POLICIES OF THE EARL MARSHAL OF ÆTHELMEARC 

POLICIES FOR YOUTH FENCING

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I.                    THESE POLICIES ARE IN ADDITION TO SOCIETY LAW AND POLICY.  IN THE CASE OF ANY DISCERPANCY, SOCIETY POLICY TAKES PRECEDENCE.

II.                  ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE:  

A.      Youth fencing activities within the Kingdom of Æthelmearc are regulated and jointly monitored by the Kingdom Seneschal, the Kingdom Chancellor of Youth Martial Academy, the Kingdom Marshal of Fence, and their authorized deputies.

B.      The head of the Youth Fencing Academy is a Kingdom-level deputy officer, responsible to the Kingdom Marshal of Fence, the Kingdom Chancellor of Youth Martial Academy and the Kingdom Seneschal, called the Provost of the Youth Fencing Academy. 

C.      The Provost of the Youth Fencing Academy will supervise the activities of officers under him/her who head up the various activities in the program. These officers include Regional Deputies, if deemed necessary and Youth Fencing Marshals, specifically warranted in their particular activity, and under them, the minor participants themselves. 

D.      Requirements for an office within the youth fencing academy:

                                                 1.      You must be a warranted fencing marshal and maintain your warrant for the duration of your tenure in office. 

                                                 2.      You must be 18 years of age or older. This will be assumed to be true, but proof will be required should there be reason to suspect otherwise.

                                                 3.      You must be a member of the Society at any level and have access to the Kingdom newsletter at your place of residence. Your membership must be maintained, without lapse, for the duration of your tenure in your office.

                                                 4.      You must have a valid mailing address and telephone number. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances. Access to e-mail is desirable.

                                                 5.      You must agree to fulfill the duties of the office and be acceptable to your Kingdom-level superiors.

                                                 6.      You must be officially appointed to the office as outlined below. The Kingdom Seneschal and/or Kingdom Fencing Marshal reserve the right to refuse to appoint any particular individual to office. Should a request to be appointed be denied, the Kingdom Officer issuing the refusal shall advise the candidate and the Crown in writing of the reasons why he/she was refused.

E.       Appointment of regional deputies: The Provost of the Youth Fencing Academy may appoint Regional Deputies to oversee the youth martial program on a regional level. Candidates must meet the requirements for office outlined above and be specifically authorized as Youth Fencing Marshals.

F.       Appointment of youth fencing marshals:

                                                 1.      You must meet the requirements for office outlined above and be specifically authorized as a Youth Fencing Marshal.

                                                 2.      You must request appointment to the office by notifying the Provost of the Youth Martial Academy and providing him/her the following information:  SCA and legal names, full mailing address and telephone numbers (and e-mail address, if applicable), and proof of membership (e.g., a copy of your membership card or mailing label from the Kingdom newsletter).

                                                 3.      You must have passed any required background checks required by the SCA.

G.      Reporting requirements:

                                                 1.      Regional Deputies will submit a written report of activity to the Provost of the Youth Martial Academy quarterly by the 1st of February, May, August, and November. Youth Fencing Marshals are not required to submit written reports, but are strongly encouraged to if they have been MIC at an event or involved in anything they feel requires a report.

                                                 2.      The Provost of the Youth Martial Academy shall submit a written report of activity to the Kingdom Fencing Marshal and Kingdom Seneschal quarterly by the 15th of February, May, August, and November. This report shall consist of compiled reports from the Regional Deputies, Youth Fencing Marshals and a summary report of the Provosts own activities for the quarter. 

                                                 3.      Other reporting responsibilities for all Fencing Academy officers and marshals include authorization reports, as necessary, and injury reports. Any injuries incurred by participants must be reported by telephone or in person to the Provost for Youth Fencing and the Kingdom Fencing Marshal within 24 hours of the injury. If neither can be reached, contact the Kingdom Seneschal directly. The verbal report must be followed up by a written report sent to the Kingdom Fencing Marshal and the Kingdom Seneschal within 10 days of the incident, with a courtesy copy to the Provost of the Youth Fencing Academy.

