Fencing Draft:Change Log and Notes

Changes proposed in V6.1 (will become V7.0 when published)

8.3.4 - Head

Was

If you wear a mask, the rest of your head must be covered by at least penetration-resistant material. This can be worn inside or over the mask.

Now

If you wear a mask, the rest of your head must be covered by at least abrasion-resistant material. This can be worn inside or over the mask.

Functional change

The required protection has been reduced from penetration-resistant to abrasion-resistant material.

Reason

To reduce the risk of heat injury, which has been occurring at a significantly higher rate than penetration injuries

For notes

Following extensive experimentation across several kingdoms, the Society Fencing Marshals' Handbook was updated in January 2024 to reduce the level of armour required in fencing (but not Cut and Thrust) to support a reduction in heat injuries.

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8.5.1 - Torso

Was

You must wear penetration-resistant material to protect your torso, including your chest, back and abdomen, and your upper arm extending at least 10cm from the armpit.

Now

You must wear penetration-resistant material to protect your torso, including your chest, back and abdomen, groin, and your upper arm extending at least 10cm from the armpit.

Functional change

No change

Reason

Changed to explicitly include the word groin as part of the torso requiring coverage by penetration-resistant material for all combatants. This is a clarification of an existing rule, not a change.

For notes

Not required

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8.6.1 - Legs, feet and arms

Was

You must wear abrasion-resistant material on your legs, feet and arms.

Now

You may wear abrasion-resistant material on your legs and arms if you prefer, but it is not required. Note that the upper arm extending at least 10cm from the armpit must be covered by penetration-resistant material.

Functional change

You no longer have to wear any material on your legs, or arms below 10cm from your armpit. It can be bare skin.

Reason

To reduce the risk of heat injury, which has been occurring at a higher rate than abrasion injuries.

For notes

Following extensive experimentation across several kingdoms, the Society Fencing Marshals' Handbook was updated in January 2024 to reduce the level of armour required in fencing (but not Cut and Thrust) to support a reduction in heat injuries.

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8.7.1 - Hands

Was

You must wear gloves made of at least abrasion-resistant material to cover your hands and fingers.

Now

It is recommended that your hands and fingers be covered by abrasion-resistant material, but is not required.

Functional change

You no longer have to have any form of hand protection. You can have bare skin.

Reason

To reduce the risk of heat injury, which has been occurring at a higher rate than abrasion injuries.

For notes

Following extensive experimentation across several kingdoms, the Society Fencing Marshals' Handbook was updated in January 2024 to reduce the level of armour required in fencing (but not Cut and Thrust) to support a reduction in heat injuries.

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