Weapons Standards

All divisions

1. All weapons must be inspected regularly for deteriorated or compromised foam as well as damaged or broken cores or materialscomponents
2. No metal may be used in any weapons.
   1. This includes, but is not limited to: basket hilts, pommel weights, screws or other fasteners, and hose clamps.
3. Flails are expressly prohibited.
4. No materials that might shatter or splinter on impact may be used for the core or cross hilts of any weapon.
5. PVC is prohibited.
6. Approved materials for weapon cores are:
   1. Rattan, either shaved or skin-on, with a diameter between 19 mm and 25 mm for most weapons.
      1. Two-handed weapons longer than 165 cm, used in Division 3 only, may use rattan up to, but not exceeding 32 mm in diameter.
      2. Both ends of the rattan shall be rounded.
   2. Common forms of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, used for irrigation and plumbing. Examples are Sil-o-Flex and PEX.
      1. Any nominal size of HDPE may be used provided the actual outside diameter of the pipe is no less than 19 mm, the youth can securely grip the pipe, and the weapon is within weight limits.
      2. HDPE pipe shall have both ends capped, plugged, or otherwise covered to prevent the pipe from cutting through the foam.
   3. Other materials may be approved by: the Kingdom Deputy Earl Marshal, in accordance with the procedures in Rule 17 'Experimentation'
7. The striking surface of any weapon shall not be less than 38 mm wide.
8. Thrusting tips and cutting edges shall be marked in a contrasting color.
9. Wrist straps, lanyards, and triggers are recommended but not required.
10. Pommels, cross-guards, and the butt ends of weapons without butt spikes must be covered with at least 9 mm closed cell foam and covered with a loose single layer of duct tape or cloth.
11. Weapons may not exceed 75 grams in weight per 10 cm of length.
12. If a weapon has a head,
    1. it must be constructed solely of lightweight foam.
    2. The head shall be firmly and securely attached to the haft.
    3. Striking surfaces shall have compression characteristics similar to those without a defined head.
13. Single-Handed Weapons:
    1. Striking surfaces must be covered with at least 9 mm of closed cell foam extending 25 mm or more past the end of the core material. The foam must be covered with a single loose layer of duct tape or a cloth sleeve.
    2. Thrusting tips shall be constructed of closed cell foam covered with duct tape or cloth. They must extend 5 cm past the end of the core and be at least 6.5 cm in diameter.
    3. Thrusting tips should be constructed so that they do not fold over.
    4. Basket hilts are permitted on single-handed weapons.
14. Two-Handed Weapons: Weapons, - including those which may be used with one or two hands, shall have the following requirements:
    1. Two-handed weapons shall be constructed in the same way as single-handed weapons except as outlined below.
    2. Given the excessive flexibility of HDPE in warm temperatures it is recommended that these cores be limited to single-handed weapons except in Division 1.
    3. No weapon may have a cutting and/or smashing surface at both ends.
    4. Weapons exceeding 180 cm shall not be used for cutting or smashing and shall be used for thrusting only (spears).
15. Thrown Weapons
    1. These weapons may be used for striking and may also be thrown in melee scenarios where thrown weapons are allowed. Examples are thrust-and-throw javelins and axes.
    2. Throwing axes may be used in any division and are constructed from only closed cell foam and tape.
    3. Axes shall not be excessively large or heavy.
    4. Javelins are constructed from a single diameter of HDPE pipe and may be used in melee combat in Divisions 2 and 3.
       1. They may be thrown or be used as a single-handed thrusting weapon
       2. The thrusting tip must conform to standard weapon thrusting tips.
       3. The butt end may not be used offensively. It must be padded with foam in such a manner that it will not penetrate a 5 cm opening.
       4. Fins or stabilizers of foam or duct tape may be attached near the back end.
       5. must be between 125 and 165 cm long.