ANST-Announce - New Rules and Standards for Chivalric Combat

Kief av Kiersted sirkief at hotmail.com
Mon Oct 18 07:36:47 PDT 1999


Heilsa all Combatants in the Dread Kingdom of Ansteorra!

Find enclosed, in the next several letters, the new Chivalric Combat Rules 
and Standards for Ansteorra. You will also find, in the near future, these 
Rules and Standards linked in their entirety to the Ansteorran Home Page at: 
       www.ansteorra.org

There have been substantial changes to the Rules and Standards!! Please read 
everything carefully. Report any problems and/or concerns to me directly at: 
      Sirkief at hotmail.com        Please do not post problems or concerns 
back to the list that you receive these letters on, post them only to me!

This post is an "unofficial" document. Only the printed version (to be 
mailed ASAP) and the Ansteorran Home Page Link will be "officially 
offcial"...

Kief - EM Ansteorra

===================================================================
COMPLETE PARTICIPANTS HANDBOOK
KINGDOM OF ANSTEORRA

TABLE OF CONTENTS


SECTION 1 - RULES OF THE LISTS AND CONVENTIONS OF COMBAT IN THE KINGDOM OF 
ANSTEORRA


SECTION 2 – CHIVALRIC COMBAT CONVENTIONS


SECTION 3 – CHIVALRIC COMBAT EQUIPMENT STANDARDS


*********************************************************************


SECTION 1. - RULES OF THE LISTS AND CONVENTIONS OF COMBAT IN THE KINGDOM OF 
ANSTEORRA

A.	RULES OF THE LISTS

The following RULES OF THE LISTS will apply to all SCA Combat Activities 
within the Kingdom of Ansteorra.

1.	Each fighter, recognizing the possibilities of physical injury to himself 
or herself in such combat, shall assume unto himself or herself all risk and 
liability for harm suffered by means of such combat.  No fighter shall 
engage in combat unless and until he or she has inspected the field of 
combat and satisfied himself or herself that it is suitable for combat. 
Other participants shall likewise recognize the risks involved in their 
presence on or near the field of combat, and shall assume unto themselves 
the liabilities thereof.

2.	No person will participate in Combat-Related Activities, including but 
not limited to: Armored Combat, Rapier Combat, Combat Archery, Marshaling, 
Scouting, and Banner Bearing in combat, outside of formal training sessions. 
Unless and until he or she has been properly authorized under Society and 
Kingdom procedures, and has signed the appropriate waiver.  In a witness 
whereof, the participant will have, and be prepared to present, a valid 
Authorization Card to the Crown or Their representative.

3.	All Combatants must be presented to, and be acceptable to, the Crown or
Their representative.

4.	All Combatants will adhere to the appropriate Armor and Weapons
Standard of the Society, and to any additional standards of the Kingdom in
which the event takes place.  The Crown may waive the additional Kingdom
standards.

5.	The Crown or the Marshalate may bar any weapon or armor from use upon the 
field of combat.  If a warranted Marshal should bar any weapon or armor an 
appeal may be made to the Crown, or the Kingdom Earl Marshal, to allow the 
weapon or armor.

6.	Combatants will behave in a knightly and chivalrous manner at all times 
and shall fight according to the appropriate Society and Kingdom Conventions 
of Combat.

7.	No one may be required to participate in Combat-Related Activities.  Any 
Combatant may, without dishonor or penalty, reject any challenge without 
specifying a reason.  A fight in a Tournament List is not to be considered a 
challenge, and therefore may not be declined or rejected without forfeiting 
the bout.

8.	Combat with real weapons, whether fast or slow, is strictly forbidden at 
any Society event.  This rule does not consider approved weaponry (which 
meets the Society standards for traditional Society combat and/or Society 
period Rapier Combat) when used in the context of mutual sport, to be real 
weaponry.

9.	No projectile weapon will be allowed and no weapons will be thrown within 
the Lists of a Tournament.  The use of approved projectile weapons for 
Melees or Wars will conform to the appropriate Society and Kingdom 
Conventions of Combat.

B. 	CONVENTIONS OF COMBAT

The following CONVENTIONS OF COMBAT will apply to all SCA Combat Activities 
within the Kingdom of Ansteorra.

Introduction:

All traditional SCA Armored Combat Activity within this Kingdom shall be 
conducted in accordance with the RULES OF THE LISTS of the SCA, Inc., these 
CONVENTIONS OF COMBAT, using the EQUIPMENT STANDARDS established by the 
Marshalate of the SCA with Society approved additions and modifications by 
the Kingdom.  Any additions or modifications upon the SCA CONVENTIONS OF 
COMBAT or EQUIPMENT STANDARDS are designed to strengthen those CONVENTIONS 
and STANDARDS and will in no way diminish or weaken such SCA CONVENTIONS and 
STANDARDS.

No one under the age of eighteen (18) years will be allowed to be a 
participant in any SCA Adult Combat Activity within the Kingdom of 
Ansteorra. Minor Youth ages 14 – 17 may participate in Adult Combat Related 
Activities such as Waterbearing and Heralding. Minor Youth ages 6 – 15 can 
participate in Youth Boffer Combat. Minor Youth ages 12 – 17 may participate 
in Youth Rapier Combat. Minor Youth ages 16 – 17 may participate in Youth 
Chivalric Combat.

I.	GENERAL INFORMATION:

A. 	In all matters dealing with Combat, the Crown's representative is the 
Earl Marshal and, by delegation, members of the Kingdom Marshalate.

1. There will be at least two Marshals upon the Field to conduct
the Combat during any List.

2. One Marshal upon the Field will be designated as the
Controlling Marshal. All other Marshals will be Assisting
Marshals.

3. Additional Assisting Marshals will be appointed as necessary.

B. 	Armor and Weapons Inspection:

1. All Combatants, prior to Combat at each and every Society event, will 
insure that an Authorized member of the Marshalate inspects their equipment.

2. Even though an Authorized Marshal has inspected the equipment used by a 
Combatant, each Combatant accepts full responsibility for the condition of 
his or her own equipment. And has the obligation to himself or herself, the 
Marshals, and all opponents to see that his or her equipment meets all 
Society and Kingdom requirements.

C. 	No real weapon will be allowed upon the Field at any time during Combat. 
  This includes metal or nonmetal Edged Weapons, Mass Weapons, or Firearms.

D. 	At no time shall Armored Combat and Rapier Combat be conducted on the 
same field at the same time.

E.	No fighting style not approved by and included in the Kingdom Fighter’s 
Handbook shall be conducted at any Official Society function. Such styles 
include, but are not limited to: Shinai, No-holds-barred, et cetera. 
Exceptions to this Rule can be made on a case-by-case basis only after 
consultation with the Earl Marshal and the Crown of Ansteorra.

II.  	BEHAVIOR ON THE FIELD:

A.	All Combatants will obey all applicable Rules and Regulations as well as 
the commands of the Marshal(s) on the Field, or they will be removed from 
the Field. If removed from the field, said Combatant may be subject to 
further disciplinary action.

