Regulations for Sidesword Combat

in the

Kingdom of Drachenwald

 

Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.

Version 2.0

17th January 2003

 

Lord Cernac the Celt

Deputy Kingdom Marshal for Sidesword Combat

Drachenwald

 

with the assistance of:

 

Lord Maximilian von Brandenberg

Earl Marshal, Drachenwald

 

 

Revision History

Version

Date

Author

Comments

1.0

24th August 2002

Cernac the Celt

Initial draft for discussion, prior to being lodged with Society SS Marshal

1.1

29th August 2002

Cernac the Celt

Minor revision to ‘Participation’ section. 1st public posting of draft proposal.

1.2

3rd October 2002

Cernac the Celt

Revised proposal put forward for approval

1.3

9th December 2002

Cernac the Celt

Minor adjustments and clarification of armour requirements.

1.4

15th January 2003

Cernac the Celt

Adjustments to participation and reporting requirements as requested by Kingdom Earl Marshal. (Changes in V1.4.1 re: Rules of the List)

2.0

17th January 2003

Cernac the Celt

Maximilian von Brandenberg

Modified re: injury reporting. Approved by Barwn Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, Society Sidesword Marshal, 27th January 2003

 

Table of Contents

 

2          Introduction                                               

Experiment History and Rationale

Experiment Purpose
Proposed Drachenwald Sidesword Experiment

3        Levels of Participation

Sidesword Practices

Sidesword Tournaments

4          Kingdom Reporting Procedures

5          Appendix A:

 EXPERIMENTAL RULES FOR SIDESWORD (CUT AND THRUST STYLE RAPIER) IN THE KINGDOM OF DRACHENWALD

 

Introduction

In the 16th Century swordplay began a change of focus from cuts to thrusts. This style of swordplay is currently referred to as “cut and thrust”; cuts and thrusts are applied in equal measure. It is typified by such masters as Marozzo and Agrippa and continues until the tail end of the period with DiGrassi. It is, if you will, the “bridge” between armoured combat and rapier combat within the SCA.

 

Experiment History and Rationale

Currently, mainstream SCA rapier rules specifically disallow percussive cutting attacks.  It is therefore difficult to recreate this transitional form of combat within any current SCA combat rules.

 

To solve this problem Barwn Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, OL OP, DWS offered to marshal a proposed experiment within the rapier community to expand our horizons and support cut and thrust swordplay under the name of Sidesword (from the Italian: “Spada da Lato”). The proposal was accepted and Barwn Meistr Gwylym was appointed Marshal in Charge for Cut and Thrust (C&T) rapier experimentation in the SCA (hereinafter called Society Sidesword Marshal (SSM)).

 

Experiment Purpose

As stated in the Corporate Sidesword Rules:

“This proposal is to develop the armouring and weapon standards to be used, as well as test the feasibility of an advanced level authorisation for cut and thrust (hereafter called sidesword) style swordplay within the Society of Creative Anachronism. This style of rapier play was prevalent during the 16th. C. The study will include those masters who taught styles of combat antecedent to the use of the rapier proper. These masters may include Marozzo, Agrippa or any other master considered to have taught the rapier or a weapon in the rapier's family line such as the spada da lato (side sword) or spada da filo (edge sword).

 

Cuts within the current SCA rapier rules produce a series of non-period, non-realistic actions through the non-period use of draw cuts and push cuts. It is the desire of this proposal to determine realistic and accurate cutting actions, while remaining safe and accessible to the Society at large.”

 

It is the intention of this proposal that Drachenwald join in the society-wide experiment with this potential combat style within the SCA.

 

This proposal also aims to promote and support scholarship within the martial combat community, both armoured combat and rapier, in the Kingdom of Drachenwald, and to determine if sidesword combat is a

suitable addition to the martial activities of our Kingdom.

 

Proposed Drachenwald Sidesword Experiment

This proposal recommends that Drachenwald uses the rules as appended at the end of this document (Appendix A), these being adapted from the Society Sidesword Rules as posted at:

 

http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~wew/fencing/sca/sca-sidesword.html

 

Differences between the proposed Drachenwald rules and the society–level rules are listed in Appendix B.

 

 

 

 

 

Levels of Participation

Non-authorised Participant:

Any person over the age of 18 may, subject to approval by the Marshal in Charge, participate in classes or practices involving static drills, choreographed slow speed manoeuvres, or at the discretion of the Marshal in Charge, slow speed free play. Such participants at the Sidesword Marshal’s discretion, may generally engage in full-speed armoured sparring only with Sidesword Marshals. At the discretion of the Sidesword Marshal in charge, suitably experienced individuals who have demonstrated controlled and appropriate technique may be allowed to spar against each other under, only under close observation by the Sidesword Marshal who is to intervene immediately on any perceived safety concern.

