7th Company
53rd Regiment
14th Infantry Division
Reenactment Group
Bylaws
January 2024
The Unit Bylaws are made based on Bylaws from North American mainstream reenactment group, which will serve as the Standard Operating Procedure for 7./ IR53.
1. Introduction
1.1 War reenactment
Reenactment is an apolitical outdoor activity of educational and entertainment nature. It mainly involves history enthusiasts wearing historical uniforms or costumes, using historically accurate items and equipment, and rigorously recreating all aspects of the war period with training and planning. Better understand and commemorate this history and the people who lived in it.
1.2 Reenactment Group
In 2019, China’s first WWII German-Soviet reenactment that is close to World’s mainstream level was successfully held in Qingzhougrad under the leadership of William Wang, setting a precedent for China-based WWII German-Soviet reenactments and bringing China’s reenactments into line with the world. After the Qingzhougrad event, the members who participated in the reenactment were determined to establish a professional organization based on the 14th Infantry Division to promote the development of China’s WWII German-Soviet reenactment and take the reenactment to a adequate level.
7./53 was officially established in January 2024. It has grown from a few people who first met around 2010 to nearly 40 reenactors who meet the reenactment standards. Before it was officially established, the members were committed to recreating historical war scenes through the preparation of costumes, props and venues, allowing members to personally experience ordinary people in war. As time went by, the frequency of group activities continued to increase, and it gradually developed into a comprehensive reenactment group with academic research, cultural inheritance and social functions.
In the future, we plan to engage in various activities aimed at deepening our members’ understanding of military history and how to properly portray a German soldier. Our aim is to spread awareness about the culture of WWII reenactment, promote exchanges and cooperation among members, and provide a platform for everyone to share their interests and hobbies.
2. Members
2.1 Membership
a. Temporary/ formal members are persons with full capacity for civil conduct who are over 18 years old.
b. Individual over the age of 16 can apply to become reserve members. Reserve members need to obtain the consent of their guardians. Before participating in the activity, the guardians need to sign the informed consent form (Appendix 1) .
c. Before joining, members must submit application form (Appendix 2) and then be interviewed by the association interviewer to evaluate their character, knowledge and teamwork ability. After being confirmed by two people and the interviewer of the association, you can become a temporary member of the association.
d. Temporary members who join the association and participate in two activities and meet the equipment standards of formal members can be converted into formal members after review.
2.2 Member Rights and Responsibilities
a. Members have the right to use public props and review information in the group, but they cannot share it externally without permission.
b. Members have the right to receive all processed image data for participating in the event.
c. Official members have the right to be appointed to positions within the group.
d. Official members have the right to receive awards such as military ranks and medals approved and awarded by the group at public expense.
e. Official members have the right to request changes to the rules.
f. All members must maintain contact with the group and commit to participating in a number of events each year.
g. All members should try their best to build the group.
2.3 Member registration
A membership roster will be kept in the group, and the basic information of each member will be listed in the roster. The roster is kept and maintained by designated members of the club.
2.4 Termination of membership
Any member’s qualifications may be terminated for, but are not limited to, the following reasons:
a . Voluntarily withdraw.
b. Stealing, reselling, and other improper behaviors that would put group in an embarrassing situation.
c. Major safety negligence.
d. Death.
e. Any form of racism, bigotry, hatred and other inappropriate remarks.
3. Core issues
3.1 Do I have to speak German to participate?
No, but all training and orders etc. are in German, so learning the most basic of German is a must.
3.2 How much does a reenactment cost?
Like most hobbies, reenactment requires purchasing the most basic equipment to get started. At the same time, this is not a cheap hobby. Reenactments require travel, accommodation, annual fees, event fees, etc. Travel and accommodation expenses are personal expenses at the reenactment site. Among them, annual fees and activity fees need to be paid in advance. Various funds will be compiled into accounts for review by relevant stakeholders.
a. The annual fee is the website construction fee, server rental fee, equipment maintenance fee and accessories/medal fees required for member promotion, etc. that must be paid to maintain the normal activities of the group. New members pay it when they officially join the group, and old members pay it every year. The monthly payment is RMB 150 per year. The annual fee must be approved by the president of the group before using it.
b. The activity fee is the participation fee for the actual reenactment event. Participants who participate in the reenactment pay it during the preparation stage of the reenactment event, usually one month before the event starts, and it is RMB 150 each time. The activity fee will be used for activity funds, and the use must be approved by the current activity manager.
