Combat Rules Writing Style Guide

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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
  • RMIT = Rapier Marshal-in-Training
  • EqMIC = Equestrian Marshal-in-Charge
  • KEM = Kingdom Earl Marshal (or just Earl Marshal), not Kingdom Equestrian Marshal
  • KRM = Kingdom Rapier Marshal (or Deputy Earl Marshal for Rapier)
  • KEO = Kingdom Equestrian Officer (or Deputy Earl Marshal for Equestrian)
  • SRM = Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier
  • SEO = Society Equestrian Officer (Deputy Society Marshal for Equestrian)

Roles and job titles

  • rostered marshal - when someone needs to be an authorised marshal who is a current member (not an auxiliary marshal)
  • marshal - when any level of marshal will do - eg auxiliary marshal
  • Society Marshal - not Society Earl Marshal. Marshal of the Society is also used.

Avoid 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.