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, must be 18 years of age, or the youth must provide proof that he or she is an emancipated minor.
B. Medical Condition - Gentles having medical conditions which may affect or be affected by fencing must provide written permission from their physician before being allowed to participate. Said documents must be put on file with their local group and Kingdom marshals.
Note: No skin shall show anywhere on the fencer's body, regardless of the position or stance of the fencer.
A. Fencing Mask - The mask must be a minimum of a 12 kilo mask, must cover the front and sides of the head, and be fastened on in such a manner as will prevent its coming off during a bout. Marshals cannot require punch test for a 12 kilo mask, but a warranted marshal has the right and responsibility to refuse any mask that he or she deems 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. Masks that were not manufactured with a 12 kilo rating may be punch tested semi-annually. 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. Period-style helmets with perforated steel face plates may be used so long as they provide protection equivalent to that of a 12 kilo fencing mask and are approved on a case by case basis.
B. Thrust Resistant, Resilient Padding for the Throat and Neck - The throat and neck protection is required from the bottom edge of the jawbone down to the level of the collarbone. The minimum is 4 oz. leather with at least 1/4 inch resilient padding or equivalent. The bib on a modern fencing mask by itself is not sufficient. Additional protection for the throat and neck may be a high, stiff collar, a gorget, a cowl, or the equivalent.
C. Thrust Resistant Padding for the Head - The head must be covered with a skullcap of 4 oz. leather, 4 layers of twill/trigger/champion cloth or an equivalent material. As an alternative, the back of the mask may be covered with a piece of 4 oz. leather, 4 layers of twill/trigger/champion cloth or an equivalent material, firmly attached to the mask frame, and extending low enough to cover the back of the neck. Care must be taken to ensure that the side of the neck is not exposed.
D. Torso and Arm Armor - The minimum is 4 oz leather, 4 layers of twill/trigger/champion cloth or the equivalent. This armor shall cover the body from the top of the shoulder to the base of the groin. A three-weapon jacket will count as three layers of twill/trigger/champion cloth, and as such must be covered by at least one layer of tight-weave material. The edges of any closure must overlap by at least 3 inches, or a placket of 4 oz. leather, 4 layers of twill/trigger/champion cloth, or equivalent material must be placed beneath the closure to prevent the entry of a blade. Protection must also extend from the underarm area to the level of the elbow, and must be 4 oz. leather, 4 layers of twill/trigger/champion cloth, or the equivalent. The lower arms must be covered with at least one layer of tight-weave material.
E. Gloves - Leather gloves must be worn on both hands. They must overlap the wrist openings of the sleeves by at least 3 inches, and cover any cuff opening. Three-weapon or sabre gloves are recommended. If gloves designed for electric equipment are used, the openings for wires must be sewn shut.
F. Groin/Breast Armor - Male fencers shall wear a cup underneath the lower extremity armor. Additional breast armor for females is left to individual discretion. However, female fencers are strongly encouraged to wear additional breast armor of at least 1/4 inch resilient padding or an equivalent, such as modern fencing breast protectors.
G. Lower Extremity Armor - All portions of the lower extremities must be covered with at least one layer of "tight-weave" fabric. Acceptable examples are Broadcloth, or a single layer of trigger cloth; sweat pants, although not tight-weave, are specifically included. Unacceptable examples are Nylon tights, spandex, stockings, and cotton gauze. Footwear must be worn, and must completely enclose the foot.
H. Equivalents - 4 oz leather and 4 layers of twill/trigger/champion cloth are the Society standards. Anything else must be 4 thrust tested. The test is to be done in the following manner: Lay the material on a penetrable surface, such as the ground or a block of ethyl foam. Kneel in front of the material, and while holding the length of the 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 seriously damaged, it fails. If there is no damage, or if only the top layer has been damaged, the material passes. Note that the test blade is a foil blade, and have a flat point, not a jagged one. Note also that materials are only tested once, not before each tournament. However, armor may be retested if a marshal feels that there is something amiss.
Note: Any armor that prevents its wearer from properly calibrating and acknowledging blows will be disallowed. See Section V A1.
A. Rapiers
1. Foil and epee blades, including non-standard epees, are allowed. The foil will be the standard weapon within Æthelmearc.
2. Points must be capped with standard plastic or rubber fencing tips or equivalent, and must be taped with tape that contrasts in color with the blade.
