Æthelmearc Policies of the Marshal of Fence
April 2006
I. General Requirements:
A. Minimum Age - As per the Laws of the Kingdom, the minimum age for anyone participating in any official Kingdom fencing activity, including regular local practices, is 18 years of age, or the youth must provide proof that he or she is an emancipated minor.
B. All fighters and marshals are responsible for understanding and abiding by these Rules for Æthelmearc Rapier Combat, the SCA Rules of the List, and the Corporate Rules for Rapier Combat in the SCA.
C. Prior to every combat, tournament or practice, all combatants shall insure that their equipment is safe, in good working order, and has been inspected by a warranted marshal of Æthelmearc.
II. Armor Requirements
A. No skin shall show anywhere on the fencer's body, regardless of the position or stance of the fencer. There shall be sufficient overlap between separate pieces of armor that the required protection for that body area is preserved. Corporate standard definitions for armor are as follows:
Abrasion-resistant material: material that will withstand normal combat stresses (such as being snagged by an unbroken blade) without tearing, for example - broadcloth, a layer of heavy poplin cloth (35% cotton, 65% polyester), sweat pants, opaque cotton, and poly-cotton. Nylon pantyhose and cotton gauze shirts are examples of unacceptable materials.
Puncture-resistant material: any fabric or combination of fabrics that will predictably withstand puncture, for example - four-ounce (2 mm) leather, four layers of heavy poplin cloth, ballistic nylon rated to at least 550 Newtons, and commercial fencing clothing rated to at least 550 Newtons. Kevlar is not an acceptable material, as it degrades rapidly.
Rigid Material: puncture-resistant material that will not significantly flex, spread apart, or deform under pressure of 12 Kg applied by a standard mask tester, repeatedly to any single point. Examples of rigid material are - 22 gauge stainless steel (0.8 mm); 20 gauge mild steel (1.0 mm);16 gauge aluminum, copper, or brass (1.6 mm); one layer of heavy leather (8 ounce, 4 mm).
B. Fencing Mask - 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 meet this standard. Fencing helms meeting this standard are also acceptable and shall be approved on a case-by-case basis. The face must be covered by either 12 kilogram mesh (e.g., a standard fencing mask) or perforated metal which meets the definition of rigid material, and has holes no larger than 1/8" (3 mm) in diameter, and a minimum offset of 3/16" (5 mm). Masks and helms must be secured to the fighter, so that they cannot be easily removed or dislodged during combat. The combination of snug fit and the spring-tongue in a conventional fencing mask is not sufficient, by itself, to secure the mask to the fighter.
C. Head and Throat - 1. The rest of the head and neck must be covered by at least puncture resistant material. However, combatants are strongly encouraged to wear heavier protection than this minimum requirement.
2. If heavy rapiers (schlagers) are being used, additional throat protection is required; it shall consist of rigid material (a minimum of at least 8-oz. top-grain leather, although gorgets made of metal are strongly encouraged) 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. Gorgets worn over a hood or other substantial fabric padding will be considered to meet this requirement. The cervical vertebrae shall also be protected by rigid material, provided by some combination of gorget, helm, and/or hood insert.
D. Torso and Arm Armor - Puncture resistant armor shall cover the body from the top of the shoulder to the base of the groin and the underarm area. Minimum underarm protection is provided by a triangle extending from the armhole seam, and covering the lower half of the sleeve, extending down the under side of the arm one-third the distance to the elbow. The edges of any closure must overlap by at least 3". The rest of the arm must be covered with abrasion resistant material.
E. Gloves - Gloves made of abrasion resistant material must overlap the wrist openings of the sleeves by at least 3", and cover any cuff opening. If gloves designed for electric equipment are used, the openings for wires must be secured shut.
F. Groin/Breast Armor - Male fencers shall wear a cup (rigid material) underneath the lower extremity armor. Female fencers must ensure that their groin area is covered by puncture resistant material. Additional breast armor for females is left to individual discretion, however, female fencers are strongly encouraged to employ additional breast protection.
G. Lower Extremity Armor - All portions of the lower extremities must be covered with at least abrasion resistant material. Spandex, cotton gauze, and nylon tights are unacceptable. If skin can be seen through the material, the material is too thin. Footwear must completely enclose the foot with a minimum of abrasion resistant material.
