East
Kingdom Marshal's Handbook
for Rapier Combat
September
2003
Rapier
combat could not take place without the work of the marshalate.
Marshals see to the fun and safety of rapier combat for all the
participants. The purpose of this
handbook is to give you, the marshal or marshal-in-training, an idea of what is
expected of you, how you can best perform your functions, how to interpret some
of the rules, and hopefully how to have an enjoyable time doing it all.
The
most important tool we have to see to the safety and fun of everyone involved is
the discretion of the marshals. The rules, and this handbook, have been written
to be as clear as possible and cover most circumstances. However, there will
always be unusual events occurring that are not covered by the rules. When this
happens, the marshal is not only encouraged, but also expected to apply his
discretion to the situation to extend the intent of the rules to cover the
circumstances at hand.
Who can be a marshal?
In
order to be a marshal, you must meet the following requirements:
·
You must be a current,
paid member of the SCA, and maintain your membership for the duration of your
marshals’ warrant
·
You must have current
authorizations in at least three weapons forms
·
You must be acceptable
to your Regional Marshal and the Kingdom Marshal of Fence.
Responsibilities of the Marshalate
So
what is a marshal supposed to do? Marshals
are responsible for seeing that rapier combat is conducted in a safe and
honorable fashion in keeping with the goals and ideals of the SCA and the East
Kingdom. There are three main goals for a marshal. In order of importance:
Safety:
Safety is the primary goal and responsibility of the marshalate. All rapier
combat activities in the East Kingdom should be as safe as possible. To this
end, marshals are required to enforce the Rapier Combat Rules. While there is
risk in any type of combat activity, the marshals are there to minimize the
risks to the participants, the marshals, and the spectators.
Fun:
Given the first concern for safety, rapier combat should be enjoyable; less a
competition than a pleasurable activity.
Period
Rapier Combat: Rapier
combat should bear as close a similarity as practicable to the methods and
practice of the art of defense in the Renaissance. Period technique is something
we should encourage and strive. However it is not the role of the marshalate to
require period technique from fighters.
As
a marshal, your job is to enforce the rules, which are designed to see to the
safety of the participants. This
includes the use of your own discretion as the situation merits.
No set of rules can be all-inclusive and foresee every possible
situation. The discretion of the
marshal is one of the primary tools to ensure safe, fun fighting for everyone.
The rules should be applied in a consistent manner, supplemented by the
discretion of the marshals.
It
is your duty as a marshal to keep current with all ideas, discussions, and
thinking of the East Kingdom rapier community. You must remain up-to-date on
rules and any circumstantial issues. This is especially important for marshals
in outlying and isolated areas.
The
marshalate of the East Kingdom is structured, from top to bottom, as follows:
Kingdom
Rapier Marshal
The
Kingdom Rapier Marshal (also known as the Kingdom Marshal of Fence) is
ultimately responsible for all rapier combat in the East Kingdom and for
ensuring the proper growth, training and supervision of the marshalate. The
Kingdom Rapier Marshal may create additional deputies at need beyond the
positions defined here. You can find contact information for the KRM in the
Pikestaff, or on line at www.eastkingdom.org/officers.html
(kmof@eastkingdom.org). The
official EK Fencing web site is www.eastkingdom.org/fencing.
The
Kingdom Rapier Marshal always has a deputy who can take over in the event that
the Kingdom Rapier Marshal resigns, or becomes unable to perform his or her
duties. The Deputy Kingdom Rapier Marshal (also known as the Drop Dead Deputy)
may have other duties as the KRM sees fit to assign.
The
Regional Marshal for each of the regions of the East Kingdom is the senior
marshal for that region. He or she is appointed by, and is directly responsible
to, the Kingdom Rapier Marshal. The Regional Marshal is responsible for ensuring
the safe practice of rapier combat and for the training, warranting, and
supervision of all Local Marshals and Marshals-at-Large within the Region.
Ideally, the Regional Marshal will not be the Local Marshal for the group in
which he or she resides.
Regional
Marshals submit a written report to the Kingdom Rapier Marshal on the status of
Rapier combat in his or her Region on a quarterly basis, in the months of March,
June, September, and December by the 1st of the month.
There
are currently four regions in the East Kingdom: North (covering New
Hampshire, Vermont, Maine), Northern Shores (all Canadian Groups), Central
(including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York state not
including New York city), and South (including New York City, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, and Delaware).
