Change log and Notes

Version 5.4 (will become version 6 when approved)

1.6.1

Was

"During practices, for weapons drills with an opponent, you must wear eye protection. For drills with the spear, you must wear full face protection."

Now

"For drills against opponents with a spear, you must wear full face protection."

Functional change

Removes requirement for eye protection in drills, but keeps requirement for full face protection when drilling against spear. Updated to specify against spear, as the person using the spear is not at risk from the spear.

Reasoning

The current rules do not improve safety, as spectacles and sunglasses are not personal protective equipment and cause an unacceptable level of risk-acceptance, as fencers can believe they are protected.

The current rules are also not enforceable because there is no useful and consistent way to define "drill". Some marshals consider that demonstrating an action with a sword is a "drill" and thus requires eye protection (even if the person the sword is pointed at does not move and is in full gear) and others consider a "drill" anything up to full speed sparring. Defining "drill" as anything other than full sparring, the broadest possible capture definition, is not useful because "sparring" is also not simple to define and you end up in a situation where anyone picking up a sword needs eye wear which doesn't actually protect them.

From a risk perspective, the existing requirement does not meaningfully improve safety and is impractical. Fencers are able to take a risk-based approach to training depending on their own training and opponent, given there is no international case base to suggest lack of eye protection causes heightened risk, nor are these rules mirrored at Society level.

For spears, given the chance that an accident could cause a catastrophic injury, additional protection is warranted.

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.

2.7.3

Was

The only time this changes is if organisers hold a tournament where they define areas of the body that are protected as if you were wearing real armour.

Now

The only time these rules change is if organisers hold a tournament or other event with different victory conditions (for example, saying "only blows to the head count").

Functional change

Allows for alternate scenario rules for combat.

Reason

Aligns closer to Society standard while also providing more flexibility for alternate rulesets for Marshals.

For notes section

April 2023 - Marshals may use scenarios that allow for different victory conditions, eg. restricting target areas or counted blows.

2.7.7.e-g

Was

Not in rules

Now

(e) It is courteous to turn a kneeling or seated combatant so that they are not facing into the sun.

(f) When one combatant is kneeling or seated and the other is standing, it is forbidden for the standing combatant to circle, turn or "corkscrew" the kneeling combatant more than 90 degrees in either direction from the starting position.

(g) It is forbidden for a standing combatant to over bear or press (with body, weapon or other object) a kneeling or seated combatant to the point that the kneeling or seated combatant cannot straighten their upper body perpendicular to the ground. This rule is meant to allow the kneeling or seated combatant to straighten if they desire and is not intended to keep the standing combatant from leaning forward to stay in range if the kneeling or seated combatant leans back.

Functional change

Addition of rules to maintain the comfort of a legged fighter.

Reason

This language is taken verbatim from the Lochac Armoured Combat Handbook, and then adding "or seated". It works to ensure a more controlled bout without unnecessarily discomforting the legged fighter.

For notes section

April 2023 - Addition of rules to maintain the comfort of a legged fighter. These rules are similar to those found in armoured combat.

2.8.1.1

Was

Fencing practice sessions can also include drills and other classes that do not involve fighting. During sword or dagger drills with an opponent, you must wear eye protection, such as spectacles, sunglasses, safety glasses or a fencing mask or helm.

Now

Fencing practice sessions can also include drills and other classes that do not involve fighting. It is strongly recommended that fencers wear eye protection during sword or dagger drills with an opponent. Safety glasses, a fencing mask or a helm are appropriate. Spectacles and sunglasses are not considered eye protection.

Functional change

Eye protection for drills moves to being strongly recommended, rather than compulsory.

Reason

The current rules do not improve safety, as spectacles and sunglasses are not personal protective equipment and cause an unacceptable level of risk-acceptance, as fencers can believe they are protected.

The current rules are also not enforceable because there is no useful and consistent way to define 'drill'. Some marshals consider that demonstrating an action with a sword is a 'drill' and thus requires eye protection (even if the person the sword is pointed at does not move and is in full gear) and others consider a 'drill' anything up to full speed sparring. Defining 'drill' as anything other than full sparring, the broadest possible capture definition, is not useful because "sparring" is also not simple to define and you end up in a situation where anyone picking up a sword needs eye wear which doesn't actually protect them.

From a risk perspective, the existing requirement does not meaningfully improve safety and is impractical. Fencers are able to take a risk-based approach to training depending on their own training and opponent, given there is no international case base to suggest lack of eye protection causes heightened risk, nor are these rules mirrored at Society level.