 

Authorised Participant:

Authorised sparring participants will be approved by the local Sidesword Marshal (if one exists), the Kingdom Deputy Sidesword Marshal, and the Kingdom Rapier Marshal.

 

Once participants have sufficient training and experience a Sidesword Marshal may at his/her discretion deem the candidate ready for an authorisation procedure similar to the kingdom rapier authorisations. This is to be carried out by the local Sidesword Marshal, ideally with the aid of an already authorised sidesword participant or a participating fencer authorised and experienced in heavy-bladed rapier combat.

 

This authorisation is to focus on the fencer’s ability in the safe use of cutting technique. Appropriate calibration in the taking of cuts is also required (i.e. accurately calling hit’s you’ve taken). Because sidesword blades may tend to be stiffer than standard heavy-bladed rapiers, particular attention should also be paid to appropriate calibration of thrusts. In the case of a participant not previously authorised in rapier, the authorisation procedure is to be as thorough as a first rapier authorisation. Note: an authorisation for sidesword rapier combat is separate to authorisations for standard SCA rapier combat. All authorisations are subject to the approval of the Kingdom Sidesword Marshal, and a list of authorised participants must be maintained and forwarded with the regular reports.

 

Sidesword Marshal:

Sidesword Marshals/Instructors will be approved by the Kingdom Deputy Sidesword Marshal, and the Kingdom Rapier Marshal. These participants will be (or will have been) warranted Rapier Marshals, and will ideally be experienced in heavy rapier combat and versed in the period masters.

Sidesword Practices

Sidesword Combat can only be used at official practices or events when at least one of the following marshals are present:

• Kingdom Rapier Marshal
• Kingdom Deputy Marshal for Sidesword.
• Sidesword Marshal

Any one who wishes may participate in the practices. However, participation in sparring is limited as described in the preceding section, and also requires the wearing of appropriate armour and the use of appropriate weapons. The presiding Sidesword Marshal must be particularly vigilant when individuals are engaged in this activity. (See Appendix A. VIII.)

 

Sidesword Tournaments

Sidesword tournaments must be approved by the Kingdom Deputy Marshal for Sidesword and the Kingdom Rapier Marshal. The Society Rules of the List apply to sidesword combat.

 

 

 

Kingdom Reporting Procedures

The Kingdom Deputy Marshal for Sidesword Combat will forward all local reports, along with any personal additions or commentary to the Kingdom Rapier Marshal on a monthly basis, or as requested by the Kingdom Rapier Marshal. The monthly reports will be CC’d to the Kingdom Earl Marshal. The Kingdom Deputy Marshal for Sidesword Combat will report to the Kingdom Earl Marshal, the Crown of Drachenwald, and the Corporate Deputy for Sidesword combat as requested. Monthly Reporting will be carried out as outlined in the proposed rules (Appendix A. VIII, Reporting Requirements).

Appendix A:

Date: 17th January 2003

EXPERIMENTAL RULES FOR SIDESWORD (CUT AND THRUST STYLE RAPIER) IN THE KINGDOM OF DRACHENWALD

Note: Drachenwald-specific changes to the society rules are picked out in bold text.


INTRODUCTION

This proposal is to develop the armouring and weapon standards to be used, as well as test the feasibility of an advanced level authorisation for cut and thrust (hereafter called sidesword) style swordplay within the Society of Creative Anachronism. This style of rapier play was prevalent during the 16th. C. The study will include those masters who taught styles of combat antecedent to the use of the rapier proper. These masters may include Marozzo, Agrippa or any other master considered to have taught the rapier or a weapon in the rapier's family line such as the spada da lato (side sword) or spada da filo (edge sword).

Cuts within the current SCA rules set produce a series of non-period, non-realistic actions through the non-period use of draw cuts and push cuts. It is the desire of this proposal to determine realistic and accurate cutting actions, while remaining safe and accessible to the Society at large.

 

These rules are designed to promote safe cut-and-thrust-rapier combat in Drachenwald. However, no matter how clear or accurate, rules cannot replace common sense, good judgement, and concern for the participants. If a question arises when applying these standards, always bear in mind the safety of all participants.

