Armored Combat:Change log

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Change log

Updates approved by the Board of Directors 18 November 2025

Changes in Chapter 1 - Introduction to SCA martial activities

1.2.1.c - Handbooks - General
Was
Kingdoms must include any relevant restrictions on these activities imposed by mundane laws within its boundaries.
Now
Removed
Functional change
Kingdoms are not required to include all mundane restrictions. A page in the handbook is provided if a kingdom chooses to include them.
Reason for change
Removed following feedback. Kingdoms can't be expected to know every possible permutation of legal restrictions in their jurisdictions.
1.2.1.3.a - Handbooks - General
Was
The most current versions of the Society Marshal's Handbooks can be found at https://www.sca.org/resources/document-library/#marshal.
Now
The official versions of the Society Marshal's Handbooks can be found at https://www.sca.org/resources/document-library/#marshal.
Functional change
Official version of the rules are found on the SCA website.
Reason for change
Society rules require the authoritative version to be a static document. The wiki is a useful resource for participants, but the official rules are those held as a PDF of each handbook hosted on SCA.org.
1.2.3 - Handbooks - Application of the rules
Was
Kingdom-specific rules are found within this wiki, or through each kingdom's website.
Now
Kingdom-specific rules are denoted by the Kingdom name and shading (online format) or with blue text (pdf).
Additional information can be found on the kingdom website - <URL GOES HERE>
Functional change
None. Clarification of kingdom-specific formatting.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback.
1.2.3.3 - Handbooks - Application of the rules
Was
by delegation, members of the kingdom marshalate.
Now
by delegation, warranted members of the kingdom marshalate.
Functional change
Clarification that this applies only to warranted marshals.
Reason for change
MiC's can appoint non-warranted marshals to help. Only warranted marshals can make approval decisions.
1.2.3.3.1 - Handbooks - Application of the rules
Added
Unless otherwise directed by Kingdom Law, the Crown's representative upon the field and in all matters dealing with martial activities within a discipline is the Kingdom Earl Marshal, the Kingdom Deputy Earl marshal for the discipline, and, by delegation, warranted members of the kingdom marshalate.
Functional change
- Includes existing wording from the Rapier Handbook, and changed to cover all martial disciplines. Original text - "Unless otherwise directed by Kingdom Law, the Crown's representative upon the field and in all matters dealing with Fencing is the Earl Marshal, then the Kingdom Fencing Marshal (possibly referred to as the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, Kingdom Marshal of Fence, Kingdom Fencing Marshal, or equivalent), then, by delegation, members of the Kingdom Marshallate.
Reason for change
Clarifies the ability of the Kingdom Deputy to also represent and delegate within their discipline.
1.2.3.3.b - Handbooks - Application of the rules
Added
The discipline marshalate has jurisdiction over all SCA martial activities for that discipline.
Functional change
Included from Equestrian Handbook, and broadened to cover all martial disciplines. "The Equestrian Marshalate has jurisdiction over all SCA equestrian activities and related activities."
Reason for change
In the past, there has been confusion about jurisdiction over martial activities, in particular where there is overlap (e.g. combat archery for rattan vs rapier, target archery on foot vs equestrian). This establishes clear jurisdiction.

Changes in Chapter 3 - Overview of armored combat

3.4.1 - Authorization categories
Was
The minimum authorization categories include:
Now
Society required minimum authorization categories are:
Functional change
The following list of authorization categories is the absolute minimum allowable.
Reason for change
Makes it clear that Society requires the following list of authorization categories as the absolute minimum. Kingdoms can have additional categories, but cannot have fewer.

Changes in Chapter 4 - When you are allowed to participate

4.1.1 - Age requirements
Was
To be authorized as a combatant or marshal in adult armored combat with rattan weapons, you must be at least sixteen (16) years old.
Now
To be authorized as a combatant in adult armored combat with rattan weapons, you must be at least sixteen (16) years old.
To be a marshal in adult armored combat with rattan weapons, you must be at least sixteen (16) years old.
Functional change
No functional change.
Reason for change
Split into separate lines for clarity.
4.1.2.d - Age requirements
Was
Minors engaging in combat with adults must be marked with a single yellow diamond no larger than 1 inch (25.4 mm) but no smaller than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) with a black capital letter "Y", placed on the front hemisphere of the helm (preferably on or near the inspection sticker).
Now
(deleted)
Functional change
Society no longer requires the marking of minors.
Reason for change
Removed requirement due to cultural and legal reasons.
4.1.3.b - Age requirements
Was
You must have a parent or legal guardian present, or have a properly executed document designating some adult person present at the event as able to authorize medical treatment for you in the case of any emergency in your possession.
Now
You must have a parent or legal guardian present, or have a properly executed document in your possession that designates an adult person present at the event as able to authorize medical treatment for you in the case of any emergency.
Functional change
No functional change. Reworded for clarity.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback.
4.4.1 - Real weapons
Was
You must not be present in the designated area for armored combat as a combatant while carrying any live (sharp) weapons such as knives.
Now
If you are a combatant, you must not carry any live (sharp) weapons in the designated combat area.
Functional change
No functional change. Reworded for clarity.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback.
4.4.2 - Real weapons
Was
If you are marshal or other non-combatant, you can carry a sharp knife as long as it is secured so that the blade cannot be accidentally exposed.
Now
If you are marshal or other non-combatant, you are allowed to carry a sharp knife in the designated combat area as long as it is secured so that the blade cannot be accidentally exposed.
Functional change
No functional change. Reworded for grammar and clarity.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback.
4.5.2 - Injury and impairment
Was
You are not allowed to participate with an injury with free-flowing blood.
a. If you suffer an injury involving bleeding, you must leave the field immediately.
b. You must have the wound cleaned and dressed before you return to the field. Any equipment that has visible blood on it must be cleaned before it can be used again.

Refer to Injury procedures for more information.

Now
You are not allowed to participate with an injury with free-flowing blood.
Functional change
Redundant. Details in (a) and (b) are included in Injury procedures.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback.

Changes in Chapter 6 - Activity guidelines

6.3.2 - Battles
Was
Battles takes place on the field of battle or battlefield, not within a tournament list field.
Now
Battles typically take place on the field of battle or battlefield, rather than within a tournament list field.
Functional change
None. Clarification.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback. Wording implied that tournaments could not take place in the same physical space as melee battles.

Changes in Chapter 8 - Conventions - Rules of engagement

8.1.2 - Definition
Added, subsequent rules renumbered
To be "engaged" with an opponent means that you and your opponent are aware of each other's presence and should expect to be struck.
Functional change
Added definition of engaged.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Clear definition of engaged was missing from the rules.
8.2.1 - Unit engagement (melees)
Was
In battles, you engage your opponent by moving into range in clear sight of the opponent you wish to engage and adopting an attacking posture. If you have reason to believe that your opponent has not seen you approach, you should state loudly, "Fighter - I am engaging you," or words to that effect.
Now
In group and melee battles, engagement is obtained when your opponent becomes aware of you. (e.g. moving into their line of sight, 'tapping' them with your weapon, shouting, being part of a unit, or other means).
Functional change
Modified to make awareness the goal, with examples provided. Removed implying there was only one verbal method.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.
8.2.2.4 - Unit engagement (melees)
Was
If the unit you are fighting against loses cohesion, those combatants have stopped being a unit and must be engaged as individuals, as per the Individual engagement rules, unless they reform a unit of two or more combatants.
Now
REMOVED
Functional change
Removed unintended potential restrictions.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Cohesion was not defined, and awareness can still be there even if the unit breaks up into smaller units.
8.2.2.5 - Unit engagement (melees)
Was
If your unit wraps around another unit, this means you may end up behind your opponents. As you are still engaged with the unit, you may strike opponents from behind and be struck by opponents from behind.
Now
REMOVED
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Removed to not encourage people to hit people in the back, even if technically legal. Current SCA culture has multiple methods for being behind a line and not striking.

Changes in Chapter 9 - Conventions - Use of weapons and defensive equipment

"General" heading added
This avoids rule numbering collisions.
9.1.11 - General
Was
You are allowed to place your shield or the haft of your weapon against your opponent's body to restrict their ability to strike or defend, but you must not strike them with shield or haft.
Now
You are allowed to safely place your shield or the haft of your weapon against your opponent's body to restrict their ability to strike or defend, but you must not strike them with shield or haft.
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. "Safely" was inadvertently left out.
9.1.12 - General
Moved to be 9.3.1 - Throwing weapons, subsequent rules renumbered.
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Gathered information about using throwing weapons together.
9.3 - Throwing weapons
New sub-section. Gathered rules about use of throwing weapons together.
Added
2. You must be aware of what is beyond your target to ensure that errant throws do not endanger anyone.
3. Throwing weapons may be picked up and reused immediately.
Functional change
Added rules consistent with archery wording regarding use and re-use. No change from current practices.
Reason for change
There are rules about whether combat archery ammunition could be re-used or not, but not throwing weapons. Makes it clear that throwing weapons can be picked up and re-used.
9.4 - Siege engineers
Added
Ammunition dropped onto the ground is not considered dead and does not need re-inspection.
Functional change
Added rule. No change from current practices.
Reason for change
Makes it clear that siege ammunition isn't considered dead if dropped, compared to combat archery ammunition that is considered dead if dropped.

Changes in Chapter 11 - Conventions - Acknowledgement of blows

11.3.1 - General
Was
1. Due to safety limits placed on these weapons and the low mass of the ammunition, they are designed to typically strike with less force and need not strike with the same force as hand-held weapons to be considered a killing or a good blow.
a. This does not transfer the responsibility of judging the effects of blows to the archer, as it is left to the honor of the combatant being struck by the weapon to judge the effects.
2. A missile or thrown weapon that strikes you on a legal target area and is properly oriented (i.e. with the point, blade or striking surface) is considered good.
3. Be aware that the effect of the blow depends on several factors, including target area, weapon strength and type of munition.
4. Be aware that weapons (bows and crossbows) that are under-powered may not deliver enough force for a fighter to notice a hit in battle.
Now
1. Due to the safety limits placed on these weapons, including the low mass of the ammunition, missiles will typically strike with less force than a handheld weapon.
a. Missiles and thrown weapons do not need to strike with the same force as a handheld weapon to be an effective blow.
b. You are not expected to acknowledge a blow that you are not aware has occurred.
2. This does not transfer the responsibility of judging the effects of blows to the archer, as it is left to your honor as the combatant being struck to judge the effects.
3. The effects of a blow from a missile depends on the type of munition (e.g. siege or combat archery) and where it strikes you.
Functional change
Reiterates that fighters may not notice strikes from missiles, and should not be held to account for unnoticed blows.
Reason for change
Reworded to more closely align with rule from 2023 edition following feedback.
11.3.4.2 - Combat archery arrows and bolts
Was
Ranged combatants should be aware that missiles launched against especially heavy armor might not be noticed by your target. In which case, give your target the benefit of doubt.
Now
If you are a ranged combatant, you should be aware that missiles launched against especially heavy armor or from a low-powered bow or crossbow might not be noticed by your target. In which case, give your target the benefit of doubt.
Functional change
No change
Reason for change
Reworded for clarity after feedback during review
Reiterates that fighters may not notice strikes from missiles, and should not be held to account for unnoticed blows.
11.3.5.2 - Thrown weapons
Added
Thrown weapons must strike properly oriented (i.e. with the point, blade or striking surface) to be effective.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Rule was originally part of 11.3.1 - General. Due to rewording of that section, this rule was added to a thrown weapons section for clarity.

Changes in Chapter 12 - Equipment standards - Armor

12.1.10 - General
Was
Minors - There are specific equipment and inspection standards that apply to you. See When you are allowed to participate
Now
Removed
Functional change
Minors are no longer required to be marked at Society-level, so this rule is no longer required.
Reason for change
Removed due to negative cultural implications and potential legal issues.
12.4.4 - Eye wear
Was
We strongly recommend that you wear contact lenses or "sports glasses".
Now
It is strongly recommended that you wear contact lenses or "sports glasses".
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
The recommendation for contact lenses and sports glasses for contact sports is broader than from Society.
12.4.5.1.d.ii - Neck
Was
We strongly recommend wearing at least 11/64 inch (4.4 mm) or 11 oz thick stiff leather with 1/4 inch (6 mm) of closed cell foam or equivalent padding under mail.
Now
It is strongly recommended that you wear at least 11/64 inch (4.4 mm) or 11 oz thick stiff leather with 1/4 inch (6 mm) of closed cell foam or equivalent padding under mail.
Functional change
No functional change.
Reason for change
Unclear who "we" was.
12.7.2 - Arm armor
Was
We strongly recommend that the entire medial side of your forearm (the ulna) is protected by rigid material. A partial or full vambrace, or equivalent, should suffice. We also recommend 1/4 inch (6 mm) of closed-cell foam, or equivalent padding under the rigid material, and no more than a 1 inch (25.4mm) gap between your forearm protection and other required arm or hand armor.
Now
It is recommended that the entire medial side of your forearm (the ulna) is protected by rigid material. A partial or full vambrace, or equivalent, should suffice. 1/4 inch (6 mm) of closed-cell foam, or equivalent padding under the rigid material, and no more than a 1 inch (25.4mm) gap between your forearm protection and other required arm or hand armor is also recommended.
Functional change
No functional change.
Reason for change
Unclear who "we" was.

Changes in Chapter 13 - Equipment standards - Handheld weapons

13.5.9 - Spears
Typographic change only - Moved to not be a sub-rule of rule above.