H.      ENFORCEMENT OF MINOR POLICIES:

                                                 1.      It is the responsibility of the group seneschal, in cooperation with the Youth Fencing Marshals that Current Society and Kingdom minor policies are adhered to at all events, youth fencing practices, and youth fencing at any event held within the group's area. These policies must be clearly communicated to anyone manning troll at any event. 

                                                 2.      All signed minor waivers are to be collected and given to the Youth Fencing Marshal in charge of that event, practice, or activity. In the case of regular practices, the signed minor waivers must be included in the packet sent regularly to the Kingdom Waiver Secretary as per your group's current guidelines. The annual minor consent to participate and any waivers signed in conjunction with a tournament (not site waivers) or event activity must be included in the event MOL's Tourney Report and sent to the kingdom MOL Office in a timely manner. 

III.               PARENTAL/LEGAL GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES:

A.      Parents/legal guardians must observe rapier combat, and be aware of the risk of injury inherent in this martial art, and sign a statement explicitly acknowledging the above. 

B.      Parents/legal guardians must behave in a courteous and responsible manner at all times. Disruptive parents and youth fencers may be asked to leave the Lists area. 

C.      Parents/legal guardians must understand that this is a contact sport and injuries may occur. Parents/legal guardians are strongly advised to have their child seen by their healthcare provider before allowing them to participate in this activity.

D.      Parents/legal guardians are required to read and understand the guidelines set forth in this handbook before signing any waivers.

E.     If a parent cannot be at the event and wishes to assign someone as a responsible party in their stead (where it is allowable by the site rules), the parent must provide the Youth Marshal with a minor medical authorization form which can be found on the Youth Combat website and includes the following information; Parent/Guardian name, child’s name, name of responsible party, any allergies or medical conditions the child may have and full contact information. It is suggested that this form be notarized for the safety of all involved. (Youth marshals acting in their capacity as marshals may NOT be designated as responsible parties!)

F.       If the minor is ejected from the lists for any reason, the minor will be turned over to the custody of the responsible party. If for any reason the responsible party is unable to be located, the parent/guardian will lose the privilege of assigning another person to be the responsible party in the future.

G.      The marshallate strongly recommends that minors engaged in youth rapier activities have and FRS radio or other means of contacting the parent or responsible party should the need arise.

H.      Youth rapier marshals are not babysitters, and are not responsible for supervising minors participating in youth rapier activities.

IV.                YOUTH FENCING MARSHALLATE GUIDELINES

A.      Authorization to marshal adult fencing activities does not automatically make you a youth fencing marshal.  A separate authorization is required to marshal youth fencing activities.

B.      Marshallate Structure  

                                                 1.      A Youth Fencing Marshal is a person at least eighteen (18) years of age who: 

a.       Is a warranted fencing marshal. 

b.       Meets the requirements for office as outlined above, has been approved of by the Provost of the Youth Fencing Academy, and has passed any required background checks for working with youth.”

c.        Has the responsibility of training youth fencers.

d.       Is authorized to marshal on the youth fencing list.

e.        Is authorized to inspect weapons and armor for youth fencing.

f.        Has the power to authorize participants as outlined in the Section III-B. 

g.        Is responsible for youth fencer practice in his/her geographical group.

h.       Is responsible for maintaining files on youth fencing activities within his or her group and reporting as required.

i.         Has the reporting duties consisting of Waivers, Injury and Authorization reports, as they are necessary.

                                                 2.      At least one Youth Fencing Marshal is required for any practice or tournament bout. 

                                                 3.      The Youth Fencing Marshal is responsible for attempting to ensure safety, including, but not limited to, inspecting weapons and equipment, warning participants of inappropriate or dangerous behavior, and if necessary, removing a participant from the field. 

C.      Disciplinary Actions 

                                                 1.      The Youth Fencing Marshal is in charge of the field. Violations of the rules, safety regulations, or other inappropriate or unsafe action will be dealt with by the Youth Fencing Marshallate in an appropriate way. Disciplinary actions may include a simple caution, a warning, removal from the field, removal from the tournament or practice, or suspension of authorization. 

                                                 2.      The Youth Fencing Marshals may bar anyone who they feel is disruptive from the vicinity of the list field. 

                                                 3.      Any action that involves removing a participant or a parent/legal guardian from the field, tournament, or practice, must be reported to, and is subject to review by, the Provost for the Youth Fencing Academy. 

