Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
Kingdom Of Caid
Combat Handbook
6th edition
The Kingdom of Caid Combat Handbook
6th edition
Revised: April,2006
Forward to the Sixth Edition:
The Combat Handbook of the Kingdom of Caid is a compilation of the Conventions and Standards used by Caid since its inception as a Kingdom and those Rules, Conventions and Standards put forth by the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.The Standards, Conventions and Rules listed herein will become effective and enforceable upon the publication of this Handbook.
Any observations about the Handbook should be directed, in writing, to the Kingdom Earl Marshal for consideration or comment.Please note that although this Handbook may not be perfect, any “faults” found with the Rules of the Lists, Standards or limitations might prove exceptionally difficult to change as many of these rulings are from Corporate and thus can only be changed by the Society Marshal.
My thanks for assistance in the preparation of this Handbook go to the following:
All the Earl Marshals who have preceded me and put into written and printed word the function of the Marshallate over the course of the SCA's 40 year life.Many thanks and praise for the assistance in rewriting and producing version 6.0 goes to Duke Guillaume de la Belgique, Sir Patrick O’Malley, Lady Mora de Buchanan, Lady Iðuna Breiðrazi and many other members of the populace who have endured my “Hey, what do you think of this?” questions.
Sir Drogo FitzWilliam
Earl Marshal ofCaid
Dirk VChamayn II
Rex CaidisRegina Caidis
Copyright (2006) Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
This document is the official Combat Handbook for the Kingdom of Caid.The Kingdom of Caid is a branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), and these combat standards are published as a service to the SCA’s membership.Members of the SCA may copy and distribute this document to other members of the Society so long as copyright credit is given and no changes are made in the text.This is not an official publication of the Society for Creative Anachronism and does not delineate SCA policy.
Table of Contents
FIGHTER SECTION
I.COMBAT AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
A.General
B.Non-Contact Authorization
C.Minor Authorization
II.RULES OF THE LIST
III.CONVENTIONS OF ARMORED COMBAT
A.General
B.Appearance on the Field
C.Additional conventions of Tournament Combat
D.Additional Conventions of Melee Combat
E.Additional Conventions of War Combat
F.Additional conventions of Combat Archery and Thrown Weapons.
IV.THE USE OF WEAPONS AND SHIELDS
K.ACTIVE USE
V.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF BLOWS
A.General
B.Standard SCA style.
C.Counted-Blows Style
VI.ARMOR REQUIREMENTS
A.Armor Construction
B.Shields
C.Visual Summary of Requirements
VII.WEAPON STANDARDS
A.General
B.Rattan Swords
C.Siloflex Swords
D.Mass Weapons
E.Polearms
F.Great Swords
G.Rattan Spears
H.Fiberglass Spears
I.CombatArchery
J.ThrownWeapons
K.Siege Warfare
L.Other weapons
M.Weapon Summary Chart
N.Non Contact Participants
MARSHAL’S SECTION
I.TYPES OF MARSHALS IN CAID
A.Field Marshals
B.TERRITORIAL MARSHALS
C.NON-ADMINISTRATIVE MARSHALS
II.PROCEDURES FOR THE AUTHORIZATION OF MARSHALS
E.MARSHAL
F.SENIOR MARSHAL
G.SENIOR SIEGE MARSHALS
H.REGIONAL MARSHALS
I.RE-AUTHORIZATIONS
J.MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT
III.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A MARSHAL
IV.CONVENTIONS OF MARSHALING
V.BEING THE MARSHAL-IN-CHARGE
VI.CONCERNS ABOUT MARSHALING COMBAT INVOLVING MINORS.