Changes in Chapter 15 - Equipment standards - Ranged weapons

15.2.2.3 - Handbows
Was
Light handbows must measure 35 pounds or less at 28 inches (13.6 kg at 71cm).
Now
Light handbows must measure 35 pounds or less at 28 inches of draw (13.6 kg at 71cm).
Functional change
None. Clarification.
Reason for change
Clarification.
15.2.2.4 - Handbows
Was
Heavy handbows must measure more than 35 pounds (13.6 kg at 71cm), but less than or equal to 50 pounds at 28 inches (22.7 kg at 71 cm).
Now
Heavy handbows measure greater than 35 pounds (13.6 kg at 71cm), but less than or equal to 50 pounds at 28 inches (22.7 kg at 71 cm) of draw.
Functional change
None. Clarification.
Reason for change
Clarifcation and grammar.
15.2.3.3 - Crossbows
Was
Heavy crossbows measure 1000 inch-pounds (1152 kg-cm) or less.
Now
Heavy crossbows measure greater than 600 inch-pounds (691 kg-cm) but less than or equal to 1000 inch-pounds (1152 kg-cm).
Functional change
Clarifies that heavy crossbows are between 600 and 1000 inch-pounds.
Reason for change
Response to feedback.

Changes in Chapter 16 - Equipment standards - Missiles (Ammunition/Munitions)

16.1.1.1 - General
Was
All ammunition must have the owner's name (not initials), branch, and kingdom displayed clearly on it in English characters.
Now
All ammunition must be marked in a way that clearly identifies the owner, their branch, and kingdom in a language identifiable in the region where the event is taking place.
Functional change
Changed requirement from English characters to identifiable language.
Reason for change
There is no such thing as "English Characters." Latin characters are too limiting, as several SCA branch names include non-Latin letters. International - enables SCA branches in non-English regions use language appropriate to them.
16.1.2.1 - Light ammunition - General requirements and and 16.1.3.1 - Heavy ammunition - General requirements
"bows" replaced with "handbows"
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Consistent terminology.
16.1.2.4.2 - Light ammunition - Blunts - UHMW (Ultra-high molecular weight) polyethylene blunts
"blunts" added to heading
16.1.2.4.2.4 - Light ammunition - Blunts - UHMW (Ultra-high molecular weight) polyethylene blunts
Was
The head must also have padding that provides progressively resistant give that extends from the tip of the padding to at least 1/2 inch (12.7mm) over the UHMW core that brings the total diameter of the head to at least 1 1/2 inches (38.1mm) after taping.
Now
The side of the head must also have padding that provides progressively resistant give that extends from the tip of the padding to at least 1/2 inch (12.7mm) over the UHMW core that brings the total diameter of the head to at least 1 1/2 inches (38.1mm) after taping.
Functional change
None. Clarification
Reason for change
Clarifies that the side of the head needs to be padded.
16.1.3.3.1 9 - Heavy ammunition - Heads - Rubber stopper head
Was
A rubber stopper, size 6.5, is placed in the end of the tube such that it enters the tube at least 1 1/2 inch (12 mm) and is well attached.
Now
A size #6.5 rubber stopper (nominally 34 top diameter, 27 mm bottom diameter, 25 mm height) is placed in the end of the tube at least 1 1/2 inch (12 mm) and is firmly attached.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Clarification of dimensions of a size 6.5 stopper for international audiences.

Changes in Chapter 18 - Authorization

18.1.2 and 3 - General
Was
2. Competence in one activity or discipline does not automatically mean competence in another martial activity, and you will have to authorize for each discipline. Each martial discipline can require separate authorizations for different types of activities or weapons.
3. Kingdoms can set their own additional requirements for what activities or weapons within this discipline require separate authorization, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of this handbook.
Now
2. Competence in one discipline does not automatically mean competence in another martial discipline , and you will have to authorize for each discipline. Each martial discipline can require separate authorizations for different categories, types of activities, or weapons.
3. Kingdoms can set their own additional requirements for which categories, activities, or weapons within this discipline require separate authorization, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of this handbook.
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Consistent use of category/activity/discipline throughout the handbook.
18.1.4 and 7 - Authorization - General
"Earl Marshals" replaced with "Earls Marshal" as correct plural form.
18.4 Authorization process requirements - 18.4.1.2 - General, 18.4.2.1 - Documentation, 18.4.3.1 - Theory test, 18.4.4.1 - Practical test, 18.4.5.2 - Marshals
Replaced "authorizing participant" with "candidate"
Reason for change
Consistent terminology within the authorization process.
18.2.4 - Out-of-kingdom authorizations
Added
If you reside in country or location not formally claimed by any kingdom, a Kingdom may choose to authorize you according to their rules and processes.
Functional change
Enables people visiting from non-SCA locations to authorize.
Reason
Updated from feedback. Clarification needed for people who reside in places not formally claimed by any kingdom. Drachenwald in particular has people travelling to play who live in countries with no established SCA presence.
18.4 - Authorization process requirements - 18.4.1.2 - General, 18.4.2.1 - Documentation, 18.4.3.1 - Theory test, 18.4.4.1 - Practical test, 18.4.5.2 - Marshals
Replaced "authorizing participant" with "candidate"
Reason for change
Consistent terminology within the authorization process.
18.4.3.1 - Authorization process requirements - Theory test
Was
The authorizing participant must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the rules of the Society and kingdom that relate to martial activities:
Now
The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the rules of the Society and kingdom that relate to martial activities, applicable to the authorization being conducted:
Functional change
Made specific to what you are authorizing for.
Reason for change
Candidate is not required to know everything for all martial activities, just the one they are authorizing in.
18.6.4 - Expiry and renewal
Added
If you have been sanctioned (e.g. had your authorization or marshal warrant removed or suspended, or your participation in martial activities were formally limited for longer than one event), the authorizing marshal must confirm that the issues relating to the sanction have been addressed before re-authorizing you.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Was included in the example process but also needed to be included here

Changes in Chapter 19 - Authorization process example

Throughout this chapter
Consistent capitalization of numbered rules.
"Authorizing participant" replaced with "candidate" or "newly-authorized participant".
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Better clarity in indicating the person who is gaining an authorization, and the fighter who is assisting in the process.

Changes in Chapter 20 - Accessibility

20.1 General
Introductory statements incorporated as numbered rules in General, and subsequent rules renumbered
20.1.2 - General
Added, subsequent rules renumbered
Marshals are encouraged to be flexible and creative in finding ways to enable participants of diverse abilities to learn and participate in SCA martial activities with utmost regard to the safety of all.
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Marshals should be actively trying to find ways for people to participate safely, rather than ways to exclude people.
20.3.1.c - Other best practices
Was
have bathrooms large enough to change clothes in, for all genders.
Now
Have sanitary facilities and private spaces large enough to change clothes in, for all genders.
Functional change
Includes additional non-bathroom changing facilities
Reason for change
More options for changing facilities.

Changes in Chapter 21 - Safety resources

21.2.1
Link to flag system added
https://www.ready.marines.mil/Stay-Informed/Natural-Hazards/Extreme-Heat/Flag-Conditions/
21.2 - Heat guidelines and 21.4 - Air quality guidelines
Minor grammatical changes throughout.
21.2.3 - Heat guidelines
Was
At increased levels, participants should act with caution and in the interest of their health.
Now
During high heat, participants should act with caution and always in the interest of their own health.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Participants should be cautious all levels, not just during Black Flag.
21.3.2.a - Air Quality guidelines
Was
When the local AQI is over 200
Now
When the local AQI is over 150
Functional change
Changed AQI from 200 to 150, to reflect the level that is deemed "unhealthy"
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.

Changes in Chapter 22 - Injury procedures

Minor grammatical and typographical changes
No functional changes
22.1.3 - General
Was
The SCA does not officially render treatment. It is not the responsibility of the marshal to render treatment.
Now
SCA Inc does not officially render treatment, so it is not the responsibility of the marshal to render treatment. Other affiliates may have different requirements.
Functional change
Affiliates are not required to seek a variance to this rule if they are required to provide treatment by mundane law.
Reason for change
In response to feedback, affiliates in other countries or jurisdictions may have legal requirements around the provision of first aid services at events.
22.2.1.a - On the field
Was
If it is practical, the activity can resume in other areas of the field, if the safety of the injured person and responders can be maintained.
Now
If it is practical, and the safety of the injured person, responders and participants can be maintained, the activity can resume in other areas of the field.
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Reordered to make it clear that safety is the priority above getting back to combat.
22.4 - Return to the field
Was
If your injury involves free flowing blood, you must leave the field immediately and you are not allowed to return until the flow of blood has been stopped.
a. Any weapons or equipment that have visible blood on them must be cleaned before they can be used again.
Now
The bleeding must be stopped and the wound dressed before you return to combat.
Functional change
Removed cleaning requirement. Simplified language.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.

Changes in Chapter 23 - Managing misconduct

23.1 Concepts
Language and sentence structure simplified.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.
23.3 When there is an incident
Split this section into two. (1) Short version which includes the former handbook general procedure, and (2) detailed steps depending on your role.
Functional change
None.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. The original procedure was split up across multiple roles. This recombines the essence of handing incidences (as found in the old handbook), and leaves the details to the following section on roles and responsibilities.
23.4 Roles and Responsibilities for incidences
Separated out details based on roles into a new section.
Functional change
None. Updated language for clarity.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.
23.4.2 Marshal's courts
Removed Marshal's Court.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Also, consistent with the removal from Corpora of "Courts" dealing with behavior or incidents.
25.5 Marshals review
Added "Decisions made by the marshal-in-charge remain in effect until reviewed by the next level in the chain of command."
Funcational Change
None. This was originally included in the Marshal's Court section. Moved to this section.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.

Changes in Chapter 24 - Marshalate - Overview

24
Moved "Authorization of Marshals" to this section, so all requirements for becoming an authorized warranted marshal are in one chapter.
24.1 - General
Added and subsequent rules renumbered.
1. Society events that include martial activities must have at least one warranted marshal, designated by the marshal of the sponsoring branch, in attendance and responsible for those activities.
2. For a martial discipline to be included at a Society event, there must be a warranted marshal for that discipline.
Functional change
Reminder of requirement from Corpora II.D that there must be at least one warranted marshal responsible if martial activities are to occur. In order for a particular discipline to occur, at least one warranted martial for that discipline is required.
Reason for change
Clarified in response to feedback received.
24.2.2 - Warranted marshals
Greater Officer replaced with Great Officer, for consistent terminology with Corpora wording.

Changes in Chapter 26 - Authorization of marshals

Content moved to be part of Marshalate - Overview. This Chapter has now been replaced by Chapter 26 - Kingdom marshalate which is where kingdoms include their kingdom's marshalate structure and authorization procedures for this discipline.

24.1.9
Was
Roster warrants are acceptable, and must be updated and signed a minimum of once per reign or every 6 months, whichever is shorter.
Now
Roster warrants are acceptable, and must be updated and signed a minimum of once per reign.
Functional change
Removes the time limits and links signing to the reigns.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Some kingdoms have 7 months between reigns. Simplifies the process, as the goal is once per reign.
24.4 Expiry and renewal
Was
Marshal authorizations expire after 4 years.
Now
Kingdoms may determine the authorization period of marshals, but not exceed 4 years.
Functional change
Changes the set time limit to a maximum, and creates flexibility for kingdoms.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.

Changes in Chapter 25 - Marshalate - Responsibilities and chain of command

25.1 - Chain of command
Was
The basic chain of command (people responsible or accountable for actions and decisions) for the marshalate is :
Now
The basic chain of command (people responsible or accountable for actions and decisions, ranked from lowest to highest) for the marshalate is:
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Clarify order of chain of command.
25.2 - Definitions - Discipline
Was
The martial form. Current SCA martial disciplines: armored combat - rattan, armored combat - steel, equestrian, fencing, siege, target archery, thrown weapons, youth combat
Now bulleted list
The martial form. Current SCA martial disciplines include:
  • Armored combat - Rattan
  • Armored combat - Steel
  • Rapier combat
  • Cut and thrust combat
  • Combat archery
  • Target archery
  • Siege engines
  • Thrown weapons
  • Equestrian
  • Youth combat
Functional change
Fencing was replaced with Rapier combat and Cut and thrust combat
Reason for change
Consistent with wording in Corpora.
25.3.5.2 - Marshal-in-charge of the event
Added
They must be a warranted marshal (any discipline).
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.6.2 - Other marshals
Added
They must be a warranted marshal.
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.7.2 - Kingdom Deputy Earl Marshal for a discipline
Added
They must be a warranted marshal for that discipline.
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.8.2 - Principality Earl Marshal and 25.3.9.2 Kingdom Earl Marshal
Added
They must be a warranted marshal (any discipline).
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.10 - The Crown/Coronet
Was
The Sovereign and Consort are not in the marshalate chain of command or appeals, but may be consulted on decisions at their level, and should be informed of outcomes.
Now
1. The Crown approves and signs all marshal warrants and rosters, as one of the signature authorities for those documents.
2. As is in the Rules of the Lists:
a. All participants in martial activities must be presented to, and be acceptable to, the Crown or their representative(s).
b. The Crown may bar any weapon, armor, or equipment from use upon the field of combat or designated area for martial activities.
3. They provide support to marshals during incidents, as needed.
4. The Crown are not in the marshalate chain of command for appeals, marshalate-issued sanctions, or for decisions that require a warranted marshal. However, they may be consulted on decisions at their level and should be informed of outcomes.
Functional change
Added and clarified the roles and responsibilities for the Crown.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. The Crown has several roles within the overall chain of command.
25.3.11.2 - Society Deputy Marshal for a discipline
Added
They must be a warranted marshal for that discipline.
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.11.4 - Society Deputy Marshal for a discipline
Was
They are responsible for suspending/revoking authorizations or warrants of participants for their discipline, if required.
Now
They can suspend/revoke authorizations or warrants of participants in their discipline, if required
Functional change
Responsibility for sanctions typically falls to the kingdom marshallate of that participant, but higher level marshals have the right to sanction if there is cause.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Changed to clarify responsibilities.
25.3.12.2 - Society Deputy Marshal for a program
Added
They must be a warranted marshal.
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.13.2 - Society Marshal
Added
They must be a warranted marshal (any discipline).
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.13.5 - Society Marshal
Was
They are responsible for suspending/revoking authorizations or warrants of participants for their discipline, if required.
Now
They can suspend/revoke authorizations or warrants of participants in their discipline, if required
Functional change
Responsibility for sanctions typically falls to the kingdom marshallate of that participant, but higher level marshals have the right to sanction if there is cause.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Changed to clarify responsibilities.

