Things to Know about Field Support at Southern Crusades

Providing water and snacks to weary fighters on the field can be a very rewarding experience. It’s a great way to get to know people and your efforts are always very much appreciated. That said, if it’s your first time doing Field Support or if you’ve never done so at this particular site, there are few things you should know.

1. There are bees at this site. Fruit and Gatorade usually attract them anyway, but they are especially plentiful near the river, where most of the fighting takes place. If you are allergic to bee stings, Field Support is not for you and the Field Support station is not a safe place to be.
2. You must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. This site is rocky and full of thorns and stickers, not to mention large people in heavy armor with limited fields of vision who could inadvertently trample exposed toes. Sandals just aren’t appropriate footgear for Field Support.
3. You must be 16 or over to be on the field. Youth under 16 may volunteer with a parent, but that parent must stay with and supervise their child. If there are not safe, age-appropriate duties for them to perform, they may be turned away.
4. Take care of yourself while you are working. Wear sunscreen, cover your head, drink water and take breaks when needed. Oranges and pickles may be enough to keep fighters going, but most Field Support people need something more substantial, so plan ahead. Bring a lunch or go get food if you need to.
5. Please do not smoke at the station or while carrying bottles.
6. Atenveldt supports non-contact Field Support. If a fighter puts their mouth on a squirt top, it has to go back to the station for sanitizing. Most fighters are familiar with this, but some need reminding, so keep an eye out.
7. Field Support at Southern Crusades is non-partisan. Anyone using equipment that belongs to the Field Support station or who is refilling their own equipment with supplies from the Field Support station is expected to supply water to ALL fighters. If you refuse water to anyone in order to "save" it for someone else, you will be asked to leave the field. Those who are specifically supporting a unit or household that has paid for its own supplies should restrict their efforts to the sidelines and their fighters must come off the field to them for refreshment to avoid confusion.
8. Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the marshals. They will tell you when and where its safe to take water. If you’re not sure if you should approach a group of fighters standing around near the fighting, ask a marshal. They may be able to escort you over or just point you out to the fighters so they can come to you.
9. Field Support people are generally very valued and cherished individuals and welcome wherever they go, but there are exceptions to every rule. If you ever have a problem with a fighter being rude or overly flirtatious, notify the Field Support person in charge so the situation can be addressed.
10. Only marshals can remove fighters from the field. If you are concerned that a fighter isn’t drinking enough, is suffering from the heat or has been injured and doesn’t want to admit it, feel free to express that concern, but be aware that it is not recommended to argue with large people in armor who are carrying weapons, especially when you don’t know them well. Respect their wishes if they don’t want to drink or tell you they’re fine and point them out to a marshal if you feel it’s necessary.

Event Steward: To Be Announced