If
you want to become a marshal, you should contact your Regional Marshal. Contact
information for your regional marshal can be found in Pikestaff.
The
Local Marshal is responsible for ensuring the safe practice of rapier combat
within the Barony, Shire, Canton, College, or other local group in which he or
she resides. The Local Marshal is directly responsible to the Regional Marshal.
The Local Marshal helps train fighters, assists in the authorization of
fighters, and brings any candidates for the marshalate to the attention of the
Regional Marshal. A Local Marshal has no more authority than a Marshal-at-Large,
and is equal to a Marshal-at-Large in the chain of command. There may be an
overlap of local marshals, such as several local marshals within a Barony. If a
Barony has both a Baronial marshal and a canton (or other group within a barony
or equivalent) marshals, the Baronial marshal will only have authority over the
canton marshal in matters of Baronial fencing policy. The Baronial marshal is in
no other way superior to the canton marshal in the chain of command.
Local
Marshals submit a written report to the Regional Marshal for his or her Region
on a quarterly basis, by the 15th in the months of February, May,
August, and November.
The
majority of marshals are Marshals-at-Large. They are not responsible for a
particular geographic area, although they may operate primarily in one place. A
Marshal-at-Large is directly responsible to the Regional Marshal of the Region
in which he or she resides. A Marshal-at-Large shall perform general marshalate
duties, including the authorization of fighters, and the marshalling of bouts
and melees as well as bringing any candidates for the marshalate to the
attention of the Regional Marshal. The
only real difference between a Local Marshal and a Marshal-at-Large is that the
Local Marshal should serve as a focal point for fencing in a given area,
arranging practices and serving as a point of contact.
Local Marshals have to report in regularly, Marshals-at-Large do not.
A
Marshal-in-Charge (MIC) is someone who is in temporary charge of the fencing for
the day at a particular event, or practice. This may be the Local Marshal, but
it may just as easily be someone else. The MIC’s primary duty is to ensure
that the rapier combat activities at a particular event or practice are
conducted in a safe manner and that the Rapier Combat Rules are enforced.
After
any event with rapier combat, the Marshal-in-Charge needs to submit a written to
the autocrat of the event. If there are issues, such as injuries or disciplinary
actions, to be reported from an event, the MIC will send reports to the Local
Marshal, the Regional Marshal, and any other Kingdom official involved, such as
the Chirurgeon.
The
training will include things such as:
·
Line marshalling in
bouts and melee
·
Participation as an
observer in authorization bouts
·
Weapons and armor
inspections
·
Participation in the
administrative aspects of tournaments
·
Introduction to other
warranted marshals
·
Familiarization with
the proper conduct of an authorization
·
Familiarization with
rules and current standards of the marshalate
MITs
will not participate as a combatant in an actual authorization bout, as this
practice is unfair to the candidate being authorized. When training in the
proper conduct of an authorization is necessary, the marshal training the MIT
should set up a mock authorization procedure.
Testing
At
the discretion of the Regional Marshal, you may be tested. This test may involve
detailed questions on the Rapier Combat Rules or a mock authorization bout.
When
the Regional Marshal or the Kingdom Rapier Marshal warrants a fighter as a
fencing marshal, they will fill out the standard authorization form, and include
the following information:
·
SCA and legal names of
the marshal
·
Address and telephone
number of the marshal
·
Date of warrant
·
Local SCA group of the
marshal
·
Event or official
practice at which the warranting took place
·
SCA signature and
office title of the warranting Marshal
If
a standard authorization card is used, "Marshal-at- Large" or
"Local Marshal" should be substituted for "weapons form".
No one may use
any weapons form in a tournament unless they have been properly authorized in
that weapons form. Authorizations are one of the key duties performed by
marshals. It is an opportunity to
see and correct technique before it becomes a problem for the fighter or his
opponent.
A person who is
not authorized in a particular weapons form may use that form at official
practices at the discretion of the Marshal-in-Charge.
In
order to authorize and participate in any Rapier combat tournaments, all
fighters must have executed the current waiver. Current waivers should be
available from the Mistress/Minister of Lists. If you are a current member of
the SCA, there is a waiver on file already, and there is no need to fill out
another one. Fencers who are not current members must sign a waiver at each and
every event or practice that they attend. On
and off in recent years, current paid membership has been required to authorize
in any martial art. Marshals should check with their Regional or Kingdom Marshal
regarding the current status of this rule.