For spears, given the chance that an accident could cause a catastrophic injury, additional protection is warranted.

For notes section

2.8.1.2

Was

You must wear full face protection for weapons drills using a spear.

Now

You must wear full face protection for weapons drills against an opponent using a spear.

Functional change

You must wear full face protection if you are drilling against an opponent who has a spear, rather than if you are using one yourself

Reason

Facing the spear is the risky part, not using it.

For notes section

April 2023 - You must wear full face protection when your opponent has a spear during drills.

2.8.3.1-2

Was

2.8.1 - You must wear a gorget (collar) made from rigid material to protect your entire neck and throat. This should be backed by resilient padding or penetration-resistant material.

Now

You must wear a gorget (collar) made from rigid material to protect your entire neck and throat. This should be backed by resilient padding or penetration-resistant material. Figure 2 shows the area which must be protected.

2.8.2 has been removed and replaced by:

Neck protection with a gap of less than 9mm (for example, where the ends of two plates meet) meets this standard, so long as the gap is not within the front or rear 90 degree arc.

Functional change

Clarifies areas that must be covered by rigid material, and what sized gaps may be allowed.

Reason

Updates rules to remain practical and more in line with Society requirements, without reducing safety from existing practice.

The deleted section of this rule has not been enforced since a variation was introduced at least prior to 2008, as the understanding of "cervical verterbrae" differs from what is strictly written. As currently written, gorgets must protect the entire cervical column to the base of the skull, which no known gorgets do so (though gorget combined with rigid back of head protection often does so). This revised rule is equivalent to what fencers in Lochac are currently doing already, and what is accepted international practice. This issue has been raised with SRM on two occasions with no response; I expect because it would require a rapid change, such as what we are proposing here. There is no loss in safety by having a small gap, and Lochac rules are already stricter than Society level rules. Fencing blunts will not be able to penetrate this gap; this clarifies expectations around incidental gaps.

For notes section

April 2023 - Image added to clarify what parts of the neck must be protected by rigid material, and what sized gaps may be allowed.

3.8.3.4

Was

You can also use your discretion to authorise a fencing marshal in any category that you believe is required to benefit the Kingdom and the Society. This might include appointing experienced fencers or marshals in a category in order to promote that type of fencing within a group.

Now

You can also use your discretion to authorise a Fencing Marshal or Authorising Fencing Marshal without undertaking the normal processes, should you believe it is required to benefit the Kingdom and the Society. This might include appointing experienced fighters as marshals in order to promote that type of fencing within a group. This should only be done when the normal process cannot be appiled, and does not overrule any other requirements. For example, Authorising Fencing Marshals must still be authorised in a form of combat to authorise fencers in that form.

Functional change

Clarifies the role of the Kingdom Fencing Marshal and removes the ability to authorise a fencer without any practical or verbal test.

Reason

Normal procedures should be followed as closely as possible. We don't wish to see any fighter being authorised for combat by fiat without a proper physical test of their competence on the field.

For notes section

April 2023 - Combat authorisations must include a practical combat test. There may be extreme circustances where the normal procedures for authorising an authorising fencing marshal may not be able to be followed, just as an inability to access other authorising fencing marshals to conduct the test. The Kingdom Fencing Marshal will endeavour to replicate the normal process as closely as possible given the circumstances.

4.7.2.5

Was

The test might be:

• a verbal test to confirm that the person understands the rule in question
• a combat test, where the fencer fights under the supervision of the impartial marshal to confirm that the issue has been resolved.

Now

The test might be:

• a verbal test to confirm that the person understands the rule in question
• a practical combat test, where the fencer fights under the supervision of the impartial marshal to confirm that the issue has been resolved.

Functional change

None - applying consistent terminology

Reason

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

For notes section

No notes required.

Version 5.3 - 21 January 2023

2.8.4.1

Removes 'the inner thigh' from the definition of the parts of the body that must be covered by penetration-resistant material.

Version 5.2 - 18 October 2022

2.8.4.1

Revoking the previous change to remove inner thigh from the wording as this change was not approved by the Board of SCALA and Committee of SCANZ, although it was changed at Society level.

Minor changes Version 5.1 - 15 May 2021

2.6.3

Specifies that spears can be used one-handed (not only after a hand is incapacitated) consistent with the Society Fencing Marshal Handbook.

2.8.4

Removes 'the inner thigh' from the definition of the parts of the body that must be covered by penetration-resistant material, consistent with the Society Fencing Marshals Handbook.