                                                 4.      Only the Crown, the Earl Marshal, the Kingdom Fencing Marshal, or the Provost for the Youth Fencing Academy may suspend the authorization of a participant from youth fencing for a specified length of time. 

                                                 5.      All injuries, in addition to being included in regular reporting, must be reported by telephone or in person to the Provost for the Youth Fencing Academy and the Kingdom Fencing Marshal within 24 hours of the injury. If none can be reached, contact the Kingdom Seneschal directly. A written report must be sent to the Kingdom Fencing Marshal and the Kingdom Seneschal within 10 days of the incident, with a courtesy copy to the Provost for the Youth Fencing Academy. Youth Fencing Marshals who fail to do their job or who create a dangerous situation on the field will be subject to the same disciplinary actions as participants and parents/legal guardians.

                                                 6.      If a dispute arises at an official SCA event concerning youth fencing activities and it cannot be resolved between the individuals, contact the following people (in order) until the dispute is settled: The Youth Fencing Marshal in charge of the youth fencing activities at the event. The Provost of the Youth Fencing Academy. The Kingdom Marshal of Fence   The Kingdom Chancellor of Youth Martial Academy and/or Seneschal of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc The Crown.

V.                  AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURES

A.      Authorization for youth fencing activities.

                                                 1.      In authorizing new participants, an appropriate Youth Fencing Marshal shall question the participant on legal target areas, the amount of force necessary to deliver and call a blow, proper weapon and equipment standards, rules of the list, and the Conventions of Youth Field Conduct, as outlined in this handbook.

                                                 2.      The Youth Fencing Marshal shall have the participant fight an authorization bout with another child who is authorized in the same division. If one is not available, a child authorized in a higher division may be substituted for an opponent. If a suitable youth opponent is not available, the second warranted Youth Marshal may fight the authorization bout.

                                                 3.      During this portion of the authorization, the warranting Youth Fencing Marshal should observe the candidates‘ ability to control the field, how they recognize problems, and their reactions to problems encountered during the bout, and how they react under pressure. If the candidate cannot comply with all of the above requirements, then the candidate does not pass. Polite, constructive criticism is encouraged to assist the candidate in correcting shortcomings. 

                                                 4.      Qualifications for Authorization.

a.       The youth fencer will have read and understood the rules and armor requirements of Æthelmearc youth fencing. 

b.       The youth fencer poses no unnecessary risk of injury either to his opponent or to himself. 

c.        The youth fencer can define and demonstrate some defensive capability (a minimum of two or three parries), including the use of the off hand for defense.

d.       The youth fencer can define and demonstrate some offensive capability other than just a direct attack. 

e.        All youth fencers must authorize in single light rapier as their first weapons form. 

f.        Two warranted Æthelmearc youth marshals must be present to authorize a youth fencer.

g.        Separate authorizations are necessary for each rapier form: Single Rapier, Rapier and Rigid Parry, Rapier and Dagger, Rapier and Non-Rigid Parry, Case of Rapiers.

h.       The youth shall demonstrate the ability to protect himself or herself at all times and the ability to throw controlled shots and receive shots properly. 

i.         Upon completion of these events, the Youth Fencing Marshals shall decide whether or not they were completed satisfactorily. If there is any doubt as to the individual's ability, the individual shall not be authorized at that time. 

j.         Authorization cards will be sent to the parent or legal guardian. The Youth Authorization must be signed by the Earl Marshal of Æthelmearc!  Cards must be presented to the Youth Fencing Marshal in charge or the list official before any bouts begin. A properly completed SCA General Membership Waiver must be given to the authorizing Youth Fencing Marshal before the Authorization Card will be issued. Authorizations are for one year or until the youth turns 18 (at which point they may authorize in the adult fencing program).

                                                 5.      Non-authorized participants may participate in practice as long as the Youth Fencing Marshal has a properly executed (by the parent/legal guardian), consent to participate wavier. 

                                                 6.      All participants must be authorized before participating in any tournament. The parent/legal guardian needs to keep the temporary form from the authorization paperwork to ensure that the youth will be allowed to participate at events before he or she receives a card.

VI.                GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: 

A.      Participants must be at least 12, but no more than 17 years old to participate in Æthelmearc Youth Fencing. 

B.      Whether in practice or at a tournament, no youths will participate in Youth Fencing unless they have a duly executed youth fencing waiver on file. 