Changes in Chapter 27 - Inspecting equipment

27.2 - Inspection requirements
Was
Check that minors are appropriately marked. See When you are allowed to participate
Now
Removed.
Functional change
Not a required inspection item.
Reason for change
Marking of minors has been removed from Society rules.
27.5.2.7 - Crossbow
Metric conversion of 4 inches added.

Changes in Chapter 28 - Marshaling on the field

28.3.1 Marshaling single combat / general
Was
As noted earlier, marshaling has three parts of nearly equal importance: safety, fair witness, and showmanship. Excessive concern for any of these, to the neglect of the other two, will make fighting less enjoyable for all concerned.
Now
There are three near-equal priorities in marshaling; safety, fair witness, and showmanship. Overemphasizing any one of these at the expense of the others will tend to make the fighting less enjoyable for everyone (although, if you must go overboard on one, pick safety).
Functional change
None. Both of these wordings appear in the old handbook but in different sections.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Of the two, the other instance of this wording was preferred as it emphasized safety over showmanship.

Changes in Chapter 29 - Inter-kingdom events

General change
Changed "war" to "event"
Functional change
Includes multi-kingdom events, not just wars
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.
29.3.2.4 - Before battles
Added
As calibration varies between kingdoms, a calibration check should be carried out between fighters from different kingdoms before starting any combat. The standard should be agreed and communicated in advance by the marshals."
Functional change
Adds calibration check
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Calibration levels vary between kingdoms, and a similar step is typically done in tournaments.

Changes in Chapter 30 - Reporting requirements

30.1.1 - Injuries, incidents and adverse events - General
Was
Injuries
Now
Significant injuries
Functional change
Clarified significant injuries vice every injury, consistent with the examples.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.
30.3.5.2, 30.3.6.2, 30.3.7.2 - Officer reporting
Was
include a brief account of what was done, to whom, and why.
Now
include a brief account of what happened, who was involved, and what actions have been taken as a result
Functional change
none
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Clarified language on actions to take.

Changes in Chapter 31 - Experimentation

Earls Marshal
"Earl Marshals" replaced with "Earls Marshal" as the correct plural
Metric conversion updated
Metric conversion updated to millimeters and significant figures

Changes in Chapter 32 - Handbook updates

32.1.1.3 - Overview - Applicable policies
New text added
Now
The official and authoritative versions of these rules are the PDFversions held at www.SCA.org / Documents.
a. The online versions serve as a resource for easy online access for reference, and also provide a wiki engine for PDF editing and cross-handbook version control. Updated versions of handbooks, once approved, are downloaded as a PDF for record keeping.
b. Change logs for each version are included with each update, and also archived online.
Functional change
Added key policy on official documents per Corpora.
Reason for change
Updated after feedback.
32.1.2 - Overview - Online versions and access
Was
Wiki instances and access
Now
Online versions and access
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Updated after feedback. The term "Wiki" created confusion about the version control.
32.1.2.3 - Overview - Online versions and access
Was
Affiliates can have separate wiki instances to ensure handbooks and changes are approved according to the processes required by their governing body, and meet the requirements of local real-world laws
Now
Affiliates can have separate instances to ensure handbooks and changes are approved according to the processes required by their governing body, and meet the requirements of local real-world laws.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Updated after feedback. The term "Wiki" created confusion about the version control.
32.2 - SCA Inc (United States) process
"Earl Marshals" replaced with "Earls Marshal" as correct plural.

Completely new version - Approved by the Board of Directors 23 June 2025

The Society Marshal commissioned a complete review of all of the handbooks for all martial disciplines. This has led to a rebuild of them all.

User friendly
The handbooks start with the information that new members need to know, the information you need to be able to participate, then the information for marshals and those who administer martial activities to the back of the document. We have used Plain English as per https://www.plainlanguage.gov/ and other similar standards where we can, though there is room for improvement.
Same template and categories of information
Each discipline's handbook will be structured the same way, so that you can easily find key differences between martial forms. You should find the same kind of information in the same chapters whether you are looking at armored combat, fencing, target archery, etc.
Consistency
Some information should be the same for all martial forms. However, previous handbooks referenced other handbooks and version control created issues and unnecessary differences. Through the use of the wiki-engine, in places where handbooks should have the same content (eg how you report an injury), they now pull the same content from our global pages - rules that are global across all of our disciplines. If those global rules are changed, they will change consistently for all disciplines.
Redline copy isn't available for this first online version
Because we have rebuilt the rules from the ground up, a direct redline version of the rules from the old rules is not possible. However, all of the old rules have been accounted for and tracked in a separate document - many are just reworded for clarity and Plain English, many are now in a different (hopefully better) location. We will also point out the rules that functionally change the way that we play in the summaries below.

Chapter summaries

  1. Introduction to SCA martial activities

    This chapter is one of our global ones that appears in every one of the new Society Marshal's Handbooks for each discipline.

    It contains an overview of all the martial forms, layout of the handbooks, general rules, in or out of kingdom guidelines, and a section for newcomers so they know what to expect when showing up for the first time.

  2. Rules of the Lists

    The Rules of the Lists apply to all of our martial disciplines, so they are global and the same content appears in every handbook.

    Changes to the Rules of the Lists in Corpora were consulted on and approved by the Board of Directors in November 2024.

    The applications of the Rules of the Lists have all been incorporated into their relevant section of the rules.

    Change:

    • The Rules of the Lists were reordered, and the prohibition of missile in tournament lists has been removed. Whether missiles are allowed is now set at the tournament level, and events such as combat archery tournaments can now be held without bending the rules.
  3. Overview of armored combat

    This chapter is a brief description of the discipline, includes some definitions of key terms, a list of the types of activities, and authorization categories. Most of this chapter is new.

  4. When you are allowed to participate

    This chapter is all about when you are allowed to go and fight. It tells you that there are age requirements, sign-in requirements, authorization and inspection requirements, reminds you that you can't use real weapons, includes injury and impairment rules, and reminds you that you can always refuse to particpate.

    Most of these rules were scattered through Sections I-III, and have been reworded without functional change.

    Changes:

    • You must have signed into the event or practice before you can participate to ensure you have completed any required waivers or other documentation.
    • You cannot participate if you are impaired by an injury such as concussion. If you have a concussion, or suspected concussion, do not fight. We have included further information in the chapter on Injury procedures.
  5. Expected behavior and responsibilities

    These are global rules of behavior that apply to all martial disciplines - follow the rules, behave in a chivalrous manner, etc. These rules were variously scattered through the old handbook, and have been gathered together and reworded. There are no functional changes.

  6. Activity guidelines

    This chapter provides newcomers with descriptions of our activities and competitions. This topic was missing in most martial handbooks, making it very hard for people to know what we actually did. It includes a brief historical reference for each activity.

  7. Conventions - Holds

    This chapter includes what everyone needs to do when a hold is called, so some of this content is global, regardless of the discipline. We have also gathered all of the rules about what you are allowed to do, or not allowed to do during a hold in armored combat.

    There aren't any functional changes to how we manage holds, though we have added some common conventions from the kingdoms and remind you that anyone can call hold.

  8. Conventions - Rules of engagement

    This chapter includes rules and default standards that apply to when you are allowed to attempt to strike someone. Some were scattered throughout the old handbook, and rules of engagement for major wars were often codified. However, this section is mostly new at the Society level.

    Changes:

    • There are now stated rules for engagement at Society level. These were not included previously.
    • If your kingdom allows killing from behind, it must be the prescribed way. We don't want to have different expectations of how it is done in different kingdoms.
  9. Conventions - Use of weapons and defensive equipment

    This chapter gathers together all of the rules about what you can hit someone with, and attempt to stop them from hitting you.

    Changes:

    • We have clarified that you are not allowed to grasp the striking portion of your opponent's weapon, their shield, bow or crossbow during combat.
    • Clarification that if your hands are appropriately armored, you are allowed to grasp any part of your opponent's weapon that is not a striking surface.
    • Clarified that if you are holding a weapon in an appropriately armored hand, or your weapon has a basket hilt, you can deliberately block with that hand or the basket hilt without losing the limb.
    • Added a rule that your shield (when controlled by your hand) is considered invulnerable to all strikes, except those from siege class munitions.
    • Removed the prohibition of using a weapon while carrying a pavise not in your hand. They are treated as any other shield while you are carrying them.
  10. Conventions - Target areas

    This chapter covers where you are allowed to hit someone. These rules haven't functionally changed.

  11. Conventions - Acknowledgement of blows

    This chapter covers what to do when you have been hit - what counts as a good blow, and what your response is to being struck.

    Change:

    • We have removed the ability for kingdoms to decide whether the presumed armor standard includes a chain drape or not - an acceptable cut or thrust to the face must always be substantially lighter than you would take to any other part of your body. An effective thrust to the face remains a directed touch.
    • An effective thrust to your hip or shoulder is not considered fatal, only wounding.
    • The caveat "If the force of the blow causes the weapon to be dropped, the rule shall be suspended" was removed.
  12. Equipment standards - Armor

    All of the standards for armor are in this chapter. This now includes the definitions for rigid materials that were buried in the glossary previously.

    Changes:

    • We now refer to "heavy leather" by thickness/weight and stiffness as our different handbooks had different definitions of "heavy leather". We have also removed the requirement for the leather to be oak tanned as this is not readily available in many places, and the tanning process is not the defining characteristic.
    • We have increased the required steel thickness for some construction techniques for helms.
    • Blind rivets have been added to the rivet types that you can't use in primary construction.
    • We have removed the rule about not attaching face guards to the interior of the helm as there are valid and sound ways to do so.
    • Added a strong recommendation to wear at least 11/64 inch (4.4 mm) or 11 oz thick stiff leather with 1/4 inch (6 mm) of closed cell foam or equivalent padding under mail used as neck protection - eg a gorget
    • Added a strong recommendation to wear some kind of body armor to protect your ribs not already covered by your kidney protection. Broken ribs are as common as forearm fractures.
    • You must now have full elbow and hand and wrist protection behind a shield, regardless of how far they are from the edge of the shield. The "4-inch" rule has been removed as the elbows and hands were not sufficiently protected behind a shield.
    • Added a strong recommendation to wear forearm protection.
  13. Equipment standards - Handheld weapons

    This chapter is all about handheld weapons. It includes definitions of the weapon types, a general section on construction, and then specifics on single-handed weapons, two-handed weapons, and spears.

    Changes:

    • Handheld weapons must attempt to represent a weapon used pre-17th century. This replaces the rule about swords needing to have a hilt etc. There are period weapons that could be represented by rattan, that don't have hand guards. etc Hand protection can be provided in other ways. Participants should also attempt to make their rattan resemble a period weapon, eg by adding a crossguard etc.
    • There have been some changes to weapons with heads:
      • The rules about ultra-lightwight shaped foam heads and split rattan construction heads not requiring 1/2 inch of progressive give if their striking characteristic are similar to a single piece of rattan now also applies to single-handed weapons with a head as well as two-handed. Note that weapons with a head made from a single piece of rattan must be padded so that they are not made of only rigid materials. Laminated rattan construction will require padding.
      • Pick heads must be made from a flexible material. Rattan cannot be used in the construction on the pick head.
      • To ensure that the punching force is not directly behind the striking surface, the entire grip area on the haft of a weapon with a head must be below any and all portions of the striking surface
      • Restraints are required on hafted single-handed weapons, except in melee combat if safe to not require it (eg it couldn't reach spectators), or if a back-up weapon.
  14. Equipment standards - Defensive equipment

    This chapter has information about construction of shields and pavises. Other handbooks have more variety to their defensive equipment, but this chapter is quite short for armored combat with rattan.

  15. Equipment standards - Ranged weapons

    This chapter gathers all of the construction standards for weapons used to strike someone at range, though siege construction remains in its own handbook. There are no functional changes.

  16. Equipment standards - Missiles

    Combat archery ammunition used to take up most of the chapter on weapons standards, so we have made a chapter to gather the construction standards for missiles.

    Change:

    • All ammunition must now include the owner's branch in addition to kingdom in order to assist in returning it to the owner.
  17. Designated areas

    Each of our handbooks will have a section on the requirements and considerations for the areas set aside for the activity. Eg. in the Target Archery Handbook, this would be the range set-up information. We have gathered all of the rules that related to the spaces that we fight in.

    Changes:

    • Combat must only occur in an area that has been designated for combat. Ie, you can't do pick up fights wherever you feel like it, check with the marshal-in-charge first.
  18. Authorization

    Many of our martial disciplines require you to officially demonstrate competence and the required level of safety before allowing you to participate in competitions or other activities outside of formal training. We have gathered the rules about authorizing that relate to all disciplines that require authorizations, so this content is global. There is a separate chapter on an example processs that each kingdom can use for authorizing someone for armored combat.

