WR - [Fwd: RN- Giovanni's proposed new rules]

[mbhite at arn.net]

Greetings,

Below is the new proposed society rules for rapier.  If you are a rapier
fighter, these rules may affect the way you play the game.  Please read the
few pages below,  and let your marshal(s) know what you think of these
rules.  Keep in mind these are society proposed rules/laws and not kingdom.
Just trying to keep everyone informed

May you meet on the field as friends,
Marquet de la Heyt
Shire of Adlersruhe

Brent & Susan Rachel wrote:

> + -- RapierNet - From Brent & Susan Rachel <hbrache at texas.net> --
>
> Here is the 2nd edition of Don Giovanni's proposed new SCA Rapier Rules.
>
> Baron Kazimir Petrovich Pomeshanov
> (soon to be) Ansteorra's Kingdom Rapier Marshal
>
> ********************************************
>
> CORPORATE RULES FOR RAPIER COMBAT IN THE SOCIETY FOR CREATIVE
> ANACHRONISM,
> INCORPORATED
>
> INTRODUCTION
>
> The Rules outlined below are the minimum standards for SCA rapier
> combat.
> These were designed to allow adoption by the Kingdoms of the Society as
> their basic standards, on which Kingdom-specific preferences (such as
> the
> type of weapon) can be based. In keeping with Corporate policy, Kingdoms
>
> retain the right to add rules which establish more restrictive
> standards.
> All fighters and marshals are responsible for knowing the additional
> rules
> and standards of their Kingdom.
>
> These Rules, combined with those of the Kingdoms, are intended to allow
> safe rapier combat in the Society.  However, rules and standards, no
> matter
> how clear or accurate, cannot replace common sense, good judgment, and
> concern for the participants, in promoting safety on the field. 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 conventions of Combat, and such weapons,
> equipment, and event rules as are established by the Marshallate of the
> SCA, Inc. and the constituent Kingdoms.
>
> B.  All combatants, prior to each and every combat or practice, must
> insure
> that their equipment is safe, in good working order and has been
> inspected
> by a member of the Kingdom Marshallate authorized to inspect rapier
> gear.
> At interkingdom events, combatants shall meet SCA standards for
> protective
> gear, but shall comply with whatever weapons standards are being used at
>
> that event.
>
> C.  Unless otherwise directed by the Crown, the Crown's representative
> upon
> the field and in all matters dealing with Society 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 subsequent
> 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 any other action the marshals find unsafe or
> obstructive will not be allowed.
>
> 3.  USE OF WEAPONS AND PARRYING DEVICES
>
> A.  Weapons shall be used in accordance with their design. Blows will be
>
> struck by: thrusting with the point (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 be used to deliver tip cuts, or to
> place
> a blade for a draw or push cut; but rapiers are not impact weapons, and
> shall not be used as such.
>
> C.  Parrying devices may be used to displace, deflect, or immobilize an
> opponent's weapon or parrying device, so long as such use does not
> endanger
> the safety of the combatants. 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 the effect of blows, all fighters are presumed to be
> wearing
> shirt and either trousers or skirt; no armor is assumed.
>
> B.  Special tournaments or combats may be held which define areas of the
>
> body which are armoured, and to what extent, so long as all the
> participants are made aware of the special conditions prior to the start
> of
> combat.
>
> C.  In rapier combat, any thrust that causes the tip of the blade to
> begin
> to exert pressure against a fighter through fabric OR against the
> mask/helm
> -- not incidental grazing, but in line pressure-- will be considered a
> good
> blow.
>
> i.  Cuts, whether by edge or tip, shall exert such pressure against a
> fighter in
> order to be counted good cuts.  If a Kingdom has not determined
> otherwise, the norm for the Society shall be 8 inches (20 cm) of drawn
> or
> pushed
> blade against a fighter to make a valid cut.
>
> ii. Kingdoms shall not alter the pressure standard for good cuts or
> thrusts.
>
> D.  A good blow, either cut or thrust, to the head, neck, or torso shall
> be
> judged incapacitating, rendering the fighter incapable of further
> combat.
> Such blows to the inner groin, or the armpit (each to include the
> fighter's
> hand width down the inner limb from the armpit or groin proper) shall
> also
> be judged incapacitating.
>
> 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.  Fighters are expected to take into account the extremely sharp
> nature
> of the rapiers and/or daggers being simulated, and the location of the
> point of impact of that weapon, when judging the outcome of a blow.
>
> H.  Parries may be performed with weapons, parrying devices, the gloved
> hand, or any other part of the body.  The gloved hand may push against
> either blade or guard, but must not grasp the guard.  Incidental
> pushing/contact with the opponent's weapon hand by the palm of the
> parrying
> hand is not in itself considered obstructive behavior as defined above;
> however, there shall be no deliberate pushing, grasping, or striking of
> the
> opponent.
>
> I.  Fighters may choose to grasp, rather than parry, heavier types of
> blades (i.e, schlagers and fiberglass-bundle 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.
>
> J.  If an effective blow is thrown on or about 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_ it was thrown before the
> event.
> If the blow is thrown on or after the hold, killing blow, or other
> event,
> it shall not be counted good.
>
> WEAPONS
>
> 1. Sharp points, edges or corners are not allowed anywhere on any
> weapon.
>
