Armored Combat:Overview of armored combat

Overview of armored combat

Introduction to armored combat with rattan

Armored combat with rattan weapons is a full contact, non-choreographed recreation of medieval foot combat using clothing, protective armor, and simulated weapons constructed according to SCA standards. Combatants can face each other in single combat in tournaments or can take part in large melee battles with dozens or even hundreds of combatants on each side.

SCA combatants wear real armor and use swords and spears made of rattan or similar materials, springy enough to absorb some of the force of the blow without snapping, and light enough to approximate the weight of a steel weapon. Everyone fighting is presumed to be equipped in a similar manner, with the same effective blows regardless of the actual armor you are wearing. Armored combat with rattan also includes combat archery and siege weaponry used in melees or battles.

Classes of participant

Definitions

1. The term "combatant" or "fighter" is used in these rules to refer to people who are actually fighting.
2. The term "marshal" is used to refer to people who are supervising the fighting area.
3. The term "participant" is used to refer to everyone taking an active role in combat-related activities. Everyone on the field, combatant or non-combatant, is a participant.

Armored combatant

You are an armored combatant if you engage in armored combat. You:

1. Can be targeted by all types of weapon.
2. Can use any type of armored combat weapon if you have the appropriate authorization.
3. Must be at least the age of majority in the jurisdiction of the event or practice, or at least 16 years of age with documented parental consent. See Authorization - Authorizing Minors.

Non-combatants

1. Non-combatants are people, such as marshals, who provide a supporting role to combat or are present on the field during combat without being part of the combat itself.
2. If you are a non-combatant on the field during combat, you:
   1. Are not intentionally targeted by any weapon, but you should be prepared to be inadvertently struck by missiles.
   2. Must have the appropriate protective gear if you remain on the field during war combat with missiles.
   3. Must be at least the age of majority in the jurisdiction of the event or practice. Minors at least 15 years of age are allowed to serve as marshals, with documented parental consent.
3. If you are in a mobile support group (eg first aiders and water-bearers) who remain in the overall boundaries of a battle area, you must receive a basic orientation in field safety from the marshal-in-charge of the battle.

Spectators

1. Anyone present in the general area where combat activities are taking place, but not on the field at the time combat is taking place, is a spectator. This includes, but is not limited to, people such as medics or those providing water, heralds and similar roles who enter the field during breaks in combat, as well as fighters not currently on the field.
2. If you are a spectator, you:
   1. Must obey the instructions of marshals.
   2. Must not enter or remain on the field while combat is taking place.

Armored combat activities

Armored combat activities include:

1. Tournament single combat
2. Tournament melee combat
3. Battles - with or without ranged weapons
4. Combat archery and thrown weapons
5. Using siege engines or structures

Note: Youth armored combat is not covered by these rules.

Authorization categories

1. The minimum authorization categories include:
   • Armored combat - rattan
   • Combat archery
   • Combat siege
2. Kingdoms are allowed to define additional types of authorizations and requirements, such as authorizations in specific weapon forms, categories, or multiple groupings.
   1. Standard armored combat weapons fall into 7 categories:
      • Single-handed weapons
      • Two-handed weapons
      • Spears
      • Throwing weapons
      • Archery - Handbows
      • Archery - Crossbows
      • Siege engines