    Changes:

    • Kingdoms were required to establish an authorization procedure, but now they have the option of using the provided process or creating their own.
    • We've updated the rules to account for online systems.
    • If you move to another kingdom, your previous authorizations are only valid for 6 months. After that you must renew your authorizations under your new kingdom's processes. This makes sure that you are in their databases for administration, and that you have learned the differences in rules for your new kingdom.
    • We have added a process that allows you to authorize in things that your kingdom does not do, through another kingdom, as long as both the Kingdom Earl Marshals and their relevant deputies agree.
    • The Kingdom or Principality Deputy Earl Marshal for armored combat can also conduct minor authorizations for armored combat if they are an authorizing marshal.
    • We have added a 2-person integrity rule for new or significantly lapsed authorizations. Two people need to sign off on your authorization. We have added a video option for if you don't have an authorizing marshal close to you.
    • Authorizations expire after 4 years. There was previously no limit at Society level if you continued to have a valid waiver on file.
    • You must demonstrate your competence in the practical components, and be re-tested for your theory knowledge at least every 4 years to maintain your authorization. The rules change every few years, and we need to know that you are aware of the changes.
    • Although we require two people to sign off on new or significantly lapsed (eg more than a year) authorizations, renewing an existing or recently expired authorization only requires one warranted marshal who can authorize participants in order to complete the process.
  19. Authorization process example

    This chapter is an example of an authorization process that kingdoms can use for armored combat rattan authorizations. Unless a kingdom includes their own process that meets the required standards, this is the process that needs to be included in their rules.

    Changes:

    • The example has been changed to reflect the "2 person integrity" rule. All authorizations require 2 people in that activity to sign off.
      • At least 1 person is a subject matter expert in both content and process (warranted marshal in that activity)
      • The 2nd person must be currently qualified in that activity (ie. warranted marshal or authorized participant).
      • An award or title does not verify that a person is currently warranted or authorized, so the member of the Order of Chivalry was removed from the example.
    • As authorizations are now required to expire, we have includes a process for fighters to renew their authorizations. It must include a theory test on the current rules, particularly any that have changed in the past 4 years, and your practical competency can be demonstrated through the course of normal combat that your authorizing marshal has personally seen recently, or by repeating the practical test. If there have been any issues since your last authorization, the marshal will review these and confirm that those issues have been addressed.
    • The authorization process no longer implies that sword and shield must be the first authorization. People can authorize in the weapons forms they are safe in.
  20. Accessibility

    This is a new chapter for our handbooks on ways to support inclusion and equity in our martial activities. If you have good examples for ways we can support accessibility in armored combat or any of our other martial disciplines, please get in touch.

  21. Safety resources

    This entirely new global chapter will appear in all of our handbooks.

    It includes information about managing concussions, including a strong recommendation to follow international sporting body guidance that participants who have experienced a concussion be symptom free for 14 days before return to any contact training, and wait at least 21 days (and have been symptom free for 14 days) before return to competitive contact activities.

    We recommend that kingdoms develop heat policies to help prevent heat injury, and air quality policies.

  22. Injury procedures

    How we manage injuries should be consistent across all of our disciplines, so this global chapter will appear in all of the handbooks.

    Changes:

    • The safety of responders has been prioritized. No one else should get hurt in the process of responding.
    • We remind you than anyone can call hold, it doesn't have to be the marshal.
    • We have removed the requirement to get the event marshal-in-charge's permission to remove an injured person from the field. Medical personnel dealing with an injured person must be able to respond as they need to. Requiring extra time to locate specific SCA personnel, especially at a large event, is problematic.
    • If your injury involves free flowing blood, you must leave the field immediately and you are not allowed to return until the flow of blood has been stopped.
      • Any weapons or equipment that have visible blood on them must be cleaned before they can be used again.
    • If your injury includes any level of suspected concussion (even without loss of consciousness), we strongly recommend you follow international sporting guidance on managing your return to the activity - ie. be symptom free for 14 days before return to any contact training, and wait at least 21 days (and have been symptom free for 14 days) before return to competitive contact activities.
    • If your injury includes a period of unconsciousness, you will not be allowed back onto the field for remainder of the event (including multi-day events) and you are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention as loss of consciousness due to injury is a medical emergency.
    • Injury reporting requirements are covered in the chapter on Reporting requirements.
  23. Managing misconduct

    How we deal with issues in our activities should be consistent across all of our disciplines, so we have a global chapter in all of our handbooks about how to manage when there is unacceptable behavior and people break the rules.

    Changes:

    • Many sports include a mechanism for removing and excluding a player (being sent-off) for misconduct for a period of time, or a game or two, such as football/soccer's red cards, or ejection from a gridiron football game or baseball, benching a player, etc.
    • If there is unacceptable behavior, whether as a participant or a marshal, a marshal can decide that you are no longer acceptable to be on the field, and exclude you from taking part for a period of time.
    • We have provided marshals with escalating levels of options for managing misconduct, and articulated the processes and reporting required, and the process for appealing if you think someone got it wrong. Revocation of authorization was a significant step that many marshals were unwilling to take. Options for managing misconduct now support managing someone losing their temper because they just need some water and a snack, through to "you can't fight at this event," and up to revocation of authorization.
    • A marshal for a bout can stop the bout and send someone off.
    • The marshal-in-charge of the activity (eg a tournament) can remove someone from that activity.
    • The marshal-in-charge of armored combat at the event can remove someone any further participation in armored combat at the event.
    • The marshal-in-charge of the event can remove someone any further participation in any martial activity at the event (even a multi-day event).
    • Any disciplinary action that would last longer than an event will escalate to the Kingdom or Principality Deputy for Armored Combat or higher for your kingdom.
    • Only the Kingdom or Principality Deputy for Armored Combat or higher for your kingdom (or the kingdom that gave you the authorization) can suspend or revoke your authorization. If another kingdom thinks this need to happen, they will make that recommendation to your kingdom's marshalate.
    • We have added processes for marshal's courts as a way to run through the escalation and appeals process at an event.
  24. Marshalate - Overview

    This global chapter gathers the existing information about what marshals can do, depending on whether they have a warrant or not. It's consistent across all the handbooks.

    Changes:

    • Warranted marshals must also be authorized.
  25. Marshalate - Responsibilities and chain of command

    This chapter is common to all disciplines, and lays out the chain of command from a warranted marshal at the bottom to the Society Marshal and the Board of Directors at the top.

    Changes:

    • The escalation paths require subject matter experts to be used to make decisions about a particular discipline. Eg if you are not a warranted and authorized marshal for armored combat for example, you do not get to make decisions about armored combat.
      • This is why the crown is not automatically in the chain of command of the marshalate, as they may not be qualified in other disciplines beyond the one that got them the throne.
      • For roles that include multi-discipline responsibility and accountability (e.g. marshal-in-charge of the event, Principality Earl Marshal, Kingdom Earl Marshal, Society Marshal etc):
        • You should consult a subject-matter expert (SME). You can support the SME recommendation, or, if you disagree with the SME, document the reason.
        • You should verify and document whether the correct procedures have been followed to manage any issues, that the appropriate subject matter experts were involved and actions are justified, and direct any further appeal (if applicable) to the next person in the chain of command.
    • We've use RACI definitions (responsible, accountable, consulted, informed) to help define what our marshals do.
      • At each level we have included:
        • What the role is responsible for
        • Who appoints them
        • What they are held accountable for
        • Who they report to
        • Who keeps them informed
        • Who they consult with, if needed
  26. Authorization of marshals

    This chapter sets out the requirements for authorizing and warranting marshals for armored combat. In kingdom versions of the rules, this would include the information about how the kingdom manages training and authorization of marshals.

    Changes:

    • A reminder of how often roster warrants need to be signed.
    • Marshals must meet Society and kingdon requirements before they can be authorized and warranted. You can't be a marshal just because you are a member of the Order of Chivalry or Defence, or the Crown for example.
    • You must maintain current knowledge of the Rules of the Lists, the conventions of armored combat, and any additional kingdom rules or conventions, as they change or are updated.
    • Marshal authorizations expire after 4 years.
    • You must demonstrate your competence in the practical components, and be re-tested for your theory knowledge at least every 4 years to maintain your authorization. This matches the requirements for other authorizations.
    • You must be an authorized marshal in the discipline you are being warranted for.
  27. Inspecting equipment

    This chapter is barely changed from the previous XV. Equipment inspection guidelines

    Change:

    • We have added an additional method to measure the poundage of a bow, using the True Draw Length, as used by manufacturers.
    • We added checking the bolts on shields.
  28. Marshaling on the field

    This chapter gathers all of the information about marshaling combat, including tournament single combat, melees and battles. Many of the rules in this chapter are not rigid requirements, but an attempt to help clarify and to provide examples of acceptable methods and procedures. Check which rules use "must", and which use "should".

  29. Inter-kingdom events

    This global chapter applies to wars, where mulitple kingdoms need to negotiate how they will play together in all disciplines, where there would otherwise be conflicting rules between kingdoms.

    Changes:

    • We remind the marshal-in-charge that they need to brief marshals and ensure all combatants are aware of the rules that will apply to their equipment, armor and weapons standards and conventions at the war. Briefings need to pay particular attention to inter-kingdom differences.
    • If information has been published previously, and then changed at the event, this will need to be included in briefings.
    • Equipment inspections should have particular emphasis on any modifications due to conflicting kingdom standards.
    • The marshal-in-charge of the war should work with the stewarding team to connect to notification services in case there is a need to inform the event of a safety or schedule change. The Crowns of the assembled kingdoms are also an excellent resource to notify their populace.
  30. Reporting requirements

    This global chapter occurs in all of the handbooks and includes injury and incident reporting, event reporting requirements, and officer reporting requirements.

    There were up to 5 different reporting processes and timelines for injuries, depending on the martial handbook, which caused confusion to multi-discipline marshals and participants.

    Changes:

    • There are a range of issues that can occur at events or practices that must be reported. This includes:
      • Injuries (examples include, but are not limited to: loss of consciousness, major bleed, injury to head, major joint or bone injury)
      • An incident or injury which required a combatant to retire from the field, even briefly
      • Anything involving calling emergency services to the site
      • Weapons, armor, or equipment failure
      • A serious safety issue that could have caused injury (a near miss)
      • Conduct/behavior issues
    • Marshals involved in the response to one or more of these issues that occurred at an event or practice will need to assist with reporting.
    • Serious injuries:
      • Includes all injuries which require hospitalization or similar care, may require future or complex medical care, or include a period of unconsciousness.
      • Must be reported immediately to the marshal-in-charge of the event.
    • All other injuries, incidents and adverse events:
      • Must be reported to the marshal-in-charge of the event and the marshal-in-charge of the activity.
      • Must be reported to the kingdom marshalate within 2 weeks and to the Society Marshal within 3 months of the incident.
    • If the incident or injury involves calling emergency services to the site, notify the Kingdom Seneschal immediately.
    • We have included a list of the information that should be included in the incident report.
    • We want to collect information about incidents of misconduct on the field as they help identify low-level but repeating problems. We remind marshals to report these, and how they dealt with them.
    • For officers, we have included who your report needs to go to and what your report should cover. Your kingdom may have additional requirements.
    • Reporting dates have been made consistent across all disciplines:
      • If you are a Kingdom Deputy for a discipline, your quarterly reports are due March 1, June 1, Sept 1, Dec 1.
      • If you are a Kingdom Earl Marshal, your quarterly reports are due March 15, June 15, Sept 15, Dec 15.
      • If you are a Society Deputy for a discipline, your quarterly reports are also due March 15, June 15, Sept 15, Dec 15.
      • These feed into the Society Marshal's reports which are due Apr 1, July 1, Oct 1, Jan 1
  31. Experimentation

    This global chapter is included in all of the handbooks so that the way experiments are conducted is consistent.

    Changes:

    • We have created a standard template to capture neccesary information to approve, track, and monitor programs.
    • There are now 3 levels of administration control, depending on risk and participation levels. Society and Society+Kingdom-level programs provide greater control and risk management, and provide a consistent approach. This enables better management of activities that could have higher risk level through common controls and training. It also better supports activities that may have lower numbers of participation by reducing the burden on local kingdoms with shared marshals and a centralized authorization process/tracking. Kingdom-only is the traditional experimental program method.
  32. Handbook updates

    This global chapter is new for all the handbooks. It includes the process for changing the Society Marshal's Handbooks and how that flows into kingdom handbooks, including their electronic versions held in the wiki.

    Changes:

    • All kingdom additions and changes must be submitted to the Society Marshal or the appropriate Deputy Society Marshal for review and comment. This ensures that kingdoms do not drift into incompatibility or inadvertently allow things that are not allowed at Society-level.
    • When Society rules are updated, kingdoms must update their handbooks within a specified timeframe, though kingdoms can ask for extensions if needed.
    • We have included the process for managing rule changes with affiliate organizations, recognizing that they have different needs and processes.
  33. Glossary

    Many of the terms from the Glossary are now also directly included in the chapters they are relevant for, and new definitions from other chapters have been added to the Glossary.

    If you identify a discrepency between an entry in the glossary and in the rules, use the version in the rules, and let us know so that we can correct the glossary. There should not be rules that affect the way we play hidden away in the glossary!

  34. Change log

    This edition of the change log will be a different to how they look moving forward. Ideally there will be fewer changes to note! In future, they should be in the format of:

    • Rule identification: Which rule is changing?
    • Was: the text of the old rule
    • Now: the text of the new rule
    • Functional change: What does this actually change about the way we do things? Sometimes there's none, we've just come up with an easier way to word it.
    • Reason: Why are we making this change?

    Changes of note will also be noted in the Notes tab linked at the top of the Chapter. This information doesn't appear in the PDF of the rules, but is a record of what changed when and why, so that we can remember that yes, madus were banned between 2013 and 2015, but they are allowed now. It helps future us understand why a rule change was made if we ever think about changing it again.

Changes post approval

Fixing typos, and updating links to be able to navigate within the pdf.