1. There will be NO disagreement with a Marshal on the Field of Combat.

B. 	No Combat will commence upon the Field until the Controlling Marshal is 
satisfied that Combat may safely begin and has received a verbal 
confirmation from the involved Combatants and Marshal(s) to signify that 
they are also ready for Combat to begin.  At the command of the Controlling 
Marshal, Combat may commence.  The command of "LAY ON" is typically used, 
but other commands may be used as long as they involve no uncertain terms or 
utterances.

C. 	Upon hearing the command of “HOLD”, all Combat will immediately cease.

1. No other terms or commands will be substituted for the “HOLD” command.

2. Any Participant involved in the Combat Activity may call “HOLD” for just 
cause.

3. Any Participant involved in the Combat Activity who has called a “HOLD” 
will be required to explain their reason for doing so upon request of the 
Marshal(s).

4. Any Participant involved in the Combat Activity, who repeatedly calls 
“HOLD”, without just cause, may be removed from the Field and/or subject to 
further disciplinary action.

D. 	For Melee’s and Wars:

1. Should a “HOLD” be called during a Melee or War, all Combatants should 
kneel in their current positions and not move unless instructed to do so by 
a Marshal.

2. All Combatants, during a HOLD, should assume a non-aggressive posture 
with all weapons.

3. Once a “HOLD” has been called, there will be NO discussion of strategy 
among Combatants.

4. When Combat is to be resumed after a HOLD, all Combatants will be 
instructed to "Rise in place" and a command of "Lay-On" will resume Combat.

E. 	Each Combatant shall maintain control over his/her temper at all times.

F. 	Any Combatant who cannot maintain control over their temper, physical 
actions on the field, or refuses a lawful order of the Marshalate or Crown 
may, after review by the Kingdom Earl Marshal's office, be placed on 
probation or suspension as follows:

1. First offense: six months' probation

2. Second offense: six months' suspension of Authorization

3. Third offense: One year’s suspension of Authorization

4. Fourth offense: Punishment to be determined by a Marshalate Court of 
Inquiry.

G. 	Purposefully striking any prohibited target (i.e. hands, knees, and 
lower legs) is strictly forbidden.  Any Combatant intentionally or 
repeatedly striking prohibited targets may be removed from the field and/or 
subject to further disciplinary actions.

H. 	Any behavior that takes deliberate advantage of an opponent's Chivalry 
or safety-consciousness, or that takes deliberate unfair advantage of an 
opponent, is prohibited.

1. Such infractions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. “Corkscrewing” a grounded opponent

b. Striking from behind

c. Striking a "helpless" opponent

d. Intentionally becoming "helpless" by repeatedly dropping weapons, falling 
down, purposefully ignoring valid attempts by another Combatant to “engage”, 
et cetera.

e. Grappling with, wrestling with or kicking, an opponent's equipment or 
person.

f. Intentionally moving an illegal target into the path of a blow.

g. Striking with excessive force.

h. Expecting to be struck with what would be considered excessive force 
before acknowledging a blow.

i. Using any weapon, or other piece of equipment, in a manner that is 
inconsistent with its design or in an otherwise prohibited manner.

2. The responsibility for warning an offending Combatant falls upon the 
Marshal(s) and not upon the offending Combatant's opponent.  However, a 
Combatant may request that the Marshals warn his/her opponent about such 
infractions.

3. An offending Combatant may, after having been duly warned about such 
infractions, be removed from the Field by the Marshal(s) upon the next 
occurrence and may be subject to further disciplinary action.  The offending 
Combatant's opponent may request that the Combat be allowed to continue but 
the decision to continue or not belongs to the Marshalate.

I.	A Combatant who is on probation may not compete in any Kingdom Level 
fighting event during that probation (i.e. Kingdom Warlord, Crown 
Tournament, Queen's Champion or any other special events designated by the 
Crown.)

J.	No person shall enter the lists or participate in any form of SCA Combat 
Activity while impaired by alcohol or drugs (to include drugs prescribed by 
a licensed health care provider, over the counter, and/or illegal drugs.)

SECTION 2 – CHIVALRIC COMBAT CONVENTIONS

I.	THE USE OF WEAPONS AND SHIELDS

A.	Standard Weapons and Shields: (Note: a Combatant may not refuse to face 
any standard weapon or equipment that has been approved.) If at all 
possible, weapons should be discussed and agreed upon by the Combatants 
prior to taking the Field for Combat.

1. All weapons and shields will be used in accordance with their design 
(i.e. spears may only be used for thrusting, swords may be used only for 
striking unless equipped with an approved thrusting tip, et cetera).

2. Only weapons approved for thrusting may be used for that purpose.  
Feinting as if to thrust with a weapon not approved for that purpose is NOT 
permitted.  Before any Single Combat bout where a thrusting weapon is to be 
used, the opponent and Field Marshals will be informed that such a weapon is 
on the Field and the thrusting tip will be shown to the opponent upon 
request.

3. Shield hooks built on "thrust only" spears will not be used against an 
opponent's person or armor.  They may be used only for the hooking of 
shields or to immobilize/parry other weapons.

4. The striking surface of a weapon may not be grasped at any time nor may 
it be trapped in contact with the Combatant's body as means of preventing 
the opponent's use of the weapon or to impede a blow.  Inadvertently 
bringing the hands in contact with the striking surface of a weapon will not 
be considered a violation of this convention.

5. Blows repeatedly blocked by a weapon in contact with a Combatant's helm 
or shield at the moment of impact may, at the Sovereigns’ discretion, be 
considered to have been broken.  This may force a Combatant to yield the 
bout, unless a secondary weapon is carried or the opponent chooses to allow 
the Combatant to re-arm with another weapon.  If the weapon being struck is 
a secondary weapon, passively attached to the Combatant, that weapon will be 
considered to have been broken at the first occurrence and will be removed 
from the field.

6. A shield or buckler may be used to displace, deflect or immobilize an 
opponent's shield, buckler, or weapon, so long as such use does not endanger 
the safety of the Combatants.  Deliberately striking an opponent with a 
shield or buckler is forbidden, unless that shield or buckler is designed to 
be used as a weapon.  A shield or buckler designed to be utilized as a 
weapon prohibited in the Kingdom of Ansteorra.

7. Grappling with or wrestling with the opponent, to include grasping the 
opponent's armor, torso, limbs, shield, weapon's striking surface, blade, or 
head is prohibited.

8. “Quarter-staffing” will not be allowed with any weapon.

B.	Non-Standard Weapons:

1. The Crown and/or the Earl Marshal must approve any non-standard weapon 
before it is allowed in a Combat Activity.

2. Before any Single Combat bout where a non-standard weapon is to be used 
the opponent and Marshals will be informed that such a weapon is on the 
Field and the weapon will be shown to the opponent and explained upon 
request.

3. Any opponent may refuse to face any non-standard weapon and may request 
that the Combatant re-arm with a standard weapon.