3. Foil, epee, and sabre bells are permitted. Bells with openings large enough to admit a standard, capped sword point must be blocked with rigid material. Quillons can be no longer than 12 inches. The ends must be blunted and all edges rounded. Quillons must be fixed in place. A rapier with quillons which may trap and/or break a blade are cause for prohibiting the use of the blade. Orthopedic and pistol grips are prohibited.
4. Blades may have a single, gradual curve. Sharp bends, or more than a single curve are cause for prohibiting the use of the blade.
5. All rapier weapons shall be fought as light two-edged weapons with a point.
6. Marshals shall disqualify weapons that are in danger of breaking.
7. Foils may fence vs USFA weight compliant Epee’s (1.7 lbs) but against non-standard epee’s it is up to the discretion of the fencer with the foil. It is the obligation of the fencer with a non-standard epee to downgrade to either epee or foil. Epee’s may fence against non-standard epee’s.
B. Daggers
1. The maximum allowable dagger length, pommel to tip, is 25 inches for a flexi-dagger, and 20 inches for foam and PVC daggers.
2. Bells, grips, and quillons shall follow the specifications for rapiers (See III.A.2-6 above)
3. Standard thrusting daggers shall be commercial flexi-blades, which will be capped as rapiers are (See III.A.2 above). Daggers made of a combination of foam and PVC may also be used. PVC and foam daggers shall be capped with a standard thrusting tip: the PVC will be capped with schedule 40 PVC cap, and shall have a striking surface of at least 2 inches in diameter with at least 1 inch of progressive resistant give. No dagger may weigh more than 1 1/2 pounds.
4. Blows to the head and neck are allowed with daggers only with the approval of both combatants.
5. Flexi-daggers score touches in the same manner as foils or epees. Due to forging inconsistencies of flexi-daggers, they may thrust using a "broken wrist attack" so long as the point of the flexi-dagger makes contact with the target. Foam and PVC daggers are thrusting only.
6. Daggers formed from broken foil’s, epee’s or other unintended source are prohibited.
C. Bucklers
1. The allowable maximum area is 315 square inches (20 in. diameter circle)
2. Bucklers shall be constructed of lightweight, rigid material, such as 1/4 inch plywood.
3. Buckler edges shall be covered to prevent splintering, and may not be jagged or rough.
4. Striking with the buckler is strictly illegal.
D. Cloaks
1. Cloak size, shape, and weight are left to the discretion of the user, subject to the condition that it actually be wearable as a cloak.
2. Hem weights are permitted, but shall be padded. Rigid weights, such as bars, rods or strips of metal are prohibited.
3. The cloak may be used to entangle an opponent's weapon. It may not be used against parts of the body.
4. 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.
E. Other Parrying Devices
1. Virtually any object may be used as a parry item. For instance, sword sheaths, riding crops, coiled whips, beer mugs, etc. may be used, provided that the object poses no threat to the safety of the combatants and will not trap and/or break a blade.
Note: 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.
A. Rapier - The form shall consist of a single rapier, with the second hand empty. The fencer should use the empty hand for defense.
B. Rapier and Rigid Blocking Implement - The form shall consist of one rapier and one rigid blocking implement, such as buckler, mug, etc. Daggers are excluded from this form.
C. Rapier and Dagger - The form shall consist of one rapier and one dagger.
D. Rapier and Non-Rigid Blocking Implement - The form shall consist of one rapier and one non-rigid blocking implement, such as a cloak, hat, etc.
E. Case of Rapier - The form shall consist of two rapiers, one held in each hand.
F. Schlæger - This form is described in detail in Section VII.
A. Fencing Rules:
1. The standard of calibration shall tend toward the lightest touch which a fencer can reasonably expect to feel. The maximum allowable pressure is that which would cause a bend of two inches in a standard #5 foil. (Approximately 6.5 oz of pressure)
2. 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 fencers normal movement. Corseting, bum rolls, or anything that drastically changes the form of the body is prohibited. Clothing which would entrap a blade is also prohibited (note, this is does not prohibit entangling).
3. It is the responsibility of each fencer to determine what weapons his or her opponent is using and to resolve any questions about them before combat.
4. Any portion of the body is a legal target.
5. Any running, hopping or other attack where the fencer cannot immediately cease movement when a hold is called is strictly prohibited, e.g. a full lunge or a fleche.
6. Cuts should be performed as draw-cuts using wrist action. Whipping, hacking, and modern sabre cuts are prohibited. Draw cuts, push cuts, and tip cuts are all considered to be valid cuts.