C.      Participants must be authorized by the youth rapier marshallate to participate in a youth rapier tournament. 

D.      Though youths need not be authorized to practice, a warranted youth rapier marshal must be present and a parent/legal guardian must sign a youth fencing waiver. 

E.       Prior to every combat, tournament or practice, all combatants shall insure that their equipment is safe, in good working order, and has been inspected by a warranted youth fencing marshal of Æthelmearc. 

F.       Youth Fencers will not be allowed to participate in any adult fencing tournament or fencing activity, but Warranted Youth Marshals will be allowed, with parental consent, to fence with youth participants for training purposes. 

VII.             WEAPONS SPECIFICATIONS

A.      Weapons Specifications for Youth Fencing shall be the same as those published in the Kingdom Rules for Rapier Combat. 

VIII.           COMBAT CONVENTIONS AND WEAPON FORMS

A.      Combat Conventions shall be the same as those published in the Kingdom Rules for Rapier Combat.

B.      Weapons Forms shall be the same as those published in the Kingdom Rules for Rapier Combat. 

IX.               ARMOR REQUIREMENTS

A.      Armor Requirements for Youth Rapier shall be the same as those published in the Kingdom Rules for Rapier Combat with the following important exceptions:

                                                 1.      Head and Throat:  All youth shall wear a gorget which consists of rigid material (a minimum of at least 8-oz. top-grain leather, although gorgets made of metal are strongly encouraged) covering the entire throat, and shall be backed by either puncture resistant material (as a hood), one quarter inch (1/4") (6 mm) of open-cell foam, or their equivalents. Gorgets worn over a hood or other substantial fabric padding will be considered to meet this requirement. The cervical vertebrae shall also be protected by rigid material, provided by some combination of gorget, helm, and/or hood insert.

                                                 2.      Female participants must cover the chest area with rigid material.

X.                  AGE DIVISIONS

A.     Youths may begin fencing activities at the age of 10, as long as "in the opinion of the Youth Marshal" the youth exhibits a level of maturity suitable for the List.

B.      Youth Rapier shall be divided into (3) divisions, as follows:

                                                 1.      Youths may begin fencing activities at the age of 10, as long as "in the opinion of the Youth Marshal" the youth exhibits a level of maturity suitable for the List.

                                                 2.      Division 2: (Youths age 10 to 13). The youths may practice with single light rapier and, following authorization in single light rapier, may practice and authorize in rigid and soft parrying devices.

a.       Youths in this division who authorize and excel at these forms may be considered for forms and training in a more advanced age group on a case-by-case basis, and such approval can only be given by the Kingdom Youth Fencing Marshal or his/her designated deputy.

b.       Youths in this division are restricted to one-on-one bouting with other youth (of any division), a Youth Marshal, or an adult designated by a Youth Marshal, so long as a Youth Marshal supervises and observes all bouting.

                                                 3.      Division 3: (Youths age 14 to 17). Youths in the division may fence light rapier in all forms offensive and defensive.

a.       In addition, youths in this division who have more than two years of authorized experience with light rapier may practice melee with similarly authorized youths in this division and/or with Youth Marshals or adult fencers designated by a Youth Marshal, so long as all melee is strictly supervised by a Youth Marshal. Marshals shall make all present aware of youth participation prior to the commencement of melee.

b.       Also, youths in this division who have three or more years significant authorized experience with light rapier and are deemed of a suitable maturity level by a Youth Marshal who has regularly worked with the youth may practice heavy rapier (schlaeger) with a Youth Marshal or with an adult designated by a Youth Marshal so long as a parent or guardian has provided written consent and a Youth Marshal supervises all bouting. Significant experience shall be defined as having attended practice on an uninterrupted regular basis over the course of the youths rapier career, having fenced in at least four tournaments -including at least two outside of his/her home region- and having exhibited strong aptitude for and understanding of the art of rapier to Youth Marshals. Two such youths may bout against one another under the strict supervision of a Youth Marshal with the written consent of a parent or guardian.