3.3 Can I become an officer or non-commissioned officer directly?
No, all members started out as Private(Schütze). As time goes by, you can be promoted or receive other rewards after meeting certain conditions.
4. Safety
4.1 General safety principles
Safety is always the most important consideration. Safety is the top priority for everyone involved at all times. Due to Chinese legal restrictions, group will not use real guns and live ammunition, so there are no relevant regulations in group.
4.2 Personal safety
a. Reenactment activities require high physical strength. Members are responsible for verifying their health status before participating in such activities to ensure that they are in good health and have the ability to complete various tasks in the activities.
b. Smoking. To prevent fires, smoking is only allowed in legally permitted locations. Smoking indoors and in outdoor environments such as mountains and woods is strictly prohibited. Smoking is harmful to health, and related behaviors are discouraged by fan associations.
c. Drinking alcohol. In order to ensure the normal conduct of the event, alcohol is prohibited during the event.
d. Environmental safety. Activities are usually held in remote areas with complex terrain and changeable climate. Members must be aware of the potential dangers of activities in these places, carry necessary medications and sufficient drinking water to ensure normal activities , and take necessary precautions to ensure their own safety. Such potential harm includes, but is not limited to:
1) Steep and rocky terrain
2) Extremely hot or cold climate
3) Insects, reptiles and harmful plants
e. Fire safety
1) Open campfires can only be used in designated safe areas.
2) In order to deal with small initial fires, all personnel participating in the reenactment should carry appropriate fire extinguishing tools and have basic fire extinguishing knowledge.
4.3 Edged tools
Bladed tools must have a sheath and must be kept in the sheath at all times except when cooking, eating, using as a tool, or photographing. Under no circumstances should edged tools threaten the safety of other members of the team.
4.4 Thrown objects
a. Definition. A grenade is any object used to simulate grenades, mines, rifle grenades, smoke grenades, etc.
b. Weight and materials. All throws are subject to approval by the Authenticity Officer. Throwing objects should be made of soft and relatively lightweight materials.
c. All thrown objects should be thrown in an arc towards the intended target. Under no circumstances should people be targeted.
4.5 Driving safety
You need to obtain a driver’s license and comply with all traffic regulations.
5. Activity requirements
The integrity and success of the reenactment event depends on the joint efforts, sincerity, decent behavior and confidence of victory of all participants.
5.1 Authenticity
Any member who wears a uniform to participate in a re-enactment event must meet historical authenticity requirements, that is, all clothing, grooming standards, and accessories carried must be fully consistent with the time and place of the specific event context and pass the review of the Authenticity Officer.
5.2 Controversial conduct
In order to ensure the personal safety of participants and the success of the reenactment, it is necessary to obey orders and obey instructions during the reenactment event.
5.3 Concept of time
For the arranged itinerary, participants need to complete it within the specified time.
5.4 Preparation tasks
That is, preparatory tasks arranged before reenacting the event, including but not limited to familiarity with personal equipment, mission briefings, songs, etc.
5.5 Data storage
All graphic, text and video materials before, during and after the event must be properly kept and not leaked.
5.6 Travel chat
Pay attention to the content of communication in public places, and do not discuss anything related to reenactments in public places, especially clothing and equipment that violates good public prosecutorial customs. Re-enactment equipment should use alternative names to avoid public misunderstanding.
6. Promotion and Honors
6.1 Definition
Promotion refers to the rank promotion behavior recognized by the group through point redemption. After being recognized, Members are eligible to wear the uniform of the corresponding rank in activities. Medals refer to the behavior of wearing medals redeemed by points recognized by group. After being recognized, Members are eligible to wear the corresponding medals in activities.
