takes
place on SCA battlefields; this is also the least familiar and most
dangerous environment for you as a waterbearer. This document has
guidelines for you on how to be most safe, and most effective when
waterbearing; along with tips and ideas on what to bring and how to
interact with people.

With experience, you can provide more than just refreshment; you can
become the eyes and ears for general safety issues. You can help
spot failures in people's armor, you can see unsafe field conditions,
you can spot people who are more exhausted or over-heated than they
know. If done with diplomacy and experience, you can help prevent
injuries. We provide some useful guidelines for what to look for,
and how to behave on the battlefield that can make the most of your
observations.

What is a Waterbearer?

A waterbearer is someone who gives out water to the fighters and the spectators at the event. These gentles should be non-partisan and provide water to everyone with kindness and courtesy. They can even water the participants at the dances and at Court. They should have some training in how to spot heat related problems and how to approach a fighter on and off the battlefield. They should be wearing a blue baldric or badge with a water drop on it. This is to let the Marshals and the fighters know that you are an official waterbearer and will follow the rules of the list.
Waterbearers are an offshoot of the Chirurgeonate and if there are problems, the Waterbearer-in-Charge should report to the Chirurgeon-in-Charge. If there is no WIC, then it should be up to the Chirurgeon-in -Charge to take responsibility to help set up the field for the waterbearers. If there is a problem then the chain of command is the WIC, the CIC and then the Autocrat.
If possible, a blue membership card and/or a site waiver should be supplied if you are going to be working on the field. This is for your own protection as well as letting the Marshall know that you know the rules of the list. The WIC should have a waiver for you to sign to be able to work the list if this hasn’t already been done at Troll.
Because we are a service unit, we should make sure that we do not make ourselves patents or burdens for others that are trying to do their jobs. So, if you are sick, hung over, stoned, dehydrated, inebriated, or in any way that makes you unfit for duty that you have volunteered for. If you do come on the field, the WiC will ask you to sit out or just help at the filling station. Someone being in an unfit state could put you or others in danger. The core of waterbearing is to help. It is not to put someone in danger or distress

Equipment Needed:

5 gal. Buckets for water and rags
Gallon jugs
Gatorade (Diluted)
Tubing to be used for straws (1/4 inch does nicely). They should be about 1 ½” in length
Hoses to get the water out to the fighter field
Cups
Water Containers for the Gatorade
Optional:
A Water Cow for filtration (diagram included)
Squirt bottles to douse the fighters
Ice Tea, Lemonade

What to Wear

Your clothes should be suited for the weather. If it is cold, then a warm cloak and a few layers might be helpful. On warmer days, lightweight garb that will let you move is very easy to work with. If it is a bright sunny day, light colored clothes can help you feel cool.

Sunscreen is very helpful to both you and to the fighters. You can put it on yourself and if you want, share some with the fighters that have exposed skin.

Hats protect your face and neck from the sun. The most important is a dry closed-toe shoe. For your own safety, most Marshals will not let you on the field without them.

Remember, always keep yourself protected and hydrated!!!!!! You won’t have fun if you are out for the count.

How to Approach a Fighter

When approaching a fighter on the field or just coming off the field, remember that he/she is overly tactically stimulated. Everyone in his sight has just hit the fighter, and they are most likely thinking of getting back into the game and killing some more. They are not thinking of water or that someone in back of them might just be unarmed and unarmored. Always approach from the front. Speak loudly and clearly. (Remember that they have either a tin hat on or could just have ringing it the ears). Don’t approach from the back and touch them on the shoulder or any other part. This could be considered engagement and they may attack by reflex.

If they still have their helmet on, again, it might be hard for them to hear you. Show them the water jugs and let them know that you are there to give them water. They can and do refuse. If they do say yes, then try and feed the straw into their mouth hole or under their chin (not their chin strap). They can guide it if they want.

If they are coming off the field, try waiting until they get their armor off. A lot of fighters want to get their armor off and let the air cool them down before they get a drink. Let them. While they are armoring down, you can observe them for signs of heat related problems. If you do see any, let the Chirurgeon know or offer to get a Chirurgeon. Any fighter can refuse any help. If the fighter requests, pour some water over his/her body where they tell you. Do this only if they request it. I have seen several fighters doused when they weren’t expecting it and problems did occur. Not to mention, an unhappy fighter may refuse help later when they really need it, due to past experiences that were not to their liking. A cool rag is preferred because you can place it where you want it and you have more control over the placement.