Updates approved by the Board of Directors 18 November 2025

Changes in Chapter 1 - Introduction to SCA martial activities

1.2.1.c - Handbooks - General
Was
Kingdoms must include any relevant restrictions on these activities imposed by mundane laws within its boundaries.
Now
Removed
Functional change
Kingdoms are not required to include all mundane restrictions. A page in the handbook is provided if a kingdom chooses to include them.
Reason for change
Removed following feedback. Kingdoms can't be expected to know every possible permutation of legal restrictions in their jurisdictions.
1.2.1.3.a - Handbooks - General
Was
The most current versions of the Society Marshal's Handbooks can be found at https://www.sca.org/resources/document-library/#marshal.
Now
The official versions of the Society Marshal's Handbooks can be found at https://www.sca.org/resources/document-library/#marshal.
Functional change
Official version of the rules are found on the SCA website.
Reason for change
Society rules require the authoritative version to be a static document. The wiki is a useful resource for participants, but the official rules are those held as a PDF of each handbook hosted on SCA.org.
1.2.3 - Handbooks - Application of the rules
Was
Kingdom-specific rules are found within this wiki, or through each kingdom's website.
Now
Kingdom-specific rules are denoted by the Kingdom name and shading (online format) or with blue text (pdf).
Additional information can be found on the kingdom website - <URL GOES HERE>
Functional change
None. Clarification of kingdom-specific formatting.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback.
1.2.3.3 - Handbooks - Application of the rules
Was
by delegation, members of the kingdom marshalate.
Now
by delegation, warranted members of the kingdom marshalate.
Functional change
Clarification that this applies only to warranted marshals.
Reason for change
MiC's can appoint non-warranted marshals to help. Only warranted marshals can make approval decisions.
1.2.3.3.1 - Handbooks - Application of the rules
Added
Unless otherwise directed by Kingdom Law, the Crown's representative upon the field and in all matters dealing with martial activities within a discipline is the Kingdom Earl Marshal, the Kingdom Deputy Earl marshal for the discipline, and, by delegation, warranted members of the kingdom marshalate.
Functional change
- Includes existing wording from the Rapier Handbook, and changed to cover all martial disciplines. Original text - "Unless otherwise directed by Kingdom Law, the Crown's representative upon the field and in all matters dealing with Fencing is the Earl Marshal, then the Kingdom Fencing Marshal (possibly referred to as the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, Kingdom Marshal of Fence, Kingdom Fencing Marshal, or equivalent), then, by delegation, members of the Kingdom Marshallate.
Reason for change
Clarifies the ability of the Kingdom Deputy to also represent and delegate within their discipline.
1.2.3.3.b - Handbooks - Application of the rules
Added
The discipline marshalate has jurisdiction over all SCA martial activities for that discipline.
Functional change
Included from Equestrian Handbook, and broadened to cover all martial disciplines. "The Equestrian Marshalate has jurisdiction over all SCA equestrian activities and related activities."
Reason for change
In the past, there has been confusion about jurisdiction over martial activities, in particular where there is overlap (e.g. combat archery for rattan vs rapier, target archery on foot vs equestrian). This establishes clear jurisdiction.

Changes in Chapter 3 - Overview of armored combat

3.4.1 - Authorization categories
Was
The minimum authorization categories include:
Now
Society required minimum authorization categories are:
Functional change
The following list of authorization categories is the absolute minimum allowable.
Reason for change
Makes it clear that Society requires the following list of authorization categories as the absolute minimum. Kingdoms can have additional categories, but cannot have fewer.

Changes in Chapter 4 - When you are allowed to participate

4.1.1 - Age requirements
Was
To be authorized as a combatant or marshal in adult armored combat with rattan weapons, you must be at least sixteen (16) years old.
Now
To be authorized as a combatant in adult armored combat with rattan weapons, you must be at least sixteen (16) years old.
To be a marshal in adult armored combat with rattan weapons, you must be at least sixteen (16) years old.
Functional change
No functional change.
Reason for change
Split into separate lines for clarity.
4.1.2.d - Age requirements
Was
Minors engaging in combat with adults must be marked with a single yellow diamond no larger than 1 inch (25.4 mm) but no smaller than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) with a black capital letter "Y", placed on the front hemisphere of the helm (preferably on or near the inspection sticker).
Now
(deleted)
Functional change
Society no longer requires the marking of minors.
Reason for change
Removed requirement due to cultural and legal reasons.
4.1.3.b - Age requirements
Was
You must have a parent or legal guardian present, or have a properly executed document designating some adult person present at the event as able to authorize medical treatment for you in the case of any emergency in your possession.
Now
You must have a parent or legal guardian present, or have a properly executed document in your possession that designates an adult person present at the event as able to authorize medical treatment for you in the case of any emergency.
Functional change
No functional change. Reworded for clarity.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback.
4.4.1 - Real weapons
Was
You must not be present in the designated area for armored combat as a combatant while carrying any live (sharp) weapons such as knives.
Now
If you are a combatant, you must not carry any live (sharp) weapons in the designated combat area.
Functional change
No functional change. Reworded for clarity.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback.
4.4.2 - Real weapons
Was
If you are marshal or other non-combatant, you can carry a sharp knife as long as it is secured so that the blade cannot be accidentally exposed.
Now
If you are marshal or other non-combatant, you are allowed to carry a sharp knife in the designated combat area as long as it is secured so that the blade cannot be accidentally exposed.
Functional change
No functional change. Reworded for grammar and clarity.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback.
4.5.2 - Injury and impairment
Was
You are not allowed to participate with an injury with free-flowing blood.
a. If you suffer an injury involving bleeding, you must leave the field immediately.
b. You must have the wound cleaned and dressed before you return to the field. Any equipment that has visible blood on it must be cleaned before it can be used again.

Refer to Injury procedures for more information.

Now
You are not allowed to participate with an injury with free-flowing blood.
Functional change
Redundant. Details in (a) and (b) are included in Injury procedures.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback.

Changes in Chapter 6 - Activity guidelines

6.3.2 - Battles
Was
Battles takes place on the field of battle or battlefield, not within a tournament list field.
Now
Battles typically take place on the field of battle or battlefield, rather than within a tournament list field.
Functional change
None. Clarification.
Reason for change
Updated following feedback. Wording implied that tournaments could not take place in the same physical space as melee battles.

Changes in Chapter 8 - Conventions - Rules of engagement

8.1.2 - Definition
Added, subsequent rules renumbered
To be "engaged" with an opponent means that you and your opponent are aware of each other's presence and should expect to be struck.
Functional change
Added definition of engaged.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Clear definition of engaged was missing from the rules.
8.2.1 - Unit engagement (melees)
Was
In battles, you engage your opponent by moving into range in clear sight of the opponent you wish to engage and adopting an attacking posture. If you have reason to believe that your opponent has not seen you approach, you should state loudly, "Fighter - I am engaging you," or words to that effect.
Now
In group and melee battles, engagement is obtained when your opponent becomes aware of you. (e.g. moving into their line of sight, 'tapping' them with your weapon, shouting, being part of a unit, or other means).
Functional change
Modified to make awareness the goal, with examples provided. Removed implying there was only one verbal method.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.
8.2.2.4 - Unit engagement (melees)
Was
If the unit you are fighting against loses cohesion, those combatants have stopped being a unit and must be engaged as individuals, as per the Individual engagement rules, unless they reform a unit of two or more combatants.
Now
REMOVED
Functional change
Removed unintended potential restrictions.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Cohesion was not defined, and awareness can still be there even if the unit breaks up into smaller units.
8.2.2.5 - Unit engagement (melees)
Was
If your unit wraps around another unit, this means you may end up behind your opponents. As you are still engaged with the unit, you may strike opponents from behind and be struck by opponents from behind.
Now
REMOVED
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Removed to not encourage people to hit people in the back, even if technically legal. Current SCA culture has multiple methods for being behind a line and not striking.

Changes in Chapter 9 - Conventions - Use of weapons and defensive equipment

"General" heading added
This avoids rule numbering collisions.
9.1.11 - General
Was
You are allowed to place your shield or the haft of your weapon against your opponent's body to restrict their ability to strike or defend, but you must not strike them with shield or haft.
Now
You are allowed to safely place your shield or the haft of your weapon against your opponent's body to restrict their ability to strike or defend, but you must not strike them with shield or haft.
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. "Safely" was inadvertently left out.
9.1.12 - General
Moved to be 9.3.1 - Throwing weapons, subsequent rules renumbered.
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Gathered information about using throwing weapons together.
9.3 - Throwing weapons
New sub-section. Gathered rules about use of throwing weapons together.
Added
2. You must be aware of what is beyond your target to ensure that errant throws do not endanger anyone.
3. Throwing weapons may be picked up and reused immediately.
Functional change
Added rules consistent with archery wording regarding use and re-use. No change from current practices.
Reason for change
There are rules about whether combat archery ammunition could be re-used or not, but not throwing weapons. Makes it clear that throwing weapons can be picked up and re-used.
9.4 - Siege engineers
Added
Ammunition dropped onto the ground is not considered dead and does not need re-inspection.
Functional change
Added rule. No change from current practices.
Reason for change
Makes it clear that siege ammunition isn't considered dead if dropped, compared to combat archery ammunition that is considered dead if dropped.

Changes in Chapter 11 - Conventions - Acknowledgement of blows

11.3.1 - General
Was
1. Due to safety limits placed on these weapons and the low mass of the ammunition, they are designed to typically strike with less force and need not strike with the same force as hand-held weapons to be considered a killing or a good blow.
a. This does not transfer the responsibility of judging the effects of blows to the archer, as it is left to the honor of the combatant being struck by the weapon to judge the effects.
2. A missile or thrown weapon that strikes you on a legal target area and is properly oriented (i.e. with the point, blade or striking surface) is considered good.
3. Be aware that the effect of the blow depends on several factors, including target area, weapon strength and type of munition.
4. Be aware that weapons (bows and crossbows) that are under-powered may not deliver enough force for a fighter to notice a hit in battle.
Now
1. Due to the safety limits placed on these weapons, including the low mass of the ammunition, missiles will typically strike with less force than a handheld weapon.
a. Missiles and thrown weapons do not need to strike with the same force as a handheld weapon to be an effective blow.
b. You are not expected to acknowledge a blow that you are not aware has occurred.
2. This does not transfer the responsibility of judging the effects of blows to the archer, as it is left to your honor as the combatant being struck to judge the effects.
3. The effects of a blow from a missile depends on the type of munition (e.g. siege or combat archery) and where it strikes you.
Functional change
Reiterates that fighters may not notice strikes from missiles, and should not be held to account for unnoticed blows.
Reason for change
Reworded to more closely align with rule from 2023 edition following feedback.
11.3.4.2 - Combat archery arrows and bolts
Was
Ranged combatants should be aware that missiles launched against especially heavy armor might not be noticed by your target. In which case, give your target the benefit of doubt.
Now
If you are a ranged combatant, you should be aware that missiles launched against especially heavy armor or from a low-powered bow or crossbow might not be noticed by your target. In which case, give your target the benefit of doubt.
Functional change
No change
Reason for change
Reworded for clarity after feedback during review
Reiterates that fighters may not notice strikes from missiles, and should not be held to account for unnoticed blows.
11.3.5.2 - Thrown weapons
Added
Thrown weapons must strike properly oriented (i.e. with the point, blade or striking surface) to be effective.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Rule was originally part of 11.3.1 - General. Due to rewording of that section, this rule was added to a thrown weapons section for clarity.

Changes in Chapter 12 - Equipment standards - Armor

12.1.10 - General
Was
Minors - There are specific equipment and inspection standards that apply to you. See When you are allowed to participate
Now
Removed
Functional change
Minors are no longer required to be marked at Society-level, so this rule is no longer required.
Reason for change
Removed due to negative cultural implications and potential legal issues.
12.4.4 - Eye wear
Was
We strongly recommend that you wear contact lenses or "sports glasses".
Now
It is strongly recommended that you wear contact lenses or "sports glasses".
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
The recommendation for contact lenses and sports glasses for contact sports is broader than from Society.
12.4.5.1.d.ii - Neck
Was
We strongly recommend wearing at least 11/64 inch (4.4 mm) or 11 oz thick stiff leather with 1/4 inch (6 mm) of closed cell foam or equivalent padding under mail.
Now
It is strongly recommended that you wear at least 11/64 inch (4.4 mm) or 11 oz thick stiff leather with 1/4 inch (6 mm) of closed cell foam or equivalent padding under mail.
Functional change
No functional change.
Reason for change
Unclear who "we" was.
12.7.2 - Arm armor
Was
We strongly recommend that the entire medial side of your forearm (the ulna) is protected by rigid material. A partial or full vambrace, or equivalent, should suffice. We also recommend 1/4 inch (6 mm) of closed-cell foam, or equivalent padding under the rigid material, and no more than a 1 inch (25.4mm) gap between your forearm protection and other required arm or hand armor.
Now
It is recommended that the entire medial side of your forearm (the ulna) is protected by rigid material. A partial or full vambrace, or equivalent, should suffice. 1/4 inch (6 mm) of closed-cell foam, or equivalent padding under the rigid material, and no more than a 1 inch (25.4mm) gap between your forearm protection and other required arm or hand armor is also recommended.
Functional change
No functional change.
Reason for change
Unclear who "we" was.

Changes in Chapter 13 - Equipment standards - Handheld weapons

13.5.9 - Spears
Typographic change only - Moved to not be a sub-rule of rule above.