6.2 points
Points refer to points earned by participating in reenactment activities. Points can be redeemed for promotions and rewards.
a. Acquisition of points. Points are earned by participating in and contributing to reenactment events. Members can hold multiple positions, and the same position can also be held by several people at the same time. Points can be accumulated in a single activity, with a maximum limit of 1.7 points.
| Participate in actual large-scale reenactment events | 1 point | |
| Participate in actual small-scale reenactment events | 0.3 points | |
| Contribute to the reenactment | Event Manager | 0.3 points |
| Driver | 0.2 points | |
| Cook | 0.2 points | |
| Ordnanceman | 0.1 points | |
| Logistics attendant | 0.1 points | |
| Provide high-value props / sponsor activities | RMB 2,000/1 sponsorship point | |
b. Definition and explanation
1. Large-scale reenactment activities refer to activities in which the results of the activity are recognized by the chairman of the association, last for three days or more, have eight or more participants, and are fully dressed, including training and drills.
2. Small-scale reenactment activities refer to activities where the results of the activity are recognized by the chairman of the association, the activity lasts for one day or more, the number of participants is five or more, and the costumes are complete, including training and drills.
3. Training refers to the correct learning and reenactment of the six individual subjects and above in the drill code, and organized group activities.
4. Drilling refers to the correct learning and reenactment of the three collective subjects and above in the drill code, organized group activities.
5. The event manager refers to the person who plans and implements the reenactment event and is the core of the entire reenactment event .
6. The driver refers to the person who controls the vehicle throughout the reenactment event and transports the reenactment personnel and equipment safely, quickly and accurately.
7. Cooks refer to those who cook at least half of the meals for the reenactors during the reenactment.
8. Ordnance personnel refer to the personnel who provide maintenance, upkeep and arrangement of reenactment equipment during the preparation stage of reenactment activities .
9. Logistics attendants refer to those who provide other props , food and other necessities or perform extra work for the reenactment during the preparation stage of the reenactment .
10. Personal subjects refer to personal bare-handed subjects: basic postures, turning, eye attention, marching, turning while traveling, saluting, etc.; personal equipment – held subjects: basic postures, saluting, lying down, standing up, loading, shooting, etc.
11. Collective subjects refer to team training: gathering, marching, running, formation changes, etc.; tactical training: marching formation, formation expansion, etc.
c . Record of points. Points are updated at the end of each event. The points are attached to the last folder of the soldbuch through a separate record sheet. The record sheet contains the date, location, scoring items, score details and total score of the participating activities, and is stamped with the seal of the company sergeant major. Participation behaviors that exceed the single point limit should also be recorded, but no points will be awarded.
6.3 Exchange table
Points can be used to redeem promotions and rewards, and promotions and rewards can be obtained at the same time. Except for KVK, only those who have actually participated in 5 large-scale reenactment events can get the first promotion and rewards. Points will be settled at the end of each reenactment event. Members need to pay attention to whether they meet the conditions for promotion and medals at the end of the event, and report to the event manager during the event preparation stage in order to prepare relevant documents and materials. At the end of the event, promotions and honors will be awarded.
a. Promotion exchange table
| Promotion | Medal /Award | ||
| Rank | Require | Medal/Award | Require |
| Schütze | 0 point | IAB | 9 points |
| Gefreiter | 7 points | EK2 | 17 points+10 events |
| OberSchütze | EK1 | 35 points+20 events | |
| Obergefreiter | 14 points NCO primary training | Copper CCC | 35 points+30 events |
| Stabsgefreiter | 20 points NCO primary training | KVK2 | 3 sponsorship points or 1 sponsorship point + 5 points |
| Unteroffiziere | 10 points NCO Intermediate Training | KVK1 | 8 sponsorship points or 3 sponsorship points + 10 points |
b. Definition and explanation
1. “ OR ” in the table means that any one item is satisfied .
2. NCO primary training refers to training in which one can systematically learn individual subjects in the reenactment drill and be able to guide other members .
3. NCO intermediate training refers to training in which after completing NCO primary training, one can systematically learn the collective subjects in the reenactment drill and be able to formulate reenactment plans and complete reenactment activities.
