Armoured Combat
Also called ‘heavy fighting’, this is exactly what comes to mind when you think of a medieval knight. 
Society of Creative Anachronism combatants wear a mixture of chain-mail, leather, and plate armour (according to strict armour standards) and wield non-metal weapons so that our fights can be completely un-choreographed, full speed, and full contact, but still safe. (See Safety) Victories are determined on an honour system, and chivalry is highly valued in our group. To ensure everyone’s safety, all fighters must be authorised as a safe combatant before they take the field outside of training (see our Authorisation Guide), and referees (which we call Marshals) are always on hand to stop a fight in case something goes wrong.
Whether in a one-on-one fight on the tourney field, or as a member of a hundred-strong army in a ‘war‘, the SCA is the safest, most exhilarating way to put yourself in the shoes of a knight in shining armour. 
To get involved, contact our Armoured Combat Marshal at marshal@burnfield.lochac.sca.org, or come along to one of our regular practices. We’re happy to lend you some equipment to give it a try! (And when you’re ready to get your own, check out our guide to Getting Equipped below)!
Getting Equipped
All Heavy Combat equipment needs to comply with our safety standards (see the Fighters’ Handbook), and we recommend you spend some time using the loaner gear we have available and talking with more experienced fighters before you decide to buy your own.
There are a number of places that sell equipment suited to SCA Heavy Combat, or even designed for SCA Heavy Combat. Some of these are based overseas, but there are also local people making and importing armour and components. There may even be someone in the Barony who has some extra available to sell, so feel free to ask around. The Barony also runs armouring and weapon-making workshops from time to time, and we usually make bulk purchases of supplies when we do to minimise costs for the students. For a brief overview of the types of armour commonly worn and how much they cost. If you want to explore the topic of medieval armour in more detail, have a look at the Armour Archive.
Armour Suppliers
- Medieval Fight Club – A huge range of armour, arming doublets and other stuff based in Warnervale, NSW
- Make Your Own Medieval – Queensland based importer with range of good quality items such as boots and accessories.
Resources
Rapier
With a broader range of techniques than you’ll find in Olympic-style fencing, our ‘Rapier’ experts wield sword, dagger, cane, and buckler in swift and elegant bouts. Rapier fighters use blunted metal swords, and fight ‘to the touch’, like modern fencing. Safety gear is required (see the Rapier Combat Handbook), but apart from the fencing masks, it is generally more subtle in appearance than heavy armour, and easily disguised as part of a stylish Renaissance outfit. Combatants must be authorised as safe combatants before participating in a tournament, and trained referees (called Marshals) monitor each fight for signs of danger.
Would you like to be a swashbuckler? Contact our acting , or come along to practice to give it a try!
Resources
Archery
The Canton of Burnfield offers era target archery, including period crossbow. We follow strict safety rules and have trained marshals to oversee activities, such as monitoring the archery range, period equipment and proper use.
The Canton also arranges competitions like the Bullseye Archery Weekend at Seeonee Park Scout Camp and the All Things Archery at Aldershot Scout Camp.
Different games are played. See the attached rules for King Harold Shoot, 3D Hunt Round, Noughts and Crosses, Dice Game and Darchery.
The Rules can be found “HERE”
Winners’ Tassels:
Burnfield uses standardised tassels to indicate different types of activities at events (e.g., green for games, red for marshalate, blue for Arts and Sciences). Archery tassels are in the Burnfield colours of red, white and green with a red band.
Newcomers:
Newcomers are welcome and can borrow bows and arrows to practice at their first archery session.