Each
fighter must authorize in Single Rapier before using any other weapons form, as
all other forms build upon the skills and techniques of Single Rapier.
Authorizations
may be conducted only at SCA events or official practices.
Authorizations
are conducted by two warranted marshals who are themselves authorized in the
weapons form being attempted. One marshal will fence the candidate for
authorization in the form being attempted while the other marshal will observe.
Ideally, at least one of the marshals running the authorization should be
unfamiliar with the fencing style of the candidate.
"Marshals-in-training"
have no official status; while they may observe and comment on the candidate for
authorization, they should not fence the candidate as part of the authorization
process.
If
the candidate has been taught primarily by one person, it is recommended that
this person should not be one of the marshals running the authorization. The
teacher is encouraged, however, to watch the authorization.
In order to
provide consistency, you will find some guidelines listed here on how to assess
a candidate. Each candidate should
be assessed on his or her own merits, in light of their performance at the
authorization. You should not
authorize a candidate unless you truly believes that the candidate can and will
fence safely and within the rules. Due to the nature of Rapier combat,
assessment of safety must include an assessment of the basic competence of the
candidate with the weapons form being attempted. Lacking competence, the
candidate will not have control and safety will be compromised. Without basic
competence, mere safety is not sufficient to authorize a candidate. However, at
no time should this be mistaken for a need to show great skill, merely basic
competence.
In
order to authorize in any weapons form, the candidate must demonstrate:
·
Knowledge and
understanding of the Rapier Combat Rules, especially those rules that apply to
the particular weapons form being attempted
·
The ability to safely
execute and properly acknowledge blows
·
The safe and effective
execution of the offensive and defensive techniques appropriate to that weapons
form, in the setting of an actual bout
·
The degree of
competence and skill commensurate with the weapons form being attempted. Mere
safety, without basic competence in the weapons form is insufficient for
authorization
·
Knowledge and
understanding of melee rules and terms of engagement
·
An ability to handle
special circumstances (i.e. calling ‘Hold’, fighting from the ground,
fighting a legged opponent on the ground, etc.)
Guidelines by
Form
Single
Rapier – The candidate must be able to demonstrate the following safely
and competently:
Rapier
and rigid parry object – The candidate must be able to demonstrate the
following safely and competently:
·
parries (or blocks) of
attacks with the rigid parry object
·
preventing the rapier
and the parry object from becoming entangled
·
avoiding striking or
attacking with the parry object
·
taking blades or making
openings with the parry object; and
·
use of the parry object
in concert with the rapier.
Rapier
and non-rigid parry object – the candidate must be able to demonstrate the
following safely and competently:
·
parries (or blocks) of
attacks with the non-rigid parry object
·
preventing the rapier
and the parry object from becoming entangled
·
avoiding striking or
attacking with the parry object
·
taking blades or making
openings with the parry object; and
·
use of the parry object
in concert with the rapier.
Rapier
and dagger – the candidate must be able to demonstrate the following safely
and competently:
·
attacks with the dagger
·
parries (or blocks) of
attacks with the dagger
·
preventing the rapier
and the dagger from becoming entangled
·
taking blades or making
openings with the dagger
·
use of the dagger alone
i.e. single dagger with no rapier; and
·
use of the dagger in
concert with the rapier.
Case
of rapier – the candidate must be able to demonstrate the following safely and
competently:
·
attacks with both
blades
·
parries (or blocks) of
attacks with both blades
·
preventing the two
blades from becoming entangled
·
taking blades or making
openings with one blade while making attacks with the other
·
use of both blades in
concert.
Schlaeger
– the candidate must be able to demonstrate the following safely and
competently:
·
a refined sense of
calibration, especially when delivering blows to their opponent – this is the
most important element to a schlaeger authorization
·
full control of the
weapon and awareness of distance
Recommended
Authorization Procedures
While
there is no single correct way to conduct an authorization, there are several
elements which should be included in any authorization. Here is a recommended
standard procedure for authorizations. Each case will be different and you
should feel free to spend more or less time on a given area as needed.
Before you begin, make sure the candidate is aware of the expectations that the
marshals have concerning the authorization.
1.
The candidate's weapons and armor should be inspected. You’d be surprised how many times someone doesn’t get
past this step.
