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Lochac rules for martial activities

These rules are currently the official rules for Lochac. They have been approved by the Board of SCA Ltd and Committee of SCANZ.

Armoured Combat & Siege
Fencing
Target Archery and Thrown Weapons

News

Updated wiki - October 2025

The Lochac rules wiki has been migrated to a new server, and it's underlying software updated. This means that all of the pdfs will now have a much more recent date at the bottom. This date change happens any time we fix a link, or a correct a typo, or adjust any of the underlying code for the pdfs, but actual rule changes will always be noted in the change log for each handbook.

New fencing rules - 4 October 2025

With the announcement of the Crown at Spring War, the updated Fencing Handbook comes into effect. This includes the Society-level reduction in minimum armour for fencing (but not cut and thrust).

Recommendation to cease martial activities if heat index is 39°C or higher - 4 December 2023

As the season grows warmer, the Earl Marshal would like to extend some helpful tips to keep your events safe and enjoyable. The combined marshallate of Lochac recommend the following safety considerations and measures regarding hot weather.

• Marshals-in-charge of combat activities should consult the Heat Index (HI) for forecast temperatures to check the projected ambient temperature during your fighting activities. The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. This has important considerations for the human body's comfort, especially under exertion.

• It is recommended that all combat activities cease if the forecast temperature and/or heat index reaches or exceeds 39°C.

• As the first rule of the list is, "Each fighter, recognising the possibilities of physical injury to themselves in such combat, shall assume unto themself all risk and liability for harm suffered by means of such combat." we understand that it is a fighter’s choice to fight in extreme conditions if they wish and so this is only an advisory message. We strongly recommend that marshals-in-charge of events consider the apparent temperature and the safety of these conditions when planning combat activities during the hot months.

• This recommendation extends to all combat activities, including archery and ranged activities.

• We know that there are already a lot of considerations when running events, so some helpful tips on how to easily implement this suggestion are as follows:
  • Check the Bureau or Meteorology (bom.gov.au) "Detailed Forecast" or Metservice (metservice.com) website for your area. The forecast for what a day "Feels like (°C)" is equivalent to the heat index on any given day. This website also breaks down the ambient temperature over the duration of the day, allowing you to see what parts of the day will be coolest.
  • If your top forecast heat index will reach or exceed 39°C, you may consider moving your combat or archery activities to a cooler part of the day or cancelling if needed.

We understand that many events run in the hot or unpredictable months, so please be aware and ensure safe conditions for fighters at your events. If combat or ranged activities are taking place in extreme conditions, please remember to supply shade and a refillable water source to support personal heat maintenance.

Happy fighting and happy holidays!

Kinggiyadai, Earl Marshal

Reporting

Send your reports for your field to the relevant Kingdom Marshal (emails shown below) as well as any other requirements for your group.

Reports are due:

• 15 February
• 15 May
• 15 August
• 15 November

Marshallate officers in charge

Role	Officer	Email contact
Earl Marshal	Gilbert Purchase	marshal@lochac.sca.org
Kingdom Archery Marshal	Gregorii Luchnik	archer@lochac.sca.org
Kingdom Armoured Combat Marshal	Jean-Christoph le Saussier	armoured@lochac.sca.org
Kingdom Equestrian Officer	Rhianna verch y Koedwr	equestrianmarshal@lochac.sca.org
Kingdom Fencing Marshal	Jude Aleksandr Donetsk	rapier@lochac.sca.org
Kingdom Siege Marshal	Razin al-Basir	siegemarshal@lochac.sca.org
Kingdom Youth Armoured Combat Marshal	Lokki Rekkr	youthmarshal@lochac.sca.org
Kingdom Youth Combat Archery Marshal	Ranif Pallesser
Authorisations (Australia)	Fionnabhair inghean ui Mheadhra	authorisation@lochac.sca.org
Authorisations (New Zealand)	Diego Alonso Moreno	lists@sca.org.nz