SCA Rapier Combat

SCA fencing is the style of fencing practiced by the Society for Creative Anachronism

Overview

In 1979 the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) introduced rapier rules, allowing fencing within the organization. Since that time, fencing has gained a significant following in the SCA, and having over one hundred competitors is not uncommon at larger event tournaments. The ultimate goal of SCA fencing as stated by the rules is to safely simulate fencing "with a real blade, extremely sharp on point and edge."

SCA fencing usually entails bouts between a pair of combatants but the rules also allow competition between groups of fencers. "Battles" with over one hundred fencers on each side are common at large gatherings.

Rules

As fencing in the SCA is intended to be first and foremost fun, safety is the primary concern. All fencing practices and tournaments in the SCA are run by fencing marshals who are warranted to watch for unsafe behavior, inspect equipment, and authorize others to fence. The authorization process includes a test of knowledge of fencing rules and bouts fought with previously authorized fencers under the marshal's supervision; the goal is to not to prove the fencer's ability to win bouts, but his or her ability to participate safely and courteously in both tournaments and casual sparring. No fencer may compete in an SCA tournament until he or she has passed authorization.

• The SCA's rapier rules

The Fencing List Field

SCA fencing is conducted "in-the-round," rather than back and forth on a linear strip as in conventional sport fencing. The fencers may move freely within a designated fighting space called the "list field". These fields may be any size and are often outdoors.

Valid Attacks

As in sport épée, the entire body is considered a valid target, and priority (right-of-way) plays no part in SCA rules.

Both the point and edge of the blade may score touches. The edge is used for draw-cuts (placing the blade and pulling or pushing it on the opponent's body) or percussive blows with the edge of the blade. Percussive blows are only legal under the "cut and thrust rapier" rules.

Although regional variations still exist, the rules defining a valid blow are specified in the SCA Rapier Rules. Before competing against fencers from other kingdoms, it's a good idea to discuss rules and attack calibrations in order to ensure a fair and courteous contest. The SCA provides a basic set of rules governing all fencing within the SCA and these are used as the standard in multi-kingdom gatherings. Kingdoms are allowed to make their own rules more restrictive but may not relax any restrictions outlined in the SCA's rapier combat rules.

Within the SCA, it is the responsibility of the fencer being hit to acknowledge a valid attack from the opponent. The SCA does not use fencing directors or judges. The fighting is overseen by a marshal who monitors the bout for safety and fair play from both participants. The marshal has the ability to warn or remove a fighter from the bout and may stop the bout at any time.

Bouts usually continue until one fighter strikes a "fatal" blow. A fighter may also yield (concede victory to the opponent) at any time during the bout. A "fatal" blow is defined as a valid attack to the head, torso, or major artery.

Attacks to the legs or arms are considered "disabling". A disabled fencer loses the use of the disabled limb.

Gear

Protective Gear

Since the entire body is a potential target, a participant's entire body must be covered; no bare skin is permitted on the field. The protection requirements for different parts of the body fall into three types: "Rigid," "puncture-resistant," and "abrasion-resistant."

• Rigid items must comply with a standard 12 kg punch test. Examples are 22 gauge stainless steel, 8oz hardened leather, or an equivalent material.
• Puncture-resistant material must pass either a commercial 550 newton garment punch test devices or a standardized SCA test device designed to deliver 1.5 joules of energy to a 4 mm circle. Examples are 4 oz or 110 g leather, four layers of trigger cloth, or the equivalent.
• Abrasion-resistant must be a material that won't rip under normal combat conditions, such as snagging accidentally on something. A common example is one layer of trigger cloth or the equivalent material.

Masks, Helmets, and Other Rigid Protection

SCA fencers must wear a mask that will withstand a 12 kilo punch test or the equivalent. Most regulation Olympic fencing masks meet this standard, and are the most common form of head protection used in the SCA. Steel recreations of period helmets are also permitted, though gaps that might permit a blade are filled with perforated steel plates and/or hardened leather. For "Cut and Thrust" rapier bouts, the back of the head must be covered by rigid material.

A male fencer is required to wear a protective cup (UK: box).

