Equestrian:Inspecting equipment - General information

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.