The following P&P changes have been approved by the Board as of Jan. 25th, 2026. The full document is available on the Policies and Procedures page, both online and for download. All changed are indicated by italics for additions or edits, and strikethrough for deletions.

Section 1.3.7, changed to
Fight Director Representative
This person is voted into office for a 4 year term by the Membership, and must maintain a level of FD.

Added Section 1.5.5.2 Reactivating Lapsed Membership
If an actor combatant’s membership has lapsed, and they wish to rejoin FDC they may either:

Rejoin at the level previous to their level at the time of lapse (For example an expired Intermediate
Combatant may rejoin as a Basic without any reassessment).

Complete a re-certification for their level at the time of lapse, and rejoin at that level.

Lapsed members do not have to pay arrears for the years of membership withdrawal, but will instead
pay a $50 reinstating fee.

Edits to Section 2.1.1 Certification at the Youth, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Levels
Shall Include: At all levels, and in all disciplines, students must be taught by an FDC
Instructor/Director in good standing and pass a skills proficiency exam adjudicated by an FDC Fight
Master or FDC Certified Adjudicator in good standing, unless otherwise agreed to by the College of
FMs. The individual weapon systems and pass ratios for each level are listed below

Add 2.1.7 Challenging
Students who have received certification at another organization, or who otherwise have extensive
knowledge and practice of stage combat may challenge a level. Challenging is when a student trains
and tests with AFDC at a level higher than their current AFDC certification would typically allow. To
challenge the student must complete the following:

• Those seeking to challenge must have an FM’s approval. They should show some example of
  their work (via video recording, or live), or a certification from another internationally
  recognized organization that is not expired.
• Students may only challenge 1 level above what they have previously certified with AFDC. If
  they have no previous certification from AFDC they may challenge Intermediate. If they
  received their Basic with AFDC, then trained elsewhere, and believe they are at a level to
  challenge Advanced, they may do so with an FM’s approval (as stated above).
• Anyone challenging at a Nationals will also be assessed in their first 2 days by the Instructional
  Staff, and may be asked to move back a level, once they have been observed in class.

Add 2.1.7.1 Challenging with incomplete Conditions
As stated in sections 2.1.1.2, and 2.1.1.3, “Combatants will not gain their certification, nor be able to
test for a higher level until successfully certifying at their previous level.”
Challenging is designed to allow those who have a strong expectation that they will succeed at that
level; either because of training at another organization, or through extensive work, to attempt a level
above their previous AFDC certification. Conditions are meant to help students meet the expectations
of their current level. By definition students still working on conditions are not in a position to excel at
the next level, and therefore cannot challenge.

Edits to Section 3
FDC acknowledges that certain demographics (including but not limited to Indigenous persons, Black
people, anyone who identifies as a Person of Colour, female-identifying individuals, members of the
LGBTQ2SIA+ community, trans and gender non-conforming, neurodivergent persons, and persons
operating with a disability) are underrepresented within The Organization. FDC is committed to closing
this gap and will work towards creating a space that is inclusive, equal, and welcoming to all.

...Once the following has been coordinated and received by AFDC, the minimum 2 year
apprenticeship can begin.

To be a Teacher Apprentice the Candidate Must:
• Have a Fight Master or 2 Fight Instructors who are members of the Registry of Fight Directors recommend
them for the apprenticeship period who will become the Candidate's Mentor during that process.

Edits to Section 3.1
As an Apprentice, the Candidate for Teacher Certification is expected to achieve the following over the
next 2 to 3 years depending on student ability or background.
• Have a Mentor among the FM or 2 Fight Instructors who are members of the Registry of Fight Directors that
will follow their progress and report findings to the College.

Edits to Section 3.3 Fight Instructor Testing
Once the person has journeyed and received feedback on their experiences, they can register for formal
testing. They are now able to complete the Fight Instructors Workshop and must pass all requirements
for certification.
Testing Involves
Evaluation of two different syllabus structures that the Candidate will present.
A - Syllabus for a University course of 12 weeks at 6 hours a week (72 hours).
B - Syllabus for a Conservatory type Acting Program, 90 minute courses twice a week. The term is 14
weeks (42 hours)
• Must complete and submit a research paper on any aspect of stage combat (Historical, Theatrical,
Psychological, etc) leading to a written article that could be published (Minimum 4000 words).

Edits to Section 6 Re-Certification
A Fight Director with AFDC is recognized for 5 years. At the end of that period, the certification is null
and void unless the member re-certifies. The Fight Director can re-certify by forwarding a current
professional resume to the College of Fight Masters. If the member can demonstrate that they are
professionally active to the satisfaction of the College and have demonstrated high quality work the
Fight Director will be Re-Certified. All Fight Directors qualified to teach certification classes must
show proof of Mental Health First Aid training as part of re-certification if they have not done so
already.
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Added Section 7.3.5 Conflicts of Interest
A member of the Executive cannot simultaneously serve on the board, as they are employed by the
board.

In the event that a member of the Executive also holds the position of FM, any decisions that might be
jointly overseen by a single FM and a member of the Executive must either be handed to another FM,
or another FM must be consulted in writing. This is to ensure that the Executive member is not silo-ing
the information (intentionally or otherwise) in such a way that other members of FDC (either Board or
College of FMs), are not kept in the loop.