7. Wrestling with an opponent is prohibited.
8. Striking with any portion of the weapon other than the blade is prohibited, as are other street fighting techniques such as kicking, pushing, whipping with the cloak, chopping with the buckler edge, and grabbing or trapping an opponent's blade.
9. Combat between fencing weapons and SCA tournament weapons is prohibited.
10. A fencer is considered armed so long as one offensive weapon is retained.
11. 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 her weapon or forcing the opponent to yield. A fencer who has been disarmed must abide by his or her opponents decision.
12. 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. Pushing the opponent's hand aside is permitted under this rule, so long as the hand is not grasped. The wrist is not considered the hand.
13. Entrapping an opponents weapon or parrying device through the use of the hand or other object is prohibited. Entrapment is defined as an action in which a fencer ‘catches’ or ‘places’ their opponents weapon in a position in which it is irretrievable. Entangling an opponents weapon is allowed.
14. All fencing is to be done in the round.
15. No object may be thrown or tossed during the course of a bout.
16. At the end of every tournament bout it is the list marshal’s duty to ask each fencer if they are satisfied with the outcome of the bout.
17. Except as noted above, the rules of SCA tournament combat and the conventions of honorable combat will be enforced.
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 the Æthelmearc.
2. The fencer poses no threat 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 rapier as their first weapons form.
6. Two warranted Æthelmearc marshals must be present to qualify a fencer. At least one of which should not be from the fencers home group.
C. Scoring
1. Before each round in a tournament, calibration between unfamiliar opponents will be mandatory.
2. A Kill is considered to be one thrust to the torso, head, neck, or groin, one draw cut to the neck, groin, or 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 single thrust or two draw cuts to it. If an arm is lost, it cannot be used. If a hand is lost, it may not be used and must remain limp. If a leg or foot is lost, a fencer may continue standing on the unwounded leg or may kneel, a fencer may not leap forward in attack if standing. If a fencer is thrust to the hip joint or in the buttocks, or is draw cut twice to the same region, the fencer must sit on the floor or ground and may not rise up on the leg muscles. A hip or buttock is part of the leg on the same side.
4. Lost limbs may not be used in a defensive manner in any way, shape or form. Blows which strike a lost limb which 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. However, no blow may be counted as less effective than the above rules require.
D. Marshaling
1. Marshals shall be specifically trained and warranted for period fencing, and shall be qualified in a minimum of three weapons forms.
2. The marshal inspecting and allowing the use of materials other than those specified in these rules is primarily responsible for the results of his or her decision.
3. 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 tournement.
4. Before tournements, offensive weapons shall be labeled near the base of the weapon with the date and the marshals name approving the weapon for use. If the weapon fails inspection then the weapon must be flagged in some manner so as to be distinguished from an approved blade, such as 6 inches of colored tape in the middle of the blade. Note marshals may not destroy a weapon.
5. 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.
6. All bouts shall have at least one warranted fencing marshal present. An additional marshal or marshal-in-training is strongly encouraged.
7. 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.
8. Fencing marshals are not subordinate to knight marshals. They are a separate entity.
9. 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.
10. Marshal warrants shall always expire on Sept 1. Marshal warrants will not exceed 20 months in duration. Marshals must have participated in SCA fencing, (i.e. having actively fenced) within the previous 12 months to retain their warrant.
11. As representatives of the SCA all fencing Marshals must be paid members of the SCA.
12. Provisional Marshals, are marshals operating with restricted capacity and may be made at the descretion of the Kingdom Marshal. For a full description of a provisional marshal refer to the Æthelmearc Fencing Handbook.
13. Line Marshals are either Marshals-in-training or fencers and intended to be used for general safety of a melee situation. For a full description of a line marshal refer to the Æthelmearc Fencing Handbook.
A melee is defined as any bout other that 2 fencers, fencing each other.
The following rules are in addition to the rules for a standard list.
A. Before a fencer strikes an opponent, the fencer must have recognition from the opponent. Recognition is defined as positive acknowledgment from the opponent that he/she understands the fencer is not an ally.
B. A fencer may entangle an opponents weapons without having recognition.
C. As a reminder, charging or running at opponents is strictly prohibited and grounds for a fencer being removed from the field.
D. All disabled fencers must remove themselves from the melee field with their weapons visibly gripped by the blade or raised visibly overhead.
E. A minimum of 1 line-marshal per 4 fencers is required, i.e. 1-4 fencers 1 marshal, 5-8 fencers 2 marshals
A. Except as otherwise stated expressly in this section, all sections of these Rules fully apply to the use of schlæger blades.