When using heavy rapiers, fencers are required to protect the throat and cervical vertebrae with a gorget (protective collar) made of rigid material.

Body Protection

The torso, head, neck, and groin must be covered by "puncture-resistant" material. To protect the back of the head a fencer must wear a fencing coif or hood of "puncture-resistant" material covering all of the head not covered by the fencing mask itself.

The hands must be protected by gloves of at least "abrasion-resistant" material. Leather is the most common.

Feet must be protected by boots, shoes, or sandals, made of at least "abrasion-resistant" material. In many kingdoms, footwear must completely enclose the foot.

For tournaments, fencers must make an attempt to approximate medieval or Renaissance dress. For example, although modern fencing jackets provide sufficient protection, they must be covered by a doublet, tunic, or other garment of the period.

Swords

The SCA allows a wide variety of different blades and sword styles, but all fall into one of two classes: "Light rapier" and "heavy rapier." It is not permitted for the two classes of rapier to be used against each other; participants must all be using light or heavy. Light rapiers consist of foil and épée, often very close or the same as those used in modern sport fencing, as well as fiberglass blades (now largely prohibited except in a small number of kingdoms). Heavy rapier are full sized, unsharpened reproductions of period swords with blunt tips covered with a cap made of rubber, leather or plastic. Besides strictly "rapier" hilt types, other period swords, including two-handed, are permitted so long as the blade is of an approved type. These include side-swords, longswords, Großes Messer, scimitar, and katana.

The Society currently maintains a list of approved manufactured blades that are known to safe. Unapproved or unusual blades may be used only if an application is submitted to the society and approved. Besides society rules, each kingdom sets its own rules regarding which types of blades and hilts are legal.

The Society as a whole is moving towards the use of the "heavy" rapier. The more realistic historical reproduction hilts are greatly preferred and there is a general movement towards more accurate weapon simulators. Foils and épées, being too light (less than 0.5 pounds, as opposed to the approximately 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of period rapiers and the 2 to 3.5 lbs of cut-and-thrust swords) and lacking enough mass and length for even semi-period technique, are gradually being abandoned.

Companion weapons and parrying devices

Daggers

Daggers may be employed for attack as well as defense, but must comply with the same requirements as sword blades. Although the dagger is most commonly carried in the off-hand and employed primarily as a parrying implement, bouts between dagger-armed fencers are far from unknown.

Case of Rapiers

The use of two swords is permitted, and is called a "Case of Rapiers" (often shortened to "case"), named after an unusual type of period swords that could be carried in one scabbard. The off-hand rapier may be employed for both offensive and defensive purposes. Although a powerful combination in the hands of a skilled fencer, case of rapiers is perhaps the most difficult style of SCA fencing to master.

Shields

The use of a shield or buckler in the off hand is allowed by SCA rapier rules. Some kingdoms restrict the size of shields allowed in rapier combat. The historical usage of the shield or buckler as an offensive weapon prohibited normally, unless the shield is made of a soft material that allows this technique to be done safely. Even then, such a shield must be approved by the kingdom's rules on a case-by-case basis, and any opponent is permitted to refuse to face it without forfeiting the bout.

Cloaks and Capes

The cloak or cape is often used in the off-hand to parry or beat away blades. Unsafe period techniques such as throwing the cloak over the opponent's face are forbidden.

Projectile Weapons

Several types of ranged weapons are permitted in melee only, and cannot be used in single-combat. The items and their manner of usage must be approved by kingdom rules. Common types include special rubber band pistols (that fire surgical tubing loops), hand-thrown weapons such as knives or axes, and combat archery (though archers typically can only occupy a support role rather than be directly involved in melee).

Miscellaneous

Many other items have been used as off-hand weapons in the SCA and the rules provide the marshalate with a great deal of flexibility. Aside from bucklers and shields, common rigid parrying devices include batons, canes, and scabbards. Fencers have been known to take the field carrying large tankards (usually plastic), rubber "bread loaves," and numerous other "silly parrying devices." In melee, pistol simulators may also be used as off-hand parrying devices once their single rubber-band projectile has been fired. These items cannot be used to strike the opponent, and are only permitted for parrying.

