There are two basic ways to become a Marshal: following the Fast Track Program or become a Marshal-in-Training.
Fast Track Program
The Fast Track program accelerates the process of warranting adult marshals for Youth Combat. Those eligible to participate are members of the Chivalry, heavy list marshals and parents of warranted youth combatants. The Deputy Earl Marshal for Youth Combat and the First Deputy are available to conduct the Fast Track classes and approve youth marshals via the Fast Track Program. To apply to the program, please contact the Deputy Earl Marshal for Youth Combat.
Marshal in Training
Becoming a Youth Combat Marshal is a worthy commitment. The program allows youth to engage in research and recreation while learning and playing in a safe environment.
There is a process to becoming a Youth Marshal. To begin, a candidate expresses interest to the appropriate Regional Youth Marshal. That candidate is assigned a training marshal and becomes a Marshal in Training (MiT). During the MiT phase of training, the candidate completes a background check in accordance with East Kingdom Law. The new MiT also learns/demonstrates facility with the rules of the varying divisions of Youth Combat, List conduct and decorum, and the ability to interact with youth, parents, and the public.
Please be aware that despite any previous experience with youth and/or with combat, a candidate cannot pass beyond the Marshal in Training phase without a valid background check. The background check can take between 3 and 9 weeks.
Once the MiT phase is complete, the candidate becomes a Brevet Youth Marshal. The Brevet marshal concentrates on running practices and providing support for the Youth Combat program at events. Brevet Marshals are demonstrating their ability to run practices and Youth Combat events with enthusiasm, engagement and safety.
Brevet Marshals become Youth Combat Marshals when they have demonstrated their ability to act independently. Brevet Marshals may not supervise MiTs. Once a Youth Combat Marshal, an individual may train/supervise MiTs.
The time spent along this road is variable. Marshal training is interactive and experience-based. The more time given to learning, the less time it takes to move through the process. Someone who only participates in Youth Combat at one or two events per year, for example, may experience a longer warranting process than someone more available.