H. Armor Testing – Armor shall be tested when it is new and each time a fencer renews their authorizations (i.e. at least every two years). However, armor may be retested at any point if a marshal feels that there is something amiss. Acceptable tests are as follows:
i. Cloth or garment manufacturer’s commercial certification that a fabric is rated to 550 Newtons. Documentation must be available at time of inspection.
ii. Use of a 550 Newton punch test device, manufactured by sources approved by the Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier Combat and used in accordance with the instructions for such a device.
iii. Use of a drop test device which delivers a force, on dropping, of 1.5 joules to the fabric sample via a dull, flat 5/32” (4mm) metal rod. Details for constructing and using an approved device of this sort may be found in Appendix 3 of the Corporate Rules for Rapier Combat.
iv. Use of a flat-broken foil blade to thrust against the material. To conduct this test, lay the material on firm ground or a penetrable surface. While holding the length of a foil test blade with your hands placed about ten inches apart, punch the material four times increasing the force each time. After each punch, examine the material. If it has been completely penetrated or penetrated in more than one layer, it fails. If there is no damage, or if only the top layer has been damaged, the material passes.
v. For masks: Marshals have the right and responsibility to refuse any mask that they deem to be in danger of failing to protect against a hard thrust with an epee. Upon the wearer's request, a mask may be punch-tested if the equipment is available. Marshals cannot require a punch test. A good field test, if a punch tester is not available, is to push on the mesh with a thumb. If the mesh shows any flex, the mask is not strong enough.
III. Weapons Specifications
A. Rapiers
3. Light rapier points must be capped with standard plastic or rubber fencing tips, and must be taped with tape that contrasts in color with the blade and the tip. The tape must not cover the tip.
4. Foil, epee, and sabre bells are permitted on light rapiers. Bells with openings large enough to admit a standard, capped light rapier point must be blocked with rigid material. Quillons can be no longer than 12". The ends must be blunted and all edges rounded. A light rapier with quillons which may trap and/or break a blade are cause for prohibiting the use of the blade. As per Society fencing rules, orthopedic and pistol grips are prohibited without documentation from the fighter's health-care provider.
5. A heavy rapier or “schlager” blade is defined as a stiff, heavy blade which may vary in width from 5/8” to ¼” at the tip. Oval and diamond cross-section blades will be acceptable for use in this kingdom. For exact information about types of blades allowable as schlagers, please contact the Kingdom Marshal of Fence.
6. Before placing a tip on the blade, the point of a schlager blade shall be filed or cut down flat (the use of a filing wheel is NOT recommended!). Any sharp edges shall then be filed smooth.
7. The tip of a schlager blade shall be covered with a metal casing or washer, then covered with a rubber archery bird blunt. Padding may be used to hold the tip in place. Equivalent tips may be approved by the KMoF on a case-by-case basis. Standard foil and epee tips are not to be used as schlager tips.
8. The rubber tip of the schlager must be taped to the blade itself with electrical tape or woven cloth tape in a color that contrasts with the blade and the tip. Tool dip is not an acceptable substitute. The tape shall not cover the end of the rubber tip, but shall leave enough showing that a marshal would be able to see if the rubber tip is wearing through.
9. Open guards and hilts may be used with heavy rapiers so long as they present no sharp edges or protrusions, which would present a hazard to the fencer or an opponent.
10. Rapier blades may have a single, gradual curve. Sharp bends, or more than a single curve (S-curves) are cause for prohibiting the use of the blade.
11. All rapier weapons shall be fought as light two-edged weapons with a point.
12. Marshals shall disqualify weapons that are in danger of breaking.
13. All blades must be manufactured by a commercial supplier or an artisan approved by the Society Deputy Marshal for Rapier Combat and the Kingdom Marshal of Fence.
14. Blades will not be altered in any way that would significantly alter their temper, flexibility, or durability.
15. All blades must be able to pass a flexibility test as follows: Hold weapon parallel to the ground, supporting the handle against a table or bench if necessary. Hang a 3 ounce weight (85 grams) just behind the tip. If the blade of a dagger (out to 18" blade length) flexes visibly (more than 1/4 inch <6 mm>), the blade is sufficiently flexible. For a rapier blade (greater than 18"), the flex must be 1/2 inch (12 mm).
B. Daggers
1. The maximum allowable length for a dagger is 25” from pommel to tip.
2. Bells, grips, quillons, and blade testing shall follow the specifications for light rapiers (See III.A.3-4 and 10-15 above.)
3. Standard thrusting daggers shall be commercial "flexi-blades", "Scottie", or Safeflex brand daggers, which will be capped as rapiers are (See III.A.2 above).