VII.PROCEDURES FOR MARSHALING WARS AND MELEES
VIII.DETERMINANT MARSHALING AT WARS AND MELEES
IX.BEFORE THE WAR
X.PROCEDURES FOR MARSHALING MISSILE COMBAT AND SIEGE WARFARE
XI.COMBAT INJURY PROCEDURES
XII.COMBAT AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURES
C.New Fighters
D.Authorizing Minor Fighters for Armored Combat
E.Re-Authorizations
XIII.EQUIPMENT INSPECTION GUIDELINES
A.General Information
B.Sample Armor Inspection
C.Sample Weapon Inspection
XIV.EXPERIMENTAL WEAPONS AND MATERIALS PROCEDURES
XV.PROCEDURES FOR GRIEVANCE AND SANCTIONS
A.General Problem Solving
B.Grievance Procedures
APPENDIX-A: Definitions
APPENDIX-B: CONTENTS FOR A TERRITORIAL MARSHAL'S QUARTERLY REPORT:
APPENDIX-C: REQUIREMENTS FOR MARSHALS AND ERIC SIZES:
TOURNEY REPORT FORM
INJURY REPORT FORM
WARRANT OF APPOINTMENT TO OFFICE
Minor's Waiver and Informed Consent to Participate in SCA Combat
Medical Authorization for Minors
INDEX(In Process)
FIGHTER SECTION
Because of the significant changes to these rules from version 5 all authorizations must be renewed within two years of the adoption of this rules set (by 04/22/2008). Fighters failing to renew under the procedure outlined in XII.E of the Marshals Section of this handbook (pg. 74) will have their authorization revoked until such time as they can authorize as a new fighter.
I.COMBAT AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS
A.General
1.All persons who wish to participate in SCA combat activities in the Kingdom of Caid must authorize under the Society and Kingdom of Caid authorization procedures. SCA combat activities are defined as armored combat, period fencing, combat archery, marshaling, scouting, and banner bearing in combat. Other activities clearly falling within the scope above are also considered combat-related activities; in Caid this includes Unarmored Combat, Siege Engineer and the 16-17 year old division of Youth Combat. In addition, for record keeping purposes, Equestrian, Target Archery, Thrown Weapons (live steel) and the rest of the Youth Combat divisions will be authorized to participate and issued a Caid Combat Authorization card. Said additional, “non combat”, authorizations may be no more than just collecting the data required for the Marshallate database.
2.All those authorizing combatants for participation in SCA combat-related activities shall verify the candidate is familiar with the following:
a.Rules of the List of the SCA and the Kingdom of Caid.
b.The Armor and Weapon standards of the SCA and the Kingdom of Caid.
c.The Conventions of Combat for the SCA and the Kingdom of Caid.
3.In addition to the above requirements, the candidate must demonstrate that they are able to function on the field in a manner that is safe for everyone on the field.
4.Only a warranted Senior Marshal may be in charge of an Authorization. This Marshal must witness the Authorization and on successful completion of the authorization fill out the authorization form and ensure the authorization is registered with the Minister of the Lists.
5.No authorization card may be issued until a properly completed Waiver is filed with the Kingdom. Being an officer of the SCA and a representative of the Kingdom, Senior Marshal’s shallbe able to issue an authorization card.
6.Authorizations shall be registered with, and kept on file by, the Minister of the Lists. This office shall be responsible for keeping properly completed waivers and issuing combat authorization cards as replacements or if not issued by the authorizing marshal. In addition to maintaining the registration of authorizations, this office shall provide the Earl Marshal with a list of all current Authorization Cardsupon request.
7.Waivers for SCA combat related activities shall be kept on file for seven (7) years.
8.Combat authorizations may be issued for a period of up to, but not exceeding, four (4) years. Authorization cards will expire on the participant’s date of birth.
9.The following activities require authorization in the Kingdom of Caid for Armored Combat.
a.One Handed Weapons
b.Two Handed Weapons
c.Combat Archery
d.Siege Engineer
e.Marshal
f.Senior Marshal
g.Senior Siege Marshal
h.Regional Marshal
See the appropriate additional handbooks for authorizations specific to other combat forms.
10.Authorization cards shall not be issued to persons residing in other kingdoms unless such persons are defined as subjects of Caid by specific royal treaty.
