HR Rules Draft 01/14/96
James Crouchet
jtc at io.com
Mon Jan 15 21:48:04 PST 1996
Here they are. I have already handed out paper copies of these rules to many
folks. To produce this copy I had to take out the fancy fonts and other
formatting that the net won't support -- oh well.
I did make one other change. At the request of the Society Rapier Marshal I
added outline-style numbers and letters to make it easier to refer to
sections.
If you get two copies it is because you were on two of the mailing list I
sent this to. Keep one, delete the other.
I have already gotten some feedback and will be making some changes to this
document but please don't wait for the next draft. Send your comments in NOW
so I can make all the changes at once. The next draft may be the one we sign
into kingdom law!
To answer some of the often repeated questions (you probably won't
understand this until you read the rules):
Yes, as a result of the tests we conducted I will change the recommended
layers of trigger to 5 rather than the 6 currently listed in these rules.
But please remember, this is a RECOMMENDATION only. WE WILL PUNCH TEST
EVERYTHING. If it passes, it passes. If not, not. Read the rules for more
information.
As the Society Rapier marshal has pointed out, bucklers larger than 20" are
against the Society rules. I will be trying to negotiating something to
allow us to use larger "targets". Read the rules below for more information.
The purpose of having the SCHOLAR authorization is so we don't get two
newbies with no experience picking up schlagers to train with. The
authorization system I have outlined will insure they have a year of
fighting with foils and epees, at least 2 tournaments under their belts and
a fair knowledge of the schlager rules before they can legally use a
schlager, even for training.
Some folks don't like the idea that a person must authorize as a marshal
before they can be a fighter. Some others have told me they think it is a
great idea. I can re-write the Authorization section to remove that
requirement and I am willing to be convinced either way. What do you think?
(Read the section on authorization before you answer that question).
I made the mask requirement a 12-kilo 3-weapons mask because Horoun (the
kingdom Rapier marshal and MY BOSS) said so. If you think that is too light,
say so and I may be able to make a case to him.
And, without further ado, here they are!
ANSTEORRAN RULES FOR HEAVY RAPIER COMBAT
DRAFT - 01/14/96
I. - EQUIPMENT STANDARDS FOR HEAVY RAPIER COMBAT
================================================
A. - PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
=========================
Please note that if at any place the SCA Rules For Rapier Combat or the
Ansteorra Rules of the List mandate a higher level of protection than these
rules, that higher standard is required. The following is considered the
MINIMUM required safety equipment for any SCA heavy rapier activity within
this Kingdom:
1. - Resistant and Impenetrable Materials
-----------------------------------------
Resistant material - A sturdy cloth that resists tearing under normal SCA
rapier combat stresses. Not acceptable are cotton gauze, nylon tights or
stockings, or other thin cloth.
Impenetrable Material - Any materials or any combination of materials that
will withstand the punch test outlined below. Some suggested materials are
6 layers of trigger cloth, or 1 layer of 4-5 oz. leather, however, all
materials must be individually punch tested to be considered impenetrable.
2. - Punch Testing
------------------
To perform a punch test a marshal should lay a piece of the material to be
tested on a penetrable surface, such as soft earth and attempt to punch
through the material 4 times with a practice schlager blade. The blade
should be gripped about 15" from the end and the strikes should be fairly
hard. The end of the blade should be flat and left bare. If the blade
penetrates, the garment fails. Protective garments of impenetrable
material may be punch-tested at any time, at the marshal's request, to
ensure the safety of the fighter.