4. Daggers score touches in the same manner as rapiers.
5. Daggers may be used against both heavy and light rapiers.
C. Parrying Objects
1. Striking any part of the body with any parrying object is strictly illegal.
2. Sharp points, edges or corners are not allowed anywhere on any equipment
3. Devices that predictably or repeatedly cause entangling are not allowed
4. Bucklers
a. The allowable maximum area is 315 square inches (20" diameter circle).
b. Bucklers shall be constructed of lightweight, rigid material, such as
1/4" plywood.
c. Buckler edges shall be covered to prevent splintering, and may not be jagged
or rough.
5. Cloaks
a. Cloak size, shape, and weight are left to the discretion of the user.
b. Soft hem weights such as rope, rolled fabric or leather are permitted. Rigid
weights, such as bars, rods, chains or strips of metal are prohibited.
c. Cloaks will be allowed to take multiple hits without being considered to
have sustained ruinous damage to the fabric. However, if the marshal sees things
getting out of hand, he or she may step in and advise the fencer that the cloak
is no longer useful. A thrust or cut will penetrate a cloak and do damage to
the fencer.
6. Other Parrying Devices: Virtually any object may be used as a parry item, provided that the object poses no threat to the safety of the combatants and will not trap and/or break a blade. Marshal discretion regarding the safety of the parry item is the deciding factor as to whether or not it will be permitted into the list.
D. Projectile Weapons:
1. Rubber band guns (RBGs), weapons firing a flexible round (rubber bands or surgical tubing), may be used in rapier melee combat only. Their use in melee will be at the discretion of the marshal-in-charge, and may be subject to additional restrictions, such as: limit to the number of shots per gun, a limit to the number of guns per side, no gleaning or a limit to the number of shots per fencer.
2. The use of any projectile weapon is forbidden within formal rapier tournament lists (single combat), or in any situation where spectators cannot be separated from the potential line of fire by more than the effective range of the projectile weapons to be used.
3. RBGs should mimic the appearance of period firearms, shall be constructed of wood and/or light weight metals, and must conform to the rules restricting the construction of rigid parry items. Gun barrels large enough to admit the tipped end of a blade must be plugged. All RBGs and rounds must be inspected before use.
4. Ammunition must be of entirely flexible material (i.e. no washers), except for the plastic connectors used to hold the round together, which must be covered either by the round itself or by shrink tube in a manner that prevents the plastic from striking the target of the round.
5. All hits from RBGs count as a thrust to the body part struck. If the round strikes a weapon or parrying device, then both that weapon and the hand holding it are lost. Accidental discharges of the gun count as per normal.
6. RBG bullets penetrate bucklers and soft non-rigid devices in a straight line. (e.g. they are not bulletproof.) Active marshalling shall be used to aid in the acknowledgement of hits.
7. It shall be understood that fencing helms, large bucklers and heavy cloaks may impede accurate acknowledgement of RBG bullets. Active marshaling shall be used to aid in acknowledgement of hits. Ill-tempered behavior by either fencer shall not be tolerated.
8. It is strongly recommended that RBGs only be used from outside of rapier engagement range. (i.e. if you are close enough to kill them with a sword, use the sword).
9. Due to the risk of being hit by stray rounds, marshals supervising RBG melees will wear eye protection such as protective goggles, or their fencing mask - as long as vision is unimpaired (i.e. can you still see a broken weapon) and they can be clearly distinguished from the combatants.
IV. Weapons Forms
A. Rapier - The form shall consist of a single rapier. The fencer should use
the empty hand for defense.
B. Rapier and parrying object.
C. Rapier and dagger.
D. Case of rapiers - The form shall consist of two rapiers.
V. Combat Conventions
A. Fencing rules:
1. All fencers will behave in an honorable and chivalrous manner.
2. In rapier combat, blows will be counted as though they were struck with a real blade, extremely sharp on point and edge. Any blow that would have penetrated the skin shall be counted a good blow. Any blow that strikes a mask, helm or gorget shall be counted as though it struck flesh. Consistent excessive calibration shall be grounds for revocation or denial of authorization.
3. All fencers are considered to be wearing cotton, linen, or wool street clothing of the period that these rules are intended to simulate. Skirts are to be no longer than ankle length and not entangle the fencer's normal movement. Corseting, bum rolls, or anything that drastically changes the form of the body is prohibited. Clothing which prevents the wearer from accurately calling blows is prohibited.
4. It is the responsibility of each fencer to determine what weapons his or her opponent is using and to resolve any questions about said weapons before combat.
5. Any portion of the body is a legal target.
6. Any charging, running, hopping, or other attack where the fencer cannot immediately cease movement when a hold is called is strictly prohibited, e.g., a fleche.