4. Single Combat bouts where the opponent and Marshals were not informed 
about the presence of such a non-standard weapon may be re-fought if the 
opponent was directly defeated by the non-standard weapon and chooses to 
protest.

5. Under no circumstances may a non-standard weapon be approved for use in 
large melees or war situations.  This is due to the fact that approval from 
all possible opponents of the weapon cannot be properly obtained.

II.	ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF BLOWS

A.	In judging the effect of blows, all Combatants are presumed to be Fully 
Armored (see definition).

1. Special Tournaments or Combats may be held which may re-define what areas 
of the body are considered to be armored, and to what extent, so long as all 
the Participants are made aware of the special conditions prior to the start 
of the Combat.

B.	A blow, delivered to a legal target with effective technique for the 
particular type of weapon used, that strikes properly oriented (with the 
assumed lethal area of the weapon) and with sufficient force to negate the 
presumed protection, will be considered an effective blow. The Combatant so 
struck will acknowledge any such effective blow.

	1. Weapon Definitions:

a. Cutting weapons: Bladed weapons designed to slash, thrust, or cleave 
using a sharpened striking edge or point. I.e. Sword, dagger, 
hand-and-a-half sword, short sword, et cetera.

b. Crushing weapons: Blunt weapons designed to smash, rend, or break armor 
or bone using a shaped mass of iron or steel at the end of a haft. I.e. 
Mace, morning star, maul, et cetera. CRUSHING WEAPONS ARE MUCH LESS LIKELY 
TO “GLANCE” OR “SKIP”.

c. Combination weapons: Weapons with edges, points, and mass that can either 
cut or crush. I.e. Great Sword, axe, halberd, glaive, falchion, war hammer, 
et cetera. NOTE: Combination weapons, if they are oriented to the cutting 
portion, can “skip” or “glance”, further, striking with the “flat” is not 
necessarily an effective blow. However, if the combination weapon is 
oriented to the blunt portion, then the effect of a “crushing weapon” comes 
into play.

d. Thrust only weapons: Weapons that use only the point to pierce or stab. 
I.e. Spears of any length, madus, et cetera. NOTE: With the exception of a 
thrust to the solid metal portions of the helm, a thrust only weapon does 
not “skip” nor “glance”.

2. An effective blow to the head, neck or torso shall be considered a 
totally incapacitating or killing blow, thus rendering the Combatant 
incapable of further Combat.

3. An effective blow from any crushing weapon striking on or above the hip 
socket, the pelvic region, or the shoulder on, or inside, of the shoulder 
socket shall be considered a totally incapacitating or killing blow.

4. An effective blow to the arm, one inch (25 mm) or more above the wrist, 
will be judged to have incapacitated that arm.  The wounded arm will then be 
considered useless to the Combatant, and may not be used for either offense 
or defense.

5. An effective blow struck directly, using minimal force, to the face or 
visor area will be considered a valid blow.

6. An effective blow, on the outside of the leg 2 inches (5.1-cm) above the 
knee to the hip socket, will be judged to have incapacitated that leg.  Such 
a wounded Combatant shall then fight from one leg (the wounded limb must not 
give any support whatsoever). Or from either a sitting position or on their 
knees and be considered grounded. A grounded Combatant must remain in a 
seated or kneeling position, “rising” only for the limited amount of time 
that it takes to throw a 2 or 3 blow combination. A grounded fighter may not 
“walk” on their knees to advance their position nor may they push, shove, or 
otherwise “manhandle” their opponent.

7. If a wounded limb blocks an otherwise acceptable blow, the blow shall be 
counted as though the limb were not there.

C.	Pas de Arms Dispensation

Fighters participating in a Pas de Arms tourney may deviate from the above 
rules in favor of the "blows received" method of determining a bout.

D. 	All Combatants are expected to take into account the nature of the 
weapons being used by their opponent(s) and the location of the point of 
impact of those weapons when judging the validity of any blows delivered.  
Combatants are also expected to take into account the timing of the blow and 
the collision of the weapon with any object other than the Combatant's 
presumed protection.

1. The fact that a blow struck a shield or another weapon before striking 
the Combatant may be a reason why the blow was not valid.  However, a blow 
which strikes a legal target with sufficient force, and proper weapon 
orientation shall be considered valid regardless of what it hit prior to 
striking the Combatant.

2. Sometimes an effective blow, which would normally be acknowledged, occurs 
at almost the same moment as an event that would have caused the Combat to 
be halted. If the blow was begun prior to the occurrence of the event that 
would have caused the Combat to be halted, it will be deemed an effective 
blow and therefore acknowledged. If the blow was begun during or after the 
occurrence of the event, it will be deemed an ineffectual strike and 
therefore need not be acknowledged.

3. A blow that includes the dropping of the weapon before, or at the same 
instant as, the impact need not be acknowledged.  However, dropping of the 
weapon after the impact has been delivered shall not be cause to ignore the 
blow.

SECTION 3 – CHIVALRIC COMBAT EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

I. ARMOR STANDARDS

The following will establish the minimum armor, and the minimum acceptable 
standards for such armor.  Any Combatant may wear additional or stronger 
armor, if desired.  Regardless of the amount or type of armor actually worn, 
each Combatant is expected to acknowledge blows as though he or she were 
fully armored within the context of presumed protection.  All required armor 
will be constructed so as to stay in place at all times and provide coverage 
to the area which it is required to protect. (See the accompanying drawings 
in the glossary of Section 11 of this Handbook to note the areas of required 
coverage and/or protection.)

No armor used on the Field will be constructed in such a way as to present a 
hazard to the wearer or to any other participant.

A. 	Helms: The head must be covered by a helm.

1. Helms shall be constructed of steel of no less than 16 gauge, or of 
equivalent material (equivalency to be determined by consultation with the 
Earl Marshal).  Be aware that steel of less than .0625-inch (1/16-inch or 
1.6 mm) is too thin, even if it is sold as 16 gauge. Alternative materials 
such as stainless steel, brass, bronze, or like materials are permissible as 
long as the material is equivalent in strength to 16-gauge steel. (Note: The 
mass of the helm is an important part of the protection.  No titanium, 
fiberglass, or other ultra-light materials may be used.) If a spun-metal top 
is used in the construction of the helm, it shall be formed from, at the 
minimum, 14-gauge steel. The process of spinning the top thins the metal, 
thereby requiring a heavier gauge. All joints or seams must be constructed 
using one or more of the following methods:

a.  Welded on the inside and outside or with a single bead that extends 
through both surfaces.

b. Lapped joints: must be welded or brazed at the edges of both pieces or 
riveted with solid iron or steel rivets no less than 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) in 
thickness spaced no greater than 2 inches (5.1 cm) apart.  Rivets that are 
3/16 inch (4.8 mm) or greater in thickness may be placed up to 2-1/2 inches 
(6.5 cm) apart.

c. Screw and or pop type rivets or any other lightweight rivets are not to 
be used.

d. Rivets used to secure lapped joints will not be placed closer than 1/8 
inch (3.2 mm) from the outer edge of the overlapped piece.

e. All welds and brazes must be sound and all rivets must be secure.