Changes in Chapter 15 - Equipment standards - Ranged weapons

15.2.2.3 - Handbows
Was
Light handbows must measure 35 pounds or less at 28 inches (13.6 kg at 71cm).
Now
Light handbows must measure 35 pounds or less at 28 inches of draw (13.6 kg at 71cm).
Functional change
None. Clarification.
Reason for change
Clarification.
15.2.2.4 - Handbows
Was
Heavy handbows must measure more than 35 pounds (13.6 kg at 71cm), but less than or equal to 50 pounds at 28 inches (22.7 kg at 71 cm).
Now
Heavy handbows measure greater than 35 pounds (13.6 kg at 71cm), but less than or equal to 50 pounds at 28 inches (22.7 kg at 71 cm) of draw.
Functional change
None. Clarification.
Reason for change
Clarifcation and grammar.
15.2.3.3 - Crossbows
Was
Heavy crossbows measure 1000 inch-pounds (1152 kg-cm) or less.
Now
Heavy crossbows measure greater than 600 inch-pounds (691 kg-cm) but less than or equal to 1000 inch-pounds (1152 kg-cm).
Functional change
Clarifies that heavy crossbows are between 600 and 1000 inch-pounds.
Reason for change
Response to feedback.

Changes in Chapter 16 - Equipment standards - Missiles (Ammunition/Munitions)

16.1.1.1 - General
Was
All ammunition must have the owner's name (not initials), branch, and kingdom displayed clearly on it in English characters.
Now
All ammunition must be marked in a way that clearly identifies the owner, their branch, and kingdom in a language identifiable in the region where the event is taking place.
Functional change
Changed requirement from English characters to identifiable language.
Reason for change
There is no such thing as "English Characters." Latin characters are too limiting, as several SCA branch names include non-Latin letters. International - enables SCA branches in non-English regions use language appropriate to them.
16.1.2.1 - Light ammunition - General requirements and and 16.1.3.1 - Heavy ammunition - General requirements
"bows" replaced with "handbows"
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Consistent terminology.
16.1.2.4.2 - Light ammunition - Blunts - UHMW (Ultra-high molecular weight) polyethylene blunts
"blunts" added to heading
16.1.2.4.2.4 - Light ammunition - Blunts - UHMW (Ultra-high molecular weight) polyethylene blunts
Was
The head must also have padding that provides progressively resistant give that extends from the tip of the padding to at least 1/2 inch (12.7mm) over the UHMW core that brings the total diameter of the head to at least 1 1/2 inches (38.1mm) after taping.
Now
The side of the head must also have padding that provides progressively resistant give that extends from the tip of the padding to at least 1/2 inch (12.7mm) over the UHMW core that brings the total diameter of the head to at least 1 1/2 inches (38.1mm) after taping.
Functional change
None. Clarification
Reason for change
Clarifies that the side of the head needs to be padded.
16.1.3.3.1 9 - Heavy ammunition - Heads - Rubber stopper head
Was
A rubber stopper, size 6.5, is placed in the end of the tube such that it enters the tube at least 1 1/2 inch (12 mm) and is well attached.
Now
A size #6.5 rubber stopper (nominally 34 top diameter, 27 mm bottom diameter, 25 mm height) is placed in the end of the tube at least 1 1/2 inch (12 mm) and is firmly attached.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Clarification of dimensions of a size 6.5 stopper for international audiences.

Changes in Chapter 18 - Authorization

18.1.2 and 3 - General
Was
2. Competence in one activity or discipline does not automatically mean competence in another martial activity, and you will have to authorize for each discipline. Each martial discipline can require separate authorizations for different types of activities or weapons.
3. Kingdoms can set their own additional requirements for what activities or weapons within this discipline require separate authorization, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of this handbook.
Now
2. Competence in one discipline does not automatically mean competence in another martial discipline , and you will have to authorize for each discipline. Each martial discipline can require separate authorizations for different categories, types of activities, or weapons.
3. Kingdoms can set their own additional requirements for which categories, activities, or weapons within this discipline require separate authorization, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of this handbook.
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Consistent use of category/activity/discipline throughout the handbook.
18.1.4 and 7 - Authorization - General
"Earl Marshals" replaced with "Earls Marshal" as correct plural form.
18.4 Authorization process requirements - 18.4.1.2 - General, 18.4.2.1 - Documentation, 18.4.3.1 - Theory test, 18.4.4.1 - Practical test, 18.4.5.2 - Marshals
Replaced "authorizing participant" with "candidate"
Reason for change
Consistent terminology within the authorization process.
18.2.4 - Out-of-kingdom authorizations
Added
If you reside in country or location not formally claimed by any kingdom, a Kingdom may choose to authorize you according to their rules and processes.
Functional change
Enables people visiting from non-SCA locations to authorize.
Reason
Updated from feedback. Clarification needed for people who reside in places not formally claimed by any kingdom. Drachenwald in particular has people travelling to play who live in countries with no established SCA presence.
18.4 - Authorization process requirements - 18.4.1.2 - General, 18.4.2.1 - Documentation, 18.4.3.1 - Theory test, 18.4.4.1 - Practical test, 18.4.5.2 - Marshals
Replaced "authorizing participant" with "candidate"
Reason for change
Consistent terminology within the authorization process.
18.4.3.1 - Authorization process requirements - Theory test
Was
The authorizing participant must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the rules of the Society and kingdom that relate to martial activities:
Now
The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the rules of the Society and kingdom that relate to martial activities, applicable to the authorization being conducted:
Functional change
Made specific to what you are authorizing for.
Reason for change
Candidate is not required to know everything for all martial activities, just the one they are authorizing in.
18.6.4 - Expiry and renewal
Added
If you have been sanctioned (e.g. had your authorization or marshal warrant removed or suspended, or your participation in martial activities were formally limited for longer than one event), the authorizing marshal must confirm that the issues relating to the sanction have been addressed before re-authorizing you.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Was included in the example process but also needed to be included here

Changes in Chapter 19 - Authorization process example

Throughout this chapter
Consistent capitalization of numbered rules.
"Authorizing participant" replaced with "candidate" or "newly-authorized participant".
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Better clarity in indicating the person who is gaining an authorization, and the fighter who is assisting in the process.

Changes in Chapter 20 - Accessibility

20.1 General
Introductory statements incorporated as numbered rules in General, and subsequent rules renumbered
20.1.2 - General
Added, subsequent rules renumbered
Marshals are encouraged to be flexible and creative in finding ways to enable participants of diverse abilities to learn and participate in SCA martial activities with utmost regard to the safety of all.
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Marshals should be actively trying to find ways for people to participate safely, rather than ways to exclude people.
20.3.1.c - Other best practices
Was
have bathrooms large enough to change clothes in, for all genders.
Now
Have sanitary facilities and private spaces large enough to change clothes in, for all genders.
Functional change
Includes additional non-bathroom changing facilities
Reason for change
More options for changing facilities.

Changes in Chapter 21 - Safety resources

21.2.1
Link to flag system added
https://www.ready.marines.mil/Stay-Informed/Natural-Hazards/Extreme-Heat/Flag-Conditions/
21.2 - Heat guidelines and 21.4 - Air quality guidelines
Minor grammatical changes throughout.
21.2.3 - Heat guidelines
Was
At increased levels, participants should act with caution and in the interest of their health.
Now
During high heat, participants should act with caution and always in the interest of their own health.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Participants should be cautious all levels, not just during Black Flag.
21.3.2.a - Air Quality guidelines
Was
When the local AQI is over 200
Now
When the local AQI is over 150
Functional change
Changed AQI from 200 to 150, to reflect the level that is deemed "unhealthy"
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.

Changes in Chapter 22 - Injury procedures

Minor grammatical and typographical changes
No functional changes
22.1.3 - General
Was
The SCA does not officially render treatment. It is not the responsibility of the marshal to render treatment.
Now
SCA Inc does not officially render treatment, so it is not the responsibility of the marshal to render treatment. Other affiliates may have different requirements.
Functional change
Affiliates are not required to seek a variance to this rule if they are required to provide treatment by mundane law.
Reason for change
In response to feedback, affiliates in other countries or jurisdictions may have legal requirements around the provision of first aid services at events.
22.2.1.a - On the field
Was
If it is practical, the activity can resume in other areas of the field, if the safety of the injured person and responders can be maintained.
Now
If it is practical, and the safety of the injured person, responders and participants can be maintained, the activity can resume in other areas of the field.
Functional change
No functional change
Reason for change
Reordered to make it clear that safety is the priority above getting back to combat.
22.4 - Return to the field
Was
If your injury involves free flowing blood, you must leave the field immediately and you are not allowed to return until the flow of blood has been stopped.
a. Any weapons or equipment that have visible blood on them must be cleaned before they can be used again.
Now
The bleeding must be stopped and the wound dressed before you return to combat.
Functional change
Removed cleaning requirement. Simplified language.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.

Changes in Chapter 23 - Managing misconduct

23.1 Concepts
Language and sentence structure simplified.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.
23.3 When there is an incident
Split this section into two. (1) Short version which includes the former handbook general procedure, and (2) detailed steps depending on your role.
Functional change
None.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. The original procedure was split up across multiple roles. This recombines the essence of handing incidences (as found in the old handbook), and leaves the details to the following section on roles and responsibilities.
23.4 Roles and Responsibilities for incidences
Separated out details based on roles into a new section.
Functional change
None. Updated language for clarity.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.
23.4.2 Marshal's courts
Removed Marshal's Court.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Also, consistent with the removal from Corpora of "Courts" dealing with behavior or incidents.
25.5 Marshals review
Added "Decisions made by the marshal-in-charge remain in effect until reviewed by the next level in the chain of command."
Funcational Change
None. This was originally included in the Marshal's Court section. Moved to this section.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.

Changes in Chapter 24 - Marshalate - Overview

24
Moved "Authorization of Marshals" to this section, so all requirements for becoming an authorized warranted marshal are in one chapter.
24.1 - General
Added and subsequent rules renumbered.
1. Society events that include martial activities must have at least one warranted marshal, designated by the marshal of the sponsoring branch, in attendance and responsible for those activities.
2. For a martial discipline to be included at a Society event, there must be a warranted marshal for that discipline.
Functional change
Reminder of requirement from Corpora II.D that there must be at least one warranted marshal responsible if martial activities are to occur. In order for a particular discipline to occur, at least one warranted martial for that discipline is required.
Reason for change
Clarified in response to feedback received.
24.2.2 - Warranted marshals
Greater Officer replaced with Great Officer, for consistent terminology with Corpora wording.

Changes in Chapter 26 - Authorization of marshals

Content moved to be part of Marshalate - Overview. This Chapter has now been replaced by Chapter 26 - Kingdom marshalate which is where kingdoms include their kingdom's marshalate structure and authorization procedures for this discipline.

24.1.9
Was
Roster warrants are acceptable, and must be updated and signed a minimum of once per reign or every 6 months, whichever is shorter.
Now
Roster warrants are acceptable, and must be updated and signed a minimum of once per reign.
Functional change
Removes the time limits and links signing to the reigns.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Some kingdoms have 7 months between reigns. Simplifies the process, as the goal is once per reign.
24.4 Expiry and renewal
Was
Marshal authorizations expire after 4 years.
Now
Kingdoms may determine the authorization period of marshals, but not exceed 4 years.
Functional change
Changes the set time limit to a maximum, and creates flexibility for kingdoms.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.

Changes in Chapter 25 - Marshalate - Responsibilities and chain of command

25.1 - Chain of command
Was
The basic chain of command (people responsible or accountable for actions and decisions) for the marshalate is :
Now
The basic chain of command (people responsible or accountable for actions and decisions, ranked from lowest to highest) for the marshalate is:
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Clarify order of chain of command.
25.2 - Definitions - Discipline
Was
The martial form. Current SCA martial disciplines: armored combat - rattan, armored combat - steel, equestrian, fencing, siege, target archery, thrown weapons, youth combat
Now bulleted list
The martial form. Current SCA martial disciplines include:
  • Armored combat - Rattan
  • Armored combat - Steel
  • Rapier combat
  • Cut and thrust combat
  • Combat archery
  • Target archery
  • Siege engines
  • Thrown weapons
  • Equestrian
  • Youth combat
Functional change
Fencing was replaced with Rapier combat and Cut and thrust combat
Reason for change
Consistent with wording in Corpora.
25.3.5.2 - Marshal-in-charge of the event
Added
They must be a warranted marshal (any discipline).
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.6.2 - Other marshals
Added
They must be a warranted marshal.
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.7.2 - Kingdom Deputy Earl Marshal for a discipline
Added
They must be a warranted marshal for that discipline.
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.8.2 - Principality Earl Marshal and 25.3.9.2 Kingdom Earl Marshal
Added
They must be a warranted marshal (any discipline).
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.10 - The Crown/Coronet
Was
The Sovereign and Consort are not in the marshalate chain of command or appeals, but may be consulted on decisions at their level, and should be informed of outcomes.
Now
1. The Crown approves and signs all marshal warrants and rosters, as one of the signature authorities for those documents.
2. As is in the Rules of the Lists:
a. All participants in martial activities must be presented to, and be acceptable to, the Crown or their representative(s).
b. The Crown may bar any weapon, armor, or equipment from use upon the field of combat or designated area for martial activities.
3. They provide support to marshals during incidents, as needed.
4. The Crown are not in the marshalate chain of command for appeals, marshalate-issued sanctions, or for decisions that require a warranted marshal. However, they may be consulted on decisions at their level and should be informed of outcomes.
Functional change
Added and clarified the roles and responsibilities for the Crown.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. The Crown has several roles within the overall chain of command.
25.3.11.2 - Society Deputy Marshal for a discipline
Added
They must be a warranted marshal for that discipline.
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.11.4 - Society Deputy Marshal for a discipline
Was
They are responsible for suspending/revoking authorizations or warrants of participants for their discipline, if required.
Now
They can suspend/revoke authorizations or warrants of participants in their discipline, if required
Functional change
Responsibility for sanctions typically falls to the kingdom marshallate of that participant, but higher level marshals have the right to sanction if there is cause.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Changed to clarify responsibilities.
25.3.12.2 - Society Deputy Marshal for a program
Added
They must be a warranted marshal.
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.13.2 - Society Marshal
Added
They must be a warranted marshal (any discipline).
Functional change
Added requirement.
Reason for change
Consistent with requirement inclusion in other marshal roles.
25.3.13.5 - Society Marshal
Was
They are responsible for suspending/revoking authorizations or warrants of participants for their discipline, if required.
Now
They can suspend/revoke authorizations or warrants of participants in their discipline, if required
Functional change
Responsibility for sanctions typically falls to the kingdom marshallate of that participant, but higher level marshals have the right to sanction if there is cause.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Changed to clarify responsibilities.

