Introduction

The rules

1. These are the rules for fencing combat in the Kingdom of Lochac. They incorporate the Society fencing combat rules that are relevant for Lochac, as well as the Rules of the Lists.
2. All fencing combatants and marshals in Lochac are responsible for knowing these rules.
3. Fencers attending events outside of Lochac will need to know the Society fencing combat rules as found here - https://www.sca.org/officers/marshal/combat/rapier/.
4. All fencing combat activities in Lochac must follow the policies and requirements of SCA Australia and New Zealand, including but not limited to:
   • insurance and sign-in requirements
   • health and safety policies
   • the Code of Conduct.

Rules of the Lists

Note: These Rules of the Lists are copied from Corpora, as they apply to fencing, with clarifications in brackets.

1. Each fighter, recognizing the possibility of physical injury to themselves in such combat, shall assume unto themselves all risk and liability for harm suffered by means of such combat. No fighter shall engage in combat unless and until they have inspected the field of combat and satisfied themselves that it is suitable for combat. Other participants shall likewise recognize the risks involved in their presence on or near the field of combat and shall assume unto themselves the liabilities thereof.
2. No person shall participate in Official Combat-Related Activities (including armoured combat, period fencing, and combat archery) outside of formal training sessions unless they have been properly authorized under Society and Kingdom procedures.
3. All combatants must be presented to, and be acceptable to, the Sovereign or [their] representative.
4. All combatants shall adhere to the appropriate armour and weapons standards of the Society, and to any additional standards of the Kingdom in which the event takes place. The Sovereign may waive the additional Kingdom standards.
5. The Sovereign or the Marshallate may bar any weapon or armour from use upon the field of combat. Should a warranted Marshal bar any weapon or armour, an appeal may be made to the Sovereign to allow the weapon or armour.
6. Combatants shall behave in a knightly and chivalrous manner and shall fight according to the appropriate Society and Kingdom Conventions of Combat.
7. No one may be required to participate in Combat-Related Activities. Any combatant may, without dishonour or penalty, reject any challenge without specifying a reason. A fight in a tournament list is not to be considered a challenge and therefore may be declined and forfeit the bout.
8. Fighting with real weapons, whether fast or slow, is strictly forbidden at any Society event. This rule does not consider approved weaponry which meets the Society and Kingdom standards for traditional Society combat and/or Society period rapier [fencing] combat, used in the context of mutual sport, to be real weaponry.
9. No projectile weapons shall be allowed within the Lists of a tournament, nor shall any weapons be thrown. The use of approved projectile weapons for melee, war, or combat archery shall conform to the appropriate Society and Kingdom Conventions of Combat.

General information

1. The Crown's representative in all matters dealing with fencing combat is the Kingdom Earl Marshal, then the Kingdom Fencing Marshal, then, by delegation, members of the Kingdom fencing marshallate.
2. A rostered fencing marshal must be appointed as Marshal-in-Charge to supervise fencing combat at events or practices.
3. Each bout must be supervised by a rostered fencing marshal or an authorised fencing combatant.
4. Authorised fencers from other kingdoms are welcome to take part in events held in Lochac. Guest fencers must meet the Kingdom's standards for protective gear and weapons set out in these rules.

Application of the rules

1. These rules are designed to promote safe fencing combat. No matter how clear or accurate, rules cannot replace common sense, good judgement, and concern for the participants.
2. These rules may be subject to change to clarify requirements, reflect changes in Australian or New Zealand law, or to address other situations that might arise.
   1. Formal announcements about these rules will be made through the Lochac Fencers email list: fencers@lochac.sca.org; and will also be posted on the Lochac Rapier Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/358519257540934/.
   2. All fencers and marshals should make sure they keep up with these announcements.

Mundane laws

1. All fencing combat must be conducted in accordance with mundane laws of the various jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand.
2. This includes laws relating to the possession or use of prohibited or controlled weapons.
3. The following rules apply to the use of weapons in the Australian state of Victoria:
   1. You must meet the exemption requirements of the Victorian Control of Weapons Act 1990 to be allowed to carry or use a sword, two-handed sword, or dagger at any fencing event or practice in Victoria. Information about these requirements and how to meet them is on the SCA Australia website at https://sca.org.au/victorian-weapons-legislation/.
   2. You are not allowed to carry or use a rubber-band gun at any fencing event or practice in Victoria.

Youth activities

1. The minimum age for training and authorisation in fencing is 14. All fencing activities involving minors must be conducted according to youth activities policies and activities as set by the SCA in Australia and New Zealand.
2. When combatants under the age of 18 undertake training and authorisation, the Kingdom Fencing Marshal (or their delegate) shall ensure that the minor's parent or legal guardian has observed fencing in the SCA, is aware of the risk of injury inherent in this martial art, and has signed a statement explicitly acknowledging the above.
3. Fencers aged between 10 and 14 years are covered by the Youth Fencing Combat Rules.
   1. Combatants in Lochac who are under the age of 18 are exempt from the Society rule requiring a marking to identify them as a minor.

Key changes to the rules

This section summarises the key changes in these rules. Material rule changes are listed by section in Chapter 11: Change log.

Rules for fencers

1. During practices, for weapons drills with an opponent, you must wear eye protection.
2. If you have a Standard Fencing authorisation, you can undertake an authorisation test for Cut and Thrust Combat, or to use a spear. There is no waiting period for these authorisations.
3. Rubber-headed spears are allowed for fencing combat in Lochac.
4. In melee combat:
   1. You can use Cut and Thrust Combat, if all fencers are wearing Cut and Thrust equipment.
   2. You are allowed to run from one part of the field to another, but you must stop running when you are 5 metres from an engagement.
   3. You are allowed to use a spear to 'kill from behind'.
5. If you are grounded by a blow to the lower leg, you are allowed to kneel and move around on your knees.
6. If you are unable to use both hands, you can hold a spear with one hand.
7. You are allowed to use Rubber-Band Guns in single combat, as long as it is not part of a tournament.

Rules for marshals

1. There are no separate authorisations for Authorising Fencing Marshals. Authorising marshals can authorise fencers for any category in which they hold a combat authorisation.
2. You do not have to be a rostered fencing marshal to serve as a Group Fencing Marshal.