Events: Conventions of Combat

Tentative Rules of the Lists
Conduct In Combat
The Use of Weapons and Shields
Acknowledgement of Blows
Major Alterations to SCA Rules

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II. TENATIVE RULES OF THE LISTS

The basic rules for armored combat are contained in these Rules of the List. These Rules cover both tourney and non-tourney field activities such as wars, combat archery, and period fencing. In practice, the Rules have been extended to cover these activities, with the observance of honor and prevention of serious harm being the overriding elements. All combatants shall recognize that each is responsible for his or her own safety and should generally assist all others in this pursuit as allowed. The following is intended to bring together the appropriate rules for conducting most combat activities.

A. These Rules of the Lists are adapted from Appendix 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 himself 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 of combat and satisfied himself or herself that it is suitable for combat.

Other participants shall likewise recognize the risks involved in their presence on or near the field of combat, and shall assume unto themselves the liabilities thereof.

2. No person shall participate in Combat-Related Activities (including armored combat, period fencing, combat archery, scouting, and banner bearing in combat) unless they are satisfied they are safe from harm within its confines.

3. All combatants must be presented to, and be acceptable to, the Sovereign or his or her representative.

4. All combatants shall adhere to the appropriate armor and weapons standards; and shall adhere to the conventions of combat.

5. The Sovereign or the Marshallate may bar any weapon or armor from use upon the field of combat. Should a Marshal bar any weapon or armor, an appeal may be made to the Sovereign to allow the weapon or armor.

6. 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 lists is not to be considered a challenge, and therefore may not be declined or rejected without forfeiting the bout.

B. Applications of the Rules of the List

Ref Rule 1 : “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.

Ref Rule 2 : The Crown and/or Marshallate shall establish standards and procedures for the authorization of fighters to participate in combat. The Crown may not simply grant an authorization, unless the recipient has successfully completed the authorization process as delineated in law. As these rules are adapted from the rules of the SCA, an SCA authorization will be considered sufficient.

Ref Rule 3 : If a fighter regards an opponent's weapon or armor as unduly dangerous to face, he or she can request the Marshal of the field to re-inspect the item. Either fighter has the option of appealing the decision of the re-inspecting Marshal to the Marshal-in-Charge and ultimately to the Sovereign.

Ref Rule 4 : Engaging in any combat activity with the deliberate intent to inflict bodily harm to an opponent is strictly forbidden.

Ref Rule 5 : No one is required to engage in combat should he or she prefer not to do so.

Ref Rule 6 : The use of archery, firearms, slings, javelins, throwing axes, throwing knives, or any other projectile is forbidden in any situation where spectators cannot be separated from the potential line of fire by more than the effective range of the weapons.

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