Fencing Draft notes:Inspections

Changes fo v6.0

6.2.3.1.a

Was

For rubber-headed spears, check that the tip is flexible, and returns substantially to its original shape within 3 seconds.

Now

Check that the tip is flexible, and returns substantially to its original shape within 3 seconds.

Functional change

None

Reason

Only rubber-headed spears may be used.

For notes section

April 2023 - Process updated to remove reference to steel-headed spears.

6.2.3.1.b

Was

For metal-headed spears, follow the inspection methods for a bladed weapon.

Now

Removed

Reason

Metal-headed spears are no longer permitted

6.2.3.1.b (replacement)

Was

Not in rules

Now

A marshal should not use significant force to make a spear head bend; you should not need more pressure than can be comfortably applied by the wrist. If in doubt and where possible, a second marshal should be used to judge the flexibility of the spear head.

Functional change

Sets a more objective measure of flexibility

Reason

Most objects can be subject to significant tensile strength and many can return to their original shape within 3 seconds. As written, and as evidenced by some newer spear head designs, a marshal can apply a significant tensile load to a spear head (up to and including significant pressure from a hip whole body movement) to make a spear head "pass". This is unacceptable and unsafe. This is a stop-gap solution until a broader Society flex-test can be developed (underway).

For notes section

April 2023 - Spear head flex testing - Most objects can be subject to significant tensile strength and many can return to their original shape within 3 seconds. As previously written, a marshal could apply a significant tensile load to a spear head (up to and including significant pressure from a hip whole body movement) to make a spear head "pass". This was unacceptable and unsafe. The current wording is is a stop-gap solution until a broader Society flex-test can be developed.

6.2.3.2.a

Was

Check that the haft is made of appropriate material (rattan for rubber-headed spears; wood or rattan for metal-headed spears).

Now

Check that the haft is made of rattan.

Reason

Metal-headed spears are no longer permitted

6.2.3.2.b

Was

Check that the rattan haft is the appropriate diameter (between 28.5 mm and 35 mm).

Now

Check that the haft is between 28.5 mm and 35 mm in diameter.

Reason

Rattan is the only material allowed for spears.

6.2.3.2.c

Was

Check that the spear is the appropriate length (no longer than 275 cm for rubber-headed spears, or 244 cm for metal-headed spears).

Now

Check that the spear is no longer than 275 cm.

Reason

Metal-headed spears are no longer permitted