3. - Coverage
-------------
Minimum Coverage - There will be no exposed skin on any combatant. The
minimum protection for any area of the body shall be "resistant material",
and "impenetrable material" shall cover the areas outlined below.
a. - Face/Head - must be covered by a 3 weapons fencing mask that has been
designated as a "12 kilo" mask or equivalent approved by the marshals. The
mask must not have rust or weak spots. The rest of the head must be covered
in a hood or drape of impenetrable material, with no gaps between the mask
and the material. The mask must be tied or fastened securely to prevent
accidentally coming off during combat.
b. - Neck - The entire neck will be covered by impenetrable material. The
hood or drape must be tucked into OR be part of the torso protection (high
collar). A metal or 8-oz. top grain leather gorget with 1/2" padding is
also required. The gorget must cover the trachea and the soft spot at the
base of the throat.
c. - Torso - must be covered with impenetrable material including chest,
back, abdomen to the V of the Groin, and sides up to and including the
armpits. The arms must be covered by resistant material.
d. - Groin - Male combatants must wear rigid, impenetrable groin
protection.
e. - Hands/arms - must be completely covered by leather gloves that overlap
any sleeve openings at least three inches. There shall be no holes the
gloves.
f. - Legs/feet - the legs shall be covered by resistant material, and the
feet shall be covered by closed-toe shoes or boots. There may not be any
exposed skin at the knee or ankle, regardless of the combatant's stance.
g. - Additional Protection - Helms, High-topped leather boots and other
additional protective gear may be worn if it does not impair the a
combatant's ability to call a blow.
h. - No live weapons will be allowed onto the field.
B. - WEAPONS & ACCESSORIES
==========================
1. - Rapiers & Daggers
----------------------
Rapier blades shall be practice schlager blades with an oval cross section.
Blades with a diamond cross section are not allowed. These blades come in
different stiffnesses and blades too stiff to allow 10 cm. of bend with 15
pounds of forward pressure will not be allowed. Blades sold with a
stiffness designation of 0 to 1 stamped on the blade (the scale is 0 to 3)
should be acceptable, but each blade must be individually tested. Blades
may not be less than 33" in length. Blades must be inspected by an
authorized marshal at each event before they are allowed on the field. The
end of each blade must be flat with no sharp edges. Blades with pointed or
rounded ends are not allowed.
Commercially produced "flexi-daggers" are the only dagger blades allowed.
No shortened practice schlagers or other blades will be used. Flexi-daggers
must have nail-head, barrel-tip or hot-rolled ends. Sharp-ended blades are
not allowed.
For rapiers, the end of the blade must be covered by a strip of 4 oz.
leather covered by a soft rubber HTM brand rabbit blunt at least 5/8" in
diameter, or an equivalent acceptable to the marshalate. [NOTE: There are
currently NO acceptable substitutes.] For dagger blades, in addition to the
HTM blunts, tips made of rubber or plastic, at least 3/8" in diameter (i.e.
standard fencing tips) are also acceptable.
All Tips must be securely taped, glued, or tool-dipped to prevent
dislodging. This fastening or tip should be of a different color to the
blade so it is readily evident should a tip come off during combat.
All blades must be smooths and free of burs and sharp edges. Blades with
rust, pits, cracks, or multiple bends are not allowed onto the field.
The maximum length for quillions is 12 inches tip to tip, and the tips
shall be blunted. Quillions that could trap and break blades will not be
allowed.
Hand guards are required on all offensive weapons. Open-work guards may be
used provided they will not easily trap or break a blade. No pistol grips
are allowed.
2. - Bucklers and Targets
-------------------------
Shields for fencing that do not exceed 20" in diameter, edging included,
shall be considered bucklers. Those larger than 20" shall be considered
targets. Bucklers and targets are to be made of lightweight material such
as 1/4" plywood or its equivalent. The edge shall be covered or taped to
prevent splintering. They shall not be designed to trap or break blades,
nor may they be used as offensive weapons. The buckler or target must be
free from sharp corners, points or edges.
3. - Cloaks
-----------
Cloaks may be whatever size, weight, and shape the combatant chooses, as
long as it is recognizable as a cloak, and not a whip or a flail. Cloaks
shall not be weighted with metal, wood or other rigid material. They may be
weighted with flexible hem weights, such as rolled cloth or rope.
4. - Non-Standard Weapons
-------------------------
Improvised parrying weapons such as hats, mugs, stools, sword scabbards,
canes, bottles, fish, etc., may be used upon approval by the marshal and
all parties involved. Improvised weapons may be made of semi-rigid material
such as cloth, foam, or tape.