4. Promotion to Unteroffiziere requires excellent leadership skills and approval by the majority of members .
5.Those awarded the medal need to actually participate in the confrontation.
c. Qualification seal exchange table
| Qualification Seal | Require | |
| Wounds Verwundeten-Abzeichen | black | 3 points+Injured 2 times during activities |
| silver | 8 points+Injured 5 times during activities, not recommended to wear | |
| gold | 20 points+10 times during activities , not recommended to wear | |
| Driver Kraftfahrbewhrungsabzeichen | black | Drive safely three times during the event |
| silver | Drive safely six times throughout the event | |
| gold | Drive safely ten times throughout the event | |
| Long term service Wehrmacht-Dienstauszeichnung | 4 years | Four years of service in the armed force or Two years of service in the armed force +10 points or 15 points |
| 3 years | Five years of service in the armed force or Two years of service in the armed force + 15 points or 30 points | |
| 2 years | Thirteen years of service in the armed force or Two years of service in the armed force + 20 points or 40 points | |
| 1 years | Nineteen years of service in the armed force or Two years of service in the armed force + 30 points or 50 points | |
| Physical fitness Deutsches Reichsabzeichen für Leibesübungen | Bronze (18-32 years old) | Three kilometers: 15 minutes 30 seconds Push-up: 50/2 minutes Sit-ups: 40/2 minutes Squats: 50 in a row |
| Silver (32-40 years old) | Three kilometers: 17 minutes 30 seconds Push-up: 40/2 minutes Sit-ups: 30/2 minutes Squats: 40 in a row | |
| Gold (over 42 years old) | Three kilometers: 19 minutes and 30 seconds Push-up: 30/2 minutes Sit-ups: 20/2 minutes Squats: 30 in a row | |
d. Definition and explanation
1. “OR” in the table means that any one item is satisfied.
2. The Kraftfahrbewhrungsabzeichen needs to be driven safely throughout the entire process. It will be withdrawn after safety accident occurs or a personal accident occurs.
3. Armed force service requires proof. Physical ability will be tested on the spot at the reenactment site, and people will do what they can. The Deutsches Reichsabzeichen für Leibesübungen is re-measured every 4 times and when changing to a higher level.
e. Other requirements
1. Approved uniforms of the highest rank may be worn during the preparation phase and after the reenactment event . During the reenactment event, the number of Obergefreiters does not exceed 20% of the event participants, and during the reenactment event the number of Unteroffiziere does not exceed 10% of the event participants, rounded up.
2. All approved medals can be worn during the preparation stage and after the reenactment event. During the reenactment, the number of members wearing EK2 shall not exceed 20% of the participants , the number of members wearing EK1 shall not exceed 10% of the participants, and the number of members wearing copper CCC shall not exceed 5% of the participants, rounded up. Long service medals may not be worn at reenactments.
3. For specific activities approved by the president of the club, such as dinners, parties and other entertainment activities that are not part of the actual reenactment, there are no requirements for uniforms and accessories .
7. Reenactment equipment list
7.1 Equipment requirements
Complete equipment is a necessary condition for reenactment activities. Only with qualified equipment can successful reenactment activities be carried out. The reenactment team understands that there will be gaps in the equipment of new members and members who want to join. For members who join for the first time, the equipment requirements are based on the number of participations, which are divided into first activity requirements, second activity requirements and third activity requirements. .
a. Requirements for the first activity. The first event requires a basic light outfit.
1. Clothing and hats:
helmet
Field cap/boat cap
field uniform
shirt/collar lining
2. Equipment category:
Y belt, belt, 98k egg bag, bread bag and water bottle
Gas mask cans, mustard gas cloth bags
shovel, thorn
tent cloth
3. Shoes:
Marching boots or ankle boots with leggings
b. Requirements for the second event. The second participation in the activity requires the improvement of the marching formation.
1. Clothing and hats:
shirt
training uniform
coat
2. Equipment category:
Lunch box, fork and spoon, butter box
Tent cloth, camping tools, two blankets
Marching bag or 44 backpack
Garment bag
Five straps
c. Requirements for the third event. The third participation event is advanced modeling.
