Combat Rules Writing Style Guide

Acronyms

Avoid acronyms in the rules, they are a barrier to understanding. The SCA is a well-established concept so can be used, including as SCA Inc, SCA Ltd and SCANZ

• MIC = Marshal-in-Charge
• RMIC = Rapier Marshal-in-Charge
• EqMIC = Equestrian Marshal-in-Charge
• KEM = Kingdom Earl Marshal (or just Earl Marshal)
• KRM = Kingdom Rapier Marshal (or Deputy Earl Marshal for Rapier)
• KEO = Kingdom Equestrian Officer (or Deputy Earl Marshal for Equestrian)

Gendered language

We are a Society of very diverse people, so should avoid using gendered terms. Use the singular they.

• his or her = their
• he or she = they
• himself or herself = themself (use themselves for more than one person)
• him or her = them
• My Lord/My Lady, you are slain = Fighter, you are slain

Fractions and decimals

• Use fractions when using inches (the decimal numbers get weird)
• Use decimals for metric units.

Plain English

To make your content easy to understand, use plain English:

• Use clear and straightforward language.
• Use the active voice.
• Use positive language wherever possible.
• Be direct and concise.
• Begin instructional headings with an active imperative verb.

Use these simple words to help make your content clear and easy to understand:

Use…	Not…
about	regarding in regard to in respect of relating to with reference to
after	following on subsequent to
agree	are in agreement
ask	enquire
because of	as a consequence of
before	prior to
by or from	on the basis of
by or under	in accordance with pursuant
changed or move	transition
developing	the development of
done	undertaken
end or stop	discontinue terminate
except for	with the exception of
for	on behalf of
help	assistance facilitate
is	constitutes
more	further
most	the majority of
question	enquiry
so	accordingly
start or begin	commence
taking into account	with due regard to
to	in order to
try	attempt
use	usage utilise employ

Hyphenation

Hyphenate when two words need to be taken together to describe (modify) another word (noun). Hyphenate words that have to be taken together to make sense.

Hyphenate examples	Don’t hyphenate examples
sign-off tasks	The marshal will sign off the paperwork.
Callum is the Marshal-in-Charge of the tourney	Find out who is the marshal in charge of this bout.
easy-to-read document	The document is easy to read.
re-sign (sign again)	resign (give up)
this is the up-to-date version of the rules	The rules are up to date.