 

If you have any questions about a particular rule(s), please feel free to contact:

 

Lord Cernac the Celt, Drachenwald Deputy Marshal for Sidesword  (mike@spear.iol.ie)

 

Barwn Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, OL OP, DWS (gwylym@infomagic.net), Marshal in Charge for cut and thrust (C&T) rapier experimentation in the SCA (hereafter called Society Sidesword Marshal (SSM)).

 

Note: The terms ‘sidesword’ and ‘cut-and-thrust rapier’ are used interchangeably in this document.

 

 

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. All combatants, prior to every combat or practice, shall insure their equipment is safe, in good working order and has been inspected by a member of the Kingdom Sidesword Marshallate authorised to inspect cut-and-thrust rapier gear.

B. Each fencer is expected to abide by the Corporate Sidesword Rules of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc., and the additional rules herein set forth by the Kingdom of Drachenwald.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

II. BEHAVIOR ON THE FIELD

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 Marshallate Procedures of the SCA, Inc.

C. Each fighter shall maintain control over his or her temper and behaviour at all times. Likewise, each fighter shall maintain control over his or her body 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 assume a non-threatening position with their weapons pointed away from their opponents. All blows after the hold do not count.

F. Conduct obstructive of normal cut-and-thrust rapier combat, such as consistent ignoring of blows, deliberate misuse of the rules (such as calling "hold" whenever pressed), or the like, is forbidden.

 

III. USE OF WEAPONS AND PARRYING DEVICES
A. Blows are struck by: thrusting with the point of the blade (thrust) and by cutting with the edge or with the tip (stramazone).
B. Cutting attacks are performed in several ways:
1. Cuts through percussion (chop)
2. Cuts through incision (slice)
At all times cuts must be controlled and pulled sufficiently so as not to injure the opponent while still retaining the necessary contact and pressure to validate the cut.
C. Parrying devices may be used to move, deflect, or immobilise an opponent's weapon or parrying device, so long as such use does not endanger the safety of the combatants.
D. Parries may be performed with weapons, parrying devices, the gloved hand, or any other part of the body.  The gloved hand may be used to ward off an opponent or an opponent’s sword. When in contact with an open guard, the fingers must be kept together to prevent getting caught between the bars. It is forbidden to reach into an open guard with the fingers. An opponents arms may be warded (i.e. held off) as one would ward an opponents blade, but may not be grasped.  Otherwise, one may not push an opponent. Grasping or striking an opponent with a hand or otherwise is forbidden.  Any actions likely to lead to trapping limbs, locking joints, or unbalancing an opponent are forbidden and should such a situation arise, a hold is to be called immediately.
E. Striking an opponent with any part of a weapon or parrying device not approved for that purpose is prohibited. Simulated strikes to an opponents mask by fist, pommel or other suitable object may be indicated through gesture and verbal indications (e.g. waving pommel in front of face and saying ‘rap! rap! rap!’).

 

 

 

 

IV. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF BLOWS

A. In judging blows, all fighters are presumed to be wearing common civil attire of the period, not armour.

B. Tourneys may be held which define areas of the body as if armoured, and to what degree, so long as all the participants are made aware of these special conditions prior to the start of combat.

C. In sidesword combat, blows will be counted as though they were struck with a real blade, extremely sharp on point and edge. Any blow that would have penetrated the skin shall be counted a good blow. Any blow that strikes a mask, helm or gorget shall be counted as though it struck flesh. The target areas are as defined in the Conventions of Combat  in the Society Marshal's Handbook, with the addition of 

D. A good thrust to the

--head,
--neck,
--torso
--inner groin (to the fighter's hand width down the inner limb), or
--armpit (to the fighter's inner hand width down the limb)

shall be judged incapacitating, rendering the fighter incapable of further combat. Cuts to these locations shall be judged incapacitating. A simulated strike to the face or head with a pommel or similar, shall be judged incapacitating in situations where the receiver deems a real strike could have been made. (See III. E).

E. A good blow to the arm will disable the arm. A good blow to the hand shall render the hand useless. Note: when the hand is lost, the arm remains available for parries.

F. A good cut or thrust to the foot or leg that would disable the fighter will result in a victory.

G. Fighters may choose to grasp, rather than parry, the blade. If the blade that is grasped slides in the grasping hand, that hand is deemed disabled. (When sparring with a weapon type which the fencers consider would historically have had a blunt ricasso, if both fighters and marshal agree, they may decide to only consider the grasping hand to be cut if it slides onto the sharp part of the blade). Grasping techniques shall be used only to immobilise a blade, not to bend it or wrest it from the opponent's grip.

