Results and comments from the Aug/Sep 2003 survey.

	Ýves’ big SCA rapier survey #1 ~ “Anchorage”
	Updated: May 24, 2005

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Policy blurb

By default, authors of comments sent in response to this survey are named only by their permission. Usually, other people mentioned in a comment are named only with their permission as well. Each comment represents only what the author typed in for the survey at the time.

» This survey was conducted during August-September 2003. Things change over time. «

Some comments were edited for content. Certain harsh words have been changed for your amusement. Opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the surveyor.

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# of Responses
by Kingdom
 
AEth.  = 34/235
Anst.  = 36/240
An Tir = 56/347
Art.   = 12/124
Aten.  = 27/460
Atl.   = 60/425
Caid   = 49/400
Drach. = 21/76
Eald.  = 12/77
East   = 46/480
Loch.  = 22/120
Mer.   = 27/140
Mid.   = 52/640
Nor.   = 25/164
Out.   = 26/214
Tri.   = 46/237
West   = 14/70
Unk.   = 2

The gist

Based on the responses: If something "bad" happened regarding our fencing enjoyment, most of us would not leave the SCA - however, some would take action. Most of the survey-takers include few "pointjocks".

Pointjock (n., slang 1980s USA) — One who participates at (SCA) functions only for fencing. If they go to events at all, many attend only for the fencing and leave when it's over. Generally, they contribute little away from the field. Likewise, a stickjock does the same with heavy combat.

If you have an official definition and source, please send it.

Question 12. Anchorage

Check all that apply, if any.

Total number of responses: 567.

KEY

Yes: Number of "yes" responses.
Per: Yes ÷ total responses.

The comments

Note: Any remarks in the comments below from Yves look like this.

Fair warning: The idea of SCA fencing being banned in a given area, or in all the kingdoms, is somewhat controversial and provocative.

Other comments on this topic are on separate pages.
See the links at the bottom of this page.
 

Choice picks

Φ Anst. ~ There are ways to support rapier without actively fighting, so physical condition isn't an issue.

Φ Tri. ~ In the future, if my physical condition doesn';t allow me to fence well enough to have fun, i will continue to teach and support the rapier community.  ``Cillian

De-stress

Φ Aten. ~ I've been working in the SCA these last years toward ... a far away goal. Fencing is just something I love to do, and it's a sweet release of all the stress I build up over the week.

Ego

Φ Mid. ~ Unfortunately some of the [clueless] behaviour of members of the Rapier Community of the Midrealm have soured me on the rapier experience. I would rather not be associated with them. It seems like it is all self-aggrandizement and what can the SCA do for their egos and it just takes the fun out of it for me.

Enjoyment

Φ Loch. ~ The SCA is here for our enjoyment within the relm of the middleages and renaissance. if our enjoyment within the such relm is removed, then why are we here?  ``Marc

Read more on why we like to fence. Question 1.

History/period

Φ An Tir ~ I have heard people argue that fencing is not Medieval and therefore does not fit in the SCA time period. If I recall correctly, the papers that come with the membership card state that the SCA time period is 600 to 1600. Therefore fencing does fit within the SCA time period.

Φ Caid ~ Outlawing fencing would indicate that the local SCA is going all goobery. Only a (substitute tactful word for moron here) would argue that rapiers didn't exist within the the SCA timeframe. Even if it was more cut oriented than how we play until the very end of the SCA period, it is still far more realistic than rattan boffer combat. As such represents a trend in the SCA towards the more historical as opposed to the original Berkeley fantasy party.  ``David

Φ Out. ~ I sometimes wonder if "outlawing" rapier combat would not simply be a challenge - an opportunity for more period recreation. After all, dueling was "outlawed" in period, too. (I have never had to face this question directly, myself. Others have.)  ``Guillaume

Read more on history/realism. Questions 2,3.
 
Read more on authenticity. Question 15.