2. The helm must extend a minimum of 1-inch (25 mm) below the chin and 
jaw-line when the head is held erect.

3. The helm will have no openings that will allow the entry of a measured 
1-inch (25-mm) diameter metal dowel.

4. Faceplates and/or visors on helms:

a. Constructed with metal bars:

i. Shall have such bars secured to the exterior of the helm.

ii. Shall have such bars secured at all points of intersection.

iii. Shall have enough intersecting/supporting bars to prevent the openings 
between spans from being enlarged or dangerously distorted during normal 
combat conditions.

iv. Bars used in the face guard shall be fabricated from steel, of not less 
than 3/16" (4.8 mm) in diameter, or equivalent. If the span between 
crossbars is 2 inches (5.1 cm) or less 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) diameter bars may 
be used.

b. Faceplates and/or visors that open, or are removable, must utilize a 
suitable and safe method of secure fastening to prevent their opening during 
combat.

c. Faceplates constructed with perforated steel will be constructed with 
such materials having a suitable thickness so as to provide an equivalent 
level of protection as those faceplates that have been properly constructed 
with bars.

5. The helm will have no major internal projections.  Minor internal 
projections of any necessary structural components will be dulled and 
padded.  All other metal will likewise be free of any sharp edges, burrs, 
slag, et cetera.

6. All parts of the helm that come in contact with the wearers head when 
worn will have a minimum of 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) closed-cell foam padding or 
the equivalent.  Any part of the helm that is likely to come into contact 
with the wearers unprotected neck or body will also be suitably padded.

7. All helms will be equipped with a sturdy chin and/or jaw strap or an 
equivalent means of preventing the helm from being dislodged during combat. 
A “snug fit” is not an equivalent. If the helm is designed so as to stand 
away from the face, this chin and/or jaw strap should also protect the 
wearer against the helm being knocked back into the wearer's face by any 
legal blow or thrust.

8. Chinstraps will consist of:

a. 3/4 inch (18.8 mm) or wider, 8 oz. (1/8 inch – 3.2 mm) belt grade leather

b. 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) or wider heavy nylon strap

c. Any equivalent combination of nylon or leather straps that equal the 
above standards.

d. Commercially available “paratrooper” 4-point chinstrap or equivalent

e. SHOESTRINGS or NARROW LEATHER STRAPS are NOT ALLOWED in or on the chin 
area.

9.	Eye Wear: The lens of all eyewear shall be shatterproof industrial safety 
glass or plastic.  Ordinary glass lenses are prohibited.  The wearing of 
contact lenses or "sports glasses" is strongly recommended.

B. 	Neck Armor:

1. The neck (larynx, the top of the sternum, cervical vertebrae, and the top 
of the spine below the neck) must stay covered during typical combat 
situations that include turning the head, lifting the chin, leaning the 
head, et cetera. One or a combination of the following must cover the 
aforementioned areas:

a. The helm

b. A gorget constructed of a minimum of heavy leather and a minimum of 
1/2-inch (12.5-mm) close cell foam or equivalent padding.

c. A mail or heavy leather aventail/camail securely attached to the outside, 
or bottom edge, of the helm.  This aventail/camail must be designed to hang 
away from the neck and must have enough mass, or rigidity, to absorb the 
impact of blows without allowing the blow to strike the neck with 
potentially injurious force.
(Note) - A mail coif, worn on the head under the helm, will not be 
considered adequate protection alone and must be accompanied by a gorget 
constructed of a minimum of light leather and padding.

d. Any combination of the above mentioned head and neck armor must be so 
designed as to not permit the direct impact of the tip of a 1 1/4-inch (32 
mm) non-thrusting rattan sword, as the weapon would be normally utilized, 
when the Combatant’s head is held erect and the neck at full extension.  The 
potential impact area includes the head and neck above the clavicle 
(collarbone), as well as the top of the sternum and the top of the spine 
below the neck.

C.	Torso Armor:

1. A kidney belt must cover the kidney area, the short ribs, and the lower 
spine. The kidney belt will be constructed of a minimum of heavy leather or 
the equivalent worn over 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) closed cell foam or equivalent 
padding.

a.  The kidney belt will be designed to fully encircle the torso of the 
Combatant to allow a closure gap of no more than 2 inches (5.1 cm) width, 
only when such a closure gap is located in the front of the body at the 
midline. This gap shall be considered bridged with a minimum width of 3 
inches (7.6 cm) of heavy leather or the equivalent.

b.  If the kidney belt is not designed to have its closure in front of the 
body at the midline, there will be no gap at all where the edges meet.

2. It is recommended that male and female Combatants wear a minimum of light 
leather, padded gambeson, or equivalent that covers the chest area. If worn, 
women may not wear separate breast cups unless connected by or mounted upon 
an interconnecting rigid piece, i.e., heavy leather or metal breastplate.

3. It is strongly recommended the Combatants wear a minimum of heavy padding 
over the shoulders and shoulder points.

D. 	Groin Protection:

1. Both male and female Combatants are required to protect the groin area.

a. Female Combatants are required to wear groin protection constructed of a 
minimum of 1/2-inch (12.5 mm) closed-cell foam or the equivalent. Female 
Combatants may not wear a male style athletic cup.

b. Male Combatants are required to wear a minimum of a rigid athletic cup or 
the equivalent.

c. Male and Female Combatants have the option to wear a heavily padded or 
mail skirt that extends to at least mid-thigh, having no split in the front, 
and enough mass or rigidity to absorb the impact of blows without allowing 
the blow to strike the groin with potentially injurious force.

E. 	Arm Protection:

1. Armor is required for both arms (forearms and elbows) regardless of 
whether or not a shield is being used.

a.  The point and the bones on each side of the elbow joint must be covered 
by rigid material. The rigid material shall be backed by a minimum of 
3/8-inch (9.5 mm) close cell foam or the equivalent.

b.  The forearm must be covered by a vambrace from the elbow armor to the 
wrist leaving no gaps between the elbow armor and the vambrace on the 
outside of the forearm.

i.  Vambraces will be constructed of a minimum of heavy leather.  Light 
leather may be used in combination with padding so long as the protection 
provided is equivalent to the rigid protection standard.

ii.  The vambrace will be designed so that the closure gap is located on the 
inside of the arm.  Such closure gap will be no wider than 1 inch (25 mm).