2.
Ask the candidate several questions about the Rapier Combat Rules. For
a first authorization, the candidate should be more thoroughly questioned about
the rules in general. For later authorizations, the candidate should be
questioned about rules applicable to the particular weapons form being
attempted. Don’t forget about melee rules – many people overlook this area.
For a Single Rapier authorization, you’ll spend more time in this step
than you will with the advanced forms.
3.
The candidate then spars with one marshal, remaining primarily in a defensive
mode. The candidate should concentrate on parries and blocks, but may riposte
and stop thrust when openings present themselves. The candidate should verbally
acknowledge valid hits.
4.
The candidate next spars with one marshal, taking on a primarily offensive mode.
The candidate should perform various attacks in a controlled manner and
demonstrate the ability to deliver valid touches with sufficient, but not
excessive, force as stated in the East Kingdom Rapier Rules. You as a marshal
need to leave openings for the candidate to exploit, and should encourage the
candidate to act on those openings.
5.
The candidate and the marshal should then engage in several bouts in the usual
fashion, each attacking and defending, each properly acknowledging and accepting
blows.
6.
The candidate should be tested on both East Kingdom standard blow calling, and
Society standard blow calling.
7.
Test the candidate in special situations if they have not occurred up to this
point; e.g. fighting from their knees, fighting an opponent on their knees,
fighting with the off hand, etc. Candidates
should also, at some point in the authorization bout, be tested in response to
potentially hazardous situations to ensure their safety, regardless of the
situation of the field (i.e. sudden rushing, partial entrapments, etc).
Feel
free to give advice and training to the candidate during the authorization.
Once
the authorization is completed, the two marshals performing the authorization
should then hold a short discussion, aside from the candidate, discussing the
strengths and weakness demonstrated in the course of the authorization. They may
accept suggestions and observations from other marshals, marshals-in-training,
or observers, but they must make the final decision as to whether or not the
candidate is to be authorized. Options available to the marshals include:
1.
Declining to grant authorization
It
is the responsibility of the marshalate to decline authorization to those
persons who are unable to demonstrate safe and competent fencing. Make sure that
candidates who are declined authorizations are aware that they can appeal this
decision to the Regional Marshal.
2.
Authorization
If
the candidate is successful, the necessary paperwork must be completed by the
marshals.
3.
Provisional authorization
In
certain instances, with the permission of the Marshal-in-Charge, a borderline
candidate may be authorized
for the purposes of the particular day, event, or tournament only, in order to
provide the marshals with additional time to evaluate him or her. This option
should be pursued only when the marshals are certain they will have adequate
opportunity to observe the candidate throughout the rest of the day, event or
tournament.
Once
you’ve decided, inform the candidate of the outcome. First tell them the
outcome, and then feel free to discuss the reasons for your decision.
Next discuss any strengths and weaknesses demonstrated by the candidate,
as well as provide any suggestions for improvement. If you are declining the
authorization, it is best to do so out of earshot of other people out of
consideration to the candidate.
If
the candidate is successful, the appropriate paperwork should be completed.
This paperwork, and the procedures for filling it out, is available from
the Kingdom Minister of Lists or your Regional Marshal. It is advisable to make
a copy of all paperwork sent to the Kingdom MOL, in case it is lost, misplaced,
or needs verification.
Visitors
to the East Kingdom who are authorized in Rapier combat in their home Kingdom
may participate in Rapier combat in the East without re-authorizing, on the
following conditions:
Any
person who expects to reside in the East Kingdom for more than three months must
authorize as soon as practicable. In general, multiple authorizations for
such a person can be completed in one go to expedite the process.
You
may not issue an East Kingdom Authorization to someone who is a resident of
another kingdom. For example, in days past when the Middle Kingdom did not have
rapier combat, many Midrealm citizens were given Eastern authorizations.
This is now forbidden by ruling from the Deputy Society Marshal for
Rapier Combat.
Before
fighting at any event or official practice, each fighter must have his or her
armor and weapons inspected by a marshal to ensure that they comply with the
rules. All weapons or items a fighter intends to use must be inspected. In
addition, the fighter's armor must be inspected while all parts are being worn
on his or her body. We’re not
going to re-hash the rules here, but just point out some things to look for
during the inspection.