H. Should a limb or soft parry device come into contact with the body and a good thrust land, that part of the body will also be considered to have received a good thrust.

 

V. WEAPONS AND PARRYING DEVICES

1. Sharp points, edges or corners are not allowed anywhere on any equipment.

2. All equipment must be able to safely withstand combat stresses.

3. Equipment that is likely to break a blade or damage other equipment is prohibited.

4. BLADES:

A. The following classes of blades are used:

Rapiers:
--Del Tin Practice Rapiers or equivalent
--Del Tin bated rapier blades
--Scottie Armoury Renblades
--Hanwei Practical Rapiers with 37” blades (The 43” blades are unsuitable due to excessive whippiness)
--Zamarano practice rapier blades
--replica blades that pass the flexibility standard and that are equivalent to the above and have been cleared by the Society marshal and by the Kingdom Sidesword Marshal.

Oval schlager blades are specifically NOT acceptable for use in cut and thrust experimentation. Their temper and forging leave them more brittle and vulnerable to breakage.

As a rule of thumb, for sidesword maximum suitable blade length is from the ground to the break of a fighter’s hip, typically about 37”-38”, but may be more like 40” depending on the individual. Generally a shorter blade will be more suitable for earlier more cut-based styles, a longer more suitable for later more thrust-intensive styles, such as Agrippa’s. The use of period-looking weapons which have a distal taper is required (i.e. the blade shows a straight-line taper, narrowing from the ricasso to the tip). Thus most schlagers of appropriate length are *not suitable* due to having parallel edges. Note: As the recreation of cut-and-thrust rapier technique from the post-sidesword period (e.g. Carranza or Saviolo), falls within the remit of this program, longer rapier-type blades would be more suitable for this application, provided they show a distal taper as noted above. For later rapier styles a rule of thumb blade length is height of the wielder’s navel.

Dagger blades:
--'Scotty Type' blade
-- Triplette fencing dagger
-- Safeflex daggers
--replica blades that pass the flexibility standard and have been approved as per the instructions above for rapiers.

Note: Fibreglass daggers may not be used in Drachenwald.

B. All are subject to the following:

i. Steel blades must be manufactured by commercial suppliers. Artisans desiring an exception must apply to the Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier Combat and the Society Sidesword Marshal and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

ii. Steel blades will not be altered by grinding, cutting, heating, hammering, or other actions that could significantly alter their temper, flexibility or durability. Normal combat stresses and blade care do not violate this rule. Exceptions are:

a. The tang of the weapon may be altered.

b. Heavier-type blades may be shortened so long as it does not make them too stiff.

iii. All steel blades must be reasonably flexible. Rigid steel "parrying-only" daggers such as those made from cut down blades will not be allowed. See Appendix 1, below, for field tests of flexibility.

iv. All blade ends must be capped with rubber, plastic, or leather.

a. Tips will have a blunt striking surface, presenting a cross-section of at least 1/2 inch (13 mm) diameter); the corners shall be rounded off, so that no surface presents a sharp angle.

b. Tips must be firmly taped or glued in place. The tip must be of a colour contrasting with the blade so that the tip's absence is readily apparent. If tape is used, it must contrast with both blade and tip.

v. Any blade with kinks, sharp bends, or cracks shall not be used. Steel blades that develop these defects cannot be repaired and must be retired.

vi. Weapons may use a hand guard such as a swept hilt or quillons and knucklebow. The ends of quillons must be blunt.

       vii. Orthopaedic (or "Pistol") grips are not suitable for sidesword and will not be
      used.

vii. Participants are advised that particular blade types may be added to or          removed from the permissible list during the course of the experiment.

5. PARRYING DEVICES:

A. Solid parrying devices will be made of sturdy, lightweight materials, resistant to breakage and splintering.

B. Soft, non-rigid devices such as cloaks may be made of cloth, foam, leather and similar materials. They may be weighted with soft material such as rope or rolled cloth; they shall not be weighted with any rigid material, nor with materials which are heavy enough to turn the device into a flail or impact weapon.

C. Devices that predictably cause entangling of an opponent or their equipment, either by design or by repeated mishap, are not allowed.

VI. PROTECTIVE GEAR

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
--opaque cotton, poly-cotton, 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 or the equivalent;
--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 marshall'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 are noted in the Society Rapier handbook.