F. 	Hand and Wrist Protection:

1. One or a combination of the following will cover the hand and wrist of 
both arms:

a.  A basket hilt constructed with enough rigid material or bars to prevent 
a blow from striking the fingers or the back of the hand.

b. A gauntlet constructed in one of the following ways:

i. Of rigid materials that are designed to transfer the force of the impact 
to the surface being grasped

ii. Of rigid materials, not designed to transfer the force of the impact to 
the surface being grasped. This style must utilize a minimum of 3/8-inch 
(9.5 mm) of closed-cell padding or its equivalent.

iii.  Of heavy leather with a minimum of 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) of closed-cell 
foam or equivalent

c. A shield alone is NOT sufficient, since it covers only the back of the 
hand but not the fingers or thumb, a shield basket or approved gauntlet must 
be used.

d. Hockey and Lacrosse gloves will not be considered adequate protection 
unless augmented (completely covered on the back, sides and fingertips) with 
heavy leather or equivalent. Special attention must be given to adequate 
coverage for the tips of the fingers and the sides of the hand when using 
augmented Hockey or Lacrosse gloves.

2. A standard work duty glove or equivalent, having closed fingers must be 
worn with basket hilts, shield baskets, and/or gauntlets.

G. 	Knee Protection:

1. The kneecaps (including 1 inch (25 mm) above and 1 inch (25 mm) below) on 
both knees, as well as both sides of the knee joint, are required to be 
covered as follows:

a.  Knee armor will be constructed of rigid materials and will be backed by 
a minimum of 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) of closed-cell foam or equivalent.

b.  It is strongly recommended that a minimum of heavy padding be worn over 
the thigh of the leading leg for shield users and over both thighs if the 
Combatant is fighting without a shield.

H. 	Foot Protection:

1. All Combatants will wear a minimum of a heavy cloth or canvas shoe on 
each foot. An attempt at historically period footwear is requested. 
Blatantly modern footwear is highly discouraged and considered gauche.

II. WEAPONS STANDARDS

The following will establish the minimum and maximum acceptable standards 
for all weapons that may be used within the Kingdom.

A. 	Any and all weapons:

1. Shall be constructed solely with approved materials and must be 
acceptable to the Marshalate.

a. The approved base material for the construction of all weapons will be 
Rattan with the exception of weapons constructed with Pultruded Fiberglass 
and Siloflex type piping:

i. PULTRUDED FIBERGLASS STANDARDS
Pultruded fiberglass piping only may be used.  Substitutions are not 
allowed.  The piping must be 1-1/4 inch (32 mm) in diameter and have a 
sidewall of not less than 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) thickness.  Hence it shall have 
an interior diameter of 1-inch (25-mm). Shafts may be "spliced" using a 
solid fiberglass rod of the same or equivalent material, which has an 
outside diameter of 1-inch (25-mm) and is between 8 inches (20 cm) and 12 
inches (30 cm), in length.  Only two splices will be allowed per spear 
shaft.  Each end to be spliced should be cut square and clean of cracks or 
frayed fibers.  The rod should extend at least 4 inches (10 cm) into each 
spliced end.  One or both of two methods should secure the splice:

1)	Epoxying the fiberglass rod before insertion.

2)	Thoroughly taping the splice over with fiber reinforced tape.

The butt end of the shaft should be smooth and free of cracks or frayed 
fibers.  The butt should be taped over or otherwise sealed. Since prolonged 
exposure to sunlight will weaken the integrity of the shaft. It is required 
that the entire length of the shaft be taped. A Marshal may require one 
section of the spear to be untaped enough to determine that Pultruded 
Fiberglass has been used in the construction of the shaft and that the wall 
thickness does not exceed 1/8-inch (3.2 mm).

		ii. SILOFLEX STANDARDS
Swords may be made using tubular materials meeting ASTM standard D-2239 or 
the international equivalent, having at least a 1-1/4 inch (32 mm) diameter 
on the outside and at least 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) walls. This sword should have 
an inner core of rattan that fills the interior of the tubular material from 
side to side. This may only be used for single-handed weapons. Periodic 
inspection should be made to determine the condition of the inner core. The 
edge of the tip should be slightly beveled or rounded to help protect 
opponents.

b. The following approved materials may be used to build upon the base 
material in order to construct heads, striking surfaces, and thrusting tips.

i. Tape:  All tape must be plastic, rubber, or cloth.  Such tape may contain 
nonmetallic reinforcing fibers.

ii. Any resilient padding material: This includes all kinds of resilient 
foam, rubber, et cetera.

iii. Other non-brittle, non-splintering natural or manmade materials such as 
leather, woven fibers, plastics and other like materials.

2. Metal use in the construction of weapons.

a. Metal shall NEVER be used in the construction of any head, striking 
surface, or thrusting tip.

b. Metal shall NEVER be utilized in the construction or makeup of any 
fiberglass spear.

c. PVC shall NEVER be used in the construction of any head, or striking 
surface.

d. Metal MAY be used in the construction of quillions, basket hilts, pommel 
weights, et cetera, so long as the construction conforms to the required 
standards for such, as outlined below.

e. PVC may be used in the construction of fiberglass spears under the 
thrusting tips, various kinds of Ballista bolts, and hand thrown missile 
weapons.

3. All weapons must adhere to maximum overall weight limits.

a.  Weapons up to a length of 6 feet (1.8 m) will weigh no more than 1 lb. 
per foot.

b.  Weapons over 6 feet (1.8 m) in length will be allowed additional weight 
at the rate of 1/2 lb. for each foot (30 cm) in excess of 6 feet (1.8 m). 
(For example: a 7 1/2-foot (2.25 m) polearm can weigh no more than 6 3/4 
lbs.)

4. All weapons that are designed to be used with one hand must have a 
lanyard, “trigger” loop, or equivalent that must be used during combat. At 
the discretion of the Crown or the Earl Marshal, this rule will not apply to 
secondary weapons not intended to be in-hand during the entire Combat 
Activity.  This rule also does not apply to one-handed weapons that are 
designed and used solely for thrusting.

5. All weapons must have their striking surfaces, edges, thrusting tips, et 
cetera, clearly marked with tape, or equivalent, in a color that highly 
contrasts with the body of the weapon.

B. 	Hafts:

1.  Must have a minimum cross section of 1-1/4 inches (32 mm).

2.  Must be rounded and have no sharp edges.

3.  Hafts made of rattan need not be taped.

C. 	Striking surfaces/edges, flats, and non-thrusting tips:

1.  Must have a minimum cross section, after taping, of 1-1/4 inches (32 
mm).

2.  Must be rounded and have no sharp edges.

3.  Shall not be constructed so as to allow a forced entry of more than 1/2 
inch (12.5 mm) into any legal faceplate.

4.  Shall be completely covered with a minimum of fiber reinforced tape with 
the striking surface marked in a contrasting color.

D. 	Thrusting tips and Butt Spikes:

1.  Must be securely attached to the weapon with a minimum of fiber 
reinforced tape with the striking surface marked in a contrasting color.

2. Shall be constructed as to not permit exposure to or contact with the 
haft, flat or striking surface of a weapon by folding over when used.

3.  Shall be constructed in a manner that will not allow a forced entry of 
more than 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) into any legal faceplate.

4.  Thrusting tips on one-handed weapons:

a.  Shall be a minimum of 1-1/4 inches (32 mm) in diameter.

b. Shall be a constructed with a minimum of 1 inch (25 mm), (recommended 1 
1/2-inch (37.5 mm) close cell foam.

c.  Shall provide a minimum of 1/2-inch (12.5 mm) of progressive resistance 
without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon.

