Fencing:Change Log and Notes

Version 6 (1 January 2024)

The changes between Version 5.3 and Version 6 of these rules are significant. Fencers should familiarise themselves with the new version as it exists. You can view the full change log here.

Version 5.3 - 21 January 2023

2.8.4.1

Removes 'the inner thigh' from the definition of the parts of the body that must be covered by penetration-resistant material.

Version 5.2 - 18 October 2022

2.8.4.1

Revoking the previous change to remove inner thigh from the wording as this change was not approved by the Board of SCALA and Committee of SCANZ, although it was changed at Society level.

Minor changes Version 5.1 - 15 May 2021

2.6.3

Specifies that spears can be used one-handed (not only after a hand is incapacitated) consistent with the Society Fencing Marshal Handbook.

2.8.4

Removes 'the inner thigh' from the definition of the parts of the body that must be covered by penetration-resistant material, consistent with the Society Fencing Marshals Handbook.

4.4

Specifies that incidents and injuries must be reported using the Lochac Incident and Hazard Form.

7.1.1.2

Specifies that after a drop test the material fails if the probe penetrates beyond the first layer.

Specifies that a single layer garment fails if the probe penetrates that layer.

8.3

Removes a second definition of Torso. Removes 'the inner thigh' from the definition of Torso.

Additions to Change log

Notes on 2.6.5 (use of the hand to parry the wrist); 5.4.3(b) change in dimension of blunts.

Version 5.0 Effective 1 May 2021

Version 5 replaces Version 4.0.

• Change of terminology from "Rapier" to "Fencing", consistent with the Society Fencing Marshals' Handbook
• Plain English approach and restructure by topic, for example: Rules for Fencers, Rules for Marshals.

Introduction

1.1

Specifies that all fencing combat activities in Lochac must follow the policies and requirements of SCA Australia and New Zealand.

1.4.2

Specifies that fencing combat is subject to mundane laws, including Victorian weapons laws.

1.5(5)

The Society Marshal has granted minor combatants in Lochac an exemption from the requirement to wear a marking that identifies them as a minor.

Rules for Fencers

2.4.2 (2)

Specifies that there is no waiting period to authorise for Cut and Thrust Fencing or to authorise to use a spear, if you have a Standard Fencing authorisation.

2.4.2 (3)

Specifies that you can use a spear if you have a current Rapier Pike or Pole Weapon authorisation under the previous Lochac Rapier Rules.

2.5.2(7)

Allows combatants in a melee to run from one part of the field to another, subject to distance restrictions.

2.5.2(8)

Allows Cut and Thrust Combat in a melee.

2.5.3

Sets rules for the participation of Gunners as non-fencing combatants.

2.6.2.2

Sets rules for fencers to "kill" a non-fencing Gunner.

2.6.1

Specifies that Rubber-Band Guns are the only projectile weapons allowed for use in the Kingdom of Lochac.

2.6.3(3)

Allows the use of a Spear with one hand,if you have lost the use of the other hand.

2.6.3(6)

Allows the use of a Spear to "Kill from behind".

2.6.4

Allows the use of Rubber-Band Guns in single combat that is not part of a tournament.

2.6.5

Allows you to use your hand to parry your opponent's weapon or wrist. This is a change from previous practice, consistent with the Society Fencing Marshal Handbook.

2.7(7)

Allows movement on the knees when you have received a blow to the lower leg.

2.7(8)

Allows combat to continue following a leg blow in Cut and Thrust combat.

2.8.1 (1)

Makes it mandatory to wear some form of eye protection during sword or dagger drills with opponents in practice.

2.8.1 (2)

Makes it mandatory to wear full face protection during spear drills with opponents in practice.

2.8.6

Specifies that a shield or buckler alone is not sufficient hand protection for Cut and Thrust combat in Lochac. This is a more restrictive requirement than the Society rule.

2.8.7

Additional requirements for medical protection.

Rules for Marshals

3.2

Notes additional requirements for inspections in line with COVID safety requirements.

3.6(2)

Allows Authorising Marshals to authorise Fencers in any category in which the marshal holds a combat authorisation (rather than requiring separate Authorising Marshal categories).

3.6(3)

Requires Authorising Marshals to hold a current authorisation card to conduct an authorisation.

3.8.2(2)

Specifies that a person does not need to be an authorised fencing marshal to hold office as a Group Fencing Marshal.

Managing incidents

4.7.1

Sets out the process for re-training after a person's authorisation has been suspended.

Rules for equipment

5.4.2

Specifies that blunts must have a minimum surface of 10mm, consistent with the Society Fencing Marshal Handbook.

5.6.3

States that steel-headed spears will not be allowed from 31 December 2021, at the direction of the Society Marshal.

5.7.2(6)

Specifies that rubber band gun ammunition must have a draw strength no greater than 13.6 kg (30 pounds).

Inspections

6.2.2

Sets out an inspection process for rubber band guns.

6.4

Sets out a COVID-safe inspection process.

Safety tests

7.1.1.2

Specifies that puncture resistant material fails the drop test if the probe penetrates beyond the top layer of multiple layers.

Specifies that a single layer garment fails the drop test if the drop test penetrates that layer.

7.3

Sets out a safety test for rubber band gun ammunition.

Authorising procedures

Sets out guidelines for authorising fencers, gunners and marshals.

Glossary

Sets out the definition of terms used in the rules.