So tomorrow I will be attending my first SCA fighter practice, as a spectator of course. What am I looking for as far as good or bad things to give me an idea of the kind of group they have?
Pad
SCA fighter practice...what am I looking for?
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Jehan de Pelham
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I'll accept some risk. There is much I don't yet understand, but here is what I think:
Fighter practice is the weekly deed of arms, it's the place where people do their in-between event training. It is typically conducted in a plain, even businesslike manner, so don't expect a lot of showmanship.
Here are some pointers I made up, from the standpoint of a Heavy Weapons combatant:
1. Turnout. Fighter practices with fewer fighters tend to be not as productive, unless there are special circumstances, for example a good instructor, which just means that the student to teacher ratio is better.
2. Multiple weapons forms. If all that is practiced, week in and week out, is sword and shield, then it indicates something. It would be better to see some greatweapon use, some two weapon practice, some spear drills.
3. Decently maintained armor. This indicates a group that has the facilities, and the spirit, either as individuals, or collectively, to maintain armor.
4. Getting down to business. Fighter practice is for fighting. Unless it's coaching and mentoring. A good indicator is constant combat and people standing on deck to get on the field.
5. Marshalate presence. It's handy if there's a Marshal present who can authorize, add additional weapon forms to your card, and so forth.
6. Friendliness. Hopefully someone will latch onto you, maybe a fighter who decided to come but not suit up that week. Hopefully they can answer your questions.
7. After practice dinner. Some groups go and have dinner after a practice--this can be a good time to find out about the group, good and bad.
8. They're sizing you up too.
Good luck, have fun!
Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus
Fighter practice is the weekly deed of arms, it's the place where people do their in-between event training. It is typically conducted in a plain, even businesslike manner, so don't expect a lot of showmanship.
Here are some pointers I made up, from the standpoint of a Heavy Weapons combatant:
1. Turnout. Fighter practices with fewer fighters tend to be not as productive, unless there are special circumstances, for example a good instructor, which just means that the student to teacher ratio is better.
2. Multiple weapons forms. If all that is practiced, week in and week out, is sword and shield, then it indicates something. It would be better to see some greatweapon use, some two weapon practice, some spear drills.
3. Decently maintained armor. This indicates a group that has the facilities, and the spirit, either as individuals, or collectively, to maintain armor.
4. Getting down to business. Fighter practice is for fighting. Unless it's coaching and mentoring. A good indicator is constant combat and people standing on deck to get on the field.
5. Marshalate presence. It's handy if there's a Marshal present who can authorize, add additional weapon forms to your card, and so forth.
6. Friendliness. Hopefully someone will latch onto you, maybe a fighter who decided to come but not suit up that week. Hopefully they can answer your questions.
7. After practice dinner. Some groups go and have dinner after a practice--this can be a good time to find out about the group, good and bad.
8. They're sizing you up too.
Good luck, have fun!
Jehan de Pelham, squire of Sir Vitus
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freiman the minstrel
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Jehan put things a whole lot better than I would have, and included a couple of things I would have missed. He did not however, include something that I would have included.
Comfort level.
You might make the decision to do a month, and if you are not at all comfortable, decide to opt out of that particular practice.
Also, in addition to Jehan's excellent suggestions, you might want to carry a pen and paper, in case you want to write a name and phone number down.
Bringing your own elbow pads, knee pads and groin cup can be a way to let the local trainers know that you mean business.
Good luck!
freima
Comfort level.
You might make the decision to do a month, and if you are not at all comfortable, decide to opt out of that particular practice.
Also, in addition to Jehan's excellent suggestions, you might want to carry a pen and paper, in case you want to write a name and phone number down.
Bringing your own elbow pads, knee pads and groin cup can be a way to let the local trainers know that you mean business.
Good luck!
freima
Act Your Rage
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Morgan
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Just a request... please don't immediately interpret a lack of conversation as aloofness and the fact that nobody likes you. I'm NOT saying this will happen, but if it does, understand that sometimes the fighters are trying to fight and learn. It's everyone's duty to make newcomers feel welcome. Some people are better at this than others, and sometimes even the best forget. 
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Angus Bjornssen
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Pad, the first thing you should do to get aquainted with the local fighters is ask one question of the first person you get near to:
"What do I have to do to get into armor and on the field?"
If you aint talking about getting into armor with the next person you talk to, ask the same question. In fact keep asking it of everyone you meet until your butt is in armor and on the field. It don't take much. Once you spend the time finding gear that fits and have been on the field you will find most people there very friendly. Show up for a second practice and they will be more friendly. Show up for a third and they will be amazed first, and then even more friendly. Keep showing up and you will find friends you never thought would talk to you at first.
Best of luck.
Angus
"What do I have to do to get into armor and on the field?"
If you aint talking about getting into armor with the next person you talk to, ask the same question. In fact keep asking it of everyone you meet until your butt is in armor and on the field. It don't take much. Once you spend the time finding gear that fits and have been on the field you will find most people there very friendly. Show up for a second practice and they will be more friendly. Show up for a third and they will be amazed first, and then even more friendly. Keep showing up and you will find friends you never thought would talk to you at first.
Best of luck.
Angus