Fencing Draft notes:Behaviour On The Field

What was section 2.2 Fighting by the rules and 2.3 Issues on the field

Now 5. Behaviour on the field and restructured.

5.1 Fighting by the rules

5.2 Issues on the field

5.2.1 Holds

5.2.2 Injuries

5.2.3 After the bout

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Was 2.2.7.b in Fighting by the rules, now 5.2.1.1.b in Holds

Was

check if you or someone else is in danger - then move your weapons to a non-threatening position

Now

check if you or someone else is in danger - then move your weapons to a non-threatening position, such as pointing loaded rubber band guns at the ground, or resting the muzzle or point of your weapon on your shoe to keep it out of the dirt. You may need to discharge your rubber band gun into the ground.

Functional change

None. Gunners didn't previously have good guidance as to what was "non-threatening".

Reason

Gunners didn't previously have good guidance as to what was "non-threatening".

For notes section

June 2023 - Guidance for gunners added as to what to do with RBGs during holds. Point your loaded RBG at the ground or rest the muzzles on your foot so that any accidental discharge doesn't strike anyone else.

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5.2.1.3 in Holds

Insert new rule and renumber subsequent rules

A call of "Hold!" stops combat for an entire field. There are no "local holds" in Lochac fencing.

Functional change

None. Clarfication following query about local holds.

Reason

Clarfication following query about local holds. We aren't big enough to be able to stop fencing in one part of a war field and have it continue elsewhere.

For notes section

June 2023 - Clarification that we don't use local holds in our fencing wars and melees.

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5.2.4 and 5 in Holds

Insert new rule and renumber subsequent rules

4. Masks and other protective equipment must remain on during a "Hold!" until a marshal calls "masks off".

5. Marshals must ensure that rubber band guns are safely discharged before calling "masks off" after a Hold is called.

Functional change

None, codifying current practice.

Reason

Improved protection from accidental discharge of missile weapons.

For notes section

June 2023 - Clarification added to keep your armour on during holds until rubber band guns can be safely discharged, and the marshal instructs otherwise

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Was 2.1.6 in When you are allowed to fence, now 5.2.2.1 in Injuries

Was

If you suffer an injury involving bleeding, you must leave the field immediately. You must have the wound cleaned and dressed before you return to the field. Any weapons, equipment or clothing that have visible blood on them must be cleaned, or not used further.

Now

If you have an injury involving free flowing blood, you must leave the field immediately and may not return until the flow of blood has stopped. Clean affected weapons and equipment before use.

Functional change

Wait until bleeding has stopped before returning to the field. Dressing the wound not specifically required, though may be practical to prevent further irritation.

Reason

Matches wording in Armoured Combat rules 4.2.7. Dressing the wound may not be required once bleeding has stopped, and clothing may be permanently stained with blood even after laundering.

5.2.2.2

Insert new rule

If there is an incident where you think you may have been concussed, you must leave the field immediately, and may not return to combat activities of any type until cleared to do so by a healthcare professional. The signs and symptoms of suspected concussion can be found in Concussion in Sport Group's Concussion Recognition Tool 5.

Functional change

Mirroring the requirements for withdrawing if bleeding, and aligning with the injury management procedures. You must leave the field if you suspect you have been concussed.

Reason

We want to highlight the risk of concussion, and help our people learn to recognise it in themselves and other participants.

For notes section

June 2023 - We have added this rule to help you know what to do if you think you might have been concussed, and how to recognise it. Even minor head injuries can have long-term consequences if not treated with due care.

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Was 2.3.1 and 3, now 5.2.3.1

Was

1. After a bout, the person supervising the field will ask you if you are satisfied with the outcome. This is a chance for you to talk to your opponent about any concerns you have.

3. If you leave the field without raising any issues, you are considered to be satisfied with the outcome and cannot raise the issue later. The exception is if there is an emergency situation, such as being taken off the field because of an injury.

Now

1. After a bout, the person supervising the field will ask you if you are satisfied with the outcome. This is a chance for you to talk to your opponent about any concerns you have and resolve issues before leaving the field.

3. removed and subsequent rule renumbered

Functional change

You can raise an issue after combat - on the field is not necessarily the best time for these discussions.

Reason

The removed rule negatively affected people who were unable to commence conflict, particularly with someone in a position of power, and also conflicted with other rules in this section.

For notes section

June 2023 - A previous rule about being considered satisfied with the outcome, and not being able to raise an issue with the fight once you have left the field was removed. It may not be possible or appropriate to resolve all issues on the field, though you are encouraged to try.

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