11.For visitors and guests valid authorization cards shall be accepted from outside the Kingdom of Caid as proof of authorization. Those staying in Caid more than 6 months must authorize under Caidan rules.
12.The Sovereign or The Earl Marshal of the Kingdom of Caid may revoke the authorization card of any other kingdom for just and stated cause.
B.Non-Contact Authorization
1.There are NO non-contact combatants in Caid. Combat Archers are full contact participants and other combatants wishing to participate in scouting or banner bearing must authorize in a weapons form.
C.Minor Authorization
1.Minors (16 to 17) may authorize with these additionalrequirements:
a.No person below the age of 16 may be authorized inarmored combat or as a MiT.
b.No person below the age of 18 may be authorized as a Marshal, or Senior Marshal. Nor shall they be warranted as a Territorial Marshal or the Marshal-in-Charge of an event.
c.The parents or guardians of the minor must witness SCA Armored Combat, discuss with a witnessing marshal how it relates to the participation of their child, and execute a “Minor’s Waiver and Informed Consent to Participate in SCA Combat-Related Activities”. The witnessing marshal must be at least a Senior Marshal and must countersign the waiver.
d.The Earl Marshal, a Regional Marshal or a designated Deputy must be the one to approve the minor for all SCA Combat-Related Activities, including practice.
e.At any event in which the minor is involved in SCA Combat-Related Activities the minor must either have a parent, court-appointed guardian of the minor or adult designated on the “Medical Authorization for Minors form”present and in possession of the “Minor’s Waiver and Informed Consent to Participate in SCA Combat-Related Activities”. If the adult designated on the “Medical Authorization for Minors form” is present they must be in possession of the “Medical Authorization for Minors form”. Said “Medical Authorization for Minors form” must designate them as able to authorize medical treatment for the minor in the case of an emergency. It is advised that both forms be notarized. This is not a Marshallate requirement, only an acknowledgement of the legal environment we live in.
f.No minor may enter into any combat-related activities; including practice, until the Earl Marshal, Regional Marshal or designated Deputy has ensured that the above requirements have been met. Once met, the minor may begin to practice. The parent, court-appointed guardian of the minor or adult designated on the “Medical Authorization for Minors form”must ensure:
i.Thatthey are present and watching the combat,
ii.That the properly completed “Minor’s Waiver and Informed Consent to Participate in SCA Combat-Related Activities”is present and available. If the parent or court-appointed guardian is not present, then that the “Medical Authorization for Minors form”is alsopresent and available.
g.Once the parents or court-appointed guardians feel that the minor is properly trained, the minor must be authorized to compete by the Earl Marshal, a Regional Marshal or a designated Deputy. (See Marshal’s section XII.D.) A properly completed “Minor’s Waiver and Informed Consent to Participate in SCA Combat-Related Activities” must be sent to the Lists Minister along with the authorization paperwork.
II.RULES OF THE LIST
The basic rules for SCA combat are contained in the Rules of the Lists. These Rules, however, do not specifically cover non-tourney field activities such as wars, war archery, and period fencing. In practice, the Rules have been extended to cover these activities, with the observance of honor and chivalry being the overriding element, along with the safety of the combatants. The following is intended to bring together the appropriate rules for conducting both tourney field combat and other SCA combat activities.
A.The Rules of the Lists are reprinted from section IX.B. of the Corpora of the SCA.
1.Each fighter, recognizing the possibilities of physical injury to him or herself in such combat, shall assume unto him or herself all risk and liability for harm suffered by means of such combat. No fighter shall engage in combat unless and until he or she has inspected the field ofcombat and satisfied him or herself that it is suitable for combat. Other participants shalllikewise recognize the risks involved in their presence on or near the field of combat, and shall assume unto themselves the liabilities thereof.
