ARN - [Fwd: RN- Corporate Rapier Rules]

[Marcus Hite]

de Doc wrote:

> + -- RapierNet - From de Doc <billerno at mail.macol.net> --
>
> Gentle cousins:
>
> As per the minutes of the Board of Directors, and after confirmatory
> discussions, I am pleased to confirm that the Corporate Rapier Rules
> proposal was passed by the BoD, with an effective date (set by the BoD) of
> Feb 2000.
>
> The appendices to the rules are _not_ yet passed, pending some revisions to
> the language asked for by the BoD to clarify that the testing methods
> adopted were benchmarked against the current SCA standard materials for
> puncture resistance, and do not represent an increase in required gear
> fabrics.  That revision is in progress, and should be submitted soon for
> adoption.
>
> Kingdom Rapier Marshals have clear copies of the rules as adopted, for
> publication in Kingdom newsletters.  Publication in TI will occur as soon
> as possible.
>
> I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the process of analysing,
> drafting, reviewing, and preparing these rules.  I am certain that these
> contributions led to a much better set of rules than anything I might have
> produced by myself.
>
> In service,
> Don Giovanni di Fiamma
> Deputy Society Marshal, Rapier Combat
>
> *********************************
>
> CORPORATE RULES FOR RAPIER COMBAT IN THE SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE ANACHRONISM,
> INCORPORATED
>
> INTRODUCTION
>
> These rules set fundamental standards for rapier combat in the SCA.  They
> are designed to allow use by the Kingdoms of the Society as basic rules, to
> which Kingdom-specific preferences (such as the weapons used) can be added.
> In keeping with Corpora, Kingdoms retain the right to add rules which
> establish more restrictive standards.  All fighters and marshals are
> responsible for knowing these rules, as well as the additional rules of
> their Kingdom.
>
> Rules are designed to promote safe rapier combat in the Society.  However,
> no matter how clear or accurate, rules cannot replace common sense, good
> judgment, and concern for the participants. If a question arises when
> applying these standards, choose the answer that promotes the greatest
> degree of safety for all participants.
>
> CONVENTIONS
>
> 1.  GENERAL INFORMATION
>
> A.  Rapier Combat shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of the
> Lists of the SCA, Inc., these rules, and such further rules as are
> established by the Kingdoms.
>
> B.  All combatants, prior to every combat or practice, shall ensure their
> equipment is safe, in good working order and has been inspected by a member
> of the Kingdom Marshallate authorized to inspect rapier gear.
>
> C.  At interkingdom events, for any given Kingdom's tourney, guest
> combatants shall meet SCA standards for protective gear, but shall comply
> with whatever weapons standards are being used by the host kingdom for that
> tourney.
>
> D.  Unless otherwise directed by Kingdom Law, the Crown's representative
> upon the field and in all matters dealing with Rapier Combat is the Earl
> Marshal, then the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, then, by delegation, members of
> the Kingdom Rapier Marshallate.
>
> 2.  BEHAVIOR ON THE FIELD
>
> A.  All fighters shall obey the commands of the marshals overseeing the
> field, or be removed from the field and subject to further disciplinary
> action.
>
> B.  Disagreements with the marshals overseeing the field shall be resolved
> through the established mechanisms outlined in the Marshallate Procedures
> of the SCA, Inc.
>
> C.  Each fighter shall maintain control over his or her temper and behavior
> at all times.
>
> D.  Striking an opponent with excessive force, or with deliberate intent to
> injure, is forbidden.
>
> E.  Upon hearing the call of "HOLD" all fighting shall immediately stop.
> The fighters shall freeze, check for hazards in their immediate vicinity,
> and then assume a non-threatening position with their weapons pointed away
> from their opponents.
>
> F.  Conduct obstructive of normal rapier combat, such as consistent
> ignoring of blows, deliberate misuse of the rules (such as calling HOLD
> whenever pressed), or the like, is forbidden.
>
> 3.  USE OF WEAPONS AND PARRYING DEVICES
>
> A.  Blows are struck by: thrusting with the point of the blade (thrust);
> sliding the edge of the blade by drawing (draw cut) or pushing (push cut);
> or by placing the tip of the blade upon, and then drawing it across an
> opponent (tip cut).