The fighters’ have their own “Fighter’s Bill of Rights”. This can be found on the Society Chirurgeon’s Web page.

Fighter's Bill of Rights

Fighters in the Society are in many ways like the Air Force flyers I take care of in my mundane job: very independent - not wanting anyone to tell them what to do. This gets to be a real touchy situation in the Lists when a fighter is injured and does not want to leave the field, even though continuing may cause the injury to become worse. Society Law prohibits the Chirurgeon from removing a fighter from the field against their will. To help fighters and Chirurgeons work better together, let me present the "Fighter’s Bill of Rights", as presented at a Chirurgeon’s conference at Estrella War by Lady Selena D’Ambra in AS XXX, formulated as a statement from the fighter to the Chirurgeon:

If I refuse care and I am oriented and coherent (even if annoyed, preoccupied or angry), that is my LEGAL RIGHT. It is up to me whether or not I go back to fighting. I am an adult with a signed waiver. If you feel I am in danger to other fighters or myself, tell a marshal of your concerns. But quietly please, so if either of us is wrong, neither of us will be embarrassed. If I am injured, ask questions of and listen to me and my friends and family. Like me, they also know what is normal for me and how my armor goes on and comes off.

Before you do anything, from slapping a cool cloth on my neck to cutting my armor, ask me. Maybe I’ll like it, maybe I’ll club you like a baby harp seal.

© 1997 Galen of Ockham (MKA Keith E. Brandt, M.D.) May be used in SCA pubications as long as content is not modified and proper credit given. For all other uses, please contact the author at galen@chirurgeon.org.

Waterbearers are usually the first ones the fighters see when coming off the field. Some of the things that you can observe for are heat related problems, such as heat fatigue, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you see these or any others, IMMEDIATLY call over the Chirurgeon and get the fighter some help. (See sheets below) Unless you have mundane certifications, don’t try and diagnose problems. But if you feel that there may be a problem, call the Chirurgeon and let them decide. It doesn’t hurt to be over cautious.

There might be questions or problems on the field. If this is the case, then go through your chain of command to resolve it. This goes as follows:

You would go to the Waterbearer-in-Charge. If that is not possible, then go to the Chirurgeon -in-Charge. They would take your concerns to the Marshal-in-Charge of the field. You should not confront the Marshal-in-Charge directly. Remember that the marshal is in charge of the field until he/she gives it up to anyone (Usually a Chirurgeon if there is a problem). What a waterbearer does is water everyone. They have to be non-bias and courteous to everyone. The fighters are important, because they are the main reason you are out there. There are also marshals, MOL’s, spectators, royals and as well as other service people. There can also be fencers and archers that should be considered when setting up for the event. Keeping an eye out for everyone is a big job, but if you have a lot of help, it can be done. You should find out before hand the information from the Autocrat (i.e. how many are coming and what bouts are expected to be run). Planning ahead could help eliminate problems later. Again, DON’T FORGET TO WATER YOURSELF!

Clean Up

When the battles are over, you should remember to clean up after yourselves. Preplanning can usually save you some steps later. Try getting several lengths of rope and put any used jugs that you find on them while you are policing the field. They can easily be dumped and doesn’t take that much time.

Gatorade Syrup

Gatorade should be given in a diluted form. You can make syrup ahead of time and mix it with water on site as you see fit. The syrup should be made by adding the equivalent of 1 gal of water to the equivalent of 6 gal of Gatorade. (Gatorade packages come in various sizes, so read your labels carefully) When the syrup is made, add that to 2/3 gal of water. Make sure you taste it to see if you can just taste the Gatorade. If it is too strong, add more water. Gatorade should never be given at full strength. It can cause a fighter to have cramps due to an influx of minerals in their system that their body may not be use to handling.
Depending on the day, the ratio of water/Gatorade going out onto the field should be about 2/1 or3/1. This depends on the heat or the demand on the field. More Gatorade can be made on the spot with the syrup.

WATERBEARING FOR THE YOUTHS

(Or how to heard cats) Ages 8-17

Waterbearing is a wonderful way to get the kids involved in the SCA. It gets them close to the field where they can watch the fighters and maybe get some pointers.

