White Scarf

2007-06-08T19:27:37Z

152.216.7.5: /* Other Fencing Awards */

In many [[SCA]] [[kingdom]]s, [[fencing|fencers]] may be admitted into the '''Order of the White Scarf''', if in the eyes of the [[Crown]] acting on the [[recommendation]] of the other members of the [[order]], they have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the field of rapier and exemplify courtesy, chivalry, dedicated patronage to the arts and sciences and show continual service to local branches and the kingdom. They are given a [[white]] [[scarf]] to wear to signify their [[rank]].

White Scarves sometimes take new fighters under their wing. While names for these fighters vary they are most commonly referred to as [[Cadet]]s and perform much the same function for their White Scarf as a [[Squire]] does to a [[Knight]]. Cadets commonly wear a [[red]] scarf, depending on which Kingdom they are in, as a [[symbol]] of their position.

This is not a [[peer|peerage]] order but all the kingdoms in the [[Known World]] that have signed the '''White Scarf Treaty''' acknowledge the [[rank]] of [[order]] members from outside their [[realm]]. Members are normally given a [[Grant of Arms]] on entering the order. The [[title]] commonly used is ''Don'' or ''Donna/Dona'', but this may also used by any [[armiger]] as an alternative to [[Lord]] or [[Lady]]. In White Scarf Kingdoms and especially in the fencing communities of White Scarf Kingdoms, the title is usually used only for White Scarves.

==White Scarf Treaty==

The White Scarf Treaty is a unique document in the SCA, and the order of the White Scarf is likewise a unique entity. The treaty was originally signed in 1987 between the Outlands and Ansteorra. The text of that document is here: http://www.avigne.org/sca/ws/treaty.shtml

At it's most legalistic, the Treaty allows names and heraldry that might otherwise conflict to be registered. (Further elaboration or comment from the SCA College of Heralds would be welcome here.) The central feature of the treaty, however, is the clause which establishes equivalence between the orders across kingdom lines. The treaty is sometimes even called a treaty of equivalence.

What this means is that, unique among SCA awards, the White Scarf is recognized in multiple kingdoms without being recognized SCA wide by the [[Corporate]] documents (as are Awards, Grants and Patents of Arms, and Peerages both bestowed and royal.) Thus a member of the White Scarf of Ansteorra who moves to the Outlands is treated as a member of the order in the Outlands, and vice-versa. The same holds true of all White Scarf kingdoms.

Some of the information off this link is outdated: http://www.realtime.net/~otto/handbook/wstreaty.html

The White Scarf Kingdoms are, in order:
#[[Ansteorra]]
#[[Outlands]]
#[[Trimaris]]
#[[Atenveldt]]
#[[An Tir]]
#[[Atlantia]]
#[[Caid]]
#[[AEthelmearc]]
#[[Artemisia]]
#[[Lochac]]
#[[Northshield]]

==Other Fencing Awards==
Not all Kingdoms have signed the White Scarf Treaty. Most of these Kingdoms do have awards for fencing, however they are independent orders just as any other Kingdom award.

Orders that carry a [[Grant of Arms]]
*The [[Bronze Ring]] in the [[Middle Kingdom]]
*The [[Dragons Steel]] in [[Drachenwald]]
*The [[Royal Company of Courtiers]] in the [[West Kingdom]]
*The [[Order of Thorbjorn's Hammer]] in [[Ealdormere]] (Awarded for Excellence, etc., in ANY Ealdormerean martial discipline)

Orders that carry an [[Award of Arms]]
*The [[Order of the Golden Rapier]] (OGR) in the [[East Kingdom]] (note that the East has no [[Grant of Arms|Grant Level Awards]])

==External Links==

* http://www.avigne.org/sca/ws - [[Outlands]] White Scarf page
* http://home.austin.rr.com/moondragon/HistWS.html

[[category:SCAism]][[category:awards]]

Fencing

2007-03-20T20:24:38Z

152.216.7.5: /* Merchants */

'''Fencing''' (the Art of Defence, Rapier Combat, Period Fencing, Light Combat - the term used varies a great deal from place to place) is a form of [[sword]]-fighting that became popular in late [[period]]. With the rise of the [[musket]], heavy [[Plate Armour|plate armour]] became almost useless and was shed by some in exchange for light [[armour]] and light [[weapon]]ry such as the [[rapier]] - which were quick and effective (in civilian situations).

==Fencing in the SCA==
===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 tournaments with over one hundred competitors are not uncommon at larger events. 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.

*[http://www.sca.org/officers/marshal/combat/rapier/index.html 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 [[epee|épée]], the entire body is considered a valid target, and priority (right-of-way) plays no part in the rules.