Armor
Inspection Checklist
Any armor
that prevents its wearer from properly calibrating and acknowledging blows must
be disallowed. (For
example, but not limited to, excess padding, or fabric, leather belts or pouches
or rigid plates.)
1.
Fencing Mask
The
mask must completely cover the front and sides of the head, and be securely
fastened. Some form of mask tie down is required, such as a snug Velcro closure
or tie down. Check whether the mask is constructed as a 12 kilo mask or
better. Also check for any significant dents or weaknesses in the mesh. If you
have doubts about the quality of the mesh, try to get it tested with a mask
punch. Do not use a mask punch unless you have been specifically trained in the
proper use of it – you can permanently damage a mask if you use the tester
improperly.
For
period fencing helms, be sure the material and construction is strong
enough and that there are no openings through which a broken blade could enter.
2.
Neck Protection
Verify
that the fighter is wearing proper neck armor.
Instruct the fighter to tip his head back while you look from a low
angle. If you can see skin or if you can feel skin with a simple touch while the
fighter’s head is tipped back, then there may be a problem with the armor.
Realize that you will always be able to find skin if you reach far enough
or look from a low enough angle; be reasonable.
Don’t forget about the rigid gorget if the fighter is using schlaeger.
3.
Back of the Head Protection
Protection
for the back of the head must be puncture-resistant material. A fighter's back
of the head protection must extend down below the ears and cover the back of the
neck. Again, no skin shall show, regardless of the fencing position of the
fighter. If the marshal can touch hair or skin above the base of the neck, the
back of the head protection is insufficient.
4.
Torso and Arm Armor
The
coverage standards for this are detailed in the rules.
Make sure it complies with them and that it has been tested.
5.
Gloves
Hands
shall be protected by gloves made of abrasion resistant material. If gloves
designed for electric equipment are used, the openings for the wires must be
closed. Gloves must cover the wrist opening of the sleeves adequately (three
inches as a guideline), so that a blade cannot go up a sleeve.
6.
Groin/Breast Armor
Male
fighter: You may not physically check that the fighter is wearing a cup.
Ever. Ask the fighter if he
is wearing a cup. While a knock on
the cup is a comforting reply, the fighter MUST supply you with a verbal answer.
If the fighter says that they are wearing a cup, then this is sufficient.
If you suspect a fighter of lying, consult the Marshal-in-Charge.
Female fighter: breast armor is left to their discretion.
Simply ask if she is wearing any additional armor she feels she needs. This is just offering the fighter a reminder.
7.
Lower Extremity Armor
Make
sure it complies with the rules. Footwear
is defined as shoes or boots that enclose the foot, including the toes.
Weapons
Inspections
1.
Rapiers
Weapons
specifications for rapiers are set out in Part III, Paragraph A of the Rapier
Combat Rules. When inspecting foils and epees, the blades should be straight or
have a single gradual bend. Check whether the blades retain a bend, whether they
have S-bends or kinks. A good way of checking the bend of the blade is to place
the point on a boot and apply light pressure in the direction of the blade's
natural bend. Also check blades for rust, burrs, cracks or discoloration, which
are signs of flaws or fatigue in the metal. Hilts should be checked to ensure
that they will not catch and break blades. Schlaeger blades receive the same
type of inspection, although hilts for Schlaeger can have openings that would
not be appropriate for foils and epees. Also look for soft spots where the blade
may take a bend and stay bent.
Tips
should be checked to ensure that they are not worn through or split. Make sure
that the fighter has not taped over the top of the tip, and that the tape and
tip are of contrasting color. There should be enough tape on the blade to ensure
that it can be seen from a distance.
If
a blade feels stiff, test it for flexibility according to the procedure in the
rules.
2.
Daggers
Flexi-daggers
should be examined in the same fashion as ordinary epee or foil blades.
3.
Parry Objects
A
variety of possible parry objects can be used, ranging from cloaks, to bucklers,
to mugs, to rubber chickens. The marshal on the field must ensure that buckler
edges, no matter what material they are made of, are covered sufficiently to
prevent splintering or jagged edges. There should be no protrusions or
"spikes" sticking out of the buckler. There should be no protrusions
likely to inadvertently catch and break blades. For cloaks, rigid hem weights,
such as bars, rods, or chains are not permitted. Non-rigid hem weights are
permitted (rope for example). The marshal should be sure to examine cloaks to
ensure that they do not present an undue risk of catching and breaking blades,
i.e. tears or pockets that could ensnare a weapon.
