Pilot MIT Training Program

Marion del Oakes and Katryne Blak

Goal

To implement a common procedure for MIT training in the East Kingdom that can 1) provide mentoring and monitoring for MITs and 2) ensure that all MITs receive the same training, thereby creating a unified marshalling group.

Program Components

There are just two components to the MIT pilot program:

• A Marshal Buddy System: The first component is meant to provide every MIT in the East with a warranted marshal to 1) mentor the MIT (answer questions, recognize gaps in the MIT's knowledge and experience, and arrange for training from marshals to fill those gaps) and 2) monitor the MIT and recommend warranting to the regional deputy marshal when the MIT is ready. A marshal monitoring an MIT need not perform the bulk of the MIT's training but should work with them at least enough to keep tabs on the MIT's development.

  When a regional marshal approves a new MIT, she or he should assign a warranted marshal to the MIT, contacting both parties. Marshal mentors should preferably come from a practice that the MIT frequently attends. Warranted marshals should contact the regional marshal and give the number of MITs they judge they can give sufficient time to monitor (which may be none, or several).

• A Marshalling Class: As it stands now, two MITs can have significantly varying experiences in training, with gaps and differences in understanding. This second, optional component is meant to provide each MIT with the same core training. A marshalling class should 1) be the same curriculum for everyone in the Kingdom; and 2) mirror regular training, covering all the same topics for the benefit of repetition -- even if not in the same detail. Ideally, marshalling classes would be held at least once a year per region. They should not be a required component for warranting, but would be highly desirable.

Marshalling Class Components

This is not a curriculum, just some initial ideas that may be of use in creating one.

1. Marshalate structure and responsibilities

This should be the starter to the class. It's a good opener and allows the MIT an overview of the marshalate structure and the responsibilities of each level. Consider it a very brief version of what's in the marshal handbook.

-Kingdom Rapier Marshal (KMOF): Ultimately responsible for all rapier combat

in the East Kingdom.

-Deputy Kingdom Rapier Marshal: Can take over in the event that the KMOF resigns or is unable to perform his/her duties. May have additional duties as the KMOF sees fit.

-Regional Marshal (Northern Shores, Northern, Central and Southern): This is

the senior marshal for that Region. They are appointed and report directly to the KMOF. They are responsible for monitoring all Local Marshals and Marshals-At-Large in their Region, and submitting quarterly reports on the status of rapier combat in their region to the KMOF.

-Marshals-At-Large: These marshals are not responsible for any particular geographic area. They are directly responsible to their Regional Marshal.

They perform general marshalling duties.

-Marshal-In-Charge (MIC): Marshal temporarily in charge of fencing for the day at a particular event or practice. The MIC will submit a written report to the autocrat of the event. If issues arise (ie., injuries or disciplinary actions) a report to the Local, Regional, Kingdom, and any other Kingdom official involved.

2. Inspections

When to inspect armor and weapons, and everything about doing so. This should be very hands-on. It would be desirable to have examples of S-curves and forge wobbles available.

3. Authorizations

This hands-on portion of the course may use 'mock' authorizations to show examples of candidates who are ready to be authorized and those who need more training. Include one brief testing on Eastern rapier combat rules of a mock candidate, and two fighting portions of authorizations (for one who is ready, one who is unsafe).

a. Explaining an auth. Some words to the authorization candidate on what marshals are looking for can help an auth go easier. For example, some candidates become confused when obvious openings are left by the fighting marshal -- thinking it's a trick. When we let them know it's not, and they're usually much less hesitant.

b. Observing an auth. What to look for. Part of the Marshal Handbook may serve as a handout in this part of the course.

c. Participating in an auth. How to fight them, including the use of defense-only, offense-only, and free bouts, including when each fight would be appropriate; calling but not taking wounds (especially for limbs relevant to the form being tested); leaving openings; fighting when legged; rushing and mobility; opposite handedness between marshal and candidate; single dagger fighting for dagger quals; etc.

d. Breaking the news, and giving feedback to the candidate. Provisional authorizations-when to use them and how to explain them to the qualifying fencer.

e. Paperwork. Show and pass out forms. Let MITs know where to get the forms, and where to send them.

f. Visitors qualled out of Kingdom. They don't need an auth, but need to know the rules. A brief word on this only.

4. Marshalling a bout

a. Ensuring satisfaction before a bout. Have they calibrated and are they satisfied with each other's arms and armor? Why this is important.

b. Salutes. Their order, and alternate heraldic verbiage. I once got some good examples from Tibor. I've misplaced them, but I can contact him for those again. Be clear that this is not part of marshalling requirements but is a nicety that a marshal may perform in the absence of heralds.

c. Calling the lay on, and where the marshal should stand in relation to the bout.

d. Calling a hold. When to (or not to) do it. Obstacles, presence of unarmored gentles in the list, noticing tip loss and untied shoes, etc. The choice of "centering" the fighters.

e. Active marshalling. What it is, when to (or not to) do it. All about this issue.

f. Ensuring satisfaction after a bout. Resolving disputes.

5. Marshalling melee scenarios

This should include but not be limited to reviewing melee engagement rules, how to handle issues on the field, marshal's court after scenarios, death from behind, use of RBGs, etc.

6. Sanctions

These are in the book, but a quick summary of them might help bring them more actively into marshal thinking in a non-negative way, and help prevent fear of their use if they actually become appropriate. Should include a brief on the appeal process. Again, this will be quick - it's all in the book.

7. Drop testing

Show and tell a drop tester. Give a link to information on constructing one. Show the use of one.

8. Q&A Time

Questions and answers should occur throughout the course. This is time left for extra discussion as needed.