Jousting is, of course, the backbone of the IJA, but there is much more to it than that...
There are the mounted games that are complex skills in themselves, as well as training for the joust. Some people think that the games are much more difficult than the joust.
Then there is ground combat, which has yet to start up in Canada, but plans are in the works.
Last, but certainly not least, a joust needs ground crew to keep a tournament running. Sometimes, jousters who are not competing take up these positions, but there is always more work to do.
The IJA offers certifications in all of the above areas. This allows the IJA to assess a basic level of skill in each area, because safety is the primary concern on the competition field. The association rules, equipment specifications, certification requirements and some personal training exercises are set out in the IJA Members Book and the IJA-Canada Members Book, both of which are included with IJA-Canada membership.