Both the point and edge of the blade may score touches.

The point is used primarily for thrusts, naturally. However, in some [[Kingdom]]s, '''tip-cuts''' are valid. Tip-cuts are made by dragging the tip across the target area without the forward pressure required for a thrust.

The edge is used for draw-cuts (placing the blade and pulling it on the opponent's body), push-cuts (the same, only pushing rather than pulling), and percussive blows with the edge of the blade. Percussive blows are only legal under the "cut and thrust rapier" rules.

The rules defining a valid blow vary from kingdom (region) to kingdom, and are set by the kingdom's marshalate. Before competing against fencers from other kingdoms, rules and attack calibrations must be discussed and the rules of the encounter chosen in order to ensure a fair and courteous contest. The SCA provides a common set of rules governing all fencing within the SCA and these are often 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 who can provide an "extra pair of eyes," if so requested by the fencers. The marshal has the ability to warn or remove a fighter from the bout for safety or other rules violations 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. If a fencer loses both hands or arms, they must yield the bout.

====Gear====
=====Protective Gear=====
Participants generally cannot wear the protective gear of conventional sport fencing as it often does not pass the SCA safety requirements. This is because conventional sport protective gear is designed to protect the front of the body and uses lighter material on the back whereas SCA safety standards require equal protection on the front and back of the torso.

======Masks, Helmets, and Rigid Protection======
SCA fencers wear a mask that will withstand a 12 kilo punch test or the equivalent. Steel recreations of late period helmets have also been used. Gaps that might permit a blade are filled with perforated steel plates.

A male fencer is required to wear a [[jockstrap|protective cup]] (UK: box). Rigid breast protection is encouraged for female fencers.

When using heavy rapiers fencers are required to protect the throat with a gorget (protective collar) of either steel or thick leather.

======Body Protection======
An SCA fencer is not allowed to show any bare skin when entering the list field. The torso, head, neck, and groin must be covered by "puncture-resistant" material (4 oz or 110 g leather, four layers of trigger cloth, or the equivalent). 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. "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 [[joule]]s of energy to a 4 mm circle.

The extremities are protected by "abrasion-resistant" (one layer of trigger cloth or the equivalent thereof) material.

The hands are protected by gloves of at least "abrasion-resistant" material.

Feet shall be protected by boots, shoes, or sandals, comprised of at
least "abrasion-resistant" material. In many kingdoms, footwear must completely enclose the foot; in some, such as the Midrealm, boots above the ankle are required.

=====Blades=====
The SCA allows a wide variety of different blades. Each kingdom sets its own rules regarding which types of blades are or are not legal. The length of a blade is not regulated, but "heavy rapiers" may not be used in the same bouts as epees and foils.

The Society as a whole is moving towards the use of "heavy rapiers" (originally with schlagers but now more commonly with reproduction practice rapiers), usually tipped with an archery blunt. Everything from French foil and epée grips with theatrical ambidextrous bells to period swept-hilts and early post-period cup rapier hilts are seen. The more period hilts are greatly preferred and there is a general movement towards more accurate weapon simulators. Foils and épées, being too light (less than 1.5 pounds, as opposed to the approximately 2.5 to 5 pounds of period rapiers and cut-and-thrust swords) and too easily broken for even semi-period technique, are gradually being abandoned.

Although common in period, rapier hilts that are likely to catch, break or damage an opponent's blade are forbidden.

Some of the most common blade types are listed below:

======Light Rapier Blades======
* Foil
* Épée
* Fiberglass blades

======Heavy Rapier Blades======
* [[Schlager]]
* Del Tin Rapier
* Hanwei Rapier
* Darkwood Rapier

=====Daggers=====
In SCA fencing, the dagger may be employed for offensive, as well as defensive, purposes.

Daggers may both thrust and cut. 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 SCA also allows fencers the option of fighting with a case (pair) of rapiers (often shortened to "case"). 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. This style is also called [[Florentine]].

=====Parrying Devices=====
Parrying devices are items used to block or deflect the opponent's weapon or parrying device. In some kingdoms they are categorised as either "rigid parry" or "non-rigid parry" devices, and require two separate [[authorisation]]s.

As with weapons and protective gear, parrying devices must also be inspected and approved by marshals before they may be used.
======Rigid Parry======
The use of a [[shield]], [[buckler]], or target in the off hand is allowed by SCA rapier rules. Some groups restrict the size of the shield. The [[period]] use of the [[shield]] or [[buckler]] as an offensive weapon is forbidden.

Aside from [[buckler]]s and [[shield]]s, common rigid parrying devices include batons, canes, scabbards and soft-blades boarding [[axe]]s.

======Non-Rigid Parry======
Sometimes informally called "floppy parry".