5.  Thrusting Tips on hand-and-a-half and two-handed weapons except 
Fiberglass Spears:

a.  Shall be a minimum of 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter.

b. Shall provide progressively resistant give, under pressure without 
allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon.

6.  Thrusting Tips on Fiberglass Spears:

a. Shall be a minimum of 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter.

b. A Schedule 40 PVC cap, or equivalent, must be securely affixed to the 
thrusting end of the fiberglass piping, at a minimum, with fiber reinforced 
tape.

b. Shall have a minimum of 3 inches (7.5 cm) depth of resilient material in 
front of the end cap.

c. Shall provide progressively resistant give, under pressure without 
allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon.

d. Shall be constructed in a manner that will not allow a forced entry of 
more than 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) into any legal faceplate.

7. Butt Spikes, when utilized, must conform to the standards for a thrusting 
tip designated for that same weapons type.

E. 	Heads on crushing and combination weapons:

1.  Must be securely attached to the weapons with, at a minimum, fiber 
reinforced tape with the striking surface marked in a contrasting color.

2.  Must not be so large as to be unrealistic.

3.  May use splints of rattan or equivalent approved material in their 
construction.  Splints on top of the material providing the required 
progressive resistance must conform to the standards for striking 
surfaces/edges, as described above. As well, they must be securely attached 
with, at a minimum, fiber reinforced tape to the head of the weapon that 
utilizes such splints. “Rattan-on-rattan” heads are not allowed

4. Shall be constructed in a manner that will not allow a forced entry of 
more than 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) into any legal faceplate.

F. 	Basket Hilts, Quillions, Pommel Weights, et cetera:

1.  Must be securely attached to the weapon.

2.  Shall have no sharp edges.

3.  Shall have no protruding ends with a cross section of less than 1-1/4 
inches (32 mm) in diameter.

4. Shall be constructed in a manner that will not allow a forced entry of 
more than 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) into any legal faceplate.

G. 	Specific Standards: In addition to the general criteria applying to any 
and all weapons, the following shall also apply to these listed weapons.

1. Cutting Weapons - Swords, Daggers, Hand-and-a-half, et cetera:

a. Shall not exceed 5 1/2 feet (1.65-m) in length.

b. Shall utilize some type of hand guard, I.e. basket hilt, quillions, or 
tsuba.

2. Crushing Weapons:

a. Heads on one-handed crushing weapons: The head will have at least 
1/2-inch (12.5-mm) of progressive resistance between the striking surface 
and the weapon haft.

b.  Heads on two-handed crushing weapons: The head will have at least 
3/4-inch (19-mm) of progressive resistance between the striking surface and 
the weapon haft.

c. Two-handed crushing weapons will not exceed 5 feet (1.5-m) in length.

d. All crushing weapons will be so constructed that when the weapon is 
supported at the midpoint of its length, the head is heavier than the 
gripping end.

e. All so-called “powder puff” and ultra-lightweight crushing weapons are no 
longer legal in the Kingdom of Ansteorra.

3. Combination Weapons:

a. Axe, War Hammer/War Pick, Falchion, et cetera:

i. One-handed weapons can use low profile thrusting tips

ii. Falchion cannot exceed 30 inches (75-cm) in overall length and must not 
have “rattan-on-rattan” construction. There must be a minimum of 1/2-inch 
(12.5-mm) of close cell foam between the base rattan and the splint

iii. War Hammers/War Picks must use a minimum 2-inch (50-mm) diameter 
“spike” or “pick” point. These striking surfaces will not exceed a diameter 
of 3 inches (75-mm) in any case.

iv. Two-handed weapons cannot exceed 6 feet (1.8 m) in length

b. Great Sword:

i.  Shall not exceed 7 feet (2.1 m) in total overall length, including any 
thrusting tip, butt spike, and/or pommel weight.

ii.  Shall not have a grip area that is so excessively long as to be 
historically and practically unrealistic.

iii.  Shall utilize some type of hand guard like a basket hilt, quillions, 
or tsuba.  Such cross guards or quillions shall not exceed 24 inches (50 cm) 
in total length measured from outside tip to outside tip.

iv. Ricasso style cross pieces are allowed in addition to the regular 
crossguard or quillions. Ricassi shall not be excessively wide.

c. Padded Polearm: Length from 6  - 7 1/2 feet (1.8 – 2.25 m) including any 
head, thrusting tip, butt spike or pommel weight.

i. Weight requirements strictly enforced

Note: Padded polearms may be required to have greater progressive resistance 
if the weapons haft does not provide satisfactory flex.

d. Unpadded Polearms: Use through Special Authorization Only.
Length from 6 – 7 1/2 feet (1.8 – 2.25 m) including any thrusting tip, butt 
spike or pommel weight.

4.  Thrust Only Weapons: NOTE: Only 9 foot (2.7 m) spears will be allowed in 
any Inter-Kingdom War.

a. Rattan Spear:

i.  Shall not exceed a maximum overall length of 12 feet (3.6 m).

ii.  May utilize a shield hook that will not be used against an opponent’s 
person or their body armor in any offensive manner.

b.  Fiberglass Spear: Use through Special Authorization Only.

i. Shall not exceed a maximum overall length of 12 feet (3.6 m).

ii. NO FOREIGN MATERIAL such as wooden shafts, metal rods or pipes or any 
other material will be inserted into the hollow of any fiberglass spear for 
any reason whatsoever.

iii. NO METAL OR OTHER WEIGHTED OBJECT will be utilized as a butt cap or 
pommel in any manner or fashion for any reason whatsoever.

iv. To facilitate inspection of the sidewall thickness and the interior of 
the spear shaft, only a thin easily removed material will cover the butt end 
of all fiberglass spears.

v.  Only pultruded fiberglass piping (shafts) will be allowed.

vi. May utilize a shield hook that will not be used against an opponent’s 
person or their body armor in any offensive manner.

vii.   All fiberglass spears must have a thrusting tip with a minimum of 3 
inches (7.5 cm) diameter or cross-section.  Additionally, these thrusting 
tips must be constructed so that there is a minimum of 3 inches (7.5 cm) of 
resilient material in front of the PVC end cap and shall provide 
progressively resistant "give" under pressure without allowing contact with 
the PVC end cap.

	c. Madu:

		i. May use low profile thrusting tips

		ii. One-handed use only

		iii. May not exceed 5 1/2 feet (1.65 m) in length

H.	Non-standard Weapons:

1.  Non-standard weapons by definition are:

a.  Any weapon that does not necessarily rely upon the users gripping power 
to wield effectively (For example: A weapon that straps to, or is otherwise 
attached to, the arm).

b.  Any weapon constructed with materials other than those previously listed 
as approved materials.

c.  The Marshalate may deem any weapon non-standard, by nature of its 
construction or method of intended use.