Rigid items, such as sword scabbards and canes may also be used. They must
not have sharp points or edges, they should be light weight and designed
not to trap blades, splinter or otherwise cause safety problems on the
field. Rigid items shall not be used to strike an opponent.
II. - RULES OF COMBAT
=====================
A. - CONDUCT
============
1. - Each Fencer is expected to abide by the Rules of the List and
Conventions of Combat of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., and
the additional rules set forth by the Kingdom of Ansteorra.
2. - An individual must be 18 years old to participate in Heavy Rapier
Combat in the Kingdom of Ansteorra.
3. - Engaging in combat with the deliberate intent to inflict injury on an
opponent is strictly forbidden.
4. - Fencers will maintain control of their tempers at all times.
5. - Any Fencer may, without dishonor, decline any challenge without
specifying a reason.
6. - It is the responsibility of each Fencer to determine what weapons
his/her opponent is using and resolve any questions prior to combat.
7. - Conduct such as striking with excessive force, consistently ignoring
blows, or deliberate misuse of the rules will result in revocation of
fencing privileges.
B. - RULES OF THE FIELD
=======================
1. - The entire body is a legal target.
2. - All Fencers are deemed to be fighting unarmored. No blow shall be
assumed to have its effect negated on account of actual clothing or armor
worn.
3. - Blows are to be struck by thrusting with the point or draw- cutting
with the edge of the blade.
A valid thrust is any thrust that touches. If you felt it point on, it was
good. A valid draw cut is any draw cut using three or more inches of the
blade.
A "kill is any valid thrust or cut to the head, neck, torso, brachial
artery (inside of the arm between shoulder and elbow), or femoral artery
(inside of the leg between groin and knee).
A disabling wound is a valid thrust or draw cut to a limb. If the blow is
to the hand, the fighter may still use that arm for parrying. If the blow
is to the arm, the arm is considered useless, and should not be used. If
the blow is to any part of the leg or foot, the fighter should go to the
ground. A fighter on the ground may not jump or walk on his knees.
4. - Circling an opponent who has lost the use of their legs is prohibited.
5. - Open-handed parries are permitted and are not considered as wounding
as long as no valid thrust or draw cut strikes the hand. Pushing an
opponent's hand aside is permitted under this rule, so long as the hand is
not grasped.
6. - No portion of an opponent's weapon or buckler may be grasped.
7. - A fencer is considered to be armed as long as they retain an offensive
weapon. A fencer who is unarmed is defeated unless his opponent chooses to
allow him to recover a weapon.
8. - A cloak may be used only as a defensive item. It may be used to
confuse, parry, or obscure the vision of an opponent. It may not be used
to entangle a blade or an opponent. A cloak may be thrown, but will not be
used to cover the head or face of an opponent. A direct thrust will
penetrate a cloak.
9. - Weapons may not be thrown, unless specifically designed and approved
by the marshal for this purpose. An example of a weapon designed to be
safely thrown is a foam drinking mug.
10. If a "HOLD" is called during combat, all activity will cease
immediately and the Fencers will rest their blades' points on the ground,
and remain in place until the situation has been resolved.
11. The Marshal's decision regarding the safety of a weapon, parry item,
or any protective equipment is the deciding factor as to whether or not its
use will be permitted. The decision to disallow a particular weapon, parry
item, or protective gear may be appealed.
III. - THE MARSHALATE
=====================
A. - AUTHORIZATION
==================
Authorization will be a three step process. A candidate must first
authorize as a marshal for Heavy Rapier Combat, then as a Scholar (for
training) and finally as an authorized Heavy Rapier fighter. The
authorization requirements are:
1. - Marshal
------------
Authorization as a Heavy Rapier Marshal is required for anyone marshaling
Heavy Rapier bouts or attempting to become and authorized Heavy Rapier
Fighter.
To qualify as a Marshal for Heavy Rapier a candidate must:
- Have been authorized as a Marshal in Ansteorran Rapier Combat for the
preceding 12 months.
