The SCA award system is an imperfect system. But I cannot think of a system that isn't similarly flawed. So my commitment is to work within the system
rather than to change it. I've even gone so far as to form a household with this as its charter (see below).<p>
Bear with me for a short digression. In Drachenwald the most argued over law was the requirements for entry into Crown Tourney. The main issue was that Americans
would come to Europe with the military, enter Crown Tourney, and win. There was a long period with no native monarchs which a major point of friction. Contrary to my
normal leanings, I was actualy against making the entrance requirements stricter (mainly in terms of length of residency). Firstly it is better to use repeated "foreign"
monarchs as an incentive to improve your fighting standard than to lower the bar by excluding people. Secondly, the American Military are inarguably part of Drachenwald.
And to create a rule specifically that excludes them (they are normally there for 3 year rotations, and strict residency rules would prevent any of them from entering) is not
fair.<p>
So, in Carolingia we have the Boroughs. Borough folk are often here, do great service, and often leave before any gaining any award. Only to have to start over from the
bottom where they go. To see these people move on without recognition has caused me no end of consternation. I would dearly like to see this changed.<p>
Let us be clear about one thing: awards do not cost money and they make people happy. True, to give them out casually would be inappropriate and "devalue" them, however
I still feel this is a very strong arugment in favour for "err early".<p>
Sadly, the most appropriate award is the AoA which is determined at Kingdom level. The Baron only has influence, not control, of this. An alternative might be to establish a
"Foreign Office" that tracks where people have gone, and ensures that "letters of reccomendation" get passed on to appropriate people in their new home. I'm already trying
to do this for those gentles I have personally known. As Baron I might seek other's help.
