Armored Combat:Accessibility

Accessibility

If it can be safely done, it should be done.

Marshals should recognize that not all disabilities are visible.

Medical documentation is not required.

Accessibility issues are to be handled with courtesy, respect, and confidentiality.

General

1. The SCA is committed to promoting inclusion and equity in our martial activities. Safe and approved variations to weapons, equipment, and conventions are allowed for enabling participation.
2. Upon request, marshals should make reasonable accommodations, within limits of safety, for adaptive equipment or conventions. Only a warranted marshal can make this determination.
3. Please reach out to your kingdom and local branch Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) officer and marshals to explore options.

Accommodation examples

To provide a starting place for discussion, the following examples are a partial list of approaches that have been used.

1. Authorization - requesting a verbal test rather than a written test, and vice versa.
2. Fighting from a seat or platform (must be safe for the type of combat)
3. Legged: stay standing, and the struck leg is planted/not moved
4. Hand signals or flags

Other best practices

1. Locations for practices and events should:
   1. be in safe neighborhoods with safe routes to get there
   2. include well-lit parking areas
   3. have bathrooms large enough to change clothes in, for all genders.
2. Dedicated warm-up time at tournaments: Have 30-45 minutes of dedicated warm-up time before tournaments, with dedicated marshals and identified practice fighters to make it easy to find a sparring partner.