1. Clothing and hats:
sweater
scarf
Gloves
hood
second shirt
2. Personal items:
dog tag
soldbuch
98k cleaning box
other
7.2 Equipment rental
For members who have equipment shortages, new members can make up for it by leasing the remaining supplies in the group. The rent is 10 % of the actual value of the item . Damaged items require compensation based on the price. The form (Appendix 3) should be submitted and the rent paid before renting equipment .
8. Positions
Official members can apply for club positions, and members who hold positions within the club (Appendix 4) can add 0.1 points when actually participating in reenactment activities, which points are not subject to the upper limit of 1.7 points.
1. President of the association, 1 person
The President is the highest person in charge of the association, with decision-making and leading rights, and the right to decide all matters of the association. The President can formulate and modify the rules and regulations of the association, plan and guide the activities and development direction of the association, and also can manage and supervise members. The President can communicate and cooperate with other organizations or individuals on behalf of the association to promote the development and growth of the association.
a. Qualifications – The President shall be a full member in good standing.
b. Election – The President is elected annually by all members.
c. Removal – The President may be removed by resignation or by vote of more than four-fifths of the regular members at a meeting.
d. Responsibilities – The President’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) As the elected member representative, serve as the CEO of the association, supervise the affairs of the association and ensure the correct realization of the organizational goals. The President may appoint other regular or ad hoc members to assist in the discharge of his or her duties;
2) Perform all duties related to his or her position and other duties required by the group’s charter and these rules;
3) Host all member meetings;
4) Appoint an interviewer for the association ;
5) Appoint the Authenticity Officer, of the association.
6) Responsible for signing all documents of the association. Documents can only take effect after being signed by the President.
2. Interviewers, 3 people
The interviewer is the reviewer of applicants and is responsible for reviewing the age, equipment, personality, etc. of applicants. Applicants can join the club after being reviewed by the interviewer.
a. Qualifications – Interviewers should be full members in good standing.
b. Election – Interviewers for the association are appointed by the President.
c. Removal – Interviewers may be removed by removal from office by the President or by a vote of more than two-thirds of the regular members at a meeting.
d. Responsibilities – The responsibilities of the interviewer are as follows:
1) Conduct interviews with applicants;
2) Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the personality, conduct and other aspects of the applicants ;
3) Submit the report of the applicant to the President so that the President can judge whether the application can be approved.
3. Authenticity Officer, 2 people
The Authenticity Officer is responsible for reviewing the equipment of all participants before the reenactment event to ensure that the equipment used by all participants meets the requirements for historical authenticity and is accountable to the President.
a. Qualifications – The Authenticity Officer shall be a regular member in good standing.
b. Election – The Authenticity Officer is appointed by the President.
c. Removal – The Authenticity Officer may be removed by removal from office by the President or by a vote of more than two-thirds of the regular members at a meeting.
d. Responsibilities – The responsibilities of the Authenticity Officer are as follows:
1) Check the authenticity of the activity;
2) Assist in formulating event background settings ;
3) Submit an authenticity report to the President for the President to determine whether the authenticity requirements are met.
4. Public relations officer, 1 person
Maintain public relations and report to the President.
a. Qualifications – The Public Relations Officer must be a regular member in good standing.
b. Election – The Public Relations Officer is elected for a two-year term. If the position becomes vacant for any reason before the end of the term, the President shall assume the responsibilities of the position until a new Public Relations Officer is confirmed.
c. Removal – The Public Relations Officer may be removed by resignation or by a vote of more than two-thirds of the regular members at a meeting
d. Responsibilities – The responsibilities of the Public Relations Officer include the following:
1 ) Maintain the good reputation of the association in the eyes of the public at the request of the chairman ;
2) Promote the organization and its functions through multimedia at the request of the President .
3) Create and maintain the homepage and website of the fan club at the request of the chairman , and update and publish fan club content in a timely manner.
9. Modifications to the rules of the association
Modifications to the rules of the association can be initiated by formal members and can be modified after approval by more than two-thirds of the formal members. The president of the association has veto power over all modifications, appointments, etc.
7./Inf.Regt.53 