“Other participants” include Marshals, and also support personnel whose activities bring them close to fighting in a situation where boundaries are not clearly defined. Heralds, List Pages, and similar officers who leave the field entirely before combat begins are exempt from this requirement, as are Water-Bearers and Chirurgeons who remain in fixed support points outside the tournament field or battle area. Water-Bearers and Chirurgeons who take part in mobile support groups within the overall boundaries of a battle area must receive a basic orientation in field safety, and sign a proper Waiver.
2.No person shall participate in Combat-Related Activities (including armored combat, period fencing, combat archery, scouting, and banner bearing in combat) outside of formal training sessions unless he or she shall have been properly authorized under Society and Kingdom procedures.
Fighters are required to sign in at Lists with proof of authorization prior to start of combat at an event. Lost authorization cards can be replaced by a Lists Officer. For an event without a Lists official present, fighters must be able to show proof of authorization to a requesting marshal.
Any fighter caught using a weapon that they are not authorized to use, at any Society event other than practice, shall be immediately banned from the field until the Marshal-in-Charge can review the situation.
The Sovereign may not simply grant an authorization, unless the recipient has successfully completed the authorization process as delineated in Society and Kingdom law.
The site waiver must be signed at each event unless you possess a BLUE, SCA membership card (which indicates such a waiver is on file).
3.All combatants must be presented to and be acceptable to the Sovereign or His or Her representative.
When not otherwise directed by the Sovereign, the Sovereign's representative upon the field and in all matters dealing with Society combat is the Earl Marshal and by delegation, members of the Kingdom Marshallate.
4.All combatants shall adhere to the appropriate armor and weapons standards of the Society, and to any additional standards of the kingdom in which the event takes place.The Sovereign may waive the additional kingdom standards.
Caid’s rules and conventions of Armored Combat are based on the SCA rules and conventions of Armored Combat. They are in places stricter than the SCA’s version. The Sovereign can waive or modify any rule so long as the result does not conflict with established SCA minimums, or creates a safety issue in the opinion of the Earl Marshal. The Earl Marshal has final say, even over the Sovereign, where a safety issue exists.
5.The Sovereign or the Marshallate may bar any weapon or armor from use upon the field of combat.Should a warranted Marshal bar any weapon or armor, an appeal may be made to the Sovereign to allow the weapon or armor.
All fighters shall have their weapons, secondary weapons, shields and armor inspected by anauthorized Marshal before they begin combat.If a fighter regards an opponent’s weapon or armor as unduly dangerous to face, they can request the Marshal of the field to re-inspect the item.All judgments of armor and weapons can be appealed through the marshals present, up to the Sovereign.Judgment made by the Sovereign may not be appealed during the current reign. The Sovereign may not permit the use of weapons banned or not approved by the Society Earl Marshal. Non-standard construction materials may only be approved, in accordance with published SCA standards, by the Sovereign, Kingdom Earl Marshal, Regional Marshals or the Kingdom Earl Marshal’s appointed deputies.
6.Combatants shall behave in a knightly and chivalrous manner, and shall fight according to the appropriate Society and Kingdom Conventions of Combat.
This is the basic sportsmanship rule for the SCA.Any fighter that, in the judgment of the Marshals, is fighting in an unchivalrous manner, or appears to be unsafe on the field, may be barred from participating in the lists (wars, demonstrations, melees, practice, etc.) until such time as the Earl Marshal or Sovereign can investigate the incident.A fighter should never intentionally take advantage of an opponent's accidental disability.A fighter does not strike the helpless, nor does a fighter seek to harm an opponent intentionally.A chivalrous person does not behave in such a manner that their honor could reasonably be called into question. Fighters should act honorably and courteously toward all, both on and off the field. Engaging in any Society combat activity with the deliberate intent to inflict bodily harm to an opponent is strictly forbidden.
7.No one may be required to participate in combat-related activities.Any combatant may, without dishonor or penalty, reject any challenge without specifying a reason.A fight in a tournament list is not to be considered a challenge and therefore may not be declined or rejected without forfeiting the bout.