Fencing Draft notes:Rules For Fencers

Notes from Earl Marshal for next update

Somewhere in 2.1?

Authorisation and participation for minors - link to minor participation/authorisation forms - include information about getting approval from parent/guardians

Rejig into multiple pages

• When you are allowed to fence, Fighting by the rules, and Issues on the field
• Types of fencing, Single combat and melee
• Using your weapons and defensive objects, taking blows
• Wearing protective equipment

Neck armour

is this supposed to be a should? As in there are reasons you might not do it, or is it supposed to be a "must"?

Changes for v 6.0

2.1.2 in When you are allowed to fence

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

June 2023 - The practical component of authorisations must include combat.

2.1.5 in When you are allowed to fence

Additional text

If you are not legally fit to drive, you are not fit to fight.

Functional change

None

Reason

Mirroring language in armoured handbook, doubling down on importance of proper judgement when fighting.

For notes section

None required

2.1.6

Was

If you suffer an injury involving bleeding, you must leave the field immediately. You must have the wound cleaned and dressed before you return to the field. Any weapons, equipment or clothing that have visible blood on them must be cleaned, or not used further.

Now

If you have an injury involving free flowing blood, you must leave the field immediately and may not return until the flow of blood has stopped. Clean affected weapons and equipment before use. Clean affected weapons and equipment before use.

Functional change

Wait until bleeding has stopped before returning to the field. Dressing the wound not specifically required, though may be practical to prevent further irritation.

Reason

Matches wording in Armoured Combat rules 4.2.7. Dressing the wound may not be required once bleeding has stopped, and clothing may be permanently stained with blood even after laundering.

2.1.7

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 5.

Functional change

Mirroring the requirements for withdrawing if bleeding, and aligning with the injury management procedures.

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

June 2023 - We have added this rule to help 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.

2.2.4 in Fighting by the rules

Was

You are not allowed to make uncontrolled attacks such as running at your opponent.

Now

You are not allowed to make uncontrolled attacks such as running at your opponent with your weapon extended.

Functional change

None, clarification only.

Reason

Running is explicitly legal, this points out the unsafe aspect which must be restrained.

For notes section

June 2023 - Clarified that you can't run at your opponent with your weapon extended.

2.4.1.2 in Type of fencing - General

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

June 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

June 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

June 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

June 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

June 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

June 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

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

2.8.1.2

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

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

2.8.3.1-2

Was

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

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