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I'm not trying to be rude or flippant about this. I tried for over an hour to phrase this better, but I don't seem to be able to without changing the kind of answer I think we need at this point.
If rattan and boffer are so similar that youth can switch back and forth without any problems, why does the kingdom need a youth rattan program at all?
It just seems that trying to define the specifics of a new policy without ever really answering this basic question first keeps bringing us back to the question. Perhaps if we answer the question, we would have a specific goal and be able to draft policy around that.
Yvianne
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From: OTRobin@...Sent: Friday, November 14, 2008 10:27 AMSubject: Re: [AEyouthpolicy] Policy Meeting Notes (gold Chain)Jenna,This looks good except one area confuses me.If the only rattan experience the older kids who want to have will be at events, what happens the rest of the time when they are no longer allowed to go to a practice and fight boffer? It sounds like this will eliminate 16+ rattan fighters from practicing under the SCA rules once they switch, for now, and be encouraging more off the radar practicing.As time passes and more events are held that will include the 16+ component, I hope participation spreads quickly.My other area of confusion is that many of the older kids already fighting rattan outside of SCA sanctions activities have been able to go back to boffer with little or no difficulty. If level 3 boffer weapons are made to mimic rattan in bulk, weight and balance, the idea that anything more than a minimum or zero difference in calibration and muscle memory does not fit. Using my training in activity analysis, practicing is what will build muscle and motion memory. Anyone who has ever had an injury that requires physical or occupational therapy has learned that you can't fake it or fool the therapist when you have not done the exercises for your home program. The rhythm and fluid motion is not present nor observed when you do not practice. This is very similar to the notion that putting on armor without any stretching or minimal muscle warming up then going full speed, makes you invincible to injury.I agree with erring on the side of caution. It is pretty easy to pick out the fighters who practice regularly and am always very glad to see more and heavier armor than SCA minimums require, for any person.I would suggest two topics for classes at C3R. One for adults fighters who wish to be included in the training process of 16+ rattan. Second, would be for all marshals who wish to participate in the 16+ rattan program to clearly outline policy, learn some approved methods to include (standardization) and gather ideas to consider that would include teaching the 16+ rattan how to handle some typical conflicts - like not taking shots.I will gladly make an outline to post for purposes of fine tuning with suggestions, if anyone is interested.Nivah
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