Rapier:Authorization process example - Authorization procedures - Practical test

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.