- Have marshaled in at least 2 Ansteorran rapier tournaments in the
preceding 12 months.
- Have his/her own copy and demonstrate a good working knowledge of the
Ansteorran Rules for Heavy Rapier Combat. [Note: This will be a written or
oral rules test.]
- Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of the rules and accepted
Ansteorran marshaling techniques on the field in an effective manner [Note:
A test on the field.]
2. - Scholar
------------
Authorization as a Heavy Rapier Scholar is required for anyone to train
with Heavy Rapiers at any SCA event, including fighter practice. A Scholar
must tell anyone he/she trains with that he/she is a Scholar before
beginning any blade work. Each authorization is valid for 1 year.
[Note: A Scholar may train with another Scholar. A marshal is, of course,
still required]
To qualify as a Scholar for Heavy Rapier a candidate must:
- Have been authorized as an Ansteorran Rapier Fighter for the preceding
12 months with no suspensions or disciplinary actions.
- Be an authorized Heavy Rapier Marshal.
- Have fought in at least 2 Ansteorran rapier tournaments in the preceding
12 months.
3. - Heavy Rapier Fighter
-------------------------
Authorization as a Heavy Rapier Fighter is required to participate in any
Heavy Rapier fighting except for training. Training will not include
contests or other organized gatherings for Heavy Rapier fighting.
To qualify as a Fighter for Heavy Rapier a candidate must:
- Meet the qualifications to be authorized as a Heavy Rapier Scholar.
- Demonstrate the ability to fight with Heavy Rapier Blades and all
standard Ansteorran accessories safely, in a controlled manner and in
accordance with the Ansteorran Rules for Heavy Rapier Combat to two
different authorizing marshals at two different SCA events. [Note: Fighter
practices are ok for this.]
B. - MARSHALATE STRUCTURE & DUTIES
==================================
1. - The Kingdom Heavy Rapier Marshal will be a deputy of the Kingdom
rapier marshal.
2. - The Kingdom Heavy Rapier Marshal will warrant all Heavy Rapier
authorizing marshals. All authorizing marshals must themselves be
authorized marshals.
3. - All Heavy Rapier marshals must be authorized by Heavy Rapier
authorizing marshals. Authorizations will be good for one year.
4. - Marshals shall thoroughly inspect a fencer's protective equipment and
weapons prior to engaging in training or combat.
5. - A minimum of one authorized Heavy Rapier marshal, other than the
fighters, must be present for training or combat to take place. A minimum
of two Heavy Rapier marshals are required for bouts in tournaments.
6. - A Heavy Rapier marshal may warn any fencer who is guilty of misconduct
or unsafe behavior. If a fighter continues to engage in unsafe conduct or,
if the marshal feels circumstances warrant, he/she should suspend the
fighter's authorization for Heavy Rapier combat. Once suspended an
authorization may only be reinstated by the Kingdom Heavy Rapier Marshal,
the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, the Kingdom Earl Marshal or the Crown. All
warnings and suspensions must be reported to the Kingdom Heavy Rapier
Marshal.
7. - Heavy Rapier marshals will be accountable for proper performance of
their duties. Unsafe conduct on the field, failure to report or, in extreme
cases, failure to issue warnings or suspensions may result in disciplinary
action up to and including suspension of all Heavy Rapier Marshaling and
Fighting privileges of the errant marshal(s).
8. - Any decision from the marshals may be appealed. The chain of command
for appeals is:
1 - The heavy rapier marshal making the ruling.
2 - The heavy rapier Marshal-In-Charge (if the ruling is made for a
specific tournament).
3 - The Kingdom Heavy Rapier Marshal.
4 - The Kingdom Rapier Marshal
5 - The Earl Marshal.
6 - The Crown.
Note that marshals at a lower level cannot overrule the ruling of a marshal
at a higher level. Thus if the Kingdom Rapier Marshal made the original
ruling the Kingdom Heavy Rapier marshal cannot overrule it.
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