Competitions and Format

Tournaments

SCA tournaments are usually conducted in rounds with winners of each round advancing towards the finals.

Some common tournament formats are:

• Single or Double elimination
• Swiss five
• Passe de Armes
• Scenarios (including group combat, terrain, obstacles, and more)

Mêlées

Mêlées between groups of fencers often take place at SCA events; these can be merely mock-brawls between disorganized "factions," but sophisticated small unit tactics are often seen. At Pennsic or the Gulf War it is not unknown for more than two hundred fencers to take the field for a "battle".

The SCA also allows simulations of period firearms to be used under certain conditions in fencing mêlées.

These simulations fire large "rubber bands" made of surgical tubing looped around and securely joined. "Wheel lock" pistols are most common, but muskets are not unknown.

This ammunition has enough mass to allow the target to feel its impact through fencing armor, but is light enough to prevent injury. Some SCA fencers have even built light cannon firing as many as fourteen rubber bands at a single shot, thus simulating the effects of grape shot.

History

The first set of SCA fencing rules was published in the Kingdom of Ansteorra by Tivar Moondragon. Tivar is the premier member of the Order of the White Scarf which was created in March 1979. His website, Moondragon Manor Online, includes articles on the history of SCA fencing and the White Scarf.

SCA Fencing Timeline

• May 1, 1966 - The SCA is founded in Berkeley, California. The First Tournament includes some combat with modern fencing blades, using modern fencing rules. At subsequent tournaments, however, all combat is done using wooden (and later rattan) broadsword simulators and fencing/rapier only exists on the fringes of the SCA.
• November 1975 - First known rapier tournament. Still using modern fencing blades and rules, 7 fighters with no armor requirements other than the mask.
• March 1977 - Society Marshal, Andrew of Seldom Rest issues a ban on all "kendo, wrestling, fencing and archery at human targets". A letter campaign was started to lift the ban.
• June 1977 - Duke Andrew issues the first (as far as I know) set of SCA rapier fighting rules. They are about 3/4 page long, and extremely primitive.
• March 1979 - The Principality of Ansteorra creates the Order of the White Scarf. When Ansteorra becomes a kingdom a few months later, the award is kept by the new kingdom.
• September 1979 - The SCA Board of Directors officially recognizes rapier combat as an ancillary fighting style in the SCA.
• October 1987 - The Kingdom of the Outlands signs a treaty with Ansteorra to create an Order of the White Scarf.
• November 1989 - Introduction of schlager blades to SCA rapier fighting.
• June 1992 - The Kingdom of Trimaris signs the White Scarf Treaty.
• August 1992 - East Kingdom makes the first 14 Companions of the Golden Rapier, an Award of High Merit recognizing rapier fighters.
• Spring 1994 - Atenveldt and An Tir Sign the White Scarf Treaty.
• January 1996 - Atlantia signs the White Scarf Treaty.
• November 1996 - Caid signs the White Scarf Treaty.
• October 1997 - Æthelmearc signs the White Scarf Treaty.
• January 1998 - Artemisia signs the White Scarf Treaty. Also, Drachenwald creates the Order of the Dragon’s Steel, a grant-level award for rapier combat.
• February 1998 - Introduction of Del Tin rapier blades.
• November 1998 - Ealdormere creates the order of Thorbjorn’s Hammer, a Grant-level award for all combat styles.
• April 1999)- Midrealm Creates the Order of the Bronze Ring, a grant-level award for rapier combat.
• July 2002 - Lochac signs the White Scarf Treaty.
• October 2004 - Northshield signs the White Scarf Treaty.
• March 2005 - Meridies begins the Meridien Order of the Blade, an Award of High Merit for rapier fighters.
• November 2005 - The new kingdom of Gleann Abhann opens their Order of the Queen’s Blades.
• January 21, 2006 - The SCA Board of Directors approves new rapier rules including percussive cuts for "cut and thrust" rapier.
• March 25, 2007 - The West Kingdom hosts its first kingdom rapier championship and creates the Western Order of the White Scarf, but does not sign the White Scarf Treaty.

Fencing Titles and Awards

There are many different awards for fencing within the Society.

