Youth Martial:Rapier General Information

Youth Rapier Combat - General Information

1. Divisions
   1. Kingdoms may have as many divisions, as they deem appropriate. Divisions may be based on age, type of weapon, or weapon style. Kingdoms shall follow modern law from local jurisdictions as necessary when setting age divisions.
2. The Marshallate recognizes that some youth will be very small or very large for their age, and that some will mature earlier or later than others. Younger combatants may be moved to a higher division or older combatants may be allowed to remain in a lower division, on a case-by-case basis, at the request of the parent and with the approval of the marshals.
3. Acknowledging that there might be a limited number of youth combatants at an event or practice, combatants may fight others in another division with the following provisions:
   1. Permission of the combatant's parent or responsible adult.
   2. Permission of the Marshal-in-Charge.
   3. Older combatants must adhere to the weapon standards and rules of the younger combatants being fought.
4. Society rules allow a minor, aged at least 14, to authorize in Adult Rapier Combat. Minors may continue to fully participate in Youth Rapier while training for adult combat. When minors become authorized in adult rapier combat, they will be deemed to have graduated from Youth Rapier and may not participate in Youth Rapier tournaments, except as bye fighters (i.e. not eligible for prizes). They may still participate in Youth Rapier training activities and are encouraged to become Youth Rapier Marshals if allowed by their Kingdom.
5. Kingdoms may establish policies allowing adults to train and spar with youth combatants. Parents may always spar with their own children. See "Adult Training of Youth at Official SCA Activities" in the Marshal's Section for more information.
6. Authorizations
   1. Each kingdom shall establish a procedure to authorize combatants for participation in Youth Rapier Combat activities.
   2. There are three categories of rapier combat, each requiring separate authorization. Each Kingdom may decide which categories of rapier combat they will permit in their rules. These categories are:
      1. plastic rapier
      2. light rapier
      3. heavy rapier
   3. Except where noted, rules apply to all three forms of rapier combat.
   4. Cut and Thrust Rapier is not an authorized form in Youth Rapier.