Fencing Draft notes:Supervising Combat

Changes in Supervising Combat

Was 1.3.2 in Introduction, now 11.1.1 in Supervising Combat - General

Was

A rostered fencing marshal must be appointed as Marshal-in-Charge to supervise fencing combat at events or practices.

Now

If fencing is going to happen at an event or practice, there must be Fencing Marshal-in-Charge of that event or practice. They must be an authorised Fencing Marshal.

Functional change

None

Reason

Moved to relevant section of rules. Updated as we don't refer to rostered marshals in these rules.

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Was 1.3.3 in Introduction, now 11.1.2 in Supervising Combat - General

Each bout must be supervised by a rostered fencing marshal or an authorised fencing combatant.

Now

Any time fencers are fencing, an authorised Fencing Marshal must have taken responsibility for that fencing. That responsible marshal must either directly supervise the fencing themselves or delegate that supervision to another willing Fencing Marshal or authorised fencing combatant.

Functional change

None

Reason

Reminds people that even pick-ups need an authorised marshal to be responsible for what is happening, but they can delegate supervision to another while they are fighting.

For notes

June 2023 - A reminder that even pick-ups need an authorised marshal to be responsible for the fighting, but they can delegate supervision to another while they are taking part in combat.

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Was 3.3.2, now 11.2.2 in Supervising single combat

Addition of

If you are not legally fit to drive, you are not fit to marshal!

Functional change

None

Reason

Reminder of the importance of sound judgement for marshals

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Was 3.3.4, now 11.2.4

Was

At the start of the bout, you should allow the Herald to introduce the combatants (or make the introductions yourself) and show proper respect to the Crown. You should check the field for any hazards (such as holes or loose ground), ask the combatants if they are ready and then call for the bout to begin (such as "lay on", "allez", etc.).

Now

At the start of the bout, you must check the field for any hazards (such as holes or loose ground), ask the combatants if they are ready and then call for the bout to begin (such as "lay on", "allez", "begin", etc.).

Functional change

Heraldic activity not required

Reason

Not a safety regulation and does not take into account supervising single combat outside of formal tournaments. Added plain language option for starting bouts.

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Was 3.4.1, now 11.3

Is more of a description for the following rules. Subsequent rules renumbered

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Was 3.4.8, now 11.3.6 in Supervising melee combat

Was

You should also pay attention to additional hazards, such as fencers who lie on the ground after being "slain", or weapons that are left on the ground after a fencer is incapacitated.

Now

You should also pay attention to additional hazards, such as fencers who lie on the ground after being "slain", or equipment left on the ground after a fencer is incapacitated.

Functional change

None

Reason

Not just weapons left on the ground

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Was 3.4.9, now 11.3.7 in Supervising melee combat

Was

You should also make sure fencers are obeying melee rules such as not turning their back on an opponent, or "killing from behind" according to the rules, when it is allowed.

Now

You should also make sure fencers are obeying melee rules such as not turning their back on an opponent, and using "killing from behind" correctly, if allowed in the scenario.

Functional change

None

Reason

Clarifying wording. Could have been interpreted incorrectly as making sure fencers were not killing from behind according to the rules.

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Was 3.5.1, now 11.4 Supervising rubber band guns

Is more of a description for the following rules. Subsequent rules renumbered

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Was 3.5.2, now 11.4.1 in Supervising rubber band guns

Was

Rubber band guns are not allowed to be used in the Lists of a tournament. Rubber band guns can be used for other single combat, such as bouting.

Now

Rubber band guns are not allowed to be used in the Lists of a tournament. Rubber band guns can be used for other single combat.

Functional change

None

Reason

Bouting is not defined anywhere

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Was 3.5.4, now 11.4.3

Was

Everyone on the field of combat, or within range, must be wearing protective equipment. That includes you and the other people supervising the field:

Now

Everyone on the field of combat, or within range, must be wearing protective equipment. Marshals can wear head protection (as per section 8.4) as a minimum.

Functional change

Marshals need only wear a fencing mask if rubber band guns are the only additional threat.

Reason

Appropriate for level of risk

For notes

June 2023 - Required armour for marshals reduced to a fencing mask if rubber band guns are the only additional threat on the field.