When
inspecting an unconventional parry object, the marshal should assume the worst,
namely that the parry object will somehow come into contact with an opponent in
the worst possible way at the least opportune moment. If the marshal does not
feel comfortable with this possibility, the parry object should not be allowed
in the lists. There should be no protrusions likely to inadvertently catch and
break blades.
There
should be at least one warranted marshal for every bout. If possible, there
should be one or two extra marshals to observe the boundaries of the list and
prevent fighters from running into the ropes. However, too many marshals on the
field can be obstructions themselves.
You
are there to see to the safety of the fighters, the spectators, and the other
marshals. A marshal is only secondarily a referee of the bout, and then only if
requested by the fighters, or in the event of a serious safety problem or rules
violation. While active marshalling usually is discouraged, a marshal observing
a serious infraction should not hesitate to step in and deal with the problem.
The
first thing you should do is examine the field.
Look for terrain problems such as large rocks, holes, wet areas, soft
spots, etc. Fields and floors that are slippery or otherwise lack traction can
contribute to injuries. If there are unavoidable problem areas, marshals should
try to keep fighters clear of them or otherwise block them off. A marshal has
the right and responsibility to restrict the combat zone, particularly for
safety reasons.
When
the fighters come onto the field, the marshal must make sure that they are fully
armored and equipped. Even though they must be inspected before entering the
tournament, quickly look over both the equipment and blades to ensure that no
problems have developed since inspection.
Before
the bout starts, the fighters should calibrate. The standard Eastern calibration
practice is for fighters to hit each other with no more force than required to
bend a #5 foil two inches. In practice this has become accepted to be the
lightest blow they expect each other to feel. Ensure that the fighters
understand this policy, and that they thoroughly discuss any problems prior to
the bout. Fighters should agree on proper calibration before the start of the
bout. Thorough calibration is particularly important when one of the fighters is
not from the East Kingdom. Occasionally, a fighter from another kingdom will
request a harder calibration from their opponent. Fencers are not allowed to
increase their calibration at the request of their opponent. Instead, it is the
duty of each fencer to be able to fight at East Kingdom calibration standards.
If they are not able to fight at EK standards, then the marshalate should
seriously consider whether they should be allowed to fight in this Kingdom.
Once
the bout begins, watch the action in case you are asked to give an opinion on a
possible hit. You should be paying attention to the bout in front of you.
Generally, however, you should not express an opinion on a touch unless asked by
the fighters. If asked for an opinion, say what you saw, and try to help the
fighters reach an amicable (or at least acceptable) outcome. Be completely
honest with your response. It is always an option to arrange a re-fight.
After
the bout has been completed, ask the fighters whether they are both satisfied
that the conduct of the bout was fair and correct. This is the only chance the
fighters may have to raise an objection to the fight.
Marshalling
melees is a difficult process. With a larger number of fighters on the field, a
larger number of marshals are needed to
watch for safety problems. The number of marshals necessary depends on the
number of fighters, the space in which the melee is taking place, and the
relative experience of both the melee fighters and the marshals.
When
running a melee, make sure that the applicable safety rules are followed. The
melee rules for fencing set out in the rules must be enforced.
Decide
in advance if death-from-behind will be allowed in the melee, and make sure
everyone knows. If you are allowing
DFB, realize that it is something new in the East and it may be helpful to
explain it, and give a demonstration of the proper and improper use of DFB for
everyone present.
If
Rubber Band Guns (RBG’s) are being allowed in the melee, it is recommended
that you explain the use and safety issues, as well as the combat conventions
being used, prior to combat.
One
of the most frequent problems in melees are problems regarding engagement.
Make sure you understand the rules of engagement, and that all the
combatants understand them too. Resolve
any engagement problems that occur.
We
do all we can to prevent injuries. But
unfortunately they will still occur. Should
a fencing-related injury of any kind occur at an event or official practice, the
Marshal-in-Charge, in conjunction with the Local Marshal, if any, will submit a
detailed report of the injury to the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, with a copy to the
Kingdom Chirurgeon. This report should include:
·
the SCA and legal
name(s), addresses and phone numbers of the injured and all persons directly
involved in the injury
·
the date and place of
the injury
·
the nature of the
injury
·
detailed circumstances
of the injury
·
a description of the
action(s) taken by the marshals, the Chirurgeon, or by any other officer or
representative of the SCA
·
the name(s) of the
warranted Chirurgeon(s) in attendance, if any
·
any other details of
the injury which might be relevant
It’s
important that injury reports are made quickly and completely.