Changes in Chapter 27 - Inspecting equipment

27.2 - Inspection requirements
Was
Check that minors are appropriately marked. See When you are allowed to participate
Now
Removed.
Functional change
Not a required inspection item.
Reason for change
Marking of minors has been removed from Society rules.
27.5.2.7 - Crossbow
Metric conversion of 4 inches added.

Changes in Chapter 28 - Marshaling on the field

28.3.1 Marshaling single combat / general
Was
As noted earlier, marshaling has three parts of nearly equal importance: safety, fair witness, and showmanship. Excessive concern for any of these, to the neglect of the other two, will make fighting less enjoyable for all concerned.
Now
There are three near-equal priorities in marshaling; safety, fair witness, and showmanship. Overemphasizing any one of these at the expense of the others will tend to make the fighting less enjoyable for everyone (although, if you must go overboard on one, pick safety).
Functional change
None. Both of these wordings appear in the old handbook but in different sections.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Of the two, the other instance of this wording was preferred as it emphasized safety over showmanship.

Changes in Chapter 29 - Inter-kingdom events

General change
Changed "war" to "event"
Functional change
Includes multi-kingdom events, not just wars
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.
29.3.2.4 - Before battles
Added
As calibration varies between kingdoms, a calibration check should be carried out between fighters from different kingdoms before starting any combat. The standard should be agreed and communicated in advance by the marshals."
Functional change
Adds calibration check
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Calibration levels vary between kingdoms, and a similar step is typically done in tournaments.

Changes in Chapter 30 - Reporting requirements

30.1.1 - Injuries, incidents and adverse events - General
Was
Injuries
Now
Significant injuries
Functional change
Clarified significant injuries vice every injury, consistent with the examples.
Reason for change
Updated from feedback.
30.3.5.2, 30.3.6.2, 30.3.7.2 - Officer reporting
Was
include a brief account of what was done, to whom, and why.
Now
include a brief account of what happened, who was involved, and what actions have been taken as a result
Functional change
none
Reason for change
Updated from feedback. Clarified language on actions to take.

Changes in Chapter 31 - Experimentation

Earls Marshal
"Earl Marshals" replaced with "Earls Marshal" as the correct plural
Metric conversion updated
Metric conversion updated to millimeters and significant figures

Changes in Chapter 32 - Handbook updates

32.1.1.3 - Overview - Applicable policies
New text added
Now
The official and authoritative versions of these rules are the PDFversions held at www.SCA.org / Documents.
a. The online versions serve as a resource for easy online access for reference, and also provide a wiki engine for PDF editing and cross-handbook version control. Updated versions of handbooks, once approved, are downloaded as a PDF for record keeping.
b. Change logs for each version are included with each update, and also archived online.
Functional change
Added key policy on official documents per Corpora.
Reason for change
Updated after feedback.
32.1.2 - Overview - Online versions and access
Was
Wiki instances and access
Now
Online versions and access
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Updated after feedback. The term "Wiki" created confusion about the version control.
32.1.2.3 - Overview - Online versions and access
Was
Affiliates can have separate wiki instances to ensure handbooks and changes are approved according to the processes required by their governing body, and meet the requirements of local real-world laws
Now
Affiliates can have separate instances to ensure handbooks and changes are approved according to the processes required by their governing body, and meet the requirements of local real-world laws.
Functional change
None
Reason for change
Updated after feedback. The term "Wiki" created confusion about the version control.
32.2 - SCA Inc (United States) process
"Earl Marshals" replaced with "Earls Marshal" as correct plural.

Completely new version - Approved by the Board of Directors 23 June 2025

The Society Marshal commissioned a complete review of all of the handbooks for all martial disciplines. This has led to a rebuild of them all.

User friendly
The handbooks start with the information that new members need to know, the information you need to be able to participate, then the information for marshals and those who administer martial activities to the back of the document. We have used Plain English as per https://www.plainlanguage.gov/ and other similar standards where we can, though there is room for improvement.
Same template and categories of information
Each discipline's handbook will be structured the same way, so that you can easily find key differences between martial forms. You should find the same kind of information in the same chapters whether you are looking at armored combat, fencing, target archery, etc.
Consistency
Some information should be the same for all martial forms. However, previous handbooks referenced other handbooks and version control created issues and unnecessary differences. Through the use of the wiki-engine, in places where handbooks should have the same content (eg how you report an injury), they now pull the same content from our global pages - rules that are global across all of our disciplines. If those global rules are changed, they will change consistently for all disciplines.
Redline copy isn't available for this first online version
Because we have rebuilt the rules from the ground up, a direct redline version of the rules from the old rules is not possible. However, all of the old rules have been accounted for and tracked in a separate document - many are just reworded for clarity and Plain English, many are now in a different (hopefully better) location. We will also point out the rules that functionally change the way that we play in the summaries below.

Chapter summaries

  1. Introduction to SCA martial activities

    This chapter is one of our global ones that appears in every one of the new Society Marshal's Handbooks for each discipline.

    It contains an overview of all the martial forms, layout of the handbooks, general rules, in or out of kingdom guidelines, and a section for newcomers so they know what to expect when showing up for the first time.

  2. Rules of the Lists

    The Rules of the Lists apply to all of our martial disciplines, so they are global and the same content appears in every handbook.

    Changes to the Rules of the Lists in Corpora were consulted on and approved by the Board of Directors in November 2024.

    The applications of the Rules of the Lists have all been incorporated into their relevant section of the rules.

    Change:

    • The Rules of the Lists were reordered, and the prohibition of missile in tournament lists has been removed. Whether missiles are allowed is now set at the tournament level, and events such as combat archery tournaments can now be held without bending the rules.
  3. Overview of armored combat

    This chapter is a brief description of the discipline, includes some definitions of key terms, a list of the types of activities, and authorization categories. Most of this chapter is new.

  4. When you are allowed to participate

    This chapter is all about when you are allowed to go and fight. It tells you that there are age requirements, sign-in requirements, authorization and inspection requirements, reminds you that you can't use real weapons, includes injury and impairment rules, and reminds you that you can always refuse to particpate.

    Most of these rules were scattered through Sections I-III, and have been reworded without functional change.

    Changes:

    • You must have signed into the event or practice before you can participate to ensure you have completed any required waivers or other documentation.
    • You cannot participate if you are impaired by an injury such as concussion. If you have a concussion, or suspected concussion, do not fight. We have included further information in the chapter on Injury procedures.
  5. Expected behavior and responsibilities

    These are global rules of behavior that apply to all martial disciplines - follow the rules, behave in a chivalrous manner, etc. These rules were variously scattered through the old handbook, and have been gathered together and reworded. There are no functional changes.

  6. Activity guidelines

    This chapter provides newcomers with descriptions of our activities and competitions. This topic was missing in most martial handbooks, making it very hard for people to know what we actually did. It includes a brief historical reference for each activity.

  7. Conventions - Holds

    This chapter includes what everyone needs to do when a hold is called, so some of this content is global, regardless of the discipline. We have also gathered all of the rules about what you are allowed to do, or not allowed to do during a hold in armored combat.

    There aren't any functional changes to how we manage holds, though we have added some common conventions from the kingdoms and remind you that anyone can call hold.

  8. Conventions - Rules of engagement

    This chapter includes rules and default standards that apply to when you are allowed to attempt to strike someone. Some were scattered throughout the old handbook, and rules of engagement for major wars were often codified. However, this section is mostly new at the Society level.

    Changes:

    • There are now stated rules for engagement at Society level. These were not included previously.
    • If your kingdom allows killing from behind, it must be the prescribed way. We don't want to have different expectations of how it is done in different kingdoms.
  9. Conventions - Use of weapons and defensive equipment

    This chapter gathers together all of the rules about what you can hit someone with, and attempt to stop them from hitting you.

    Changes:

    • We have clarified that you are not allowed to grasp the striking portion of your opponent's weapon, their shield, bow or crossbow during combat.
    • Clarification that if your hands are appropriately armored, you are allowed to grasp any part of your opponent's weapon that is not a striking surface.
    • Clarified that if you are holding a weapon in an appropriately armored hand, or your weapon has a basket hilt, you can deliberately block with that hand or the basket hilt without losing the limb.
    • Added a rule that your shield (when controlled by your hand) is considered invulnerable to all strikes, except those from siege class munitions.
    • Removed the prohibition of using a weapon while carrying a pavise not in your hand. They are treated as any other shield while you are carrying them.
  10. Conventions - Target areas

    This chapter covers where you are allowed to hit someone. These rules haven't functionally changed.

  11. Conventions - Acknowledgement of blows

    This chapter covers what to do when you have been hit - what counts as a good blow, and what your response is to being struck.

    Change:

    • We have removed the ability for kingdoms to decide whether the presumed armor standard includes a chain drape or not - an acceptable cut or thrust to the face must always be substantially lighter than you would take to any other part of your body. An effective thrust to the face remains a directed touch.
    • An effective thrust to your hip or shoulder is not considered fatal, only wounding.
    • The caveat "If the force of the blow causes the weapon to be dropped, the rule shall be suspended" was removed.
  12. Equipment standards - Armor

    All of the standards for armor are in this chapter. This now includes the definitions for rigid materials that were buried in the glossary previously.

    Changes:

    • We now refer to "heavy leather" by thickness/weight and stiffness as our different handbooks had different definitions of "heavy leather". We have also removed the requirement for the leather to be oak tanned as this is not readily available in many places, and the tanning process is not the defining characteristic.
    • We have increased the required steel thickness for some construction techniques for helms.
    • Blind rivets have been added to the rivet types that you can't use in primary construction.
    • We have removed the rule about not attaching face guards to the interior of the helm as there are valid and sound ways to do so.
    • Added a strong recommendation to wear at least 11/64 inch (4.4 mm) or 11 oz thick stiff leather with 1/4 inch (6 mm) of closed cell foam or equivalent padding under mail used as neck protection - eg a gorget
    • Added a strong recommendation to wear some kind of body armor to protect your ribs not already covered by your kidney protection. Broken ribs are as common as forearm fractures.
    • You must now have full elbow and hand and wrist protection behind a shield, regardless of how far they are from the edge of the shield. The "4-inch" rule has been removed as the elbows and hands were not sufficiently protected behind a shield.
    • Added a strong recommendation to wear forearm protection.
  13. Equipment standards - Handheld weapons

    This chapter is all about handheld weapons. It includes definitions of the weapon types, a general section on construction, and then specifics on single-handed weapons, two-handed weapons, and spears.

    Changes:

    • Handheld weapons must attempt to represent a weapon used pre-17th century. This replaces the rule about swords needing to have a hilt etc. There are period weapons that could be represented by rattan, that don't have hand guards. etc Hand protection can be provided in other ways. Participants should also attempt to make their rattan resemble a period weapon, eg by adding a crossguard etc.
    • There have been some changes to weapons with heads:
      • The rules about ultra-lightwight shaped foam heads and split rattan construction heads not requiring 1/2 inch of progressive give if their striking characteristic are similar to a single piece of rattan now also applies to single-handed weapons with a head as well as two-handed. Note that weapons with a head made from a single piece of rattan must be padded so that they are not made of only rigid materials. Laminated rattan construction will require padding.
      • Pick heads must be made from a flexible material. Rattan cannot be used in the construction on the pick head.
      • To ensure that the punching force is not directly behind the striking surface, the entire grip area on the haft of a weapon with a head must be below any and all portions of the striking surface
      • Restraints are required on hafted single-handed weapons, except in melee combat if safe to not require it (eg it couldn't reach spectators), or if a back-up weapon.
  14. Equipment standards - Defensive equipment

    This chapter has information about construction of shields and pavises. Other handbooks have more variety to their defensive equipment, but this chapter is quite short for armored combat with rattan.

  15. Equipment standards - Ranged weapons

    This chapter gathers all of the construction standards for weapons used to strike someone at range, though siege construction remains in its own handbook. There are no functional changes.

  16. Equipment standards - Missiles

    Combat archery ammunition used to take up most of the chapter on weapons standards, so we have made a chapter to gather the construction standards for missiles.

    Change:

    • All ammunition must now include the owner's branch in addition to kingdom in order to assist in returning it to the owner.
  17. Designated areas

    Each of our handbooks will have a section on the requirements and considerations for the areas set aside for the activity. Eg. in the Target Archery Handbook, this would be the range set-up information. We have gathered all of the rules that related to the spaces that we fight in.

    Changes:

    • Combat must only occur in an area that has been designated for combat. Ie, you can't do pick up fights wherever you feel like it, check with the marshal-in-charge first.
  18. Authorization

    Many of our martial disciplines require you to officially demonstrate competence and the required level of safety before allowing you to participate in competitions or other activities outside of formal training. We have gathered the rules about authorizing that relate to all disciplines that require authorizations, so this content is global. There is a separate chapter on an example processs that each kingdom can use for authorizing someone for armored combat.

