Global:Experimentation

Experimentation

General

1. Experiments with new weapons, materials, and martial formats can be conducted to advance martial activities in the Society. Experiments that modify existing rules and standards can also be conducted.
2. These must be well documented and monitored, with quarterly updates.
3. Before any experiment can be used at Society events or practices, a test plan must be submitted to and approved by the Society Marshal or a designated deputy.
4. Kingdom Earl Marshals can allow limited testing of experiments within a kingdom after they have received approval from the Society Marshal.
   1. Affiliate kingdoms will also need approval from their governing body.
5. Once per quarter throughout the test period, the Kingdom Earl Marshal or Deputy in charge of the program must update the Society Marshal on the progress and results of the testing.
6. At the end of the test period, the Kingdom Earl Marshal or Deputy in charge of the program must provide the Society Marshal with a test summary.
7. The Society Marshal, after consultation with the appropriate Deputy and Kingdom Earl Marshals, must determine if the experiment is suitable for regular inclusion in SCA martial activities.

Plans

1. Experiment plans must include:

   Header

   Program name, point of contact, type of program, and approval signatures (with dates) of the Society Marshal and applicable Deputy Society Marshal

   Overview

   What, why, and historical context.

   Administration approach

   Society level, Society plus kingdom level, or Kingdom level. Includes how the program will be managed and by whom, how participants will be approved, and reporting.

   For materials

   Specifics on construction (e.g. materials used, how it is assembled, etc.).

   Samples should be submitted to the Society Marshal or designated deputy.

   If requested, samples will be returned to the submitting party at the end of the test period, unless otherwise specified.

   For martial formats

   Initial proposed equipment, armor, weapons, and conventions, plus participation and marshal requirements.

   For modifications

   Existing rule/standard, and proposed wording for modified rule/standard.

   Restrictions

   All restrictions that will be imposed on the experiment.

   Risk and mitigation plans

   What risks have been identified and what plans do you have to mitigate them.

   Goals, metrics, schedule

   How will you measure success? How will you measure progress and capture potential issues? What is the timeline (including phases, if applicable).

2. Details in each of these elements could evolve over the course of the experiment, and should be noted in the quarterly reports.
3. Significant changes will need to be re-approved by the Society Marshal or designated deputy.

Allowed limited testing

1. For experimental martial formats, restrictions on participation must be identified in the plan.
2. For weapons and materials, limited testing means the weapon or material is allowed to be used at an SCA practice, tourneys, and in small melees, but only after all participants and marshals have been informed of the weapon or material being tested and that it is not approved for general SCA use.
3. All participants and marshals must consent to the use of experimental weapons or material before combat/activities begin.
   1. If any of the marshals or participants object to the use of the material or weapon, the material or weapon cannot be used in that fight or battle or activity.
4. All experimental weapons and materials must be marked with alternating bands of red and green tape totaling 6 inches (15.2 cm) in length. These bands must be visible while it is being used.

Test summary

The summary must include a recommendation, data and analysis, including participation, injuries or incidences, and any concerns from participants and marshals recorded during the testing.

Administrative controls

Experimental programs can be managed at one of three levels, depending on risk and participation levels. All programs require the approval of the Society Marshal.

• Society level
• Society plus kingdom level
• Kingdom-only level

Society level

1. Used to mitigate higher risks, and to ensure consistency of training and conventions across kingdoms.
2. The Society Marshal (or delegated Deputy Society Marshal) will appoint a Program Deputy in charge of the experiment.
3. Marshals are approved and warranted by the Program Deputy in conjunction with the Society Marshal (or delegated Deputy Society Marshal)
4. Participants are approved by the Program Deputy in conjunction with the Program Marshals
5. The Society Marshal can veto a marshal/participant (with documented cause)
6. The Program Deputy maintains a roster of marshals and participants, and is responsible for data collection and reporting.

Society plus kingdom level

1. Used to mitigate moderate risks, and/or to ensure consistency of training and conventions across kingdoms.
2. The Society Marshal (or delegated Deputy Society Marshal) will appoint a Program Deputy in charge of the experiment, and works with the kingdom marshalate for administration.
3. Marshals are approved and warranted by the Program Deputy in conjunction with the Kingdom Earl Marshal (or designated deputy).
4. Participants are approved by the Program Deputy in conjunction with the Kingdom Earl Marshal (or designated deputy).
5. The Program Deputy maintains a roster of marshals and participants, and is responsible for data collection and reporting.

Kingdom-only level

1. Used for programs with low risk
2. The Kingdom Earl Marshal will appoint a deputy or point of contact to oversee the experiment.
3. Marshals are approved and warranted by the kingdom earl marshal or designated deputy.
4. The kingdom maintains a roster of marshals and participants, and is responsible for data collection and reporting.