One adult, not the Waterbearer-in-Charge, should be in charge of the kids. This person should be an official waterbearer, knowing the rules of the list and the people in charge. They should also be actively waterbearering along with the kids. This gives the kids a little more respect for the adults if they are working along side of them.

Depending on the Marshals ruling, it may be that no one under the age of 18 can go on to an active list, even during holds. Check with your Marshals first before bringing to kids on the field to avoid disappointment.

If they are not allowed on the field, they can still work the perimeters and water the spectators and the MOL’s at the table. If they are allowed on the fields, they must listen to the adults and watch for the MARSHALS to call waterbearers in. No one else can do this. They should take their cues from the adult in charge of them.

If the kids are ages 12-17, you can pair them up into groups. To save time and energy, divide up along the perimeters of the field or at the corners. That way, they can cover more ground and be watched at the same time.

Kids 8-12 should really stay with an adult on a one-to-one basis so that safety is assured. ALL the kids should have their parents sign waterbearering waivers, showing that they have taken classes and have permission to water on the field.

Adults in charge of the kids MUST make sure that the kids are watering themselves. A lot of kids forget to drink and can get a lot of heat related problems. The adults in charge need to make sure they are drinking and that they don’t have signs of dehydration. The adult needs to know what these signs are. Make sure that they are sweating and they are going to the bathroom frequently. They need to be given frequent breaks and I would suggest only having them on the field at two-hour shifts. Keep the kids as dry as possible, especially their feet. Molds and Athletes Feet (Foot) can run ramped if left unchecked. They (and you) must wear closed toe shoes out on the field.

Pennsic

Pennsic is one of the biggest events that is held close to the East. For that, we here are asked to participate a lot.

Traditionally, waterbearing is handled by either the East of the Midrelm. It has, however in recent years, been an open bid and anyone can be the Head Waterbearer.

Waterstations (places on the field that has watercows and/or water filtration systems. Here we can fill the jugs with relative ease) should be placed at easy access points to the field. Pennsic is such a different place than most events. The field is constantly changing, day by day and even battle by battle. This is where the field coordinator comes in. They MUST be in contact with the Marshals that are setting up the field and get a firm lock on where to place the stations and the waterbearers themselves.

When the stations are in position, volunteers will be asked to man these stations. They have the task of filling and making sure that water is ready when the carts come round to take to the water drops.

Water drops are places along the field that the Waterbears have easy access to pick up the containers and to drop off the empty jugs. These jugs should be put into one of the corrals for easy clean up and to make sure that the jugs are not blown in anyone’s way.

Waterbearers are the volunteers that pass out the fluids to the populace and the fighters. They have already been discussed at length thru out this handbook, so I won’t repeat.

If all goes well, the fighters get the water and Gatorade they need and everyone is happy. But this is Pennsic and anything can go wrong. People need to think on their feet, remember their training and don’t panic.

One thing that is different is how a Waterbearer is called on to a field. When one looks to the Castle on the right side of the field, you will see a castle. The Marshal’s that are in charge of the battle stand up there and have a full view of the battle. They also have flags to let people know what kind of holds are on.

If a blue waterbearing flag is either being held high or is being shown on the castle, that means waterbearers can come in. IF that flag IS NOT seen, DO NOT GO IN. This means even if a local marshal tells you it is ok, the main marshal didn’t and chaos can occur and injuries can happen. If a Marshal tells you to go in and the flags are not flying, tell the Marshal this and then ask if they could take the gallon jug in.
Most of the time, the cry of “Waterbearers In” will be heard. You may have several minuets or seconds depending on why the call was put in. Be ready to move. When “Lay On “ is heard, the fighters want to start fighting again and they have tunnel vision. They may not see you and injuries can occur.

Waterbearering is a great way to be a part of the SCA. It gets you close to the action and keeps you active throughout the event. Personally, I have had a lot of fun being a waterbearer for a number of years and would encourage everyone to give it a try.

In Service To the Dream
Submitted by
Lady Danae of Athens OSC, Master Chirurgeon

With Many thanks to Dame Margarete of Stirlingshire,
Baron Tibor of Rock Valley, Lord Donnan o the Whyspering Wude, Lady Rhieinwylydd verch Gwasdewi Goch called Rhie, and anyone else that I had forgotten. They all worked hard on this project and I thank them.

Last modified: October 8, 2004