Armoured Combat Draft notes:Melee Weapon Standards

Changes in Chapter 8 for v 3.3.1

8.2.3.6 in Two-handed weapons and Table 8.1
Was: The total length of a two-handed weapon must not exceed 3.65m (12 feet). If it exceeds 2.28m (7 1/2 feet) it must not be used for cutting or smashing and must be used for thrusting only.
Now: The total length of a two-handed weapon must not exceed 2.74m (9 feet). If it exceeds 2.28m (7 1/2 feet) it must not be used for cutting or smashing and must be used for thrusting only.
Functional change: Maximum weapon length is reduced from 12 feet to 9 feet
Reason: Society rule change - Game play rule change at Society level. The six kingdoms (including Lochac) that still allowed 12 foot all reported that there would be no issue returning to 9 feet.
For notes section: November 2023 - To ensure consistency between kingdoms, the Society armoured combat rules were changed in October 2023 to reduce the maximum length for two handed weapons (particularly spears) to 2.74m (9 feet). Lochac was one of only 6 kingdoms in the Known World that permitted the use of 12 foot spears in their kingdom rules.

Was 8.3.4 in Fibreglass spears
Was: 2" Mandrake™ tips are not legal on fibreglass spears.
Now: Removed and subsequent rules renumbered.
Reason: Society rule change - 2 inch Mandrake tips are not legal on any weapon over 7 1/2 feet. Now covered by rule 8.4.3.5

Table 8.2 and 8.4.2 in Thrusting tips
Was: Low-profile thrusting tips on single-handed weapons must be constructed of at least 19.1 mm (3/4 inch) of resilient material. They must provide at least 9.53 mm (3/8 inch) of progressive give across the face of the thrusting tip without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon.
Now: Low-profile thrusting tips on single-handed weapons must be constructed of at least 12 mm (1/2 inch) of resilient material. They must provide progressive give across the face of the thrusting tip without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon.
Functional change: Reduction of padding thickness for low-profile thrusting tips on single-handed weapons from 3/4 inch to 1/2 inch. The amount of progressive give is less important at this scale, as long as there is some
Reason: Society rule change - The 1/2 inch thickness has been successfully used in Trimaris for 10 years with no issues.
For notes section
November 2023 - A Society armoured combat rule change in October 2023 reduced the minimum thickness of low-profile thrusting tips on single-handed weapons to 12 mm. This was successfully used in Trimaris for 10 years with no issues.

8.3.6 in Fibreglass spears
Was: The end of the shaft to which the thrusting tip is attached must be covered with a schedule-40 PVC cap.
Now: The end of the shaft to which the thrusting tip is attached must be covered with a schedule-40 PVC cap or equivalent non-metallic rigid material.
Functional change: Other materials can be used for end caps.
Reason: Society rule change. Wording change is intended to remove issues with the legality of commonly used commercially available tips being used safely across the SCA.
For notes section: November 2023 - A Society rule change in October 2023 allows for other materials to be used for the end caps on fibreglass spears, which removed issues with the legality of commonly used commercially available tips being used safely across the SCA.

8.4.3.5 in High-profile Thrusting Tips
Was: 2" Mandrake™ tips are not legal on fibreglass spears.
Now: 2 inch Mandrake™ tips are not legal on weapons greater than 2.28 m (7 1/2 ft) in length.
Functional change: 2" Mandrake™ tips are no longer legal on any weapons greater than 2.28 m (7 1/2 ft) in length, not just illegal for fibreglass spears
Reason: The tips can fold and penetrate the bar grill of a helmet. The manufacturer advises that they were not designed for use on weapons like spears.
For notes section: November 2023 - A Society rule change in October 2023 prohibited the use of 2-inch Mandrake brand thrusting tips on all weapons over 7 1/2 feet. The tips can fold and penetrate the bar grill of a helmet. The manufacturer advises that they were not designed for use on weapons like spears.