> 2. Equipment must be able to safely withstand combat stresses.
>
> 3. Blades: The following types of blades are used:
>
> "Fencing type" rapiers:
> Foils
> Epees
> Doublewide epees
>
> "Heavier type" rapiers:
> Oval bladed schlagers
> Diamond bladed schlagers
> Del Tin Practice Rapiers
> Fiberglass blades
>
> Dagger blades:
> flexidaggers
> fiberglass rods
> rattan, or
> firm plastics
>
> All are subject to the following:
>
> A. All steel blades must be manufactured by commercial suppliers.
> Artisans
> or craftsmen desiring an exception must apply to the Deputy Society
> Marshal
> for Rapier Combat and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
>
> B.  Steel blades will not be altered by grinding, cutting, heating 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:
>
>                 i. The tang of the weapon may be altered as needed.
>
>                 ii. Heavier-type blades may be shortened so long as it
> does not make them too stiff.
>
>                 iii. The tips of heavier-type blades must be flattened
> (perpendicular to the long axis of the blade); the corners shall be
> rounded
> off, so that no surface presents a sharp angle.
>
> C. All steel blades must be reasonably flexible.  Rigid steel
> "parrying-only" daggers such as those made from cut down blades will not
> be
> allowed.
>
> D. Except as below, all blade ends must be capped with rubber, plastic,
> or
> leather.
>
>                 i. Tips on foils, epees and flexi-daggers will be at
> least
> 3/8 inch (9mm)
> in diameter.
>
>                 ii. Tips on fiberglass daggers and heavier types of
> blades
> will have a
> flat striking surface of at least 1/2 inch (13mm) diameter.
>
>                 iii. 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.
>
>                 iv. Tips on rigid daggers (rattan or firm plastic) 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.
>
> E. 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.
>
> F.  Bladed weapons may have a hand guard such as a cup hilt, swept hilt
> or
> quillons and knucklebow. The guard on any weapon used against
> fencing-type
> weapons (i.e. foils or epees) must comply with #4 in this section,
> below.
> In all cases, quillons must not be longer than 12 inches (30cm) overall,
>
> and the ends must be blunt and of at least 1/4 inch (6mm) in diameter.
>
> G. Orthopedic (or "Pistol") grips will not be used unless the fighter
> has
> approval for medical reasons.  At a minimum, fighters wishing to use
> these
> hilts shall provide a letter to their Kingdom Rapier Marshal, from a
> health
> care provider, discussing the conditions which would make use of such a
> grip advisable.
>
> H. Any rapier of a given type may be used against any other rapier of
> the
> same type (e.g. fencing-type blades may be used against other fencing
> type
> blades, but not against heavier type blades.) Daggers may be used
> against
> either type of rapier blade.
>
> 4. Any 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 (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 NOT considered unsafe for use with fencing-type
>
> blades.
>
> PARRYING DEVICES
>
> 1. Parrying devices will be constructed using the following guidelines.
>
> A. Solid parrying devices will be made of sturdy, lightweight materials,
>
> resistant to breakage and splintering.  They will have no exposed edges
> that might allow splintering.  Sharp points, edges or corners are not
> allowed anywhere. Equipment must be able to safely withstand combat
> stresses.
>
> 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
> including metal, nor with materials which are heavy enough to turn the
> device into a flail or impact weapon.
>
> C. Devices that are likely to cause excessive tangling of equipment are
> not
> allowed.
>
> 2. Offensive bucklers, projectile and throwing weapons will be
> considered
> non-standard devices.  In addition to the regular inspection process,
> 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 such non-standard devices.
>
> A.  Offensive bucklers and thrown weapons shall be made of soft flexible
>
> materials such as cloth, tape, foam and golf tubes.
>
> B. Combat archery or gunnery gear will meet kingdom standards or those
> agreed upon by the Kingdoms at an interkingdom event.
>
> PROTECTIVE GEAR
>
> 1.  The following definitions shall be used below. 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, woven knit tights 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 (as
> defined above);  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.
>
> i.  Acceptable field inspections shall deliver a consistent force.
> Tests
> known to be acceptable include:
>
>                                 a. Cloth or garment manufacturer's
> commercial certification that a
> fabric is rated to 550N.  (Documentation must be available at the time
> of
> inspection.)
>                                 b.  Use of 550N garment punch test
> devices,
> manufactured by sources acceptable to the Deputy Society Marshal for
> Rapier
> Combat. Such a device shall be used in accordance with its'
> instructions.
>                                 c.  Use of a drop test device which
> delivers a force, on dropping, of 4 joules.  An example is a dull, flat
> 5/32" (4 mm) metal rod  mounted on a 1.4 kg weight and dropped down a
> guide
> tube from 30cm (1 foot) onto the fabric sample.  The sample must be held
>
> firm over a 4" diameter can or frame by rubber band or clamp when the
> drop
> test is applied.
>                                 d.  Use of a flat-broken _foil_ blade to
>
> thrust against the material. To conduct this test, lay the material to
> be
> tested on firm ground or penetrable material (not hardpacked dirt,
> concrete, or similarly hard surfaces).  Holding the broken blade in both
>
> hands, punch the material four times, increasing the force each time.
