Join us on the Battlefield for Youth Combat Friday and Saturday 1-3 PM

Youth combat is open to all youth fighters ages 6-17. We strive to provide a safe and fun
environment where the youth of the SCA can participate in martial activities, mirroring adult
Armored Combat, at an age appropriate level. The goal is to introduce and reinforce the ideals
of chivalry, honor, courtesy, service, and heraldic pageantry, both on and off the list field. The

program stresses good sportsmanship and parental participation.

Parents/Legal Guardians:

Parents/Guardians must be present to sign up participants at each session. Due to site rules,
youths under the age of 13 must also be signed out by a parent/legal guardian. Please bring site
tokens to show the appropriate waivers have been completed. Participants must have closed
toe shoes and suitable clothing. Parents/legal guardians are to understand that this is a contact
sport and injuries may occur. Youth combat is not a babysitting service. Parents/guardians are
requested to remain present while their child is participating in a youth combat activity. (Defined
as within sight and sound) Parents/guardians and other observers are expected to act with
courtesy and behave in a responsible manner towards the fighters, marshals and other adults
when in the list area. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to help!

Armor Weapons & Loaner Gear:

Armor and weapons standards are based upon the Kingdom Youth Armored Combat Handbook
(2023) (https://places.sca-caid.org/caid/project/youth-combat-handbook/) specific to each age
division. It is recommended that you provide your own armor and weapons. We do, however,
realize that is not always feasible. Therefore, we do have some loaner gear available. Be
advised it is limited in size and quantity! Loaner gear will be swapped out throughout each
session beginning with the Division 1 fighters and moving up into the other divisions. Fighters
using loaner gear will be limited as to when and how long they may remain on the field based on
the number and ages of fighters at each session. Those with their own armor may enter the field
with their division and may remain on the field at the Marshall’s discretion with mixed aged
group battles.

Battle Scenarios:

All scenarios will be run with Division 1 (6-9 years) first, followed by Division 2 (10-13 years) and
then Division 3 (14-17 years). Start times for each division will vary based upon the number of
youths present and the availability of loaner gear.

Scenarios may include Castle Battles, Bridge battles, Mad Dog and Resurrection scenarios as
well as other games. These will be determined by the Youth Combat Marshals based on the
number of combatants, weapon types, and skill levels present. Fighters may remain in mixed
ages battles at the marshals discretion. The mixed-age battles will be run by the guidelines for
the youngest members on the field. Parents/guardians of younger children will be asked for their
consent to allow their child to remain on the field with the mixed ages. Please check the
Calendar/Youth Combat for a schedule of times and and more information of the scheduled
youth combat scenarios as they become available.
It is expected that fighters in youth combat at Potrero have had some youth combat experience
and understand the “Rules of the List”. However, we understand not all youths have this
opportunity. Therefore a brief field authorization as well as a armor and weapons inspections
will take place prior to the youths entering the list.
Rules of the List, and Armor and Weapons standards will be based upon the
current rules in the Youth Armored Combat Handbook (2023)
https://places.sca-caid.org/caid/project/youth-combat-handbook/
For more information or any questions about youth combat or on armor and weapons please
contact the Youth Combat Marshal youthcombat@potrerowar.sca-caid.org