General Rules & Regulations of Legio XIIII Gemina Martia Victrix

* The term "member" refers to individuals serving under arms that have donated dues to Legio XIIII GMV or who are participating in a drill, mock combat or reenacting event. 

General Rules for Safety

This is not an exhaustive list, nor is that the intent; rather this serves to demonstrate the spirit of the unit's philosophy regarding authenticity.

Do not take a hit with an actual pugio, gladius or pilum.

Never draw a sword on the field without clearance from the legate or above.  The commanding officer or centurio will take care to warn the camp or spectators.

No member will participate in a marching expedition without a full canteen of water.

No member will engage in hand-to-hand combat on the field, unless prearranged and/or choreographed by the commanders of each side.

No modern weapons, including pocket knives, will be carried into an event.

Drunkenness, substance abuse, or possession of controlled substances will not be tolerated, and will lead to dismissal from the unit.

All members will adhere strictly the unit's (and site's) weapon safety regulations at all times.  Some sites forbid handling of weapons by the public.  Otherwise, visitors may handle a weapon if a participant keeps a hand on it.

A first aid kit of sufficient size and materials to treat minor injuries will be present with the unit, and will be immediately available for use.  It will be contained discreetly in a container made of period materials.

No coolers or ice chests will be permitted in camp.  Perishable foods requiring refrigeration will not be stored in camp, but, if determined to be necessary for the event, are to be stored in vehicles and brought into camp immediately prior to consumption.  If summer conditions are sufficiently hazardous that it is judged necessary to have ice available, the commander will make allowances for its storage, preferably by the host site's personnel and in their facilities.

In extreme cold conditions, non-period clothing may be worn by members, provided it is worn under approved period clothing and is not visible.  This clause is intended mainly for new members who lack sufficient period clothing for cold-weather survival.

Essential personal effects, such as keys, medication, etc., should be kept in a drawstring bag inside the tunic or pack.  The first aid kit might also be used for storing such items, but ask the commander and be aware of security risks.  Any vital items such as medic alert tags will be worn under the individual's clothing, and the commander will be alerted to the situation.

A member will be "on duty" in the camp/display area at all times during public hours, to provide general security over weapons and personal gear.

ANY member may (and should) call attention to a potential safety hazard.

Mock Combat Rules Re-Creating the Atmosphere of Ancient Battle

*Please note: These combat rules are provided through the courtesy of Legion VI, who has kindly provided permission for reprinting the following combat rules we follow.

BASIC Needlefelt Combat System Rules

Every participant understands the risks inherent and takes them upon him or herself.  A signed waiver is required before combat can commence.

Participants should understand the rigors of mock combat and be in good health.  Legio XIIII GMV will not be liable for injuries, accidents, or health problems brought on by NFS Combat or personal health issues.  These are the basic rules of NFS (Needle Felt Swords), site specific rules may apply. Please note the Terms of Agreement.

Every participant must use:

1. Goggles
2. Thick Focalae (not necessarily leather)
3. Appropriate Armor for impression
4. Approved NFS Weapon
5. Common Sense

Every NFS weapon will be tested for design and safety. These
weapons will be checked for excess weight, construction, and will be
thrust and struck against a solid object multiple times in an
attempt to cause it to fail. Any NFS that shows inner rods or
excessive wear will not be allowed.

The NFS has always been a "counting coup" strike system. This is based upon honor and the ability to "place" a hit on your
opponent instead of striking them. Heroic over the head shield crushing strikes or diving into formations with sword swinging
without regard for the safety of your fellow human will get you kicked out.

If all of us are very careful, accept any "good hits" that are dealt us and respect each other we can have a good time. If
you are a Roman and a Celt spears you in the chest for the second time, (lorica not excluded…this guy has skill...) FALL Down...take the hit. We are having FUN.
  
Strike Rules:

• Intentional head strikes are discouraged; torso strikes and jabs preferred. 

No intentional strikes to the face.

• No Intentional strikes to the groin.

No Intentional strikes to the neck.

• No participant will intentionally try to harm another.

General Rules of Authenticity

The standards of authenticity in the Fourteenth Legion come from the following philosophy:  The only acceptable deviation from the actual historical conditions of those persons whom the group is portraying are for reasons of safety (to members and/or the public), and the person physical appearance of the reenactors' bodies.  Additionally, only those items of equipment and clothing appropriate to the individual that the member is portraying will be allowed.  All requests to introduce non-period items to the display, or exclude period items and activities, will be evaluated against this philosophy.

Generally, our historical impression will be maintained and enforced DURING HOURS OF PUBLIC INSPECTION.  When public hours have ended, you are free to bring on site whatever bedding, food, or other gear (historical or modern) you might want (vehicles may or may not be allowed by the site), and you may dress, eat, and sleep however you like.  Please bear in mind that you are still "participating" with the Legion, and refrain from any activities which might be unsafe and/or damaging to the group's reputation.

1) Members’ uniforms and equipment will conform to the guidelines of the legion as dictated on the Attire page. Items not authorized by these guidelines will not be allowed. Reproduction clothing and equipment should be as authentic as possible, but within practical limits.  Exposed stitching should preferably be done by hand, but fabric does not have to be hand-woven or dyed with period dyes.  Weapons and armor do not need to be hand-forged, but stainless steel is forbidden. 

2) Any member who has not met the authenticity guidelines (including proper head gear, shoes or armor) after 1 year of service will not be allowed to participate in events until the guidelines are met.

3) All non-period items should be kept out of site at all times..

5) Only officers are authorized to wear the crests at events.

6) Members should take care to purchase items from recommended vendors or to seek the approval of their officers before buying or making any equipment. The officers of Legio XIIII GMV reserve the right to not allow inferior or incorrect gear purchased from an unauthorized vendors. 

7.) If you have to wear eyeglasses for severe vision impairment, we request eyeglasses be worn only when necessary, but removed during public displays, unless a detriment to your health or well-being, and at least removed for any photographic opportunities. Contact lenses are highly recommended, whenever possible. 

8.) Members are encouraged to wear their hair, including facial hair, in a style appropriate to the persons whom they are portraying.  Appropriate headgear may disguise some inappropriate hair styles.

9.) Any jewelry which is not appropriate to the impression must not be worn.  This includes wrist watches, non-period rings (especially for soldiers), etc.

10.) Thirty minutes before the site opens again to the public, all inappropriate miscellanea must be out of the demonstration area.

It is expected that these guidelines and limits will cause some questions.  If in doubt, ask about a situation or piece of equipment before an event.