The cloak or cape is often [[Companion weapon|used in the off-hand to parry]] or beat away blades. Other common non-rigid devices include hats, coiled whips, and "quick-release" skirts. Items that may consistently cause entanglement with an opponent or their gear (such as fishing nets, scourges) are not allowed.

Unsafe period techniques such as throwing the cloak in the opponent's face are forbidden.

If a cloak blocks a rubberband shot, it is still not [[proof]] against [[firearms|"bullets"]]. The shot is deemed to have passed unimpeded through the cloak, and into any part of the targeted fencer that happens to be in the projected path of the shot.

======Miscellaneous======
Fencers have been known to take the field carrying large tankards (usually plastic), rubber "bread loaves", candelabra, "joints of beef", and numerous other [http://www.florilegium.org/files/COMBAT-RAPIER/SPD-msg.html "silly parrying devices"]. At [[inspection]] time they must (depending on the [[Kingdom]]-level rules) be determined to be either rigid or non-rigid devices, particularly if a fencer is [[authorisation|authorised]] in one form but not in the other. Some [[Kingdom]]s, like [[Lochac]], do not make the distinction. The [[SCA]] and the rules provide the [[marshal|marshallate]] with a great deal of flexibility. Although it is not usually stated specifically in the rules, parrying devices must at least simulate the appearance of a [[period]] object.

Pistol simulators may also be used as off-hand rigid parrying devices once their single rubberband projectile has been fired.

As in the case of the buckler, all defensive offhand items are prohibited from striking any part of the opponent's body.

====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. "Wheellock" 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]] of [[Ansteorra]] which was created in March of 1979, and therefore the first White Scarf in the [[Known World]]. Please note, that not every Kingdom has signed the White Scarf Treaty - nevertheless there's fencing in all SCA Kingdoms except [[Calontir]].

'''SCA Fencing Timeline'''
* May 1, 1966 - The SCA is founded in Berkeley, California.
* March 1979 - The Kingdom of [[Ansteorra]] creates the Order of the White Scarf.
* October 1987 - The Kingdom of the [[Outlands]] signs a treaty to create an Order of the White Scarf.
* June 1992 - The Kingdom of the [[Trimaris]] signs the [[White Scarf Treaty]].
* 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.
* July 2002 - [[Lochac]] signs the White Scarf Treaty.
* October 2004 - [[Northshield]] signs the White Scarf Treaty.
* January 21, 2006 - The SCA Board of Directors approves new rapier rules including percussive cuts for "cut and thrust" rapier.

===Fencing Titles and Awards===
There are many different awards for fencing within the Society.

====Interkingdom Awards====
* [[Laurel|The Order of the Laurel]] - Some fencers have been elevated to the Order of the Laurel for research into historical fencing technique.
* [[White Scarf|The Order of the White Scarf]] - The White Scarf is an interkingdom award recognizing excellence in SCA fencing. It is recognized in 11 different kingdoms.

====Kingdom Awards====
* [[Guildmaster of Defense]] - This is an award used by the [[West Kingdom]] to recognize fencing excellence.
* [[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 Order of The Dragon's Steel - This award is given in the Kingdom of Drachenwald to "those members of the foil, epee 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 of 2006.

===[[Historical Fencing]] and the SCA===
Along with their practice of fencing, many SCA fencers also study period fencing manuals such as those by [[Capo Ferro]], [[di Grassi]], [[Camillo Agrippa]], and [[Jerónimo Sánchez de Carranza|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===
==== Adjudication of Wounds ====
===== Disabling limbs =====
Fencers in other groups have argued that the SCA's system for wounding and disabling limbs is an unrealistic portrayal of combat.[http://www.thearma.org/essays/kneel.htm]

===== 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 "[[Rhino|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.

==== Historical Accuracy ====
SCA fencing has been criticized for not accurately recreating the art of fence as practised during the stated pre-1600 period.

====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").

===External links===
====SCA Rules and Information====
*[http://www.sca.org/ The official website of the SCA]
*[http://www.sca.org/officers/marshal/combat/rapier/index.html The SCA's rapier rules]

====Merchants====
*[http://www.alcheminc.com/ Alchem Inc.]
*[http://members.tripod.com/%7ECapt_Thornes_Armory/ Captin Thorne's Armory]
*[http://www.darkwoodarmory.com/ Darkwood Armory]
*[http://www.jamesthejust.com/ James the Just]
*[http://www.medievalcollectibles.com/ Medieval Collectibles]
*[http://www.zenwarriorarmory.com/ Zen Warrior Armory]

====SCA Fencing Households====
*[http://www.tadcastermilitia.com/ 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)
[[Category:Historical fencing]]