2.  All non-standard weapons must meet the general standards pertaining to 
any and all weapons as listed previously.

3.  The Earl Marshal or Crown must approve all non-standard weapons on an 
individual basis on a reign-by-reign basis.

G.	Prohibited Weapons:
	Weapons deemed unsafe for use in the SCA or the Kingdom of Ansteorra:

	1. “Battle Board” or “Punch” style shields.

	2. Flailing or “bendable” weapons I.e. Military flail,

3. Weapons with “laminated” blades, any weapon that is constructed with 
“rattan-on-rattan”. Rattan splints must be separated from the shaft by a 
minimum of 1/2-inch (12.5 mm) close cell foam or equivalent.

4. Quarterstaff style weapons.

5. All so-called “powder puff” and ultra-lightweight crushing weapons are no 
longer legal in the Kingdom of Ansteorra.

III. 	SHIELD STANDARDS.

A.	Shields and Bucklers:

1.  Shall have a comparable weight to those constructed with period 
materials.  A minimum of one pound (1 lb) per square foot should be used as 
base guidelines.

2.  All shields and bucklers shall be rimmed over the entire outer edge to 
provide some protection to the weapons striking the outer edge.  Rimming 
material may include any non-brittle, non-splintering, natural or man-made 
material of a suitable thickness such as leather, rope, plastics, rubber, et 
cetera.

3.  All protrusions exceeding 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) shall be removed or padded.

4.  Shields and bucklers shall utilize a hand guard constructed of rigid 
material and/or bars that will protect the portions of the hand, fingers, 
thumb, and wrist that are not protected by other armor.  Such a hand guard 
may not be required if the shield or buckler is used in conjunction with an 
approved gauntlet and such gauntlet proves to be adequate protection.

a. Center shield bosses are not sufficient protection in and of themselves. 
If used the Combatant must wear, at a minimum, a half gauntlet with thumb 
protection. Further, some type of deflection device, such as a strip of 
heavy leather, must be used to protect the fingertips from impact. The only 
exception is a center shield boss designed and utilized in the manner of a 
basket hilt that encloses the majority of the hand.

5. Shields shall not be constructed in such a way as to give an unfair 
advantage to the wielder, such as a “mirror finish” outer surface, clear 
plastic “windows”, or “peepholes” drilled in over large shields.

GLOSSARY - TERMS APPLICABLE TO CHIVALRIC ARMORED COMBAT

Aventail/Camail: An armored drape that hangs from the outside or bottom edge 
of a helm.

Bars:  Bars shall be minimum of 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) in cross section.  Bars 
may be round, multi-sided, or oval so long as the minimum cross section is 
3/16 inch (4.8 mm). If said bars are reinforced every 2 inches (5.1-cm) with 
cross members the minimum diameter may be 1/8-inch (3.2 mm).  Bar materials 
shall be mild steel or equivalent.

Basket Hilt: A partial enclosure designed to be securely attached to the 
hill or handle of a weapon that prevents blows from striking the fingers or 
hand and that transfers the impact of such blows to the weapon being 
grasped.  Basket hills shall be constructed with rigid materials and/or 
bars.

Butt Spike: Any offensive capability (THRUST ONLY) that has been built onto 
the grasping end of any weapon.

Closed-cell foam: dense, resilient semi-compressible foam.  Closed-cell foam 
can be identified by its ability to resist soaking up water when compressed, 
held submerged and then released.

Coif:  A close fitting headpiece designed to be worn under the helm that 
extends down to the shoulders or below.  It may be made of cloth, leather, 
mail, etc.

Combination weapons: Weapons with edges, points, and mass that can either 
cut or crush. I.e. Great Sword, axe, halberd, glaive, falchion, war hammer, 
great sword, et cetera. NOTE: Combination weapons, if they are oriented to 
the cutting portion, can “skip” or “glance”, further, striking with the 
“flat” is not necessarily an effective blow. However, if the combination 
weapon is oriented to the blunt portion, then the effect of a “crushing 
weapon” comes into play.

Corkscrewing:  When facing a grounded opponent, "corkscrewing" is circling 
to the right or left in such a manner that forces said opponent to change 
the direction they are facing in order to maintain face-to-face combat. The 
general convention holds the attacker to an arc of 120 degrees from the 
designated “front” of the grounded fighter.

Crushing weapons: (see Mass Weapon) Blunt weapons designed to smash, rend, 
or break armor or bone using a shaped mass of iron or steel at the end of a 
haft. I.e. Mace, morning star, maul, et cetera. CRUSHING WEAPONS ARE MUCH 
LESS LIKELY TO “GLANCE” OR “SKIP”.

Cutting weapons: Bladed weapons designed to slash, thrust, or cleave using a 
sharpened striking edge or point. I.e. Sword, dagger, hand-and-a-half sword, 
short sword, et cetera.

Equivalent:  Refers to the impact resistance, impact distribution, and 
impact absorption abilities of whatever material is specified.

Expanded Steel: Steel that has been cut into a lattice and/or stretched.  It 
is NOT OF SUFFICIENT STRENGTH for combat use.

Flail/Flailing: A weapon designed to bend over and strike with a whip motion 
when blocked below the head or tip: NOT LEGAL in the Kingdom of Ansteorra.

Flat(s):  The area of a blade between the assumed striking edges.  Also the 
area that contains the mass that drives the assumed striking edge when 
swung.

Fully Armored (1): Presumed protection for the purpose of acknowledging 
blows. A fully armored Combatant is presumed to be wearing a lightweight, 
mid-arm sleeved, mid-thigh length, riveted mail hauberk over a padded 
gambison, with boiled leather arm and leg defenses.  An open-faced iron 
Spangenhelm, with a nasal, covering the back and sides of the head is the 
standard in Ansteorra.  A light, riveted, mail drape is considered to be the 
only covering of the face from just below the eyes to just below the chin.

Fully Armored (2): Participation requirements for the purpose of actually 
participating in SCA Armored Combat in this Kingdom.  A fully armored 
Combatant is one who is properly wearing the entire suit of required armor 
to meet or exceed the minimum standards as set forth in the Rules and 
Regulations of the SCA and the Kingdom of Ansteorra.

Gauge:  The U.S. standard scale of measurement used when referring to the 
thickness of sheet metals.

Gauntlets:  Heavily armored gloves or mittens designed to protect the hands 
and wrist.  A partial or half gauntlet is one that covers only part of the 
hand or wrist.

Gorget:  A piece of armor designed to protect the neck.  A Gorget usually 
takes the form of a high collar with a front and back flap, constructed with 
rigid materials and padding.

Grip:  The area of any weapon approved to be grabbed or gripped (i.e. most 
any area assumed not to be an edge or striking surface).

Grounded:  The condition of a Combatant after the loss of the use of a leg 
from being struck with an opponent's weapon and the Combatant is seated upon 
the ground.  The Combatant then must fight from the ground.  In Ansteorra, a 
Combatant may hop on the uninjured leg as long as the injured limb is NOT 
USED for support in any way. Once grounded the Combatant WILL NOT “walk on 
their knees”, they may “drag” themselves along the ground, or arise (without 
using the injured leg to do so) and hop to a new location.