Do not try to gloss over or cover up injuries – it will lead to
problems in the long run.
Handling
Disputes
When
a dispute arises during a bout or other combat, you must play the role of
mediator. Tact and firmness are essential to this role. Your ultimate goal as
mediator is to ensure that disputes are not taken off of the field to fester.
Listen
to both sides of the dispute, adding your own observations if applicable, and
attempt to help the fighters come to an agreement. Impartial opinions may be
useful if you did not see the problem or if the fighters cannot agree. Fighters
who lose their tempers or are unwilling to resolve their differences may be
asked to step out of the tournament or the melee until they regain their
composure. Be particularly careful not to lose your temper, even when the
fighters are losing theirs (often at you). If you feel that are unable to
impartially mediate the fighter's dispute, another person should be brought in
to help.
Marshalate Sanctions
When
a fighter breaks the rules, sanctions may be imposed.
If you see a violation of the rules, you should report it to the
Marshal-in-Charge. Depending on the
severity, it will be reported onward up the chain of command.
The Kingdom Rapier Marshal or the Regional Marshal will investigate the
situation and will decide on what sanctions are appropriate. For all
sanctions, the ability to appeal the sanction up the chain of command should be
made clear to the fighter.
The
Regional Marshals, the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, and any Deputies (such as the
Deputy Kingdom Rapier Marshal, and Deputy Regional Marshals) may immediately
hand out a thirty-day suspension. This
is only done in fairly severe cases, and will always be followed by an
investigation and possibly further sanctions. Sanctions include, from least
to most severe:
Reprimand
After
an incident which a marshal on the field considers to be dishonorable, unsafe or
a violation of the Rapier Combat Rules, the marshal should warn or reprimand the
fighter against such action. The marshal should discuss the incident with the
fighter, preferably in a private setting, and make sure that the fighter
understands the relevant rules or conventions that have been violated. The
fighter should be made to understand that continuing such behavior could result
in more serious sanctions. A marshal who reprimands or warns a fighter has the
option to make a written report to his or her immediate superior. In general,
the marshal should inform the marshal-in-charge of the event or practice the
fact that a warning or reprimand was issued, and briefly explain the reasons for
the reprimand or warning.
Removal
from the Bout
If,
in the opinion of the marshal on the field, a fighter is unable to continue
fencing safely, the marshal may remove the fighter from the bout. The fighter
must be told why such action is being taken, with reference to the specific
rules or conventions that have been violated. Once removed from the bout, the
fighter may, at the option of the marshals involved, continue to fence for the
rest of the day. A marshal who removes a fighter from a bout has the option to
make a written report to his or her immediate superior. In general, the marshal
should inform the marshal-in-charge of the event or practice the fact that the
fighter was removed from a bout, and briefly explain the reasons for the
removal.
Removal
from the Field
The
marshal-in-charge of an event or practice may, upon his or her own discretion or
with the advice of other marshals, determine that a fighter should be removed
from fencing for the day or event. Removal from the field should be imposed for
serious violations of the Rapier Combat Rules, the Policies of the Earl Marshal,
or the standards of safe and honorable combat. The fighter must be informed why
the action is being taken, with reference to the specific rules or conventions
which have been violated. The marshal-in- charge must make a written report
documenting this action to his or her immediate superior, including the name of
the sanctioned fighter, all the details of the incident, and any other relevant
information.
Probation
If
a fighter engages in repeated and extreme violations, such that his or her
ability to fence safely and honorably in accordance with the Rapier Combat Rules
is called into question, the Regional Marshal of the Region in which the fighter
resides may impose a probationary period on that fighter. The duration of the
probation is within the discretion of the Regional Marshal, but the common
practice is a duration of six months to a year. During that time, the fighter
will be under close scrutiny to ensure that there is no repetition of the
offending behavior.
The
fighter must be notified in writing about the imposition of probation, its
duration, and the reasons for the probation. The Regional Marshal must submit a
report in writing to the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, including information on all
documented incidents involving the fighter. Copies of the report should be sent
to all other Regional Marshals. If, at the end of the probation, the fighter has
shown improvement, the probation should be lifted. A written report reflecting
the fighter's return to good standing should be sent to the fighter, the Kingdom
Rapier Marshal, and all Regional Marshals. If, however, the fighter has not
improved, more serious sanctions may be imposed.