    Changes:

    • Kingdoms were required to establish an authorization procedure, but now they have the option of using the provided process or creating their own.
    • We've updated the rules to account for online systems.
    • If you move to another kingdom, your previous authorizations are only valid for 6 months. After that you must renew your authorizations under your new kingdom's processes. This makes sure that you are in their databases for administration, and that you have learned the differences in rules for your new kingdom.
    • We have added a process that allows you to authorize in things that your kingdom does not do, through another kingdom, as long as both the Kingdom Earl Marshals and their relevant deputies agree.
    • The Kingdom or Principality Deputy Earl Marshal for armored combat can also conduct minor authorizations for armored combat if they are an authorizing marshal.
    • We have added a 2-person integrity rule for new or significantly lapsed authorizations. Two people need to sign off on your authorization. We have added a video option for if you don't have an authorizing marshal close to you.
    • Authorizations expire after 4 years. There was previously no limit at Society level if you continued to have a valid waiver on file.
    • You must demonstrate your competence in the practical components, and be re-tested for your theory knowledge at least every 4 years to maintain your authorization. The rules change every few years, and we need to know that you are aware of the changes.
    • Although we require two people to sign off on new or significantly lapsed (eg more than a year) authorizations, renewing an existing or recently expired authorization only requires one warranted marshal who can authorize participants in order to complete the process.
  19. Authorization process example

    This chapter is an example of an authorization process that kingdoms can use for armored combat rattan authorizations. Unless a kingdom includes their own process that meets the required standards, this is the process that needs to be included in their rules.

    Changes:

    • The example has been changed to reflect the "2 person integrity" rule. All authorizations require 2 people in that activity to sign off.
      • At least 1 person is a subject matter expert in both content and process (warranted marshal in that activity)
      • The 2nd person must be currently qualified in that activity (ie. warranted marshal or authorized participant).
      • An award or title does not verify that a person is currently warranted or authorized, so the member of the Order of Chivalry was removed from the example.
    • As authorizations are now required to expire, we have includes a process for fighters to renew their authorizations. It must include a theory test on the current rules, particularly any that have changed in the past 4 years, and your practical competency can be demonstrated through the course of normal combat that your authorizing marshal has personally seen recently, or by repeating the practical test. If there have been any issues since your last authorization, the marshal will review these and confirm that those issues have been addressed.
    • The authorization process no longer implies that sword and shield must be the first authorization. People can authorize in the weapons forms they are safe in.
  20. Accessibility

    This is a new chapter for our handbooks on ways to support inclusion and equity in our martial activities. If you have good examples for ways we can support accessibility in armored combat or any of our other martial disciplines, please get in touch.

  21. Safety resources

    This entirely new global chapter will appear in all of our handbooks.

    It includes information about managing concussions, including a strong recommendation to follow international sporting body guidance that participants who have experienced a concussion be symptom free for 14 days before return to any contact training, and wait at least 21 days (and have been symptom free for 14 days) before return to competitive contact activities.

    We recommend that kingdoms develop heat policies to help prevent heat injury, and air quality policies.

  22. Injury procedures

    How we manage injuries should be consistent across all of our disciplines, so this global chapter will appear in all of the handbooks.

    Changes:

    • The safety of responders has been prioritized. No one else should get hurt in the process of responding.
    • We remind you than anyone can call hold, it doesn't have to be the marshal.
    • We have removed the requirement to get the event marshal-in-charge's permission to remove an injured person from the field. Medical personnel dealing with an injured person must be able to respond as they need to. Requiring extra time to locate specific SCA personnel, especially at a large event, is problematic.
    • If your injury involves free flowing blood, you must leave the field immediately and you are not allowed to return until the flow of blood has been stopped.
      • Any weapons or equipment that have visible blood on them must be cleaned before they can be used again.
    • If your injury includes any level of suspected concussion (even without loss of consciousness), we strongly recommend you follow international sporting guidance on managing your return to the activity - ie. be symptom free for 14 days before return to any contact training, and wait at least 21 days (and have been symptom free for 14 days) before return to competitive contact activities.
    • If your injury includes a period of unconsciousness, you will not be allowed back onto the field for remainder of the event (including multi-day events) and you are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention as loss of consciousness due to injury is a medical emergency.
    • Injury reporting requirements are covered in the chapter on Reporting requirements.
  23. Managing misconduct

    How we deal with issues in our activities should be consistent across all of our disciplines, so we have a global chapter in all of our handbooks about how to manage when there is unacceptable behavior and people break the rules.

    Changes:

    • Many sports include a mechanism for removing and excluding a player (being sent-off) for misconduct for a period of time, or a game or two, such as football/soccer's red cards, or ejection from a gridiron football game or baseball, benching a player, etc.
    • If there is unacceptable behavior, whether as a participant or a marshal, a marshal can decide that you are no longer acceptable to be on the field, and exclude you from taking part for a period of time.
    • We have provided marshals with escalating levels of options for managing misconduct, and articulated the processes and reporting required, and the process for appealing if you think someone got it wrong. Revocation of authorization was a significant step that many marshals were unwilling to take. Options for managing misconduct now support managing someone losing their temper because they just need some water and a snack, through to "you can't fight at this event," and up to revocation of authorization.
    • A marshal for a bout can stop the bout and send someone off.
    • The marshal-in-charge of the activity (eg a tournament) can remove someone from that activity.
    • The marshal-in-charge of armored combat at the event can remove someone any further participation in armored combat at the event.
    • The marshal-in-charge of the event can remove someone any further participation in any martial activity at the event (even a multi-day event).
    • Any disciplinary action that would last longer than an event will escalate to the Kingdom or Principality Deputy for Armored Combat or higher for your kingdom.
    • Only the Kingdom or Principality Deputy for Armored Combat or higher for your kingdom (or the kingdom that gave you the authorization) can suspend or revoke your authorization. If another kingdom thinks this need to happen, they will make that recommendation to your kingdom's marshalate.
    • We have added processes for marshal's courts as a way to run through the escalation and appeals process at an event.
  24. Marshalate - Overview

    This global chapter gathers the existing information about what marshals can do, depending on whether they have a warrant or not. It's consistent across all the handbooks.

    Changes:

    • Warranted marshals must also be authorized.
  25. Marshalate - Responsibilities and chain of command

    This chapter is common to all disciplines, and lays out the chain of command from a warranted marshal at the bottom to the Society Marshal and the Board of Directors at the top.

    Changes:

    • The escalation paths require subject matter experts to be used to make decisions about a particular discipline. Eg if you are not a warranted and authorized marshal for armored combat for example, you do not get to make decisions about armored combat.
      • This is why the crown is not automatically in the chain of command of the marshalate, as they may not be qualified in other disciplines beyond the one that got them the throne.
      • For roles that include multi-discipline responsibility and accountability (e.g. marshal-in-charge of the event, Principality Earl Marshal, Kingdom Earl Marshal, Society Marshal etc):
        • You should consult a subject-matter expert (SME). You can support the SME recommendation, or, if you disagree with the SME, document the reason.
        • You should verify and document whether the correct procedures have been followed to manage any issues, that the appropriate subject matter experts were involved and actions are justified, and direct any further appeal (if applicable) to the next person in the chain of command.
    • We've use RACI definitions (responsible, accountable, consulted, informed) to help define what our marshals do.
      • At each level we have included:
        • What the role is responsible for
        • Who appoints them
        • What they are held accountable for
        • Who they report to
        • Who keeps them informed
        • Who they consult with, if needed
  26. Authorization of marshals

    This chapter sets out the requirements for authorizing and warranting marshals for armored combat. In kingdom versions of the rules, this would include the information about how the kingdom manages training and authorization of marshals.

    Changes:

    • A reminder of how often roster warrants need to be signed.
    • Marshals must meet Society and kingdon requirements before they can be authorized and warranted. You can't be a marshal just because you are a member of the Order of Chivalry or Defence, or the Crown for example.
    • You must maintain current knowledge of the Rules of the Lists, the conventions of armored combat, and any additional kingdom rules or conventions, as they change or are updated.
    • Marshal authorizations expire after 4 years.
    • You must demonstrate your competence in the practical components, and be re-tested for your theory knowledge at least every 4 years to maintain your authorization. This matches the requirements for other authorizations.
    • You must be an authorized marshal in the discipline you are being warranted for.
  27. Inspecting equipment

    This chapter is barely changed from the previous XV. Equipment inspection guidelines

    Change:

    • We have added an additional method to measure the poundage of a bow, using the True Draw Length, as used by manufacturers.
    • We added checking the bolts on shields.
  28. Marshaling on the field

    This chapter gathers all of the information about marshaling combat, including tournament single combat, melees and battles. Many of the rules in this chapter are not rigid requirements, but an attempt to help clarify and to provide examples of acceptable methods and procedures. Check which rules use "must", and which use "should".

  29. Inter-kingdom events

    This global chapter applies to wars, where mulitple kingdoms need to negotiate how they will play together in all disciplines, where there would otherwise be conflicting rules between kingdoms.

    Changes:

    • We remind the marshal-in-charge that they need to brief marshals and ensure all combatants are aware of the rules that will apply to their equipment, armor and weapons standards and conventions at the war. Briefings need to pay particular attention to inter-kingdom differences.
    • If information has been published previously, and then changed at the event, this will need to be included in briefings.
    • Equipment inspections should have particular emphasis on any modifications due to conflicting kingdom standards.
    • The marshal-in-charge of the war should work with the stewarding team to connect to notification services in case there is a need to inform the event of a safety or schedule change. The Crowns of the assembled kingdoms are also an excellent resource to notify their populace.
  30. Reporting requirements

    This global chapter occurs in all of the handbooks and includes injury and incident reporting, event reporting requirements, and officer reporting requirements.

    There were up to 5 different reporting processes and timelines for injuries, depending on the martial handbook, which caused confusion to multi-discipline marshals and participants.

    Changes:

    • There are a range of issues that can occur at events or practices that must be reported. This includes:
      • Injuries (examples include, but are not limited to: loss of consciousness, major bleed, injury to head, major joint or bone injury)
      • An incident or injury which required a combatant to retire from the field, even briefly
      • Anything involving calling emergency services to the site
      • Weapons, armor, or equipment failure
      • A serious safety issue that could have caused injury (a near miss)
      • Conduct/behavior issues
    • Marshals involved in the response to one or more of these issues that occurred at an event or practice will need to assist with reporting.
    • Serious injuries:
      • Includes all injuries which require hospitalization or similar care, may require future or complex medical care, or include a period of unconsciousness.
      • Must be reported immediately to the marshal-in-charge of the event.
    • All other injuries, incidents and adverse events:
      • Must be reported to the marshal-in-charge of the event and the marshal-in-charge of the activity.
      • Must be reported to the kingdom marshalate within 2 weeks and to the Society Marshal within 3 months of the incident.
    • If the incident or injury involves calling emergency services to the site, notify the Kingdom Seneschal immediately.
    • We have included a list of the information that should be included in the incident report.
    • We want to collect information about incidents of misconduct on the field as they help identify low-level but repeating problems. We remind marshals to report these, and how they dealt with them.
    • For officers, we have included who your report needs to go to and what your report should cover. Your kingdom may have additional requirements.
    • Reporting dates have been made consistent across all disciplines:
      • If you are a Kingdom Deputy for a discipline, your quarterly reports are due March 1, June 1, Sept 1, Dec 1.
      • If you are a Kingdom Earl Marshal, your quarterly reports are due March 15, June 15, Sept 15, Dec 15.
      • If you are a Society Deputy for a discipline, your quarterly reports are also due March 15, June 15, Sept 15, Dec 15.
      • These feed into the Society Marshal's reports which are due Apr 1, July 1, Oct 1, Jan 1
  31. Experimentation

    This global chapter is included in all of the handbooks so that the way experiments are conducted is consistent.

    Changes:

    • We have created a standard template to capture neccesary information to approve, track, and monitor programs.
    • There are now 3 levels of administration control, depending on risk and participation levels. Society and Society+Kingdom-level programs provide greater control and risk management, and provide a consistent approach. This enables better management of activities that could have higher risk level through common controls and training. It also better supports activities that may have lower numbers of participation by reducing the burden on local kingdoms with shared marshals and a centralized authorization process/tracking. Kingdom-only is the traditional experimental program method.
  32. Handbook updates

    This global chapter is new for all the handbooks. It includes the process for changing the Society Marshal's Handbooks and how that flows into kingdom handbooks, including their electronic versions held in the wiki.

    Changes:

    • All kingdom additions and changes must be submitted to the Society Marshal or the appropriate Deputy Society Marshal for review and comment. This ensures that kingdoms do not drift into incompatibility or inadvertently allow things that are not allowed at Society-level.
    • When Society rules are updated, kingdoms must update their handbooks within a specified timeframe, though kingdoms can ask for extensions if needed.
    • We have included the process for managing rule changes with affiliate organizations, recognizing that they have different needs and processes.
  33. Glossary

    Many of the terms from the Glossary are now also directly included in the chapters they are relevant for, and new definitions from other chapters have been added to the Glossary.

    If you identify a discrepency between an entry in the glossary and in the rules, use the version in the rules, and let us know so that we can correct the glossary. There should not be rules that affect the way we play hidden away in the glossary!

  34. Change log

    This edition of the change log will be a different to how they look moving forward. Ideally there will be fewer changes to note! In future, they should be in the format of:

    • Rule identification: Which rule is changing?
    • Was: the text of the old rule
    • Now: the text of the new rule
    • Functional change: What does this actually change about the way we do things? Sometimes there's none, we've just come up with an easier way to word it.
    • Reason: Why are we making this change?

    Changes of note will also be noted in the Notes tab linked at the top of the Chapter. This information doesn't appear in the PDF of the rules, but is a record of what changed when and why, so that we can remember that yes, madus were banned between 2013 and 2015, but they are allowed now. It helps future us understand why a rule change was made if we ever think about changing it again.

Changes post approval

Fixing typos, and updating links to be able to navigate within the pdf.

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