Armoured Combat notes:Combat Authorisation Requirements

Senior Marshals - July 2013

Changes to the Marshal's Handbook in 2013 created Senior Marshals and Auxilary Marshals.

Only Senior Marshals can perform armoured combat authorisations.

Auxilary Marshals (from the Marshal's Handbook)

The auxiliary marshal role replaces the marshal in training role from previous Lochac rules.

An auxiliary marshal is a person who knows the basics of observing combat and how to move around safely on the combat field. They are not expected to be able to operate independently as a marshal.

The purpose of the auxiliary marshal role is to create a large pool of people authorised to assist the marshal of the field with observing and controlling combat, and to allow a person to gain the training and marshalling experience required to become an authorised marshal while under the supervision and instruction of authorised marshals.

If you are an authorised combatant you are automatically an Auxiliary Marshal as well (unless you are under 18). You can authorise as an Auxiliary Marshal without being a combatant; see: Authorisation of auxiliary marshals.

Auxiliary Marshal authorisations are separate for each type of combat (eg armoured combat, rapier, etc). For example, an armoured combat authorisation grants an Armoured Combat Auxiliary Marshal authorisation, but not a Rapier Auxiliary Marshal authorisation.

Auxiliary marshals are not Rostered Marshals.

An auxiliary marshal may:

1. Be a Field Marshal
2. Inspect armour and weapons under the direct supervision of a Rostered Marshal.

An auxiliary marshal may not:

1. Be Marshal in Charge of a field, or event
2. Inspect armour and weapons (except under the supervision of a Rostered Marshal)
3. Make rulings on equipment, revoke authorisations, or act in any marshallate capacity not specifically allowed in the rule above

Exemption for minors - May 2018

Lochac has an exemption from Society rule: I B 6. 6. "Minors engaging in combat with adults shall be marked in the following manner: A single yellow diamond no larger than 1inch (25.4 mm) but no smaller than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) to be placed on the front hemisphere of the helm (preferably on or near the inspection sticker). Minors competing with adults in Rapier will have the same diamond on the cuff of the glove of their dominant weapon hand."

Minors engaging in combat activities in Lochac are not required to wear such markings.

Medical authorisation form not required specifically for combat - May 2019

The guardian (parent or court appointed guardian) or a Nominated Caregiver must be present at ALL events with the minor, whether the minor is participating on combat or not. The Australian form for nominating a caregiver is available at the URL: http://sca.org.au/board/documents/policy/child-protection/nomination-of-caregiver. The New Zealand form is available at the URL: https://sca.org.nz/sites/sca.org.nz/files/docs/forms/Event_Sign_in_form_Minors.pdf

Heavy Combatant authorisation process also grants Plumed Participant authorisation - May 2019

A Heavy Combatant authorisation allows the participant to engage in heavy combat with melee weapons and to take the field as Plumed Combatant or Plumed Auxiliary.

Plumed Participants need additional authorisation - May 2019

To act as a Plumed Combatant and take an active offensive role on the field, a fighter also needs another weapon authorisation such as thrown weapon, combat archery or siege engine. Plumed Participant on its own only allows a fighter to act as a Plumed Auxiliary (banner bearer).