When you are allowed to participate

Age requirements

To be authorized as a combatant or marshal in adult armored combat with rattan weapons, you must be at least sixteen (16) years old.
If you are a minor (under the age of majority in the jurisdiction where the event is held):
1. Before you can participate at any event (including practices), your parent or legal guardian will need to execute a waiver, indemnity, or other required document. Minor waiver forms are available in the sca.org document library
2. You must have a parent or legal guardian present, or have a properly executed document designating some adult person present at the event as able to authorize medical treatment for you in the case of any emergency in your possession. Minor medical forms are available in the sca.org document library
3. Your parent or your designated adult must remain on site of any practice or event and be able to be reached easily and immediately.
4. Minors engaging in combat with adults must be marked with a single yellow diamond no larger than 1 inch (25.4 mm) but no smaller than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) with a black capital letter "Y", placed on the front hemisphere of the helm (preferably on or near the inspection sticker).
No minors (under the age of majority in the jurisdiction where the event is held) may be warranted as a group marshal, or the marshal-in-charge of an event.
Kingdoms are allowed to establish additional limitations on the participation of minors if it is necessary.

To participate in any SCA martial activities at events, including SCA practices, you must complete any sign-in requirements. These include:
- Signing a general waiver, or showing proof that you have one on file (for example, proof of current membership).
- For minors, additional documents may be required.
- For kingdoms outside of the United States, waiver requirements vary.

You must be properly authorized under Society and your kingdom-of-residence requirements and processes prior to participating in armored combat activities at SCA events and demos.
1. If you are not authorized, you are allowed to participate in formal training sessions. These include classes and practice sessions at events and SCA practices, under the supervision of a marshal.
Before engaging in any combat at an SCA event or practice, your weapons, equipment and protective gear must be inspected and approved by a marshal warranted for this purpose and activity. This includes training and pick-ups.
Even though a marshal inspected your weapons, equipment and protective gear, you accept full responsibility for the condition of your own equipment. You have the obligation to yourself, the marshals, and all opponents, to see that your equipment meets all Society and kingdom requirements.

You must not be present in the designated area for armored combat as a combatant while carrying any live (sharp) weapons such as knives.
If you are marshal or other non-combatant, you can carry a sharp knife as long as it is secured so that the blade cannot be accidentally exposed.

You are not allowed to participate with impaired judgment, which includes:
1. being impaired by an injury such as a concussion.
2. being impaired by alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter medication, or illegal or controlled substances.
You are not allowed to participate with an injury with free-flowing blood.
1. If you suffer an injury involving bleeding, you must leave the field immediately.
2. You must have the wound cleaned and dressed before you return to the field. Any equipment that has visible blood on it must be cleaned before it can be used again.
3. Refer to Injury procedures for more information.

You do not have to engage in any Society martial activity if you don't want to.
You can refuse a challenge, decide not to take part in a bout, or decide to withdraw from combat. If you are in a competition, refusing a challenge might result in you forfeiting the bout.
If you believe that your opponent's weapon or armor is unsafe, you can ask a marshal to reinspect the item.