7. Draw cuts, push cuts, and tip cuts are all considered to be valid cuts. For a cut to be counted, there must be at least six inches (15 cm) of draw with the blade or travel of the tip against the body. Cuts that move across the entire width of a limb or the throat will count even if they are not six inches long. Whipping, hacking, and modern sabre cuts are prohibited. With heavy rapier blades, cuts with the flat of the blade will not be counted as valid.
8. Wrestling, grappling, and kicking an opponent is prohibited.
9. Striking with any portion of the weapon other than the blade is prohibited.
10. Combat between fencing weapons and SCA heavy list weapons is prohibited.
11. A fencer is considered armed so long as one offensive weapon is retained.
12. Upon hearing the call of "HOLD" all fighting shall immediately stop. The fencers shall freeze, check their immediate area for hazards and then assume a non-threatening position with their weapons pointed away from everyone in their vicinity. Unless instructed otherwise, fencers are to remain in the same location on the field.
13. Hold will not be called for dropped weapons unless it becomes a safety issue. A fencer who disarms his or her opponent will have the option of allowing the opponent to retrieve his or weapon or forcing the opponent to yield. A fencer who has been disarmed must abide by his or her opponent's decision.
14. Parries with the empty hand while using single rapier are permitted and are not considered as wounding so long as the blade is not drawn or thrust against the hand. Use of the open hand to push aside an opponents weapon hand is also allowed so long as the opponent is not grasped and contact only occurs on the hand just below the bell.
15. Entrapping, "catching," or "placing" an opponent's weapon or parrying device in a position in which it is irretrievable, through the use of the hand or other object, is prohibited.
16. All fencing is to be done in the round.
17. No object may be thrown or tossed during the course of a bout.
18. At the end of every tournament bout it is the list marshal's duty to ask each fencer if he/she is satisfied with the outcome of the bout.
B. Qualifications for Authorization
1. The fencer will have read and understood the rules and armor requirements of SCA fencing, and particularly of the SCA period fencing rules for Æthelmearc.
2. The fencer poses no unnecessary risk of injury either to his opponent or to himself.
3. The fencer can define and demonstrate some defensive capability (a minimum of two or three parries), including the use of the off hand for defense.
4. The fencer can define and demonstrate some offensive capability other than just a direct attack.
5. All fencers must authorize in single light rapier as their first weapons form. After that, authorizations for other weapons forms may be attempted in any order.
a. A fencer’s authorization in heavy rapier must consist of a bout using single heavy rapier, as well as bouts using any other weapons forms in which the fencer is already authorized using light rapier.
b. Once a fencer has authorized in heavy rapier, all subsequent authorizations that he/she attempts must be conducted with both heavy and light rapiers.
6. Two warranted Æthelmearc marshals must be present to qualify a fencer, at least one of which should not be from the fencer's home group.
7. Separate qualifications are necessary for: Single Light Rapier, Single Heavy Rapier, Rapier and Parrying Object, Rapier & Dagger, and Case of Rapiers.
8. In order to authorize in the use of heavy rapier blades
(schlager) blades, a fencer must demonstrate:
a. A thorough understanding of the rules of fence of the SCA and of the Kingdom
of Æthelmearc, including all specific rules relating to schlager use.
b. The ability to use schlager blades safely and competently, so as not to
present a danger to one's self or one's opponent, in all five weapons forms.
c. The ability to define and demonstrate adequate offensive and defensive
capability.
d. The ability to demonstrate acceptable calibration, both in the giving and
receiving of blows.
C. Scoring
1. Before each round in a tournament, calibration between unfamiliar opponents will be mandatory.
2. A kill is considered to be a thrust or cut to the torso, head, neck, groin (to one hand’s width down the inside of the leg), and armpit (to one hand’s width down the inside of the arm).
(the area below the ribcage and above the hip bone), or two draw cuts to other regions of the torso and the head.
3. An arm, hand, leg, or foot is rendered unusable after a thrust or cut to it. If an arm or hand is lost, it cannot be used. If a leg or foot is lost, the combatant must kneel or sit. A hip or buttock is part of the leg on the same side. The combatant may not rise up or use the muscles of the injured leg, but may pull himself along using only arms or hands.
4. Lost limbs may not be used in a defensive manner in any way, shape, or form. Blows that strike a lost limb that would have contacted the body, are to be counted as having struck the body.
5. Any blow may be counted by the recipient as heavier than technically required if, in his or her opinion, it would have caused a disabling wound. No blow may be counted as less effective than the above rules require.