> After
> each punch, examine the material.
>
> ii.  For all tests, if the material in question has been completely
> penetrated,  or penetrated in more than one layer, it fails. If only the
>
> top layer has been damaged, then it passes.
>
> C.  Rigid Material: puncture-resistant material that will not
> significantly
> flex, spread apart, or deform under pressure of 12 Kg applied repeatedly
> to
> any single point.  Examples of rigid material are:
>
> i.  22 gauge stainless steel (0.8 mm)
> ii.  20 gauge mild steel (1.0 mm)
> iii.  16 gauge aluminum, copper, or brass (1.6 mm)
> iv.  one layer of heavy leather (8 ounce, 4 mm)
>
> 2.  The following standards for protective gear are the Society norm.
> No
> Kingdom shall enact requirements less stringent than the Society norm.
> 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 securely fastened by straps and/or ties,
> so
> that they cannot be easily removed or dislodged during combat.
>
> iv.  Both modern fencing masks and rapier helms, when inspected for
> tourney, shall be examined for compliance with the rigid material
> standards, compliance with provisions on facial coverage, and 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.
>
> vi. It is recommended that if heavier-bladed rapiers are used, the whole
> of
> the head and neck be covered in rigid material, especially if melees are
> to
> be fought with such rapiers.
>
> B.  TORSO AND OTHER KILLING ZONES
>
> i.  The torso (including the chest, back, entire abdomen, flanks, and
> groin) must be covered with puncture-resistant material.
>
> ii.  The armpits of a fighter must also be covered with puncture
> resistant
> material, to a minimum of a gusset 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; they are also reminded that their
> breasts are a prime target area, and are encouraged to wear additional
> padding or 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.
>
> 3.  In all cases, there shall be no skin showing, or readily accessible.
>
> 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:  Rapier Combat is sufficiently different from other
> styles of combat in the SCA that competence in other styles does not
> automatically mean competence in rapier. Separate warrants and
> authorizations in rapier combat are required.
>
> 2.  BROKEN BLADES:  Because of the nature of the blades used, 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 "worrying" at the face, deflecting a weapon (assuming that the
> Kingdom rules allow use of the cloak for more than simple blocking or
> deflection), or loosely wrapping around or weighting down the blade.
>
> 4.  BLADE GRASPING:  When heavier-bladed rapiers are being used, if a
> blade
> has been grasped firmly, but is not released shortly thereafter, "HOLD"
> shall be called in order to avoid excessive wrestling about the blade.
>
> 5.  MELEE:  Melee combats present special challenges to the fighters
> participating as well as the marshals supervising the field.  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.
>
> 6.  MINORS:  As per Corporate rules, the minimum age for training and
> authorization in rapier combat shall be 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.
>
> 7.  EXPERIMENTAL WEAPONS:  Before any new weapon or technique can be
> used
> in Society Rapier Combat, a test plan must be submitted to and approved
> by
> the Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier Combat.  This plan shall describe:
>
> -- the new weapon or technique
> -- specifics of materials used and construction of the weapon (as
> appropriate)
> -- the proposed uses of the new weapon or technique
> -- all restrictions that will be imposed during the experimental period
> -- how long the test period will be.
>
> It is the prerogative of the Kingdom Rapier Marshals, subject to the
> above,
> to allow limited testing of new weapons or techniques within a kingdom.
> Limited testing means the weapon or technique may be used at fighter
> practice, tourneys, and in small melees after all combatants and
> marshals
> have been informed the  weapon or technique is being tested and that it
> is
> not approved for general SCA use. All combatants and marshals must
> consent
> to the use of the weapon or technique before combat begins.  If any of
> the
> marshals or combatants object to the use of the weapon or technique, it
> may
> not be used.
>
> At regular intervals the Kingdom Rapier Marshal shall report to the
> Deputy
> Society Marshal on the progress and results of the experiment. At the
> end
> of the test period the Kingdom Rapier Marshal will provide the Deputy
> Society Marshal with a test summary, to include a list of injuries that
> resulted from the use of the weapon or technique, and any concerns from
> fighters and marshals arising from the testing.  The Deputy Society
> Marshal, after consultation with the Kingdom Rapier Marshals, shall
> determine if the weapon or technique  seems suitable for SCA Rapier
> Combat.
> He shall then report to the Society Marshal for final adjudication.
>
> 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.  At a marshal's discretion,
> any
> protective gear may be formally tested if a concern exists that the gear
>
> may have lost protective ability due to age, wear and tear, or other
> factors.
>
> 9.  UNFORESEEN SITUATIONS:  If a situation should arise not explicitly
> covered by Corporate or Kingdom rapier combat rules, the marshals should
>
> NOT assume that the absence of rules implies the situation is forbidden
> or
> inappropriate.   Again:  rules and standards, no matter how clear or
> accurate, cannot replace common sense, good judgement, and concern for
> all
> participants in promoting safety on the field.
>
> --------------------------------- End -------------------------------- -
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