Guides to the Submissions Process

This page links to several short articles about the steps in the heraldic submission and registration process.

You might also be interested in Submission Form & Letter FAQs, which covers the necessary paperwork, or Understanding SENA, which describes the rules for what may be registered.

For Submitters and New Heralds

Overview of the Submissions Process (Updated 2024): A high-level description of what can be registered and the steps to doing so.
A Guide to the Heraldic Submissions Process by Dmitrii Volkovich (1997): Why does it take 5 to 9 months to register names and heraldry in the SCA?
Frequently Given Answers (That Are Wrong) by Gawain of Miskbridge (Predates 1998): Common misconceptions about SCA heraldry.
Argent Snail's Armory Insta-Boing Checklist by Jaelle of Armida (1993): Nine basic checks for any SCA device or badge submission.

For Consulting Heralds

Consulting heralds assist submitters with the selection of names and armory and preparation of submission forms.

Heraldic Consultation by Brunissende Dragonette (circa 2013): Thoughts on doing heraldic consultation in diverse conditions.
A Herald's Toolbox by Jaelle of Armida, Alanna of Volchevo Lesa, and Gawain of Miskbridge (predates 1998): A suggested list of what belongs in the consulting herald's toolbox.

For Commenting Heralds

The following articles outline how heralds can effectively contribute to the commentary process.

Commenting on Letters of Intent by Brunissende Dragonette (circa 2014)
Using OSCAR by Elisabetta Tommaso di Carduci (2019): Guidelines for online commentary. Also includes instructions for submissions heralds.
Introduction to commenting in the SCA College of Arms by Bruce Draconarius (predates 2006)

For Kingdom Submission Heralds

Submissions Heralds handle forms, decisions, and notifications for their kingdoms.

Submissions Packet Checklist (updated 2023)
Common Mistakes made by Submissions Heralds (predates 2006)
On Summarizing Documentation by Pietari Pentinpoika (2000)
How To: OSCAR Notifications [PDF] by Seraphina Delfino (2016)
On Being A Submissions Herald by Alys Mackyntoich and Brunissende Dragonette (2014)
Paperwork Processing for External Submission Heralds (predates 2014)

Handling Appeals

You may appeal any submission that you think was wrongly returned by either the kingdom or by Laurel. An appeal to the kingdom sends the item to Laurel at the end of the kingdom internal process. An appeal to Laurel returns the submission for a review by the Laurel team; in general, Pelican reviews appeals of Wreath returns and Wreath reviews appeals of Pelican returns.

Appealing a Heraldic Return by Daniel de Lincolia (2002)