Interkingdom Awards

• The Order of the Laurel - Some fencers have been elevated to the Order of the Laurel for research into historical fencing technique. This award is more about research than it is about skill and prowess.
• The Order of the White Scarf - The White Scarf is an interkingdom award recognizing excellence in SCA fencing. It is recognized in 13 out of the 19 different kingdoms. More information is at: http://cunnan.sca.org.au/wiki/White_Scarf and at Moondragon Manor Online.

Kingdom Awards

• Courtier to the Crown of the West - This is a Kingdom of the West award for excellence in rapier combat as well as striving to display chivalric qualities. It carries with it a Grant of Arms. Members are inducted into the Royal Company of Courtiers. This order was closed with the creation of the West Kingdom's Order of the White Scarf on March 25, 2007.
• Order of the Golden Rapier - This is the East Kingdom order for excellence in rapier combat.
• The Company of the Bronze Ring - The Midrealm order for fencing skill.
• The Meridian Order of the Blade - The Meridies order for fencing skill.
• The Order of the Queen's Blade - The Gleann Abhann order for fencing skill.
• The Order of The Dragon's Steel - This award is given in the Kingdom of Drachenwald to "those members of the foil, épée and schlaeger fighting community, who exemplify courtesy, chivalry, dedicated patronage to the arts and sciences and show continual service to local branches and the Kingdom of Drachenwald and who shall have displayed superior abilities in light weaponry". It carries with it a Grant of Arms. Before creating a new member of the Order, the Crown must consult with the Order.

Cut and Thrust Swordplay

Not long ago, an experimental project began with the goal of legalizing percussive cutting actions in some forms of SCA rapier combat. Percussive cuts allow fencers to accurately recreate a broader range of the techniques discussed in late period (1500-1600) manuals. This experiment was halted pending review by the SCA's Board of Directors and was approved for permanent addition to the rules in January 2006.

That review is done and over with and is now a part of the society wide rules for fencing. How they are applied varies from Kingdom to Kingdom just as the society rules for fencing vary from Kingdom to Kingdom.

Historical Fencing and the SCA

Along with their practice of fencing, many SCA fencers also study period fencing manuals such as those by Ridolfo Capoferro, Giacomo di Grassi, Camillo Agrippa, and Carranza. However, the safety rules and weapon simulators used by SCA fencers prevent many of the concepts in period manuals being implemented. This is not necessarily a criticism; the need to maintain a fun atmosphere, minimize the cost of equipment, and encourage fencers to continue participating in the SCA makes it impossible to demand the level of training needed to safely practice true period technique, as done by stricter historical fencing groups.

Criticism

Acknowledging blows

It is possible within the SCA's rules to refuse to acknowledge a valid hit in order to win a bout. This occurs often enough that the slang term "Rhinohide" is used to describe an SCA combatant who fails to accept a valid attack. In extreme or obvious cases, a marshal can warn the offending fighter or remove him or her from the tournament. In some rare cases, repeat offenders have had their fighting privileges temporarily or even permanently revoked.

At the very least, the offending individual quickly acquires a reputation for being a dishonorable combatant, with the attendant social stigma.

Draw cuts

Some fencers argue that draw cuts are not martially sound techniques and make cutting a due tempi ("double time") action, whereas a percussive cutting action would be in stesso tempo ("single time").

See also

• SCA Heavy Combat

External links

SCA Rules and Information

• The official website of the SCA
• The SCA's rapier rules
• http://www.scarapier.com/ Website for SCA rapier in Atenveldt (Arizona)

Merchants

• Appoved Armory (SCA fencing merchant)
• Alchem Inc. (Very Period Looking Blade)
• Darkwood Armory (Authentic Period Swords)
• James the Just (Custom Swords)
• Zen Warrior Armory (a popular SCAdian fencing merchant)
• Bandguns.Com (Period-Authentic Rubber Band Guns for SCA Fencing)

SCA Fencing Households

• The Tadcaster Militia - An academy of the East Kingdom League of Rapier Academies located at the Bhakail Baronial Fencing Practice
• TEΔ - An East Kingdom academy that is affiliated with the Tadcaster Militia (currently, however, there is only one member)
• The Thieves of Hearts