HR Rules Part 3 of 3 (Release Notes)

[James Crouchet]

---   PART 3 OF THE HEAVY RAPIER RULES ---


                         RELEASE NOTES FOR 01/19/96 DRAFT
                                       of
                          ANSTEORRAN HEAVY RAPIER RULES


SEND COMMENTS
=============
I have gotten a lot of input about these rules over the past two weeks,
which has allowed me to clean up the typos and take out the major faux- pas,
resulting in the attached revision. I am very interested in having input
from anyone who feels they have something to say about these rules. Even if
you are a non-fighter or are from another kingdom  if you feel you have
something to say I would like to hear it. If your comment is a simple as
"These are great rules" or "This is junk, throw these rules away" I still
want to hear it -- remember, numbers DO count. Ideas also count so if you
have suggestions, please send them. Send comments to:

James Crouchet			or  Email them to
710 Shade Tree Dr.			jtc at io.com
Austin, TX 78748

MARSHAL'S HANDBOOK
==================
The next document we will need is a Heavy Rapier Marshal's handbook, to
supplement the regular marshal's handbook. This will contain instructions
for marshals on inspecting practice schlager blades, checking for flex,
punch testing, marshaling bouts and other related information. The
explanations of many procedures need to be more detailed than they are in
the rules but the language will be kept simple and as brief as possible. I
am in the process of writing The Ansteorran Heavy Rapier Marshal's Handbook
now.

EXPLANATION OF THE RULES
========================
These are answers to some of the most often asked questions about the rules.
Where appropriate they include a reference to a specific rule.

General - These rules are intended to be as short as possible, to be written
in plain english, to be easy to understand, and to have a minimum of
references other sets of rules. This is all intended to make these rules
easy to understand, easy to remember and easy to enforce.

Section I.) Equipment Standards
===============================
Part A.) Protective Equipment
-----------------------------
Number 1.) Resistant and Impenetrable Materials
b.) Impenetrable Material - There will be no "standard" impenetrable
material for Heavy Rapier. Instead, we will punch test EACH garment before
allowing it to be used on the field. We suggest 5 layers of trigger because
that has passed our tests so far,  but if your 5 layer garment fails you
will not be allowed to wear it for HR combat.

Number 2.) Punch Testing - You may ask a marshal to use a "testing square"
rather than having your actual garment punch tested to prevent it from
getting grass stained, dirty, etc. To construct a testing square you must
use material from the SAME BOLT of cloth and using  exactly the same number
of  layers as your jacket/doublet/hood. Cut one square of 12 inches or
larger for each layer. You may sew these layers together for conveince sake
if you wish, but do not fold the seams under. Each time you wash your
protective gear, be sure to throw the testing square in the wash with it.

Also, be aware that a marshal may refuse to use the testing square and
insist on testing the garment itself, especially if he notices that the
garment has more wear that the square.

Persons attempting to use a testing square having different cloth or more
layers than the actual jacket/doublet/hood will have their fighting
privileges suspended.

Part B.) Weapons and Accessories
--------------------------------
Number 2.) Rapiers and Daggers - There is no minimum or maximum length for
practice schlager blades. They cannot be so stiff that it takes more than 15
lbs of pressure to flex them 6 inches, nor may the weapon weigh more than 3
lbs. This will probably eliminate very long and very short weapons, but it
should allow a wide range of lengths.

In measuring the flex of the blade the 6 inches mentioned denotes that the
blade curves sideways 6 inches from it's starting position. This DOES NOT
mean the tip must be pressed back 6" from it's starting position.

During inspection a marshal may ask you to remove the rubber tip from your
weapon so he can inspect the end of your blade. After he examines the blade
end your must re-attach the tip and the marshal will check to be sure the
tip is secure. If your tip cannot be removed the weapon may be failed.

Number 3.) Bucklers and Targets.
The only difference between bucklers and targets is size; bucklers are up to
20 inches, targets are larger than 20 inches. There is now a weight limit of
3 lbs on all shields for HR combat, so most Heavy Weapons shields will
probably be too heavy to use.

Shields larger than 20 inches are currently illegal by the Corporate Rapier
rules. I am discussing the situation with the Society Rapier Marshal (Tivar)
who seems willing to work with me on this. I believe we will reach an
accommodation soon.

Number 5.) - Non-Standard Weapons and Accessories - We have, in fact,
allowed rigid parrying items such as canes and scabbards to be used on the
rapier field for years. This section simply add rules to regulate their
construction and use.

Section II.) Rules Of Combat
============================
Part A.) Rules of Combat
------------------------
Number 7.) Fatigue - Fatigue leads to loss of fine motor coordination. When
this happens while using foils and epees most of any additional force is
absorbed by the light, flexible blades. When the blades are heavier and
stiffer and in Heavy Rapier Combat, the situation becomes much more serious.
Take this issue seriously -- we will suspend fighters who create safety
problems.

Part B.) Rules of the Field
---------------------------
Number 3.) Blows - There are two ways to call a killing thrust. The first is
by touch, i.e. anything that touches is good. The second is to call thrusts
with the same amount of force as are called in standard Ansteorran rapier
combat. The combatants should discuss which system they will use before they
enter the field. Once on the field they must ask the marshals' approval. If
they cannot all agree, the touch system will be used by default.

Number 4.) Circling - If a fighter loses the use of only one leg he could
choose to remain standing so long as he does not use his injured leg AT ALL.
If he chooses to remain standing, he may be circled.

Number 7.) Unarmed Fighters - If you drop all your offensive weapons the
fight is over, you lose. The exception is if your opponent is chivalrous
enough to grant you permission to recover a weapon the fight may continue.
You are at his mercy.

Section III.) The Marshalate
============================
Part A.) Authorization
----------------------
Number 1.) Marshal - The marshal's authorization comes first. Because we
test our marshals for knowledge and awareness of safety issues this helps
assure that our students and fighters at least know the rules.

Number 2.) Scholar - This an authorization level we have not used before.
This authorization allows a new HR fighter to learn and practice but not to
fight in tournaments. When they are ready they may try for full
authorization. There is no minimum time one must be a Scholar before trying
for full authorization, and if a fighter thinks he is ready he may start the
Fighter Authorization process the same day he receives he Scholar
Authorization. This is not intended to hold back those who are ready, but to
provide a training level for those who need more practice.

Note that before a fighter can qualify as a Scholar he must have at least a
year of experience with standard Ansteorran raper. This should help prevent
newcommers with no experience from trying to use a schlager blade before
they understand how SCA rapier fighting works.

Number 3.) Fighter - This is meant to be a thorough test. It will cover the
use of open hand, dagger, buckler/target, cloak and two heavy rapiers. One
don't need to fight well with all these items, but he must show he is
competent to handle all these items safely on the field. The test will also
cover blow calling, proper conduct on the field and related issues.

Part B.) Marshalate Structure and Duties
----------------------------------------
Number 6.) Warnings and Suspensions - HR marshals will have more power to
discipline a fighter who is unsafe. The harshest penalties and the least
leniency will be given to those fighters who violate our safety standards.
We will take this seriously.

Number 7.) If someone marshals he must enforce the rules, particularly the
safety standards. If dangerous situations develop on the field because of a
marshal's inaction or negligence he will be held accountable.

---   END OF PART 3   ---