C.     In considering the pairing of youths from different divisions, the Marshal must be satisfied the youths are compatible and can safely fence one another. The Marshal may determine it best for a youth to fence an experienced and qualified adult rather than a youth from another division.

d.     In all cases in which minors crosses blades with adults the minors must have the front of their masks/helms marked with a contrasting capital Y of a size clearly visible designating them as a minor.

XI.               WEAPONS AND PARRY DEVICES

A.      Rapiers 

                                                 1.      Foil and epee blades are allowed. They are referred to as ―light rapiers. Youth Fencers are not allowed to use heavy rapiers. 

                                                 2.      Any blade of a given class may only be used against weapons of that class, but NOT against blades of another class (i.e. light rapiers, or foils and epees, may be used against each other and may not be used against heavy rapiers). Daggers may be used against rapiers of either type. 

                                                 3.      Light rapier points must be capped with standard plastic or rubber fencing tips, and must be taped with tape that contrasts in color with the blade and the tip. The tape must not cover the tip. 

                                                 4.      Foil, epee, and saber bells are permitted on light rapiers. Bells with openings large enough to admit a standard, capped light rapier point must be blocked with rigid material. Quillons can be no longer than 12". The ends must be blunted and all edges rounded. Light rapiers with quillons that may trap and/or break a blade are cause for prohibiting the use of the blade. As per Society fencing rules, orthopedic and pistol grips are prohibited without documentation from the fighter's health-care provider. 

                                                 5.      Rapier blades may have a single, gradual curve. Sharp bends, or more than a single curve (S-curves) are cause for prohibiting the use of the blade. 

                                                 6.      All rapier weapons shall be fought as light two-edged weapons with a point. 

                                                 7.      Marshals shall disqualify weapons that are in danger of breaking. 

                                                 8.      All blades must be manufactured by a commercial supplier or an artisan approved by the Society Deputy Marshal for Rapier Combat and the Kingdom Marshal of Fence. 

                                                 9.      Blades will not be altered by grinding, cutting or any other method that could significantly alter their temper, flexibility or durability. The only exception to this rule is shortening or re-threading the tang. 

                                              10.      All blades must be able to pass a flexibility test as follows: Hold weapon parallel to the ground, supporting the handle against a table or bench if necessary. Hang a 3-ounce weight (85 grams) just behind the tip. If the blade of a dagger (out to 18" blade length) flexes visibly (more than 1/4 inch <6 mm>), the blade is sufficiently flexible. For a rapier blade (greater than 18"), the flex must be 1/2 inch (12 mm). 

B.      Daggers 

                                                 1.      The maximum allowable dagger length, pommel to tip, is 25" for a flexi-dagger. 

                                                 2.      Bells, grips, quillons, and blade testing shall follow the specifications for light rapiers.

                                                 3.      Standard thrusting daggers shall be commercial "flexi-blades", "Scottie", or Siloflex brand daggers, which will be capped as rapiers.

                                                 4.      Steel daggers score touches in the same manner as rapiers. 

C.      Parrying Objects 

                                                 1.      Striking any part of the body with any parrying object is strictly illegal. 

                                                 2.      Sharp points, edges or corners are not allowed anywhere on any equipment.

                                                 3.      Devices that predictably or repeatedly cause entangling are not allowed 

D.      Bucklers 

                                                 1.      The allowable maximum area is 315 square inches (20" diameter circle). 

                                                 2.      Bucklers shall be constructed of lightweight, rigid material, such as 1/4" plywood. 

                                                 3.      Buckler edges shall be covered to prevent splintering, and may not be jagged or rough. 

E.       Cloaks 

                                                 1.      Cloak size, shape, and weight are left to the discretion of the user. 

                                                 2.      Soft hem weights such as rope, rolled fabric or leather are permitted. Rigid weights, such as bars, rods, chains or strips of metal are prohibited. 

                                                 3.      Cloaks will be allowed to take multiple hits without being considered to have sustained ruinous damage to the fabric. However, if the marshal sees things getting out of hand, he or she may step in and advise the fencer that the cloak is no longer useful. A thrust or cut will penetrate a cloak and do damage to the fencer. 

F.       Other Parrying Devices: Virtually any object may be used as a parry item, provided that the object poses no threat to the safety of the combatants and will not trap and/or break a blade. Marshal discretion regarding the safety of the parry item is the deciding factor as to whether or not it will be permitted into the list.