Rapier:Handbook

Rapier Handbook - for commentary

Download a PDF of the proposed Society Marshal's Rapier Handbook The Board approved this handbook for commentary November 18, 2025. These rules are open for commentary until February 20th, 2026 An updated version incorporating feedback will be submitted to the Board for final review and approval April 1, 2026. If approved by the Board, the updated rules will come into effect May 20, 2026. If you have questions or comments, please email rapier@sca.org and marshal@sca.org

Download a PDF of the current Society Marshal's Fencing Marshals' Handbook - January 2024

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. Equipment standards - Drop tester
19. Designated areas
20. Authorization *
21. Authorization process example

Participants and Marshals (Resources, injuries, problems)

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

Marshals - I want to marshal

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

Administration - I want to run the thing

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

Other information

35. Change log

*Contains Global rules common to all disciplines