>
> B.  Chopping or hacking blows are never permitted.  Fast circular movements
> (such as moulinets) may, however, be used to place a blade for tip, draw or
> push cuts.
>
> C.  Parrying devices may be used to move, deflect, or immobilize an
> opponent's weapon or parrying device, so long as such use does not endanger
> the safety of the combatants.
>
> D.  Striking an opponent with any part of a weapon or parrying device not
> approved for that purpose is prohibited.
>
> 4.  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF BLOWS
>
> A.  In judging blows, all fighters are presumed to be wearing common civil
> attire of the period, not armor.
>
> B.  Tourneys may be held which define areas of the body as if armored, and
> to what degree, so long as all the participants are made aware of these
> special conditions prior to the start of combat.
>
> C.  In rapier combat, blows will be counted as though they were struck with
> a real blade, extremely sharp on point and edge. Any blow that would have
> penetrated the skin shall be counted a good blow. Any blow that strikes a
> mask, helm or gorget shall be counted as though it struck flesh.  Kingdoms
> shall not alter this standard.
>
> D.  A good thrust to the
>
> --head,
> --neck,
> --torso
> --inner groin (to the fighter's hand width down the inner limb), or
> --armpit (to the fighter's inner hand width down the limb)
>
> shall be judged incapacitating, rendering the fighter incapable of further
> combat.  Draw cuts to these locations shall be judged incapacitating.  Tip
> cuts may be considered incapacitating to any or all of these regions, as
> Kingdoms see fit.
>
> E.  A good blow to the arm will disable the arm.  A good blow to the hand
> shall render the hand useless; Kingdoms may decide whether the arm above
> the incapacitated hand may be used to parry.
>
> F.  A good blow to the foot or leg will disable the leg.  The fighter must
> then fight kneeling, sitting, or standing on one leg.
>
> G.  Parries may be performed with weapons, parrying devices, the gloved
> hand, or any other part of the body.  Though the gloved hand may be used to
> parry, it shall not be used to push, grasp or strike an opponent.
>
> H.  Fighters may choose to grasp, rather than parry, heavier types of
> blades (i.e, schlagers and fiberglass blades). If the blade that is grasped
> moves or twists in the grasping hand, that hand is deemed disabled.
> Grasping techniques shall be used only to immobilize a blade, not to bend
> it or wrest it from the opponent's grip.
>
> I.  If an effective blow is thrown before, or on, the same moment as an
> event that would stop a fight (a "HOLD" being called, the fighter being
> "killed" himself, etc.), the blow shall count.  If the blow is thrown after
> the hold, killing blow, or other event, it shall not count.
>
> WEAPONS AND PARRYING DEVICES
>
> 1. Sharp points, edges or corners are not allowed anywhere on any equipment.
>
> 2. All equipment must be able to safely withstand combat stresses.
>
> 3. Equipment that is likely to break a blade or damage other equipment is
> prohibited.  Any equipment that has small rigid openings large enough to
> admit a rapier tip will not be used against fencing-type blades, as defined
> in this section (e.g., small holes in bell guards, small openings in cage
> or swept hilts, any design which has acute angles where a blade could
> easily be wedged and bent).  Knuckle bows ARE DEEMED SAFE for use with
> fencing-type blades.
>
> 4. BLADES:
>
> A.  The following classes of blades are used:
>
> i.  "Fencing type" rapiers:
> --Foils
> --Epees
> --Doublewide epees
>
> ii.  "Heavier type" rapiers:
> --Oval bladed schlagers
> --Diamond bladed schlagers
> --Del Tin Practice Rapiers
> --Fiberglass blades
>
> iii.  Dagger blades:
> --flexidaggers
> --fiberglass rods
> --rattan
> --non-rigid plastics
>
> B.  All are subject to the following:
>
> i. Any blade in a given rapier class may be used against any other blade in
> that same class, but NOT against blades of the other class.  Daggers may be
> used against either class of rapier blade.