Light blades, heavy blades

Φ An Tir ~ The injury factor is one that I look at when competing and my long-term approach to this. The control issue of both me and my opponents as our kingdom is transitioning to steel. I fight steel 75% of the time, and I find I am getting injured more. In practices I find I am more apt to hurt someone as I trying something new with steel.  ``Draven

Φ Atl. ~ I would become very peeved if we moved into schlagger only. It would reduce our number of fencers dramatically. Besides, the more toys we have to play with, the better and more rounded fighters we become.  ``Belphoebe

Read more on blades. Questions 10,11.

Martial art

Φ Tri. ~ Fencing is a not-as-painful- martial art form suitable for those not into bruises (any more).

Politics

Φ Anst. ~ I find Rapier Fighting to be safe and enjoyable art. For someone new to the SCA, the cost of getting started in Rapier smaller than some other combat activites. I understand that there are some that would banish or restrict Rapier Fighting. This type of "arrogance" should have no place in our SCA.  ``Jacques

Φ Mer. ~ Rapier is my main point of interest, if I am at an event I am fencing or teaching. SCA and rapier combat is a thing that share and do with my wife. This is a thing that we both enjoy and share. I get really tried of the politics within the sca because on one hand the society falls over itself for new people and has several offices to help new people begin but at the same time tries to limit what people do because it may conflict with specific groups of peoples' study. Some get to upset over getting too late, but have not problems with things too early. It really is one or the other.  ``Leon

Φ Out. ~ Fencing should be regulated by fencers and somehow made so that kings and knight marshals can't ban it at a whim if the office is taken by an ass. Since fencing is far safer over all than heavy combat, people need to get off their high horse, let us sigh a waiver and get on with it.  ``Doring

Φ Out. ~ The main issue with fencing is that Laurals are not give for the art and science of pure fencing combat and thus Don/nnas (sp?) sometimes abuse the scarf and peers take offense. Second is that fat old knights can't fence and you can't be a 1 shot wonder with light blades. everyone knows when you suck as a light weapons fencer, strength and bravado can't cover that up.  ``Doring

Φ Tri. ~ I almost left the SCA once because of the politics involved with the fencing rules.

Φ Tri. ~ If I am not having fun, I would not do it. The politics have made me think of leaving the game. My studants keep me coming back.

Φ I live in the West. Fencing is considered a boil on the [buttocks] of the SCA here. Most of the SCA type fencing that I do, I do outside of the SCA. Our fencing group carries it's own insurance, do our own events, and generally doesn't do much with the SCA because of the disdainful attitude of the population in general.

Send good thoughts

Φ Atl. ~ I haven't been able to do as much fencing as I'd like due to knee issues. Hopefully the doctors will be able to make them better <fingers crossed>.

Φ Drach. ~ My physical (medical) condition means that my ability to fence well has been reduced dramatically for the last 8 months. This does not stop me enjoying fencing - it just means I don't win as often (who said at all???)  ``Kári

Φ Mer. ~ Not fencing much now due to chronic tendonitis, so its really hard not being able to cross blades.

Φ Tri. ~ I curent;y have MS and I still fence, I only have slowed down to fencing when I am feeling good enough to do so. I still co run a weekly private pratice.  ``Mikael

Teaching

Φ Aten. ~ Actually, I'm pretty much only doing SCA for teaching. I don't really go to events much any longer- the paperwork and silly [poopoo] has gotten to me.  ``Senan

Read more on teaching. Questions 17,18.

Whine

Φ An Tir ~ If rules become too much of a pain just wait it will change and the whiners and nit pickers will go away.

Φ Atl. ~ Heavy fighting is just as much fun as light fighting, plus there is a lot less whining.  ``Rufus

Non sequitur

Φ AEth. ~ Also, every time I read "Anchorage" I think of Alaska. 8u)  ``Miguel

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Original page posted: October 18, 2004. Last tweaked: July 1, 2006.

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