Notes - Rules for fencers

Notes from Earl Marshal for next update

Somewhere in 2.1?

Authorisation and participation for minors - link to minor participation/authorisation forms - include information about getting approval from parent/guardians

Rejig into multiple pages

• When you are allowed to fence, Fighting by the rules, and Issues on the field
• Types of fencing, Single combat and melee
• Using your weapons and defensive objects, taking blows
• Wearing protective equipment

Neck armour

is this supposed to be a should? As in there are reasons you might not do it, or is it supposed to be a "must"?

Changes for v 6.0

2.1.2

Was

To be authorised, you have to pass a verbal and practical test to show that you...

Now

To be authorised, you have to pass a verbal and practical combat test to show that you...

Functional change

Addition of the word "combat" to highlight that the practical component must include combat

Reason

The handbook currently has two phrases meaning the same component of the authorising process. This combines them.

For notes section

April 2023 - The practical component of authorisations must include combat.

2.4.1.2

Was

Not in rules previously

Now

Different types of fencing combat cannot face each other in the same bout. For example, Cut and Thrust may not face Standard fencing.

Subsequent rules renumbered

Functional change

Prevents opponents from using different rules in the same bout.

Reason

Bouts must operate under a single ruleset; this change prevents a clash. Was not clear previously.

For notes section

April 2023 - Clarified that the different fencing types may not be used in the same bout - eg one opponent may not use Cut and Thrust rules while the other uses Standard Fencing rules.

2.6.2

• What was 2.6.2.1 Killing from behind has been renumbered to 2.6.3 to avoid a numbering clash with 2.6.2 Striking your opponent's sub rules.
• What was 2.6.2.2 Killing a gunner has been renumbered to 2.6.4 to avoid a numbering clash with 2.6.2 Striking your opponent's sub rules.
• Subsequent rules have been renumbered.

2.6.2.4

Was

You and your opponent need to agree to allow the use of tip cuts before the bout

Now

Removed

Subsequent rules renumbered

Functional change

Opponents no longer need to agree to the use of tip cuts beforre they can be used.

Reason

Tip cuts are an accepted part of fencing combat in Lochac.

For notes section

April 2023 - Tip cuts are an accepted part of fencing combat in Lochac, so the previous requirement to agree to use them has been removed.

Was 2.6.2.1, now 2.6.3

Was

Not in rules

Now

2.6.3.3 - You must use "killing from behind" when you are behind the line of your opponent's shoulders. Marshals may further restrict this angle at their discretion.

2.6.3.4 - If “killing from behind” is not allowed in the scenario, you may not strike your opponent while behind the line of your opponent’s shoulders.

Functional change

Clarification added for when killing from behind may be used, and allows marshals to add additional restrictions

Reason

Adds clarity around when killing from behind can be used. Marshals will be able to add additional restrictions (such as "outside of 120 degrees of the front arc"), but this is very difficult to clearly legislate.

For notes section

April 2023 - Clarification added for when killing from behind may be used, and allows marshals to add additional restrictions

Was 2.6.5.8, now 2.6.7.8

Was

You can briefly hold your opponent's blade to control it, but both of you must agree to use grasping during the bout. Grasping should be for no more than a couple of seconds, so that you do not start wrestling for the blade.

Now

If both you and your opponent agree to use blade grasping during a bout, you can briefly hold your opponent’s blade to control it. Grasping should be for no more than a couple of seconds, so that you do not start wrestling for the blade. Blade grasping includes, but is not limited to, taking hold of an opponent's blade with your hand, or circling a blade with fingers, such as index and thumb in an "OK" sign as shown in figure 1.

Figure 1. Circling a blade with finger and thumb is an example of blade grasping.

.

Functional change

Examples of blade grasping included.

Reason

Some fencers have been known to circle a blade with an index and thumb, claiming this is not grasping the blade. This is unacceptable and unchivalric "rules lawyering" to take advantage of an unclear rule.

For notes section

April 2023 - Examples of blade grasping have been included, as this was previously unclear.

2.6.7.9

Was

Not in rules

Now

When grasping, parrying, or otherwise controlling your opponent's weapon or body (such as by parrying the wrist), fighters must ensure they do so in a safe manner. It is the obligation of the fighter grasping, parrying, or taking control of an opponent's weapon to ensure they avoid wrenching, twisting or pressing a joint beyond natural limits.

Functional change

Reminds fighters that these actions hold risk of hurting their opponent, so must be carried out carefully.

Reason

Accidental overextension of opponent's joints has been observed repeatedly, especially when taking control of a spear where the fighter is unable to drop the object. This emphasises the importance of control and that, should there be an incident, the burden is on the fighter who performed the action to justify their action.

For notes section

April 2023 - Following a number of incidents of accidental overextension of an opponent's joints, rule 2.6.7.9 has been added as a reminder to take care.