Removal
of Authorization(s)
Only
the Kingdom Rapier Marshal may remove a fighter's authorization in one or more
weapons form, upon his own discretion or a written request from a Regional
Marshal, Local Marshal, or marshal-at-large. A written statement of removal and
the reasons for the removal must be provided to the fighter. In addition, a
written report including the name of the fighter, the authorization(s) removed,
and the reasons therefore must be sent to the Regional Marshals and to the Earl
Marshal.
Before
either a probationary sanction or a removal of authorization is imposed by the
marshalate, the marshal taking the action should discuss the sanction with the
fencer.
Only
the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, acting upon his discretion or with the advice of
other marshals, may remove a marshal's warrant. Cause for removal of a warrant
include, without limitation, actions detrimental to the goals, ideals, and
responsibilities of the SCA, Inc., the Kingdom of the East, and/or the
marshalate. Before sanctions are imposed, the Kingdom Rapier Marshal should
discuss the sanction with the marshal.
All
sanctions may be appealed to the next highest level in the marshalate chain of
command. The chain of command is as follows (ascending order):
·
Marshal on the field
·
Marshal-in-Charge of
the event or practice
·
Regional/Principality
Marshal
·
Kingdom Rapier Marshal
·
Earl Marshal
·
Crown of the East
A
fighter sanctioned by a marshal on the field may appeal to the marshal in charge
of the event or practice, and so on up the chain. The appeals process is the
same for sanctioned marshals.
Appendix A - Glossary
The process of
determining whether a person is safe and competent to enter
into tournament bouts.
Bout:
A combat between
two fighters.
A
test conducted on fabric or garb to determine whether it is puncture resistant
within the meaning of the
Rapier Combat Rules. This test delivers a force, on dropping, of 1.5 joules to
the fabric sample via a dull, flat 5/32” (4mm) metal rod. See appendix B for
more information.
Double-Wide:
A form of epee
that is wider in the blade than the standard epee. There is no consistent
manufacturer's definition of a double-wide epee. At the present time, a
double-wide is treated like any other epee.
An official
activity of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. ("SCA"), which
is covered by the insurance policy of the SCA. All participants at events are
required to be in Medieval or Renaissance garb. In order to have fencing
activities, an event must have a warranted fencing Marshal-in-Charge, and all of
the Rapier Combat Rules must be in effect.
The product name
of a small flexible blade approximately 18 inches in length, tempered only
partway down the blade, and with a rolled head like a sabre tip. Flexi-daggers
score touches like regular epees and foils.
Marshalate:
The collective
body of warranted rapier marshals.
A commercially
marketed device for testing the strength of the mesh of a fencing mask. The mask
punch test should not be confused with the fabric punch
("four-thrust") test, which is performed with a broken foil blade.
Marshals must be trained in the use of the mask punch before using it during
armor inspections.
A combat that
involves more than two combatants on the field. Specific safety rules for melees
are set out in the Rapier Combat Rules.
An official
activity of the SCA, which is covered by the insurance policy of the SCA. An
official practice must have a warranted fencing marshal present, and all of the
Rapier Combat Rules must be in effect. Any practice published in an SCA
newsletter should be considered an official practice. Any practice at a site
being paid for by the SCA or SCA members should be considered an official
practice, and the Rapier Combat Rules must be enforced.
Rapier Combat
Rules:
The Rapier Combat
Rules of the East Kingdom, as set out in the Laws and Policy of the East
Kingdom, colloquially, "the Rules."
An obsolete test
conducted on fabric or garb to determine whether it is puncture resistant within
the meaning of the Rapier Combat Rules. Four thrusts are administered to the
fabric or garb with a broken foil blade. This test has been replaced with the
Drop Test (see above).
A woven material
with close stitches (i.e., without visible gaps between the threads of the
weave). See definition in the Rules for Rapier Combat.
4 oz. leather; 4
layers of twill/trigger/champion cloth; any material which has successfully
passed an appropriate test.
A legal
representative of the SCA, Inc., responsible for enforcing the Rapier Combat
Rules and for ensuring safety in
all SCA Rapier combat activities.