Authorisation procedures

General

1. Participants must be authorised to compete in any fencing combat event or to serve as a marshal.
2. To be authorised, participants must pass a verbal and practical combat test to show that they:
   • understand the rules
   • understand the requirements for protective equipment and weapons
   • can fight safely (for a combat authorisation).
3. Special considerations should be made for fencers with unique needs. All fencers must be able to fight safely, but this may take a different form for different people. For example, a person using a wheelchair might not be able to move laterally but might demonstrate the ability to curl defensively rather than stepping out of the way when necessary.
4. The practical combat test includes fencing against another fencer, and is observed and directed by the Authorising Fencing Marshal. In rare circumstances, where there is no other way for the fencer to undertake an authorisation, the Kingdom Fencing Marshal may act as the authorising marshal remotely, observing and directing the combat over a live video.
5. The practical combat test must occur within one month of the verbal test, and must be a dedicated practical combat test - it is not sufficient to simply have seen the fencer fight during a tournament, for example.

Authorising a fencer

1. There are 4 categories of authorisation for fencing in the Kingdom of Lochac:
   • Standard Fencing Combat
   • Cut and Thrust Fencing Combat
   • Spear
   • Rubber Band Gun (for non-fencing combatants)

Assessing a fencer

Authorising a fencer revolves around safety; can the fencer behave in a way that they are unlikely to injure themselves or others?

Assessing a fencer for safety includes the following:

Verbal test

1. Can the fencer explain what protective equipment they should wear, and why it is required?
2. Do they understand the equipment requirements for weapons and defensive objects?
3. Do they know where to ask questions if they should run into any issues regarding an aspect of SCA combat?

Practical combat test

1. Can the fencer advance and retreat safely, moving in a controlled way on uneven ground?
2. Can they use their weapons safely to:
   • attack their opponent and their weapon?
   • score a good blow using a thrust, cut or percussive cut (in a Cut and Thrust authorisation), without hitting too hard?
   • defend against an attack from their opponent?
3. Can they fight safely using either hand?
4. Can they use the different defensive objects safely?
5. Can they demonstrate the correct actions when a hold is called?
6. Can they fight safely:
   • from their knees or sitting?
   • when their opponent is on their knees or sitting?
7. Can they continue to fight safely when their opponent is advancing rapidly or retreating?
8. Can they properly acknowledge a good blow?
9. Can they fight safely against multiple opponents and as part of a team? (Note: this should be tested if it is possible, allowing for the number of available fencers to take part in the authorisation bout.)
10. Can they perform a "kill from behind" as described in the melee rules?
11. Can they "kill a gunner" as described in the rules?

Assessing a Gunner

A gunner is a non-fencing combatant who is authorised to use a rubber band gun.

Assessing a Gunner for safety includes the following:

Verbal test

1. Can the Gunner explain what protective equipment they should wear, and why it is required?
2. Do they understand the equipment requirements for a rubber band gun?
3. Do they know where to ask questions if they should run into any issues regarding an aspect of SCA combat?

Practical combat test

1. Can the Gunner use their rubber band gun safely, including loading, re-loading, and targeting and firing at their opponent?
2. Can they demonstrate how to safely discharge their rubber-rubber band gun when a hold is called?
3. Can they respond correctly to a fencer using the "killing from behind" or "killing a gunner" rules?

Authorising a marshal

There are two categories of authorised marshals in the Kingdom of Lochac:

• Fencing Marshals
• Authorising Fencing Marshals

Fencing Marshals

Note: Fencing Marshals do not have to be authorised fencers.

Fencing Marshals are responsible for inspecting fencers to ensure that their protective equipment and weapons meet the requirements of these rules. They must be authorised by an Authorising Fencing Marshal. The marshal authorisation should include a verbal test to show that the marshal understands:

• the rules
• the requirements for protective equipment and weapons
• calling a hold and dealing with safety issues
• how to escalate matters through the chain of command.

The authorisation should also include a practical test to show that the marshal is able to properly conduct an inspection of a fencer's protective equipment and weapons. This test may include a scenario where the fencer's equipment or weapon does not meet requirements.

Authorising Fencing Marshals

Note: Authorising Fencing Marshals must be authorised fencers. They also must be authorised in a category (for example, Cut and Thrust Combat) to be able to authorise a fencer in that category. They must also have a current authorisation card to conduct an authorisation.

Authorising Fencing Marshals are responsible for authorising fencers to take part in combat, or authorising marshals. An Authorising Fencing Marshal must be authorised by two Authorising Fencing Marshals. The marshal authorisation should include a verbal test to show that the marshal understands:

• the rules
• how to escalate matters through the chain of command.

The authorisation should also include a practical test to show that the marshal is able to properly conduct an authorisation, working with an authorised fencer acting as a candidate. This includes:

• running the verbal test
• supervising the combat test
• deciding whether to pass or fail the candidate, providing the reasons for doing so
• recommending a course of action for a candidate who fails.

This test may include a scenario where the candidate deliberately fights outside the rules to test the marshal's awareness and understanding. (This must be planned between the two combatants, so that safety is maintained).