That’s a show-only detail, but according to WOIAF, the North doesn’t really go into jousting tourneys, which are part and parcel of the Andal culture of chivalry. So for a Northman, there’s not much of a social benefit.
Does Ned’s stated motivation for not participating in tournaments make sense? Unless he’s covering massive incompetence (duel with Jaime suggests not), would letting enemies not see his fighting style be worth forgoing the social & financial benefits of participation & success? Jaime, Loras & Gregor all do tournaments, and the latter 2 take their success or failure VERY seriously, but no one ever used a weakness spotted in a tourney to beat them (magic poison & hot oil work on everyone).
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