Youth Martial:Introduction
Introduction & Overview
Mission & Goals
The mission of Youth combat programs is to provide a safe and fun environment where the youth of the SCA can participate in martial activities, mirroring adult Armored Combat and Rapier Combat, at a level appropriate to their age. The goal is to introduce and reinforce the ideals of chivalry, honor, courtesy, service, and heraldic pageantry, both on and off the list field. The program stresses good sportsmanship and parental participation. It is designed to allow the youth to learn more about all aspects of the Society and above all, HAVE FUN!
General Conventions
Youth Martial activities are regulated by SCA, Inc. Kingdoms are responsible for implementing Youth Martial programs and are responsible for establishing procedures for youth combatant authorization, and the warranting of marshals. Youth Armored Combat and Youth Rapier Combat may be organized as separate disciplines at the kingdom level.
These rules set fundamental standards for minors, ages 6 thru 17, participating in youth combat activities in the SCA. They are designed to allow use by the Kingdoms of the Society as basic rules, to which Kingdom-specific preferences can be added. In keeping with Corpora, Kingdoms retain the right to add rules establishing more restrictive standards. All fighters and marshals are responsible for knowing these rules, as well as the additional rules of their Kingdom.
Rules are designed to promote safe youth combat in the Society. However, no matter how clear or accurate, rules cannot replace common sense, good judgment, and concern for the participants. If a question arises when applying these standards, choose the answer that promotes the greatest degree of safety for all participants. These rules and guidelines apply to all Youth Combat activity age divisions. Specific differences between the divisions are addressed in the appropriate sections.
The basic rules for SCA martial combat are contained in the "Society Armored Combat Marshal's Handbook" and the "Society Fencing Marshal's Handbook". Those guidelines apply to Youth Combat activities unless superseded by this document.