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 Fighters
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 Melees 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 years 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 Combatants 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 opponents
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 opponents
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 weapons 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, welders gloves, farm and ranch gloves, etc.
Woven Wire Mesh: A tightly woven pattern of wires that resists bending or
unraveling.
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