>
> ii. Steel blades must be manufactured by commercial suppliers.  Artisans
> desiring an exception must apply to the Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier
> Combat and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
>
> iii.  Steel blades will not be altered by grinding, cutting, heating,
> hammering, or other actions that could significantly alter their temper,
> flexibility or durability.  Normal combat stresses and blade care do not
> violate this rule. Exceptions are:
>
>                 a. The tang of the weapon may be altered.
>
>                 b. Heavier-type blades may be shortened so long as it does
> not make them too stiff.
>
> iv. All steel blades must be reasonably flexible.  Rigid steel
> "parrying-only" daggers such as those made from cut down blades will not be
> allowed.
>
> v. Except as below, all blade ends must be capped with rubber, plastic, or
> leather.
>
>                 a. Tips will have a blunt striking surface, presenting a
> cross-section of at least 3/8 inch  (9 mm) diameter.
>
>                 b. Tips must be firmly taped or glued in place. The tip
> must be of a color contrasting with the blade so that the tip's absence is
> readily apparent.  If tape is used, it must contrast with both blade and
> tip.
>
>                 c. Tips on rattan daggers shall provide progressively
> resistant "give", by a 1" (2.5 cm) diameter head which compresses without
> allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon.
>
>                 d.  Non rigid plastic daggers, if used, must provide
> progressive "give" by virtue of the material used.
>
> vi. Any blade with kinks, sharp bends, or cracks shall not be used. Steel
> blades that develop these defects cannot be repaired and must be retired.
> Fencing type rapiers or flexidaggers with "S" curves shall not be used
> unless they can be properly re-curved.
>
> vii.  Weapons may use a hand guard such as a cup hilt, swept hilt or
> quillons and knucklebow.   The ends of quillons must be blunt.
>
> viii. Orthopedic (or "Pistol") grips will not be used unless the fighter
> has approval for medical reasons, supported by documentation from their
> health care provider.
>
> 5. PARRYING DEVICES:
>
> A.  Solid parrying devices will be made of sturdy, lightweight materials,
> resistant to breakage and splintering.
>
> B. Soft, non-rigid devices such as cloaks may be made of cloth, foam,
> leather and similar materials. They may be weighted with soft material such
> as rope or rolled cloth; they shall not be weighted with any rigid
> material, nor with materials which are heavy enough to turn the device into
> a flail or impact weapon.
>
> C. Devices that predictably cause entangling of an opponent or their
> equipment, either by design or by repeated mishap, are not allowed.
>
> D. Offensive bucklers will be considered non-standard devices.  These
> devices must be approved on a case by case basis, in accordance with rules
> established by each kingdom's Rapier Marshallate.   An opponent may decline
> to face non-standard devices without forfeiting a bout.
>
> E. Offensive bucklers shall be made of soft flexible materials such as
> cloth, tape, foam and golf tubes.
>
> 6.  PROJECTILE WEAPONS:  Kingdoms may permit combat archery, throwing
> weapons, and/or mock-gunnery gear (such as rubber-band guns) to be used in
> rapier melee combat, as long as safety standards for those arts are met.
>
> A.  The use of any projectile weapon is forbidden within formal rapier
> Tournament lists (single combat), or in any situation where spectators
> cannot be separated from the potential line of fire by more than the
> effective range of the projectile weapons to be used.
>
> PROTECTIVE GEAR
>
> 1.  In order of increasing resistance:
>
> A. Abrasion-resistant material: material that will withstand normal combat
> stresses (such as being snagged by an unbroken blade) without tearing.
> Examples include, but are not limited to:
>
> --broadcloth
> --a single layer of heavy poplin cloth (35% cotton, 65% polyester;
> "trigger" cloth)
> --sweat pants
> --opaque cotton, poly-cotton, or lycra/spandex mix  tights.
>
> Nylon pantyhose and cotton gauze shirts are examples of unacceptable
> materials.
>
> B. Puncture-resistant material:  any fabric or combination of fabrics that
> will predictably withstand puncture.  Examples include, but are not limited
> to:
>
> --Four-ounce (2 mm) leather;
> --four layers of heavy poplin cloth;
> --ballistic nylon rated to at least 550 Newtons;
> --commercial fencing clothing rated to at least 550 Newtons.
