Rapier Standards Handbook
Issue 3: April 2001
Issued by the Office of the Artemisian Kingdom Earl Marshal.
Document History:
Issue 1 (original) released 01/03/98 by Baron Sir Kian
hrafn af Dyrnesi and HL Gruffydd ap Llewellyn
Issue 2 (revision 1 of original) released 7/10/1999 by
Lord Johann Wolfblut
Issue 3 (revision 2 of original) released 05/01/01 by
Maitre Guillaume dela Rapier
1.In order of increasing resistance:
A.Abrasion-resistant material: material that will
withstand normal combat stresses (such as being snagged by an unbroken blade)
without tearing.
Examples
include, but are not limited to:
--Broadcloth
--A single layer of heavy
poplin cloth (35% cotton, 65% polyester; "trigger" cloth)
--Sweat pants
--Woven knit
tights or lycra/spandex mix tights.
Nylon pantyhose and cotton
gauze shirts are examples of unacceptable materials.
B.Puncture-resistant material: any fabric or
combination of fabrics that will predictably withstand puncture.Examples include, but are not limited to:
--Four-ounce
(2 mm) leather;
--Four layers
of heavy poplin cloth;
--Ballistic
nylon rated to at least 550 Newtons;
--Commercial
fencing clothing rated to at least 550 Newtons.
Kevlar is not an acceptable material, as it
degrades rapidly.These materials need
only be tested at the marshal’s discretion; all other materials must be tested
the first time new gear is used, or if no marshal on the field knows a given
piece of gear to have been tested.
i.Acceptable field inspections shall deliver a
consistent force.Tests known to be
acceptable include:
a. Cloth or garment
manufacturer's commercial certification that a fabric is rated to 550N.(Documentation must be available at the time of
inspection.)
b.Use of 550N garment punch test devices,
manufactured by sources acceptable to the Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier
Combat. Such a device shall be used in accordance with its' instructions.
c.Use of a drop test device that delivers a
force, on dropping, of 4 joules.An
example is a dull, flat 5/32" (4 mm) metal rod mounted on a 1.4 kg weight and
dropped down a guide tube from 30cm (1 foot) onto the fabric sample.The sample must be held firm over a 4" diameter
can or frame by rubber band or clamp when the drop test is applied.
d.Use of a flat-broken foil blade to thrust
against the material. To conduct this test, lay the material to be tested on
firm ground or penetrable material (not hard-packed dirt, concrete, or similarly
hard surfaces).Holding the broken blade
in both hands, punch the material four times, increasing the force each time.
After each punch, examine the material. ii.For all tests, if the material in question has
been completely penetrated, or penetrated in more than one layer, it fails. If
only the top layer has been damaged, then it passes.
C.Rigid Material: puncture-resistant material
that will not significantly flex, spread apart, or deform under pressure of 12
Kg applied repeatedly to any single point.
Examples of
rigid material are:
i.22 gauge stainless steel (0.8 mm)
ii.20 gauge mild steel (1.0 mm)
iii.16 gauge aluminum, copper, or brass (1.6 mm)
iv.one layer of heavy leather (8 ounce, 4 mm)
2.The following are the Society norms for
protective gear.Kingdoms enacting more
stringent standards shall weigh the benefits of more rigorous penetration
coverage against the risks of heat illness, exhaustion, and stroke due to
heavier or more confining gear.
A.The front and top of the head must be covered
by rigid material to below the jaw line and behind the ears.Standard 12-kg fencing masks are known to meet
this standard.If built to this standard,
fencing helms are also acceptable.
B.The face must be covered by either 12-kilogram
mesh (e.g., a standard fencing mask) or perforated metal.Such metal must not have holes larger than 1/8"
(3 mm) in diameter, with a minimum offset of 3/16" (5 mm) and shall also meet
the definition of rigid material.
C.Masks and helms must be secured to the fighter,
so that they cannot be easily removed or dislodged during combat.The combination of snug fit and the
spring-tongue in a conventional fencing mask is NOT sufficient, by itself, to
secure the mask to the fighter.
D.Both modern fencing masks and rapier helms,
when inspected, shall comply with the rigid material standard, provisions on
facial coverage, and shall show no evidence of impending failure (e.g., rust
which weakens the metal involved, dents or other defects which spread open mesh,
broken weld points, etc).If there is
concern about the face mesh of a modern fencing mask, it should be tested using
a standard commercial 12kg mask punch.Marshals doing the testing shall be trained in
the use of the punch.The Kingdom Rapier
Marshals may elect to designate certain deputies to administer such testing.
