When you go to an event and walk into court for the first time you will see one of the many things that make the SCA so wonderful. I remember my first court like it was yesterday. I got there late but another member of my shire knowing I would be a bit lost had saved me a seat near the front so I could hear. She took the time to explain to me what I needed to know and give me some hints about things I should do. Later during court, she herself was called into the royal presence to receive her own AOA. I thought that I would burst because this lady I was sitting beside was about to become a Lady. I was so happy for her that I almost missed my own name being called. I got a shire award ( The companion of the Fox) and returned to my seat before I made a total fool of myself. I was grinning from ear to ear, and I felt like my chest would explode. If this is what a shire award feels like I’d hate to see what a AOA is going to do to me. (authors note: AOAs are much, MUCH better.)

The SCA holds court for some of the same reasons that court would have been held in the Middle Ages and is still held today in countries with royalty: to conduct business of the Crown, make announcements, and generally add to the ambiance of the event. If you are going to be called up in court it’s going to be something good, or funny so don’t worry. If it were otherwise you would know way beforehand.

Court is going to most likely be in the afternoon and in the summer it's going to be hot and in the winter it's going to be cold, so dress appropriately. Take a chair with you, very seldom is there enough seats for all the people who want to be there. Try to get there about 10 minutes before court and grab a spot as close to the front as you can get. Many people don't project their voices well and you'll want to hear what's going on. Be sure to sit to the side and leave an isle for people to walk down.

Just before the King and Queen come in there is going to be an announcement to stand, when this happens stand and turn toward the Royalty as they enter. There may be more then one group of Royalty coming in, you should bow to each group as they pass. You should remain standing until told by the Crown to take your leave or take a seat. Then sit down fast, and let the show begin. Do not fall asleep!!! You might not like the reaction if you do. When Court is over the Herald will call for you to stand. Then you stand up, When the Crown and other royalty pass you bow to each in turn. When all the royalty have left you may then leave yourself.

Other things you might want to know just in case. If you are for some reason called into the presence of the King and Queen or other Royalty, get up from your seat leaving any weapons (knives, swords, bows ) at your seat. Make your way to the walkway and walk to the head of the room (this is always where the crown is) When you are about 10 feet or so from the crown you should bow for the first time. Then you proceed to kneel on the pillows or the ground in front of their Majesties. Answer any questions they ask of you totally and completely, but don't ramble. When you are excused to go stand up and back to the 10 foot line then bow for the second time and leave.

That's all you really need to know when you are summoned up in court. The problem is that you have to remember that when you can't even remember your name. If you make a mistake don't feel bad and remember that everyone will understand they have all had to get up in court a first time.

By Lord Greggor of Vulpine Reach

With the aide of:

Marthe Elsbeth of Oak Hill and Alienor