>
> Kevlar is not an acceptable material, as it degrades rapidly.  These
> materials need only be tested at the marshall's discretion; all other
> materials must be tested the first time new gear is used, or if no marshal
> on the field knows a given piece of gear to have been tested.
>
> C.  Rigid Material: puncture-resistant material that will not significantly
> flex, spread apart, or deform under pressure of 12 Kg applied by a standard
> mask tester, repeatedly to any single point.  Examples of rigid material
> are:
>
> --  22 gauge stainless steel (0.8 mm)
> --  20 gauge mild steel (1.0 mm)
> --  16 gauge aluminum, copper, or brass (1.6 mm)
> --  one layer of heavy leather (8 ounce, 4 mm)
>
> 2.  The following are the Society norms for protective gear.  Kingdoms
> enacting more stringent standards shall weigh the benefits of more rigorous
> penetration coverage against the risks of heat illness, exhaustion, and
> stroke due to heavier or more confining gear.
>
> A.  HEAD AND NECK:
>
> i. The front and top of the head must be covered by rigid material to below
> the jaw line and behind the ears.  Standard 12 kg fencing masks are known
> to meet this standard.  If built to this standard, fencing helms are also
> acceptable.
>
> ii.  The face must be covered by either 12 kilogram mesh (e.g, a standard
> fencing mask) or perforated metal.  Such metal must not have holes larger
> than 1/8" (3 mm) in diameter, with a minimum offset of 3/16" (5 mm) and
> shall also meet the definition of rigid material.
>
> iii.  Masks and helms must be secured to the fighter, so that they cannot
> be easily removed or dislodged during combat.  The combination of snug fit
> and the spring-tongue in a conventional fencing mask is NOT sufficient, by
> itself, to secure the mask to the fighter.
>
> iv.  Both modern fencing masks and rapier helms, when inspected, shall
> comply with the rigid material standard, provisions on facial coverage, and
> shall show no evidence of impending failure (e.g, rust which weakens the
> metal involved, dents or other defects which spread open mesh, broken weld
> points, etc).  If there is concern about the face mesh of a modern fencing
> mask, it should be tested using a standard commercial 12kg mask punch.
> Marshals doing the testing shall be trained in the use of the punch.  The
> Kingdom Rapier Marshals may elect to designate certain deputies to
> administer such testing.
>
> v.  The rest of the head and neck must be covered by at least puncture
> resistant material.  If heavier-type rapiers are being used, additional
> throat protection is required; it shall consist of rigid material, as noted
> above, covering the entire throat, and shall be backed by either puncture
> resistant material (as a hood), one quarter inch (1/4") (6 mm) of open-cell
> foam, or their equivalents.  The cervical vertebrae shall also be protected
> by rigid material, provided by some combination of gorget, helm, and/or
> hood insert.
>
> B.  TORSO AND OTHER KILLING ZONES
>
> i.  The entire torso (the chest, back, abdomen, groin, and sides up to and
> including the armpits) must be covered with puncture-resistant material.
>
> ii.  Acceptable minimum armpit coverage is provided by a triangle extending
> from the armpit seam, covering the lower half of the sleeve at the seam,
> and extending down the inner/under arm, one-third the distance to the
> fighter's elbow.
>
> iii.   Male fighters shall wear rigid groin protection. Any ventilation
> holes large enough to admit a broken blade must be covered from the outside
> with at least puncture-resistant material. Female fighters shall wear
> puncture resistant groin protection.
>
> C.  ARMS AND LEGS
>
> i. Hands shall be protected by gloves, made of abrasion resistant material,
> that overlap any sleeve openings as below. Feet shall be protected by
> boots, shoes, or sandals, comprised of at least abrasion-resistant material.
>
> ii. Abrasion-resistant material is required on arms (save as noted above
> for armpits), legs, and any area not otherwise mentioned in these rules.
