Guidance notes

NAReS guidance notes are produced and issued by the NAReS portfolio holders and ad-hoc working groups established as required, which have remits covering key aspects of re-enactment.

These working groups can be made upon an as required basis of representatives from member groups who have been selected by their society as knowledgeable and proficient in the field. Guidance notes follow a long process of formation with a number of discussion and consultative phases. During this process the collective experience of the member societies is pooled and the most relevant and valuable parts of it are extracted.

The results are that the NAReS guidance notes are based on the current good practices of all of NAReS member societies particularly with reference to the law and health & safety issues. They are also designed to be a collection of the practices found top work by the most experienced, long-time re-enactors. They are there for the benefit and edification of all groups in NAReS.

The NAReS guidance notes are intended for guidance and nothing else. They are not intended to be draconian, nor are any parts of them enforced. There is no policy to remove any group from NAReS for not following them to the letter but if an incident occurs because good guidance was ignored than the group will be totally responsible for any consequences.

If there are any aspects of a particular guidance note that you find not appropriate don’t use those parts; or better still let someone in NAReS know, get involved with the subcommittees, make changes. Remember that NAReS belongs to the member societies, and the remit is set by those member societies. Likewise, if there is guidance you believe should be included let us know!

Scope of the Guidelines

Because of the sheer scale of subjects it is not possible to produce a guidance note to cover everything. Some subjects, particularly those surrounding pyrotechnics, explosives/black powder, weapons and firearms are immense and complex - if you need advice on something that is missing, please contact us with your query and we will provide a response.
We are also happy to provide advice and guidance to statutory authorities, please contact us.

Please Note

NAReS guidance notes are based on what is believed to be current good practice. They are not intended to be exhaustive in their content and are open to revision.

These notes are intended for guidance only and should not be construed as being mandatory, or applying to all circumstances which may arise.

They are designed to work in conjunction with any member groups’ own rules, regulations or recommendations. NAReS cannot be held responsible for the actions of other official bodies, or for the imposition or effect of any legislation/regulation of which it was unaware at the date of issue of this guidance note.

Current Guidance Notes

Weapons

Administration

Events and Shows

Since its formation, NAReS has been officially recognised as representative of re-enactment by government departments and bodies, the police (including The National Police Chiefs Council), and the armed services.

Your society's membership shows involvement, commitment and a willingness to comply with recognised standards.