B. Schlæger blades are officially recognized for use in the Kingdom of Æthelmearc. However, schlæger blades are sufficiently different in handling and composition from standard epee and foil blades that they require different rules, further authorizations, also marshals must be warranted specifically for schlæger activity.
C. Schlæger Marshals
1. The Kingdom Marshal may appoint a Deputy Marshal for the use of schlæger blades, who shall report directly to the Kingdom Marshal of Fence.
a. The Deputy Marshal for Schlæger must be authorized in the use of schlæger blades and be warranted as a schlæger marshal.
b. In order to assist the Kingdom Marshal of Fence, the Deputy Marshal for Schlæger will be primarily responsible for the supervision, warranting and training of schlæger marshals. Note: The Deputy Marshal for Schlæger is specifically prohibited from warranting a fencer as a normal fencing marshal.
c. The Deputy Marshal for Schlæger will make recommendations to the Kingdom Marshal of Fence on rules changes or other developments appropriate to the use of schlæger blades. The final determination on any rule or official policy having the force of a rule is to be made by the Kingdom Marshal of Fence.
d. The Deputy Marshal for Schlæger may make individual or case-by-case exceptions to the rules contained in this section for the purpose of experimentation. The Deputy Marshal for Schlæger shall inform the Kingdom Marshal of Fence promptly and in writing whenever he or she grants such an exception.
e. The first level of review for all matters relating to the use of schlæger blades will be the Deputy Marshal for Schlæger.
f. Appeals from decisions made by the Deputy Marshal for Schlæger go to the Kingdom Marshal of Fence.
2. There shall be a separate marshallate for the use of schlæger blades.
a. In order to be warranted as a schlæger marshal, a fencer must:
(1) be a warranted fencing marshal for Æthelmearc; and
(2). be authorized in the use of schlæger blades.
(3) demonstrate a clear and consistent understanding of the applicable rules, consistently safe and competent use of schlæger blades, and the ability to enforce the applicable rules clearly and consistently.
b. Once warranted, a schlæger marshal must:
(1) maintain a current valid warrant as a fencing marshal; and
(2) maintain a current authorization in both schlæger blades and standard fencing weapons forms;
(3) report on a consistent and regular basis to the Deputy Marshal for Schlæger, according to the schedule set for local fencing marshals. Failure to comply with any of these obligations may result in the loss of a warrant as a schlæger marshal.
c. The Deputy Marshal for Schlæger may remove the warrant of a schlæger marshal for any cause at any time. Removal of a warrant is subject to review by the Kingdom Marshal of Fence.
D. Use of Schlæger at Events and Practices
1. The primary purpose of schlæger blades is to recreate more accurately the forms of Renaissance swordplay. They have been approved for use in order to promote more accurate research and recreation.
2. Schlæger blades are not to be used in tournament or in any form of competition. They shall not be used in any circumstances where winning or losing a bout may effect the outcome of a tournament or competition.
3. In order to use schlæger blades at any official SCA event or official SCA practice, at least one fencer authorized in the use of schlæger blades must be present and directly supervising the activity.
4. In addition, in order to use schlæger blades at any SCA event or official SCA practice, the fencers must have the approval of the marshal in charge of the event or practice. Marshals in charge of SCA events or official SCA practices may not unreasonably withhold approval for the use of schlæger blades, or refuse to grant approval without concrete reasons. Decisions by marshals in charge respecting the use of schlæger blades at their events or official practices shall be appealable to and reviewable by the Deputy Marshal for Schlæger.
5. A person who is not specifically authorized in the use of schlæger blades may not use such blades at an official SCA event or official SCA practice unless:
(1) he or she is authorized in at least three weapons forms and
(2) he or she is under the direct and immediate supervision of a fencer authorized in the use of schlæger blades. Direct and immediate supervision is not merely being present in the room while schlæger is being used.
6. Schlæger blades shall not be used in melee, even against other schlæger blades.
7. Consistent unsafe or careless use of schlæger blades will result in sanctions, to be determined by the Deputy Marshal for Schlæger.
E. Combat Conventions
1. Schlæger blades will be used at a touch calibration. Consistent excessive calibration is grounds for revocation of authorization and for such further additional sanctions as may be necessary.
