MK Marshal's Handbook - Marshal Field Duties

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Marshal Field Duties

The Marshal-in-Charge of an official event must be a fully warranted marshal. The Marshal-in-Charge (MIC) is responsible for all Marshaling activities at an official SCA, Inc. event where there are combat or combat-related activities, and for preparing (or having prepared) all required reports and forms. The Group Knight Marshal is frequently the MIC, but if they are still in training another warranted Marshal must be chosen. The Group Knight Marshal-in-Training should assist in weapons inspections and in the conduct of the Lists, but the warranted MIC is the person considered responsible by the Kingdom Earl Marshal. The Group Knight Marshal-in-Training must prepare the tourney reports but must also have the warranted MIC check and sign the report. The MIC should ensure that there are enough Marshals and constables to control the combat and keep it from spilling into the spectators.

A. Setting up the Lists

1. General

The size, shape, and condition of the list field have much to do with the safety and enjoyment of the combatants and the spectators. A highly visible, safe barrier, reinforced by constables, is the best boundary. If the Lists must be set up in the middle of a field or in a large room without such boundaries, great care must be taken. It is often best to take one end of a room for the list field and use the walls for three of the boundaries, leaving only one rope barrier between the combatants and the audience. In the case of an outdoor area, take advantage of available logical boundary items like trees and bushes. The Marshals should also look at "traffic flow" as a consideration in laying out the fighting area, but safety factors are foremost. Make sure that mixing combatant and general spectator traffic is kept to a minimum. Take into account the spectator mix: more nonSCA., children or a lot of traffic means increased vigilance and tighter control.

2. Barriers and protecting the spectators

a. Double rope barriers are generally preferred and should be used wherever practical. The distance between the inner and outer barriers should be the length of the longest weapon on the field, usually 6-12 feet. HOLD is called when the combatants reach the inner boundary, while spectators are not permitted closer than the outer line.

b. Single rope barriers can be used where there is a minimum of spectator traffic around the Lists, few small children present, and a primarily SCA audience. Floor or ground markings out six feet or so from the ropes provide a good visual cue to spectators. Make the combatants aware that they have only the one barrier between them and the spectators. Encourage the spectators to honor the outer boundary markings.

c. Rope barriers should be waist height (36 to 40 inches from the ground), outer rope barriers should be a little lower (30 to 36 inches from the ground) to help small children to recognize the boundary. Flags or pendants hung on the rope every six feet or so will help everyone keep track of the bounds. Marshals should adjust the ropes between bouts to keep them at the recommended height.

d. Barriers and boundary markings at sites where large melees or wars are to be held depend on the number of combatants, the size of the audience, and the number of Marshals available. A well-defined double line is also highly desirable, but in this case the distance between inner and outer boundaries should be fifteen feet or greater. Corners and boundaries should be highly visible. Straw bales are usually employed. Spectators and combatants should be discouraged from using the bales for sitting or resting. The setup at large wars can dramatically affect the outcome of a battle and should be discussed with the leaders of the armies well in advance.

3. Surface conditions and combatant safety The conditions of the surface of the list should be checked as well. The Marshals should walk the fighting area well before fighting begins to look for and try to remedy or mark potential hazards. When a site requires additional or protective floor covering, care should be taken to avoid creating tripping or sliding hazards.

B. Invocation of the Lists

Before the commencement of combat at an event, the Marshal in Charge shall gather all fighters together to discuss the particulars of the day.

1. Check with the Sovereigns or Their representatives to see if they have any words for the combatants before starting the Invocation.

2. Check for any experimental weapons and ask the owner for details – see below.

3. Ask the following questions, designed to remind all participants of the rules of the list:

a. Have you read and understand the Rules of the List of the Middle Kingdom?

b. Are you aware that this is a potentially dangerous activity?

c. Do you bear any offense steel?

4. Once all fighters have answered appropriately, the marshal or the presiding herald may conduct a mass round of honors to the Crowns, Consorts, and Opponents, depending upon the scenarios for the day.

C. Experimental Weapons

If there are any experimental weapons to be used on the field, they are to be announced during the Invocation of the list

1. All combatants and marshals must consent to the use of the weapon or material before combat begins.

2. If any of the marshals or combatants object to the use of the material or weapon, the material or weapon may not be used in that fight or battle.

3. All experimental materials and weapons shall be marked with alternating bands of red and green tape totaling 6 inches (15.2 cm) in length. Bands shall be visible during weapon usage.