D. Marshaling
1. The Kingdom Marshallate shall institute such standards and procedures for authorizing participation in fencing at SCA events and for the warranting of fencing marshals as shall be deemed necessary.
2. Marshals shall be thoroughly versed in the SCA period fencing rules of the Society and of Æthelmearc, and shall practice and enforce such rules during any SCA fencing activity. Marshals shall read the Kingdom newsletter to keep abreast of any changes in law or policy and must have a current copy of the Kingdom Policies of Fence and of the Æthelmearc Rapier Combat Handbook.
3. Marshals shall be specifically trained and warranted as per the rules of fence of the Kingdom of Æthelmearc, and shall be qualified in a minimum of three weapons forms.
4. The Kingdom Marshal retains the sole authority for inspecting and allowing the use of materials other than those specified in these rules.
5. Marshals shall thoroughly inspect and test fencers' weapons and equipment for compliance with SCA and Kingdom standards prior to allowing their use. Weapons and armor inspection must occur at every practice and every tournament.
6. Before tournaments, marshals must mark in a distinctive fashion weapons that either pass or fail inspection. Note that marshals may not destroy or confiscate a weapon that fails inspection.
7. All bouts shall have at least one warranted fencing marshal present and attentive.
8. The marshals watching a bout have absolute say on a fencer's conduct on the field, and may summarily eject any fencer who is guilty of misconduct or unsafe behavior.
9. As representatives of the SCA, all fencing marshals must be paid members of the SCA.
10. Marshal warrants shall be renewed yearly when membership renewal occurs.
VI. Melee Rules. A melee is defined as any bout involving three or more fencers. The following rules are in addition to the rules for a standard list.
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 a 120 degree arc of the opponent's face (i.e. can see their eyes) and the opponent is aware of their presence (i.e. the fencer must have acknowledgment from the opponent that he/she understands the fencer is not an ally). If not within the 120 degree frontal arc, the attacker must gain the attention of their opponent before engaging. 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. A fighter who deliberately ignores an attacker behind them, or repeatedly maneuvers to keep their back to an attacker (thereby preventing any attack) may receive a warning from the marshal for misuse of the rules and obstructive behavior.
C. A fencer may bind or foul an opponent's weapons without having recognition.
D. All defeated fencers must remove themselves from the melee field with their weapons visibly gripped by the blade or raised visibly overhead.
E. Death from Behind: Killing from behind is allowed if it has been announced beforehand.
1. 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 "You are dead, my lord" (or other short, courteous phrases) in a loud, clear voice.
2. Reaching around the neck is forbidden.
3. The opponent will be deemed "killed" from the instant the blade touches his shoulder and shall not attempt to spin, duck or dodge away.
4. The attacker must come to a full stop behind the opponent before laying on their blade and must say a coherent phrase of at least five words before they may move on to the next opponent.
F. In special scenario melees (e.g., bridge or town battles), additional restrictions may be imposed by the marshals as needed.
G. All participants in a heavy rapier melee should be authorized in heavy rapier. At the discretion of the marshal in charge, fencers who are not authorized in heavy rapier may be allowed to participate using a dagger only, if the fencer is authorized in rapier and dagger with light rapier.
VII. Experimentation Procedures
A. Before any new weapon or technique can be used in Society Rapier Combat, a test plan must be submitted to and approved by the Kingdom Marshal of Fence. This plan shall describe: The new weapon or technique, specifics of materials used and construction of the weapon (as appropriate), and the proposed uses of the new weapon or technique. In the case of new blade types, a sample of the new blade-type must be submitted to the Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier Combat for direct evaluation.
B. It is the prerogative of the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, subject to approval of the Kingdom Earl Marshal and the Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier Combat, to allow testing of new weapons or techniques within a kingdom. Testing will only occur for a set period of time and may be subject to certain additional restrictions.
C. Testing means the weapon or technique may be used at fighter practice, tourneys, or in small melees under the supervision of the Kingdom Marshal of Fence or a specifically designated representative, and only after all combatants and marshals have been informed the weapon or technique is not SCA approved. All participating combatants and marshals must consent to the use of the weapon or technique before combat begins. If the Marshal in Charge objects to the test it may not be preformed.
D. At regular intervals the persons designated as "testers" must report to the Kingdom Marshal of Fence with a test summary, to include when and where testing occurred, any equipment failure associated with the tests, a list of any injuries that resulted from the use of the weapon or technique, and any concerns from fighters and marshals arising from the testing.