Everything You Need to Know About SCA Legal Armor

The SCA, or Society for Creative Anachronism, is a global educational and cultural organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It is a living history organization that is involved in a range of activities such as armored combat, equestrian activities, archery, fencing, and a variety of other martial arts.

As an organization that focuses on the culture of the past, SCA members often recreate the clothing and armor of that time period. If a member wishes to participate in the armored combat activities of the SCA, they must equip themselves with armor that meets the standard of SCA legal armor. In this article, we will take a look at what makes SCA legal armor and how to choose the right armor for you.

Understanding SCA Legal Armor Requirements

The safety of its members is of utmost importance to the SCA. As such, they have set a number of standards for armor that must be met for it to be considered legal for use in SCA activities. The standards for armor depend on the type of activity that it is being used for: armored combat, equestrian activities, or archery.

Armored Combat

For armored combat, armor must be made of steel, leather, or a combination of the two materials. Steel must be of at least 16 gauge thickness. Leather must be at least 8-10 ounces in weight. All armor must be padded or be of a type that is designed to flex and absorb impact. Additionally, all armor must cover the parts of the body that are vulnerable to injury.

Equestrian Activities

For equestrian activities, the armor must be of a type that provides the rider with protection from possible falls. The helmet must meet ASTM standards and be certified for use in equestrian activities. The armor must also provide an adequate level of protection to the rider’s torso, arms, and legs.

Archery

For archery, the armor must be of a type that provides the archer with protection from incoming arrows. The armor must be made of a material that is able to absorb the energy of the arrows, such as leather or Kevlar. The armor must also provide adequate protection for the archer’s torso, arms, and legs.

Choosing the Right SCA Legal Armor

When choosing SCA legal armor, it is important to consider the type of activity that you will be participating in and the level of protection that you require. For example, if you are participating in armored combat, you may want to invest in a full suit of armor that provides maximum coverage of your body. Alternatively, if you are participating in archery, you may want to invest in a lighter set of armor that still provides adequate protection.

It is also important to ensure that the armor that you are purchasing is of a high quality and meets the standards set by the SCA. If you are unsure, it is best to purchase your armor from a reputable source that specializes in SCA legal armor.

Conclusion

SCA legal armor is essential for anyone who wishes to participate in the activities of the SCA. It is important to ensure that you are equipped with the right type of armor for the activity in which you are participating and that it meets the standards set by the SCA. By researching and investing in the right type of armor, you can ensure that you are well-protected and able to enjoy your SCA activities safely.