Equestrian:Inspecting equipment

Inspecting equipment

General information

1. At each event, the equestrian marshal-in-charge must arrange for the inspection of all armor, weapons, and equipment to be used.
   1. This in no way relieves individuals of their responsibility for following the weapons, armor, and equipment standards.
   2. Marshals are not responsible for inspecting tack.
2. The purpose of our rules, standards and inspections is to reduce the chance of injury for those who participate. Even with those rules and standards, all of our martial activities can lead to injury.
3. As a participant, you have the ultimate responsibility for the condition and safety of the armor and weapons and equipment and tack you use at all times.
   • This includes periods between bouts, between competitions, and day to day at a multi-day events.
   • Items that were perfectly serviceable at the beginning of the day or at the previous event could have broken since, and even the most experienced fighter can occasionally forget some piece of armor.
   • The marshal's inspection is intended to provide a second pair of experienced eyes and an outside point of view.
4. As a marshal, you are not guaranteeing or certifying that anything is completely safe, or that its use is without risk.
   1. The primary responsibility for the safety of weapons and armor remains with the participant.
   2. You are inspecting to see whether the items (armor, weapon, how the armor sits on the participant, etc.) complies with our published standards or not.
   3. Weapons, armor or equipment that do not comply with our standards must not be used.
5. If you (as a warranted marshal) do not believe that the weapon or armor or equipment is safe, do not let it be used regardless of whether it meets all other requirements.
6. When in doubt, ask for a second opinion from another warranted marshal. Only a warranted marshal is allowed to make final decisions about weapons, armor and equipment.
7. Properly carrying out your duties as an officer of the SCA and a marshal will indemnify you in case the corporation or its officers (of which you are one) are sued.
8. The inspections outlined below are merely examples. It does not necessarily include checks for additional requirements that your kingdom may have added.
   • Marshals are encouraged to use their best judgement to conduct any aspect of an inspection more thoroughly.
   • If there is a difference of opinion between the equestrian and the inspecting marshal, the equestrian can appeal through the marshalate chain of command.

Sample armor inspection

1. Armor inspection must be done with all of the armor on the body of the participant who is going to wear it. It is not otherwise possible to get an accurate idea of what is covered and what is not, or where gaps could occur as they move.
2. Check that the participant has the appropriate level of protection on the appropriate parts of the body.
3. When inspecting a participant's armor, you might not be able to see every part of armor. In these cases, ask them about their armor to determine if they know the rules and are, per their assertion, armored accordingly.
   1. It might be necessary to ask the participant to adopt a pose or mount their horse in order to see that there is sufficient coverage in their armor.
4. If a part of the inspection requires you to touch the participant, for example to check for proper helm or mask fit, ask for and receive their permission before you do so.

Sample helm/mask inspection

1. Check that the materials meet the rigid material standard, and are without excessive rust or dents that weaken the material.
2. Check that there is sufficient coverage to protect the bones of the skull and face.
3. Check the helm/mask off the head. Look inside for any substantial protrusions and check that there is sufficient padding or an adequate suspension system to keep the participant's head from contacting any rigid surface.
4. Check the helm/mask on the participant. It is frequently necessary to push or pull on the helm/mask to ensure it won't be dislodged and that no metal will contact the wearer's face during normal combat or jousting. Tell the participant what you are going to do as you work through the inspection.

Sample inspection for skill at arms weapons and equipment

The safety standards vary greatly depending upon the type of weapon and how it is used. All inspections and decisions should be made with the following considerations:

1. Check that the weapon is in good repair. (e.g. doesn't seem like it will fall apart with use).
2. Check that it is made of appropriate material (non-brittle materials, e.g. metal, wood, synthetic simulators).
3. Weapons must be of a size and weight that allows them to be used safely and controlled by the person wielding it.
   1. How balanced is the weapon? The weapon should not be awkward to use or throw.
   2. Is the weapon either excessively light or heavy for the person using it?
   3. Is the weapon either excessively short or long for the person using it?
   4. Is the distance this weapon will travel appropriate for the range where it is being used?
4. Shafts - check for major cracks, burrs or rough surfaces that could cut or give splinters to an unprotected hand.
5. Swords - check that quillons and pommels do not have sharp or pointed ends.
6. Metal tips
   1. Check that they are firmly attached to the shaft.
   2. If thrown, is it sharp enough to stick in the target?
7. Axes - check that the handle is firmly attached. Sliding heads are not allowed.