Armoured Combat Draft:Change Log

This change log covers proposed changes from the previously approved version.

Changes for 3.3.1 - will become version 3.4 when approved

Changes in Chapter 2 - Combat Authorisation Requirements

2.1.2.a in General

New bullet point

the risks of concussion, the signs and symptoms of concussion, and can apply the Concussion Recognition Tool.

Functional change

Requires participants wanting to authorise or reauthorise to show that they know the risks of concussion, the signs and symptoms of concussion and can apply the Concussion Recognition Tool.

Reason

We want to highlight the risk of concussion, and help our people learn to recognise it in themselves and other participants. Mirrors requirements in fencing rules.

For Notes section

November 2023 - Knowing the signs and symptoms of concussion is now a required part of authorisation testing. We need our people learn to recognise it in themselves and other participants, and not fight when concussed.

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2.1.14 in General

Was

A rostered marshal in Lochac may revoke the authorisation card of a fighter in Lochac (even if they are an overseas visitor) for just and stated cause.

Now

A rostered marshal in Lochac may suspend the authorisation card of a fighter in Lochac (even if they are an overseas visitor) for just and stated cause.

Reason

Updated to reflect current wording in 11.2.

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Changes for Chapter 4 - Conventions of Combat

Insert new rule, and renumber subsequent rules

If there is an incident where you think you may have been concussed, you must leave the field immediately, and may not return to combat activities of any type until cleared to do so by a healthcare professional. The signs and symptoms of suspected concussion can be found in Concussion in Sport Group's Concussion Recognition Tool.

Functional change

Mirroring the requirements for withdrawing if bleeding, and aligning with the injury management procedures. You must leave the field if you suspect you have been concussed.

Reason

We want to highlight the risk of concussion, and help our people learn to recognise it in themselves and other participants.

For notes section

November 2023 - We need you know what to do if you think you might have been concussed, and how to recognise it. Even minor head injuries can have long-term consequences if not treated with due care.

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Changes to Chapter 7 - Armour Requirements

7.8.1 - Groin

Was

The groin must be protected to a standard equivalent to that provided by an athletic cup or pubic protector, secured by straps, or worn in a supporter or fighting garment designed to hold the protection in place.

Now

Testicles must be protected to a standard equivalent to that provided by an athletic cup, secured by straps, or worn in a supporter or fighting garment designed to hold the protection in place.

Functional change

Removes the requirement for groin protection for anyone who does not have testicles (regardless of gender)

Reason

Research by medical personnel has not found data to support the need for rigid groin protection for women, even for high contact sports or similar activities.

For notes

November 2023 - The requirement for people without testicles to wear groin protection was removed from Society armoured combat rules in October 2023. Research by medical personnel has not found data to support the need for rigid groin protection for those without testicles, even for high contact sports or similar activities. The wording reflects input from the DEIA community to accommodate variations. The potential for permanent life-changing injury due to testicular trauma is why groin protection is required.

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7.9.3 - Body

Was

If breast protection is worn, separate floating breast cups are prohibited unless they are connected by an interconnecting rigid piece such as a heavy leather or metal breastplate.

Now

Removed

Functional change

Separate breast cups for chest protection are no longer prohibited

Reason

Not needed for safety issues. Originally intended to dissuade "fantasy" armor styles. Removes ambiguity raised for other acceptable armour styles such as lamellar, scale, small plate armor.

For notes section

November 2023 - The prohibition on separate breast cups for chest protection was removed from Society armoured combat rules in October 2023. The rule was not needed for safety issues, and was originally intended to dissuade "fantasy" armour styles. The rule also created some ambiguity around other acceptable armour styles such as lamellar, scale, or small plate armour.

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7.11 - Hand

Was

A shield with a shield basket or equivalent. A shield alone is not sufficient, since it covers only the back of the hand, but not the wrist, fingers or thumb.

Now

A side-strapped shield with a shield basket or equivalent. A shield alone is not sufficient, since it covers only the back of the hand, but not the wrist, fingers or thumb.

Functional change

Only side-strapped shields with a shield basket can be hand protection.

Reason

Society rule change - Clarifies hand protection requirement with a shield. Removes ambiguity with center grip shields

For notes section

November 2023 - Society rules were clarified in October 2023 to specify that only side-strapped shields with shield baskets or equivalent can be used for hand protection. There was some ambiguity around centre-grip shields.