Grappling: Any Wrestling, grasping with the hand(s), enclosing with the 
arm(s), et cetera, which does not permit the opponent free movement on the 
field. Grappling DOES NOT include shield presses, momentary shoving, weapons 
momentarily fouling weapons, parrying with the closed hand, or other 
incidental and momentary entrapment of person or equipment.

Haft:  The pole or handle upon which a weapon’s head is affixed.

Hand-and-a-half weapon: A weapon designed to be wielded with either one or 
two hands.

Head: Refers to the padded end of a crushing weapon.

Heavy Leather: Stiff leather, 12 ounce or more, a minimum of 3/16 inch (4.8 
mm) thick.  Also acceptable: two or more layers of leather, glued over the 
entire area of contact between the layers, to form one stiff piece that is 
3/16 inch (4.8 mm) or more thick

Hilt:  Typically refers to a grip that is utilized one-handed.

Kidney Belt: A wide armored girdle worn to protect the circumference of the 
midsection, especially the kidneys and lower "floating" ribs.

Lanyard:  A strap, “trigger” loop, or cord of sufficient strength and length 
to prevent a weapon from flying away should it be accidentally dropped or 
released during combat.

Light Leather: 6 to 8 ounce leather (3/32 (2.4 mm) to 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) 
thick).  No lighter/thinner leathers shall used on required pieces of heavy 
weapons armor.

Mail:  Any fabric of small metal components, either linked or attached to a 
flexible backing (like ring or scale mail).

Mass Weapon: Any weapon that relies primarily on weight to crush, smash, or 
rend rather than relying on any actual cutting ability.

One-handed Weapon: Any weapon that is intended by design to be wielded using 
one hand.

Open-cell foam: A resilient foam that is less dense than closed-cell foam.  
Open-cell foam can be identified by its ability to soak up water.  When 
seeking to find an equivalent thickness of open-cell foam to closed-cell 
foam, use a 3 to 1 thickness ratio and allow for about a 50% compression of 
the open celled foam.  When used for helm padding for example: 1-1/2 inches 
(37.5 mm) of open-cell foam compressed to 3/4 inch (18.8 mm) will be 
considered equivalent to 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) of closed cell foam (minimum 
padding).

Overall Weight: Overall weight is considered to be the total weight of the 
finished weapon including any head, basket hilt, and/or pommel weight.

Padding: Quilted or multi-layered cloth material, such as mattress pads, 
moving pads, carpet, felt, or the equivalent.

Perforated Steel: Steel that has had small holes punched or drilled into its 
surface, but otherwise has not been significantly stressed.

Period Materials: Those materials that would have been available and used 
during the time period being recreated/studied by the SCA.

Pole-arm: Any weapon that's physical make-up is dominated by a haft and is 
over 5 feet (1.5 m) in length, with or without a thrusting tip, and designed 
to hack, chop, cut, et cetera.

Pommel:  The back or butt end of a grip or hilt on a weapon.

Pommel Weight: A weight attached to the pommel of a weapon typically to 
achieve a desired balance and/or overall weight.

Prohibited Targets: Areas that are never to be intentionally struck during 
Combat (I.e. hands, knees, and lower legs).

Progressive Resistance: In regards to thrusting tips or other padded 
striking edges, progressive resistance is the “give” that must be 
demonstrated when pushing or squeezing by hand on the area of the weapon 
that impacts the opponent.  This material must not allow contact with the 
base material.

Quillions:  The cross guards located just above the grip or hilt on swords.

Resilient Padding: Materials such as closed-cell foam or open-cell foam that 
have the ability to be compressed and will then quickly return to their 
original shape and thickness when released.

Ricasso: Small crosspiece set above the quillions or crossguard on a Great 
Sword.

Rigid Materials (includes the following):

1.  Mild steel of not less than 18 gauge

2.  Aluminum of not less than 16 gauge

3.  Stainless Steel of not less than 20 gauge

4.  Other metals of sufficient thickness to give similar rigidity
to those listed above.

5.  High impact resistant plastic such as ABS or polyethylene of sufficient 
thickness to give similar rigidity to those metals listed above.

6.  Heavy leather that has been hardened in hot wax, boiled, soaked in 
polyester resin, or treated with some other material that provides a similar 
stiffening effect.

7.  Other materials approved by the Crown and the Earl Marshal on a 
case-by-case basis.

Secondary Weapon: An additional weapon intended to be used as a backup in 
the event the primary weapon is dropped, lost, etc.  Such a weapon is not 
normally in hand during the Combat, but is carried attached to the Combatant 
in some manner so as to be readily available when needed.

Shield Hook: A firm protrusion built onto a weapon's haft or head that is 
designed to manipulate shields and/or other weapons.  (Such a hook SHALL 
NEVER be used on an opponent's person).

Spear: Any weapon where a haft dominates its construction and whose 
offensive use is limited solely to thrusting.

Splints:  The flange-like projections assumed to be striking edges placed on 
top of the progressive resistance on the head of a crushing weapon.

Steel:  Hot or cold rolled mild steel in sheet form.  Note that commercially 
available sheet steel is frequently rolled significantly under the U.S. 
standard gauge that the sheet is declared to be but is often sold as sheet 
steel meeting that declared gauge.  All such steel used for armor 
construction that is required to meet a minimum gauge should be checked by 
an accurate measuring device before being used for such purpose.  Note that 
l6 gauge, the minimum thickness for helms, is officially l/16 inch or .0625 
of an inch (1.6-mm).

Striking Edge/Surface: That part of a simulated blade or head that is 
assumed to be sharpened or otherwise lethal.

Sword:  Any weapon with a single or double cutting edge, with or without a 
thrusting tip, whose primary function is to cut and whose physical 
construction is dominated by the striking edge(s).

Thrust only weapons: Weapons that use only the point to pierce or stab. I.e. 
Spears of any length, madus, et cetera. NOTE: With the exception of a thrust 
to the solid metal portions of the helm, a thrust only weapon does not 
“skip” nor “glance”.

Thrusting Tip: The blunted and padded end of a weapon that is designed to 
deliver a stab or thrust.

“Trigger” Loop: Any nylon, leather, or equivalent strap affixed to the hilt 
of a weapon that helps prevent accidental loss of the weapon in combat.

Two Handed Weapon: Any weapon with a limited or unlimited grip area that is 
intended, by design, to be used primarily with two hands.

Vambrace:  A close fitting, tube-like, sleeve that protects the forearm from 
the elbow armor to the wrist.

Work Duty Glove: Any typical, commercially available glove made of heavy 
cloth, canvas or leather.  This may include, but is not limited to, work 
gloves, driving gloves, welder’s gloves, farm and ranch gloves, etc.

Woven Wire Mesh: A tightly woven pattern of wires that resists bending or 
unraveling.


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