Marshal

A specially trained person who oversees, reports on, and encourages combat and competition activities. (The SCA's version of a referee.) Marshals must be members of the SCA.

Official Links

For the most up to date info, please see the following:

• An Tir Library - Kingdom Law - for current laws on marshallate offices
• An Tir Library - Combat Shelf - for current rules of combat, including marshallate rules and requirements

Types of Marshals

Overview as of June 2014

There are a variety of types of Marshals to cover the variety of types of activity with safety needs. A person can be warranted in more than one type of activity. This includes:

• Heavy Combat Marshals
• Combat Archery Marshals
• Target Archery Marshals
• Siege Marshals
• Rapier Marshals
• Equestrian Marshals
• Youth Armored Combat Marshals

Reporting Structure and Offices

Overview as of June 2014

In An Tir, the head Marshal is the Earl Marshal, who reports to the Society Earl Marshal. Marshals reporting to the Earl Marshal are:

• The Armored Combat Marshal (heavy)
• The Royal Archer (archery)
• The Provost Marshal (rapier)
• The Kingdom Equestrian Officer (equestrian)
• The Youth Armored Combat Deputy (youth)

Additionally, The Warlord, The Minister of the Lists, and The Martial Authorization Officer also report to the Earl Marshal, but it's not clear if these offices traditionally require their holders to be marshals.

All Principalities and Baronies must maintain a branch Marshal by Kingdom Law. Smaller branches ( Shires, Cantons, Colleges, Ports, Strongholds) may replace the branch marshal with a herald or A&S officer, only if they have no combat activities. These marshals must send in regular reports on authorizations and fighting activity to the Kingdom Earl Marshal.

Currently (in heavy at least), Marshals are either Senior or Junior Marshals. Juniors must have a working knowledge of the rules for the activity they are authorizing in, whereas Seniors must demonstrate an extensive knowledge. Only Seniors can be MIC (Marshal In Charge) for an event. An event must have a MIC if combat is going to take place. MICs must send in reports on fighting at the event to the Kingdom Earl Marshal.

History of the Marhsallate

I know there used to be Senior, Junior, and Apprentice Marshals previously. I know that there were regional marshals, but that was abolished along with the regions (as official structures). Combat Archery marshals used to be called Light Marshals, back when combat archers were Lights and had different armor requirements.

Specific Awards and Recognition for the Marshallate

Honored Marshal of An Tir - a yearly award given by members of the Marshallate to one of their membership.