Frequently Asked Questions

What forms do I need to complete for a combatant authorization?

• West Kingdom Combatant Authorizations Reporting Form

• Electronic Waiver for West Kingdom Authorizations

What forms do I need to complete for a marshal authorization?

• West Kingdom Marshal Authorizations Reporting Form

• Electronic Waiver for West Kingdom Authorizations

• Proof of Membership for West Kingdom Marshal Authorizations

Why do my authorizations need to be recorded in the West Kingdom Authorizations Database?

Per Society requirements, the Authorizations Deputy (as the designated official for the West Kingdom) is responsible for maintaining the registration of authorizations.

Society Armored Combat Marshal’s Handbook (Section I.A.5)

Can I just email you pictures of my authorization card or show it to you at an event so you can add them to the database?

No. All authorizations need to be reported using the proper forms. This ensures all authorizations are reported and recorded correctly.

I can't remember the exact date of my authorization. What should I do?

You can make your best guess. However, this should be done within a reasonable margin of error; days or weeks, not years.

I am a senior marshal and have had to resubmit my authorization information more than once in the last few years, yet I am not listed on the database nor the marshal options on the reporting forms. Do I need to report the authorization again?

Please email the Authorizations Team at authorizations@westkingdom.org with the marshal authorization you are missing. It will be reviewed by the Earl Marshal and/or Kingdom Marshal and further guidance will be provided.

What does "Marshal Recertifying the Authorization" mean?

For a variety of reasons, the marshal who originally performed your authorization may not available to verify your authorization. If this is the case, you can reach out to another marshal  (Senior/Kingdom/KEM) to have them "vouch" for your authorization. This is different from renewing.

The marshal who performed my authorization is active but isn’t listed in the database. How can I report my authorization?

Please select the Kingdom Heavy Marshal or Kingdom Earl Marshal and list the name of the authorizing marshal in the "Additional Information" field at the end of this form. Additional marshals will be added as their authorizations are verified.

I reported my authorization through the form, but it hasn’t shown up in the database yet. Did you receive my form?

If you received the confirmation email after submitting your form, we did receive your form. Your authorization will be added to the database as soon as soon as possible. Your authorization status will be updated while we are processing your submission.

What do the authorization statuses mean?

Expiration Pending: Your authorization has expired and action is needed on your part before it is removed from the database. Please check your email for further details.

In Good Standing: All required information is on file and up to date. No action is needed prior to your authorization expiration date.

Pending Verification: All required information is on file; we are waiting for the authorizing marshal to verify the authorization.

Missing Waiver: Authorization information has been received and we have not received your waiver. We cannot continue processing the authorization until it has been received.

Missing Proof of Membership: Authorization information has been received and you have not completed the proof of membership form and/or we have not received your proof of membership in the Authorization Team inbox. We cannot continue processing the authorization until it has been received.

What do the colors on my authorization date mean?

Dark Red with White Writing: Your authorization expiration date has passed.

Red: Your authorization will expire within 30 days.

Orange: Your authorization will expire within 60 days.

Yellow: Your authorization will expire within 90 days.

Why do I need to complete the electronic waiver to get an authorization card when I sign waivers at events/have a blue membership card?

The Electronic Waiver for West Kingdom Authorizations is the method we are using to keep all West Kingdom authorization waivers on file. Per West Kingdom requirements, you must have a properly completed waiver on file with the Kingdom prior to receiving an authorization card.

Western Armored Combat Manual and Marshals’ Handbook (Participant's Section I.A.6)

Additionally, per Society requirements, the Authorizations Deputy (as the designated official for the West Kingdom) is responsible for keeping properly completed waivers for SCA combat-related activities. These waivers are required to be kept on file for a period of seven years.

Society Armored Combat Marshal’s Handbook (Section I.A.5-7)

Do I need to submit a waiver every time I report a new authorization?

No. You only need to submit a waiver once. It is good for seven years. If you submit another wavier more than six months before your current waiver on file expires, the new entry will be deleted. You can view the list of waivers on file on the Waivers page.

Why do I need to send in my proof of membership to be a marshal?

Per West Kingdom and Society requirements, you must be a member of the SCA to be a marshal.

Western Armored Combat Manual and Marshals’ Handbook (Marshal Section I.B.2.a)

Society Armored Combat Marshal’s Handbook (Section IX.A.11)

Do I need to submit proof of membership every time I report a new marshal authorization?

No. Your proof of membership information is kept on file. You will need to submit your proof of membership again when what is on file expires. You do not need to complete the form again, you only need to email your proof of membership to the Authorizations Team. You can view the list of proof of membership on file on the Proof of Membership page.

I have a sustaining membership. Do I need to submit my proof of membership when what is on file expires?

Yes. We do not have access to your membership information and are unable to verify that your membership is still active.

Can I use the form to request a renewal of my authorization?

No. The reporting forms are used to report authorizations, new and renewals.

Combatant authorizations, including renewals, can only be done by a Senior Marshal (including Principality Marshals), Kingdom Marshal (e.g., Kingdom Heavy Marshal, Kingdom Rapier Marshal, etc.), and the Kingdom Earl Marshal.

Standard marshal authorizations can only be done by a Senior Marshal (including Principality Marshals), Kingdom Marshal (e.g., Kingdom Heavy Marshal, Kingdom Rapier Marshal, etc.), and the Kingdom Earl Marshal.

Senior Marshal authorizations can only be done by the Kingdom Marshal (e.g., Kingdom Heavy Marshal, Kingdom Rapier Marshal, etc.) and the Kingdom Earl Marshal.