This world is too sue-happy...

So after years and years of not being active in the SCA, I am back. It's great to be back, but I have noticed one change that has irritated me:

Waterbearers are no longer allowed.

A Waterbearer is simply what in football or basketball would be called a "waterboy." They bring water to the fighters out on the field. Dehydration is a huge issue when you are out fighting, and a critical thing to watch.

However, because the lawyers think that there is the risk that someone will sue the SCA if they got a disease (drinking from a waterbottle that someone else drank from, I guess) they no longer allow waterbearers to go out and provide water to the fighters. The fighters must come off the field to a "courtesy station" and get water for themselves.

Sounds like a simple solution, but when you are out there on the field, hopped up on adrenalin and working out strenuously, the idea of water doesn't always cross your mind. It's easy to forget unless someone reminds you. Even if it did cross your mind, you often don't want to unless someone is shoving a straw in your face.

I forsee quite a few fighters collapsing in the future due to a lack of waterbearers. STOOPID sue-happy world.

-'Mad