>
> iii.  No skin shall be bared. There shall be sufficient overlap between
> separate pieces of protective clothing, regardless of the fighter's stance
> or movements, that the minimum protection for that body area be preserved.
>
> MARSHALLING CONCERNS IN RAPIER COMBAT
>
> 1.  AUTHORIZATIONS:  Competence in other SCA combat styles does not
> automatically mean competence in rapier. Separate warrants and
> authorizations in rapier combat are required.
>
> 2.  BROKEN BLADES:  Marshals and fighters shall pay special attention for
> missing tips or broken blades.
>
> 3.  CLOAKS:  When cloaks are used, "HOLD" should be called if the cloak
> becomes tangled about either fighter, or about one of the weapons such that
> the weapon cannot be withdrawn.  "HOLD" need not be called if the cloak is
> merely near the face, deflecting a weapon (assuming that the Kingdom rules
> allow use of the cloak for blocking or deflection), loosely draped over, or
> weighting down the blade.
>
> 4.  BLADE GRASPING:  If a heavy bladed rapier has been grasped by an
> opponent,  "HOLD" shall be called if wrestling about the blade occurs.
>
> 5.  EXCESSIVE IMPACT:  Combat in the Society poses risks to the
> participant.  This recognition, however, does not excuse fighters from
> exercising control of their techniques. If a fighter throws blows which
> force their opponent to retire from the field, from a real injury (even one
> which only causes brief incapacitation), the marshal responsible for the
> field shall take such steps as are appropriate to stop the problem from
> recurring.
>
> 6.  MELEE:  Melee combats present special challenges to all involved.
> Society norms are as below:
>
> A.  In melees, fighters are engaged with all opponents immediately upon the
> call to lay on.
>
> B.  Fighters may strike any opponent with any legal blow if they are within
> the 180 degree arc of the opponent's front.  A fighter who approaches an
> opponent from behind shall not deliver a blow until he is within that
> frontal arc.  A fighter may never strike an opponent from behind.
>
> C. Killing from behind is allowed if it has been announced beforehand.
> The Society norm for "death from behind" in melees shall be: If a melee
> scenario allows killing from behind, a fighter does so by laying the rapier
> blade over the opponent's shoulder, to at least a third of the blade, while
> calling "Dead, my lord" (or other short, courteous phrases) in a loud,
> clear voice.  Reaching around the neck is forbidden.  The opponent will be
> deemed "killed" from the instant the blade touches his shoulder and shall
> not attempt to spin, duck or dodge away.  Note:  If death from behind is
> not allowed in a given melee, a fighter who deliberately ignores an
> attacker behind them, or repeatedly manouvers to keep their back to an
> attacker (thereby preventing any attack on them) may be considered misuse
> of the rules and obstructive behavior.
>
> D. In special scenario melees (e.g., bridge or town battles), additional
> restrictions may be imposed by the marshals as needed.
>
> 7.  MINORS:  The minimum age for training and authorization in rapier
> combat is 14.  When fighters under the age of 18 undertake training and
> authorization, the Kingdom Rapier Marshal (or his designated
> representatives) shall ensure that the minor's parent or legal guardian has
> observed rapier combat, is aware of the risk of injury inherent in this
> martial art, and has signed a statement explicitly acknowledging the above.
>
> 8. PERIODIC TESTING OF PROTECTIVE GEAR:  Kingdoms shall require all gear to
> have been formally tested (including fabric and mask tests, as appropriate)
> at least once every two years.  Compliance is the responsibility of the
> individual fighter.  Any protective gear may be formally tested if there is
> concern that the gear may have lost protective ability due to age, wear and
> tear, or other factors.
>
> 9.  UNFORESEEN SITUATIONS:  Should a situation arise not explicitly covered
> by Corporate or Kingdom rapier combat rules, the marshals should NOT assume
> that the situation is forbidden or inappropriate.   Again:    However, no
> matter how clear or accurate, rules cannot replace common sense, good
> judgment, and concern for the participants.
>
> --
> Bill Ernoehazy | billerno at macol.net
> --
> We all go looking for paradise and then we go back home.
> --Ani DiFranco
> --
>
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