Rapier:Authorization process example

Authorization process example

Unless they create their own process, kingdoms will use the following:

Authorization procedures

Requirements

1. This authorization procedure is for new authorizations and significantly lapsed authorizations.
2. This authorization procedure requires:
   1. The candidate, who has experience or trained enough to be ready to authorize,
   2. A marshal, who is warranted to conduct authorizations for rapier combat in the kingdom,
   3. An opponent, for the practical test. This should be an experienced authorized fighter.
   4. The two person integrity rule must be met requiring the presence of:
      1. The warranted marshal conducting the authorization
      2. Witnessing fighter/marshal - a warranted marshal or an authorized participant in that weapon form/activity/discipline to act as a witness and provide a second opinion. They can also be the opponent used for the practical test.

Documentation

1. The candidate must show the authorizing marshal any required documentation, such as waivers, and fill out any relevant paperwork/forms.

Theory test

1. This can be a written or verbal test. The marshal will assess the candidate on:
   1. The Rules of the Lists,
   2. Kingdom-specific rules,
   3. Expected behavior and responsibilities,
   4. The conventions of combat for the discipline / activity / weapon form they are authorizing for:
      1. What to do during holds
      2. Rules of engagement
      3. Use of weapons and defensive equipment
      4. Target areas
      5. Acknowledgement of blows
   5. Equipment requirements (such as weapon and armor standards) for the activity or weapon form they are authorizing for.
      1. Does the candidate know and understand the rules for what armor they should wear, and what makes it allowed?
      2. Does the candidate know and understand what armor or items are not allowed under our rules?
      3. Does the candidate understand what weapon(s) they may use, and what weapons they may face in combat?
   6. Does the candidate know where and when to ask their questions if they have any questions regarding an aspect of SCA combat?

Armor and weapons check

1. The marshal will inspect the candidate's armor, weapons, and equipment.
2. If any armor, weapon, or equipment fails the inspection, it will need to be fixed or replaced before continuing.

Practical test

Please note that special considerations may be made for candidates with unique needs. All candidates must be safe to themselves and others, but this can take different forms for different candidates. For example, a candidate in a wheelchair might not be able to move laterally but could demonstrate the ability to curl defensively rather than stepping out of the way when necessary.

Sparring

1. The candidate and their opponent must calibrate before sparring.
2. For the first few minutes, the candidate and their opponent can either fight at 1/2 to 3/4 speed and verbally acknowledge all blows landed, or alternate between defensive only and offensive only.
3. The candidate will be assessed for safety including:
   1. Basic technique - can they deliver and receive a variety of blows without the risk of injuring themselves or their opponent? (Note - they don't need to be good, just safe.)
   2. Ability to defend themselves safely.
   3. Ability to follow the marshal's instructions.
   4. Ability to call blows when hit - including "good" and the appropriate location, and identifying blows that are "too hard" or "harder than necessary".
   5. Safe movement. Can the candidate move without tripping on uneven ground, or slipping on a smooth surface? While it is not usually possible or practical to test the candidate on multiple ground types, the marshals should rely on their experience to assess the candidate based on what they see during the authorization.
   6. Safety during combat. Does the candidate remain safe (both their own safety and in terms of not posing a hazard to their opponent or others) in various combat conditions, including an opponent who is retreating, rapidly advancing, or who stops during a retreat?
4. If this portion of the authorization is not satisfactorily completed, the authorization procedure will be stopped. The participant will be told of the problems observed and given instructions on how to correct the problems.

Formal combat

1. If the sparring portion was completed satisfactorily, the candidate will then fight an opponent in one or more tournament-type bouts, acknowledging the effects of blows appropriately until one of them is defeated.
2. The candidate will be assessed for safety including:
   1. The same things they were looking for during the sparring portion.
   2. Whether they can apply the conventions of combat.
   3. How they react to full speed blows.
   4. Whether they react appropriately under pressure.
   5. Whether they can maintain control and their temper.
3. The marshal and the witnessing fighter/marshal will discuss the candidate's performance. They may ask for further bouts or demonstration of technique.

Passing the test

1. If the authorizing marshal and witnessing fighter/marshal agree that the candidate has met the requirements, the marshal will notify the candidate that they are now authorized.
   1. The marshal conducting the authorization will ensure all documentation required by the kingdom is properly completed.
   2. The properly completed forms need to be sent to the kingdom official responsible for issuing and tracking authorization. When these properly completed forms are received by the official, proof of authorization will be issued (this may be a physical card, or a digital database). The newly-authorized participant should receive proof of authorization within one month. If not, they should contact the kingdom official.
2. If the marshal decides not to authorize a candidate, they will explain why, and what the candidate needs to work on to succeed next time.

Re-authorization procedure

1. This re-authorization procedure is for renewing an existing or recently expired authorization.
2. This re-authorization procedure requires:
   1. The candidate, who has enough experience or training to be ready to authorize.
   2. A marshal, who is warranted to conduct authorizations for rapier combat in the kingdom.
3. Regardless of how recently the fighter's authorization has lapsed, the authorizing marshal must test the fighter on their knowledge of the rules, particularly any rules that have changed within the last 4 years.
4. If the authorizing marshal has not seen the participant fight recently enough to confirm that they still meet the required competencies, observe them during combat and confirm that they are still competent, or run through the practical test.
5. If a fighter has been sanctioned (e.g. had their authorization removed or suspended), the authorizing marshal must confirm that the issues relating to the sanction have been addressed.