4.4

Specifies that incidents and injuries must be reported using the Lochac Incident and Hazard Form.

7.1.1.2

Specifies that after a drop test the material fails if the probe penetrates beyond the first layer.

Specifies that a single layer garment fails if the probe penetrates that layer.

8.3

Removes a second definition of Torso. Removes 'the inner thigh' from the definition of Torso.

Additions to Change log

Notes on 2.6.5 (use of the hand to parry the wrist); 5.4.3(b) change in dimension of blunts.

Version 5.0 Effective 1 May 2021

• Change of terminology from "Rapier" to "Fencing", consistent with the Society Fencing Marshals' Handbook
• Plain English approach and restructure by topic, for example: Rules for Fencers, Rules for Marshals.

Introduction

1.1

Specifies that all fencing combat activities in Lochac must follow the policies and requirements of SCA Australia and New Zealand.

1.4.2

Specifies that fencing combat is subject to mundane laws, including Victorian weapons laws.

1.5(5)

The Society Marshal has granted minor combatants in Lochac an exemption from the requirement to wear a marking that identifies them as a minor.

Rules for Fencers

2.4.2 (2)

Specifies that there is no waiting period to authorise for Cut and Thrust Fencing or to authorise to use a spear, if you have a Standard Fencing authorisation.

2.4.2 (3)

Specifies that you can use a spear if you have a current Rapier Pike or Pole Weapon authorisation under the previous Lochac Rapier Rules.

2.5.2(7)

Allows combatants in a melee to run from one part of the field to another, subject to distance restrictions.

2.5.2(8)

Allows Cut and Thrust Combat in a melee.

2.5.3

Sets rules for the participation of Gunners as non-fencing combatants.

2.6.2.2

Sets rules for fencers to "kill" a non-fencing Gunner.

2.6.1

Specifies that Rubber-Band Guns are the only projectile weapons allowed for use in the Kingdom of Lochac.

2.6.3(3)

Allows the use of a Spear with one hand,if you have lost the use of the other hand.

2.6.3(6)

Allows the use of a Spear to "Kill from behind".

2.6.4

Allows the use of Rubber-Band Guns in single combat that is not part of a tournament.

2.6.5

Allows you to use your hand to parry your opponent's weapon or wrist. This is a change from previous practice, consistent with the Society Fencing Marshal Handbook.

2.7(7)

Allows movement on the knees when you have received a blow to the lower leg.

2.7(8)

Allows combat to continue following a leg blow in Cut and Thrust combat.

2.8.1 (1)

Makes it mandatory to wear some form of eye protection during sword or dagger drills with opponents in practice.

2.8.1 (2)

Makes it mandatory to wear full face protection during spear drills with opponents in practice.

2.8.6

Specifies that a shield or buckler alone is not sufficient hand protection for Cut and Thrust combat in Lochac. This is a more restrictive requirement than the Society rule.

2.8.7

Additional requirements for medical protection.

Rules for Marshals

3.2

Notes additional requirements for inspections in line with COVID safety requirements.

3.6(2)

Allows Authorising Marshals to authorise Fencers in any category in which the marshal holds a combat authorisation (rather than requiring separate Authorising Marshal categories).

3.6(3)

Requires Authorising Marshals to hold a current authorisation card to conduct an authorisation.

3.8.2(2)

Specifies that a person does not need to be an authorised fencing marshal to hold office as a Group Fencing Marshal.

Managing incidents

4.7.1

Sets out the process for re-training after a person's authorisation has been suspended.

Rules for equipment

5.4.2

Specifies that blunts must have a minimum surface of 10mm, consistent with the Society Fencing Marshal Handbook.

5.6.3

States that steel-headed spears will not be allowed from 31 December 2021, at the direction of the Society Marshal.

5.7.2(6)

Specifies that rubber band gun ammunition must have a draw strength no greater than 13.6 kg (30 pounds).

Inspections

6.2.2

Sets out an inspection process for rubber band guns.

6.4

Sets out a COVID-safe inspection process.

Safety tests

7.1.1.2

Specifies that puncture resistant material fails the drop test if the probe penetrates beyond the top layer of multiple layers.

Specifies that a single layer garment fails the drop test if the drop test penetrates that layer.

7.3

Sets out a safety test for rubber band gun ammunition.

Authorising procedures

Sets out guidelines for authorising fencers, gunners and marshals.

Glossary

Sets out the definition of terms used in the rules.