Rapier:Handbook

Rapier Handbook

Download a PDF of the Society Marshal's Rapier Handbook The Board approved this handbook June 23, 2026. These rules will come into effect September 22, 2026 If you have questions or comments, please email rapier@sca.org and marshal@sca.org
Download a PDF of the Society Marshal's Fencing Marshals' Handbook - January 2024 which is valid until September 22, 2026

I want to fight	I want to marshal	Administration	Other resources

Introduction

1. Introduction to SCA martial activities *
2. Rules of the Lists *

Participants - I want to fight

3. Overview of rapier combat
4. When you are allowed to participate
5. Activity guidelines
6. Expected behavior and responsibilities *
7. Conventions - Holds *
8. Conventions - Rules of engagement
9. Conventions - Use of weapons and defensive equipment
10. Conventions - Target areas
11. Conventions - Acknowledgement of blows
12. Equipment standards - Armor
13. Equipment standards - Metal bladed weapons
14. Equipment standards - Spears
15. Equipment standards - Defensive equipment
16. Equipment standards - Ranged weapons
17. Equipment standards - Missiles (Ammunition/Munitions)
18. Designated areas for combat
19. Authorization *
20. Authorization process example

Participants and Marshals (Resources, injuries, problems)

21. Accessibility *
22. Safety resources *
23. Injury procedures *
24. Managing misconduct *

Marshals - I want to marshal

25. Marshalate - Overview *
26. Marshalate - Responsibilities and chain of command *
27. Kingdom marshalate
28. Inspecting equipment
29. Marshaling on the field

Administration - I want to run the thing

30. Inter-kingdom events *
31. Reporting requirements *
32. Experimentation *
33. Handbook updates *

Other information

34. Appendix - Drop tester
35. Change log

*Contains Global rules common to all disciplines