E.The rest of the head and neck must be covered
by at least puncture resistant material. Throat protection shall consist of
rigid material, as noted above, covering the entire throat, and shall be backed
by either puncture resistant material (as a hood), one-quarter inch (1/4") (6
mm) of open-cell foam, or their equivalents.The cervical vertebrae shall also be protected
by rigid material, provided by some combination of gorget, helm, and/or hood
insert.
A.The entire torso (the chest, back, abdomen,
groin, and sides up to and including the armpits) must be covered with
puncture-resistant material.It is
strongly recommended that female fighters utilize some sort of rigid chest
protection as well.
B.Acceptable minimum armpit coverage is provided
by a triangle extending from the armpit seam, covering the lower half of the
sleeve at the seam, and extending down the inner/under arm, one-third the
distance to the fighter's elbow.
C.Male fighters shall wear rigid groin
protection. Any ventilation holes large enough to admit a broken blade must be
covered from the outside with at least puncture-resistant material. Female
fighters shall wear puncture-resistant groin protection.
A. Hands shall be protected by
gloves, made of abrasion resistant material, that overlap any sleeve openings as
below. Feet shall be protected by boots, shoes, or sandals, comprised of at
least abrasion-resistant material.
B. Abrasion-resistant material
is required on arms (save as noted above for armpits), legs, and any area not
otherwise mentioned in these rules.
C.No skin shall be bared. There shall be
sufficient overlap between separate pieces of protective clothing, regardless of
the fighter's stance or movements, that the minimum protection for that body
area be preserved.
There are two levels of rapier
marshal: warranted and authorized. Only the Kingdom Earl Marshal or Kingdom
Rapier Marshal may determine who shall be warranted for marshaling rapier combat
activities.
Warranted Marshal
The duties of the Warranted
Marshal shall include: authorizing both marshals and fighters, judging
disciplinary procedures, filing reports as needed or required, observing rapier
combat and offer assistance/advice to the Marshal-of-the-Field. They may also
inspect weapons and equipment for compliance with the appropriate
standards.Warranted Marshals should also
ensure that weapons, equipment and combat do not endanger the marshals,
combatants or spectators. They must:
A. Show proficiency and
knowledge in all weapon combinations. The candidate does not necessarily have to
be a currently authorized rapier combatant.
B. Show extensive knowledge
in the rules of rapier combat at both the Society and Kingdom
level. C.
Demonstrate a consistent attitude for safety.
D. Be a
member of the SCA, Inc.
The duty of the authorized
marshal is to observe rapier combat and offer assistance/advice to the
Marshal-of-the-Field. They may also inspect weapons and equipment for compliance
with the appropriate standards.Authorized
marshals should also ensure that weapons, equipment and combat do not endanger
the marshals, combatants or spectators. They must:
A. Show knowledge of all weapon
combinations. The candidate does not necessarily have to be a currently
authorized rapier combatant. B.
Demonstrate a consistent attitude for safety. C. Demonstrate knowledge of
current armor, weapon, and safety requirements D. Be a
member of the SCA, Inc. A.The fighter must be a minimum of 14 years of
age with signed parental permission or 18 years of age. B.The fighter must be a member of the SCA, Inc.
to be authorized. C.The fighter will be familiar with the armor
requirements and the rules of engagement of the Society at large and the Kingdom
of Artemisia specifically. D.The fighter demonstrates basic knowledge and
skill with the blade as evidenced by a trial by steel.The fighter will, in the presence of a
Warranted Marshal, do combat with an authorized fighter.The situations will not be known to the one
wishing authorization i.e. the Marshal may tell the tester to push as hard as
possible without acknowledging touches by the opponent.During the test the fighter must demonstrate at
least two parries and control of the blade during attacks. E.A fencer who fails to authorize may receive
further training and attempt to authorize at a later date. The candidate should arrange for
an authorization in advance and have the necessary paperwork with them. For
Rapier combat, all duelists must demonstrate proficiency in the use of each
weapon or combination of weapons prior to their use in any SCA tournament. The
authorization shall be conducted by a minimum of two persons: A.A warranted Rapier Marshal of the Kingdom of
Artemisia, and; B. An authorized rapier
duelist. This opponent should be armed with a weapon or combination of weapons
similar to that of the candidate. If the duelist is being
observed by more than one Rapier Marshal, they must agree upon the candidate’s
proficiency. Only a Warranted Marshal may sign the authorization form. The
witnessing authorized fighter signs in place of Chivalry on the White
Form. A. The candidate shall present
the authorizing marshal with a signed and witnessed "Waiver of Liability for SCA
Combat Related Activities" form and a properly completed "Authorization for
Combat Activities" form. The authorizing Marshal will mark the"Initial Card" line of the "Authorization for
Combat Activities" form or the "Additional Authorization" line if the candidate
has previously been authorized under a different combat form.The candidate must also provide proof of at
least associate membership in the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc. upon
receiving these, the Marshal shall proceed with the authorization. B. The candidate will present
themselves on the field for inspection.The armor and weapons they wish to authorize
with must be inspected on the body and pass the standards defined in Section V
Rapier Combat. This inspection should be complete and exacting and any
deficiencies must be permanently corrected before the authorization may
proceed. C. The Marshal conducting the
authorization should ask the candidate questions regarding the rules and
conventions of rapier combat.These
questions should verify that the candidate is familiar with the rules and
conventions of rapier combat. If the Marshal does not feel that the candidate
has sufficient knowledge or understanding of said rules, then the authorization
should not proceed. D. The Marshal will conduct the
authorization combat utilizing the following method of 2 phases. Phase 1: For the first few
minutes, the duelists are asked to spar at full speed, acknowledging blows
verbally, but not counting them. (During this phase, the
Marshal shall observe the candidate’s footwork, coordination, stance, attacks
and parries.) Phase 2: The duelists are
instructed to proceed "as if it were a point of honor," counting blows until one
is defeated. (During this phase, the candidate’s necessarily have to be a
currently authorized rapier combatant. B.
