possible authorization

[anotheranon]

I'm considering trying to authorize this weekend.

For non-SCA fencers, rapier authorization isn't a competition, it's a test to make sure your gear and fencing style is safe, and that you're aware of society/local kingdom safety rules. Practicing without is ok, but to fence at events it's required.

As of now, I'm still wavering.

Pro:

• It would give me something to do at SCA events (many of which seem to be fight-oriented), which would give me a reason to talk to people instead of standing around being socially awkward.
  
  
• I'd be able to do pick-up bouts and the like with the growing historic fencing community in the SCA.
  
  
• I am attending KWAR this year and I suspect it would lend me some street cred coming in.
  
  
• If I want to do this soon this event is likely my last chance before it gets hellishly hot/I enter pre-Summer Nationals training crunch.
  

Con:

• Most SCA fencing takes place outdoors - which means fighting in summer heat/humidity in several layers of clothing. Outdoors is fine in fall but I don't have the time/money right now to get lighter-weight gear.
  
  
• Related: Lyme disease is endemic here and I don't like the idea of lying down in the grass, even for the short amount of time I'd be "playing dead" - I just get this mental image of pinhead sized infected ticks crawling into my clothes (ew ew ew!!)
  
  
• Allergies. Oh, [$deity], my allergies have been acting up!
  
  
• I'm feeling pressured to do this - assuming I do authorize this weekend I don't want to be pushed into using time/energy I don't have to compete in tourneys I don't feel ready for.
  

How important is it to do this NOW and how justified are my fears about heatstroke/bugborne disease? Can any SCAdians weigh in?

Comments

[dora-took.livejournal.com]

while I'm not a Scadian myself, I do know many.... Consider this: just because you authorize doesn't mean you HAVE to do anything at events, it just means you MAY if you choose to. Might as well get it now (before the heat really sets in) and have it out of the way. Then you can do what you like?

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Exactly - that's why I'm considering this.

And looking at the weather report for this weekend I'm thinking this is most likely the last chance to do this before fall.

So yeah - probably gonna hike out to Hagerstown earrrrly on Sat...