Authorization

The act of testing and confirming the ability of a participant in armored combat or rapier combat, accomplished and supervised by marshals. An authorized combatant may participate in the appropriate activities in any tournament or practice. Participants in a practice need not be authorized yet.

Subsequent weapon authorizations are generally obtained separately, although there are cases where one or more styles can be gained at once (for example, 2-handed thrust (spear) and polearm or 1-handed thrust (dagger) and sword & shield). Initial authorization does not imply a great level of skill, but merely competence in the attempted style, knowledge of the rules and ability to participate in a manner safe to the fighter and to his or her opponent. Advanced authorizations require a greater display of skill.