2. Except as otherwise expressly stated in this section, the calling and counting of blows when fencing schlæger blades shall conform to the existing Rules.
a. Thrusts to the head and throat are permitted upon the consent of the combatants. Unless expressly consented to, thrusts to the head and throat are illegal. Draw cuts to the head and throat are permitted.
b. Draw cuts with the flat of the blade shall not be counted as legal draw cuts. Only draw cuts with the edge of the blade shall be counted.
c. Tip cuts and push cuts are legal draw cuts.
d. Hacking or sabre attacks are illegal. Slaps, pops or other blows delivered with the side of the blade and without a visible draw cut, are illegal.
F. Weapons Standards
1. A schlæger blade is defined as a stiff, heavy, oval cross-sectioned blade. Schlæger blades approximately 34" in length, and blade width varies from 5/8" to 1/4" at the tip. While longer schlæger blades may be allowed for use as experimental weapons, blades shorter than 33.5" are not permitted. The diamond cross-sectioned blades currently being marketed by some companies as schlæger blades ARE NOT LEGAL in the Kingdom of Æthelmearc.
2. Before placing a tip on the blade, the point of a schlæger blade shall be filed or cut down flat, then filed down to remove any sharp edges.
3. A rubber archery bird blunt shall be used to cover the point of a schlæger blade. Padding or leather or a metal casing may be used to hold the bird blunt in place. Equivalent tips for schlæger blades may be approved on a case by case basis. Standard foil and epee tips are not approved for tipping schlæger blades.
4. The point end and tip of a schlæger blade shall be taped with electrical tape or woven cloth tape in a color that contrasts with the color of the blade (i.e., not silver duct tape). Tool dip is not an acceptable substitute for tape. The tape shall not cover striking end of the schlæger blade completely, but shall leave enough of the tip showing so that an inspecting marshal can tell whether the point of the blade has worn through the tip. Material other than tape must be approved on a case by case basis.
5. Open guards or hilts may be used as long as they are made in a period style and present no sharp edges or protrusion which would present a hazard to the fencer or an opponent.
6. Quillions on schlæger blades are subject to the same limitations as quillions as standard foil and epee blades.
7. Schlæger blades may not be used against foil blades or epee blades. Schlæger blades may be used against flexi-daggers when fighting rapier and dagger.
8. Schlæger blades may be used to fight the following weapons forms, in accordance with the Rules already established for these weapons forms.
a. Single Rapier
b. Rapier and Rigid Parry
c. Rapier and Dagger
d. Rapier and Cloak
e. Case of Rapier
G. Armor Standards
1. Use of schlæger blades shall require the following armor in addition to that already required by these Rules:
a. Fencers must wear gorgets of at least 8 ounce top grain leather with one-quarter inch (1/4") of open cell foam padding. Gorgets providing greater protection, such as gorgets made of steel or other rigid material, are allowed so long as they do not prevent the wearer from properly calibrating blows.
H. Schlæger Authorizations
The use of schlæger blades requires a separate authorization by marshals specifically warranted for this purpose.
1. A fencer must have already obtained authorization in all five standard weapons forms and been authorized in one form for at least one year before attempting to authorize in the use of schlæger blades.
2. Fencers on probation or subject to other disciplinary sanction must obtain express written permission from either their Regional Marshal, the Deputy Marshal for Schlæger or the Kingdom Marshal of Fence before they may attempt to authorize in the use of schlæger blades.
3. In order to authorize in the use of schlæger blades, a fencer must demonstrate:
a. a thorough understanding of the rules and armor of SCA fencing, and particularly with the SCA Period Fencing Rules for the Æthelmearc;
b. an understanding of the safe and proper use of schlæger blades;
c. an understanding of the differences between the rules for use of schlæger blades and the rules for the use of the standard weapons forms; AND
d. the ability to use schlæger blades both safely and competently, so as not to present a danger to themselves or an opponent, in all five weapons forms.
(1) The fencer can define and demonstrate adequate defensive capability.
(2) The fencer can define and demonstrate adequate offensive capability
(3) The fencer can define and demonstrate adequate calibration, both giving and receiving blows.
4. Authorization in the use of schlæger blades will be conducted by two marshals specifically warranted for this purpose.
a. Both marshals must fence with the candidate for authorization.
b. Both marshals must agree that the candidate for authorization meets the standards for authorization.
c. Except in exceptional circumstances, a candidate for authorization with schlæger blades who has failed to authorize shall not make another attempt to authorize on the same day without the express permission of at least one of the marshals who failed him or her.
d. Whenever possible both marshals will be sufficiently unfamiliar with the candidates schlæger style.