The following updates have been submitted to the Earl Marshal for addition to the Ansteorra Marshal’s Handbook. Unless otherwise stated these conventions will be observed by all youth rapier marshals and combatants in Ansteorra until the final version of the handbook is published.
Youth Rapier Combat
Ansteorra shall adhere to Society Youth Combat conventions except as amended below. Many terms used here are already defined in the Society Fencing Manual (i.e. Light Rapier) or the Society Youth Combat Manual. Please be sure to cross reference all applicable rules.
Youth Rapier Authorizations
Ansteorra shall have 3 youth rapier combatant authorizations and 1 youth rapier marshal authorization. Combatant authorizations are defined below in Combatant Divisions. Youth rapier marshal authorizations shall be granted in accordance with the society youth combat handbook.
Youth Rapier Authorizing marshals shall be designated by the Kingdom Youth Rapier Marshal (KYRM) and may conduct authorizations in both combatant and marshal authorizations in accordance with kingdom and society rules.
Youth Rapier Combatant Divisions
Ansteorra shall divide youth rapier combatants, also known as youth fencers, into 3 divisions by age. Each division shall have a separate authorization. In order to compete in youth rapier tournaments, youth fencers must be authorized in the division that matches or is greater than the division they are competing in. All divisions can train with any standard Society off-hand weapon or parry device.
The following table describes each division.
| Division | Ages | Weapons Requirements and Restrictions | Authorization Requirements |
| 1 | 6-9 | Light Rapier required for TournamentsPlastic are allowed only for Practice and outside of KingdomDraw and Push cuts are not legal blows | An Authorizing marshal must ensure the fencer is safe and can properly calibrate blows with a light rapierObeys holds and other directives from the marshal |
| 2 | 10-13 | Light Rapier and Heavy Rapier allowed in all cases. In tournaments and practice, youth fencers must match weapons. If one fencer wishes to use a light rapier, they both must.Draw and Push cuts may be used | All Division 1 Requirements and the Authorizing marshal ensures the fencer:understands the armor requirementscan fence safely with a heavy rapier.Can acknowledge blows |
| 3 | 14-17 | Heavy Rapier onlyDraw and Push cuts may be used | All division 2 requirements apply. Authorization requirements are the same as the Society adult rapier authorization. |
Authorizing in Divisions Below or Above the Combatant’s Age
Some youth fencers may be of larger stature than the average for their age and division. In these cases an authorizing marshal with the consent of the fencer and the fencer’s parent(s) may authorize a fencer in a higher division than their age. With the same restrictions a youth fencer may be authorized in a lower division if they are not already authorized in a higher division.
Youth Rapier Marshal Reporting Requirements
Local Branch marshals are required to file a monthly report to the Kingdom Youth Rapier Marshal, due no later than the 5th day of the following month.
Each regional and principality Youth Rapier Marshal of Ansteorra must submit a report each quarter. Quarterly reports are due no later than the 5th day of March, June, September, December.
Any youth Marshal in Charge at an event must submit an event report to the Kingdom Youth Rapier Marshal no later than 30 after the event.
The format and other details of each report will be published and distributed separately through official channels by the KYRM.