Demonstrate a consistent attitude for safety. C. Demonstrate knowledge of
current armor, weapon, and safety requirements D. Be a
member of the SCA, Inc. A.The fighter must be a minimum of 14 years of
age with signed parental permission or 18 years of age. B.The fighter must be a member of the SCA, Inc.
to be authorized. C.The fighter will be familiar with the armor
requirements and the rules of engagement of the Society at large and the Kingdom
of Artemisia specifically. D.The fighter demonstrates basic knowledge and
skill with the blade as evidenced by a trial by steel.The fighter will, in the presence of a
Warranted Marshal, do combat with an authorized fighter.The situations will not be known to the one
wishing authorization i.e. the Marshal may tell the tester to push as hard as
possible without acknowledging touches by the opponent.During the test the fighter must demonstrate at
least two parries and control of the blade during attacks. E.A fencer who fails to authorize may receive
further training and attempt to authorize at a later date. The candidate should arrange for
an authorization in advance and have the necessary paperwork with them. For
Rapier combat, all duelists must demonstrate proficiency in the use of each
weapon or combination of weapons prior to their use in any SCA tournament. The
authorization shall be conducted by a minimum of two persons: A.A warranted Rapier Marshal of the Kingdom of
Artemisia, and; B. An authorized rapier
duelist. This opponent should be armed with a weapon or combination of weapons
similar to that of the candidate. If the duelist is being
observed by more than one Rapier Marshal, they must agree upon the candidate’s
proficiency. Only a Warranted Marshal may sign the authorization form. The
witnessing authorized fighter signs in place of Chivalry on the White
Form. A. The candidate shall present
the authorizing marshal with a signed and witnessed "Waiver of Liability for SCA
Combat Related Activities" form and a properly completed "Authorization for
Combat Activities" form. The authorizing Marshal will mark the "Initial Card"
line of the "Authorization for Combat Activities" form or the "Additional
Authorization" line if the candidate has previously been authorized under a
different combat form.The candidate must
also provide proof of at least associate membership in the Society for Creative
Anachronism, Inc. upon receiving these, the Marshal shall proceed with the
authorization. B. The candidate will present
themselves on the field for inspection.The armor and weapons they wish to authorize
with must be inspected on the body and pass the standards defined in Section V
Rapier Combat. This inspection should be complete and exacting and any
deficiencies must be permanently corrected before the authorization may
proceed. C. The Marshal conducting the
authorization should ask the candidate questions regarding the rules and
conventions of rapier combat.These
questions should verify that the candidate is familiar with the rules and
conventions of rapier combat. If the Marshal does not feel that the candidate
has sufficient knowledge or understanding of said rules, then the authorization
should not proceed. D. The Marshal will conduct the
authorization combat utilizing the following method of 2 phases. Phase 1: For the first few
minutes, the duelists are asked to spar at full speed, acknowledging blows
verbally, but not counting them. (During this phase, the
Marshal shall observe the candidate’s footwork, coordination, stance, attacks
and parries.) Phase 2: The duelists are
instructed to proceed "as if it were a point of honor," counting blows until one
is defeated. (During this phase, the
candidate’s aggressiveness, reaction to blows and ability to cope with stress
are observed. This phase may be repeated as often as necessary.) E. The following are general
rules for authorizing/qualifying a duelist in the use of rapier. The standard
authorization is for combat with a single rapier. A duelist will be on their
honor to inform the marshal as to their qualifications to use other weapon
combinations. (Two-handed forms must
retain the same safety precautions as single-handed forms.) F. If the authorizing Marshal
and experienced duelist agree that the candidate meets the above criteria, the
marshal will notify the candidate that they have successfully authorized for
that particular weapon form. The marshal shall then complete the "Authorization
Card" form and present it to the candidate. G. The candidate is responsible
for submitting the waiver portion of the "Authorization Card" form to the
Minister of the Marshallate Rolls. The "Waiver of Liability for SCA Combat
Related Activities" form and "Authorization for Combat Activities" form shall go
to the candidate as proof of authorization.NOTE: Copies of these forms should remain on
file with the candidate’s local Knight Marshal but the authorization is not
official until the Kingdom receives the paperwork. 1. Does the duelist know and
apply the rules and customs of rapier combat? 2. Does the duelist exhibit
safe behavior on the field, both for themselves and others? 3. Do they
parry in a safe way e.g. no wild, uncontrolled parries? 4. Is their offense adequate?
