Results of the Alternative Crown Feedback Survey

Greetings to Our Populace and interested parties beyond the East,

Our thanks to the 1518 people who responded to the poll on alternative crown tournament formats during the two+ weeks it was open. We received responses from all 20 SCA kingdoms. Given the level of interest in the results, we wanted to release the information as soon as possible and as widely as possible with both a brief overview and detailed data. 

The detailed data is available here. 

The survey answers have been broken down into tables and charts divided as follows:

• The first two charts show the geographic regions of respondents and the highest level award they have received.
• The second section breaks down the support for a variance to use rapier combat to decide crown tournament by geographic location, highest awards received, peerage if applicable, and years in the SCA.
• The third section provides responses on how many months notice is desired for a change to crown tourney selection.
• The fourth section breaks down the responses to further exploring methods for crown tournaments using rapier, archery and A&S.

Survey Results Overview

For those who don’t want to dive deep into the data, here is the overview.

• The East Kingdom made up 32% of the respondents (484 unique names)
• 94% of the East Kingdom respondents supported a variance to use rapier combat to decide the crown tournament. Responses from other kingdoms ranged from 70% -100% in favor depending on the kingdom.
• There was no consensus on the number of months notice preferred for a change to crown tourney selection methods, but 6 months was the overwhelming favorite.
• The interest in exploring rapier, archery and A&S in crown tournaments depended on the method. For a breakdown, we suggest looking at the document. It is too much information to summarize except to say that the interest is there. “Rattan only” was the option chosen by 5% of East Kingdom respondents.

The interest in an alternative crown tournament seen in the survey results is compelling. We’ve also had many discussions over the past months with our royal peers across multiple kingdoms about the interest in their own areas to pursue this. This is not an idea that is going to fade away. 

So What Happens Now?

We have asked the Board for clarification on what they want to see in a request for a variance. Our ombudsman promised further guidance from the Board would be sent. When the East receives it, we will share it publicly. In the meantime, please share the survey results. Keep the conversation going. 

The East and the SCA are strongest when we listen to each other.

YiS,

Matthias and Feilinn, Sovereign and Consort of the East Kingdom