Are the blows realistic in technique, but not overly hard? 5. How do they react to
pressure? Do they fight back, or do they get disorganized and confused? 6. Is the duelist able to feel
and judge blows, both given and received? Are the blows acknowledged
immediately?
7. Is the duelist coordinated
enough to keep from dropping the weapon repeatedly and do they maintain their
footing?
8. Is the response to a call of
"Hold!" immediate?(This should occur at
an unexpected time during the authorizing bout.)
9. Are they aware of the
extreme danger of a broken blade and the necessity to freeze in place the
instant of this occurrence?
10. Is the
candidate’s conduct courteous and honorable?
A.All fighters shall obey the commands of the
marshals overseeing the field, or be removed from the field and subject to
further disciplinary action.
B.Disagreements with the marshals overseeing the
field shall be resolved through the established mechanisms outlined in the
Marshaling procedures section.
C.Each fighter shall maintain control over his or
her temper and behavior at all times.
D.Striking an opponent with excessive force, or
with deliberate intent to injure, is forbidden.
E.Upon hearing the call of“HOLD” all fighting shall immediately
stop.The fighters shall freeze, check for
hazards in their immediate vicinity, and then either assume a non-threatening
position with their weapons pointed away from their opponents or if in melee all
fighters shall kneel where they are and shall not talk or communicate with each
other in any way.
F.Conduct obstructive of normal rapier combat,
such as consistent ignoring of blows, deliberate misuse of the rules (such as
calling HOLD whenever pressed), or the like, is forbidden and may result in said
fighter being removed from the field.
A.Each combatant is expected to abide by the
rules set forth by the Society of Creative Anachronism Inc. And the Kingdom of
Artemisia
B.In judging blows, all fighters are presumed to
be wearing common civil attire of the period, not armor, if you can feel the
touch then it is counted good. If in doubt discuss it with your opponent.If you leave the field (especially tournaments)
without stating dissatisfaction then the matter is closed and the blow is
counted as good. C.Engaging in combat with the intent of causing
harm to an opponent is forbidden and will result in the combatant being removed
from the field and facing punishment up to and including loss of authorization
card. D.Circling an opponent who has been legged is not
only un-chivalrous but also not allowed. E.For combat we observe the full body
target.The kill zones are the face,
torso, and a hands-breadth of the underarm and groin. F.Thrusts, draw-cuts of 6 inches in length, and
tip cuts that are the width of the limb or at least 6 inches are considered
legal attacks. G.A fighter may not call Hold for the loss of a
weapon.It is up to their opponent whether
or not they will be allowed to retrieve said weapon. H.There will be no throwing of weapons. I.A good blow to the arm will disable the arm,
one blow to the hand will disable the hand and the hand must be held closed
while the rest of the arm may still parry. J.Grasping of your opponents weapons is not
allowed (this includes trapping) K.Hand parries are permitted and encouraged.No damage will be suffered by the hand as long
as the tip is not touched and 6 inches is not drawn with positive pressure
against the hand. L. Intentional chopping and
hacking blows are NEVER permitted, this includes saber cuts.The accidental chop will occasionally happen
however. M.If an effective blow is thrown before, or on,
the same moment as an event that would stop a fight (a call of “HOLD”), the blow
shall count.If the blow is thrown after
the hold it shall not count. N.Parries
may be performed with weapons, parrying devices, the gloved hand, or any other
part of the body.You may not push, grasp
or strike an opponent with any part of your body.
Artemisian Rapier
Standards Book
PROTECTIVE GEAR
DEFINED
Head and Neck
Protection
Torso and Other Killing
Zones Protection
Arm and Leg
Protection
RAPIER MARSHALS
Authorized
Marshal
AUTHORIZATION FOR RAPIER
COMBAT
Procedure for combat
authorization
AUTHORIZATION FOR RAPIER
COMBAT
Procedure for combat
authorization
Items to observe during
authorizations
FIELD BEHAVIOR
COMBAT REGULATIONS