 

C. Rigid Material: puncture-resistant material that will not significantly flex, spread apart, or deform under pressure of 12 Kg applied by a standard mask tester, repeatedly to any single point. Examples of rigid material are:

-- 22 gauge stainless steel (0.8 mm)
-- 20 gauge mild steel (1.0 mm)
-- 16 gauge aluminium, copper, or brass (1.6 mm)
-- one layer of heavy leather (8 ounce, 4 mm)

2. The following are the requirements for protective gear. 

(Note: these requirements are subject to review and may later be added to)

 

A. HEAD AND NECK:

i. The head shall be covered with rigid material or an FIE rated mask. The back of the head must be covered either by rigid material or by at least a padded coif. The padding on a coif must be sufficient to abate any injury from a percussive hit to the back of the head (It may be simpler to meet the safety requirement with rigid back of head protection).

ii. The face must be covered by either 12 kilogram mesh (e.g., as in a standard fencing mask, 24 kilo mask is suggested) 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 be rigid material.

iii. Helms and masks 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.

iv. 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.

v. Any part of the head and neck not completely protected by rigid material, must covered by at least puncture resistant material. At all times, additional throat protection is required; it shall consist of rigid material, as noted above, covering the entire throat, and shall be padded by 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.

 

 

B. TORSO AND OTHER KILLING ZONES

i. 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 highly suggested that the torso be covered with sufficient padding to avoid excessive bruising while still allowing for proper judging of blows. It is recommended, but not required, that ladies also wear rigid chest protection.

 

ii.  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.

 

iii. 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.

 

 

 

 

C. ARMS AND LEGS

i. Hands shall be protected by gloves, made of abrasion resistant material, that overlap any sleeve openings as below.

 

A  If the hilt does not give full hand and wrist protection, a demigauntlet or gauntlet of rigid material should be worn, whichever is necessary to complete coverage.

 

Feet shall be protected by boots, shoes, or sandals, comprised of at least abrasion-resistant material.

 

ii. Abrasion-resistant material is required on arms (save as noted above for armpits), legs, and any area not otherwise mentioned in these rules.

iii. 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.

 

iv. Rigid protection of the elbows and knees is recommended, to also cover the sides of these joints.( e.g. using rigid 'cops').

 

v.  Rigid forearm protection is recommended (vambraces).

 

It must be noted that participants must be armoured at least as well as for standard Drachenwald SCA rapier combat.

 

VII. MARSHALLING CONCERNS IN SIDESWORD COMBAT
1. AUTHORISATIONS: Competence in other SCA combat styles does not automatically mean competence in Sidesword combat. As this is an experimental form, separate warrants and authorisations in sidesword rapier combat are required. These will be administered by the Kingdom Marshal of Fence, or their suitably appointed designee(s).

2. EQUIPMENT INSPECTION: Prior to the start of a practice or a list, the Marshal shall inspect all equipment (Armour, Weapons and Parry-devices) of all fencers participating in the list. This is a service for the fencers, to make sure that they may be fencing under the safest conditions possible. This does not alter the fact that each fencer is fully responsible for the safety of his equipment and behaviour.

3. BROKEN BLADES: Marshals and fighters shall pay special attention for missing tips or broken blades.

4. BLADE GRASPING: If a rapier has been grasped by an opponent, "HOLD" shall be called if wrestling about the blade occurs (more than 5 seconds of tussling). If one person still retains full control of their own weapon and no one is in imminent danger of injury a hold should not be called.

5. EXCESSIVE IMPACT: Combat in the Society poses risks to the participant. This is to be treated as a martial art. This recognition, however, does not excuse fighters from exercising control of their techniques. If a fighter throws blows which force their opponent to retire from the field, from a real injury (even one which only causes brief incapacitation), the marshal responsible for the field shall take such steps as are appropriate to stop the problem from recurring.

6. MELEE: For the purposes of this initial experimental period, melees are prohibited.

7. PARTICIPATION: All Kingdom participation must be authorised by the Society Sidesword Marshal. Any Kingdom wishing to take part in the Sidesword Program must make petition to the Society Sidesword Marshal. Any Kingdom specific rules must be approved by the SSM. A list of the Deputy Kingdom Sidesword Marshal(s) and instructors will be provided with the petition as a courtesy. As a note, in order to be considered for part of the experiment there must be qualified instructors in the Kingdom. The KMoF will assure that each participating territory under their control has sufficient instructors for the program.

8. UNFORESEEN SITUATIONS: Should a situation arise not explicitly covered by Corporate or Kingdom rapier combat rules, the marshals should NOT assume that the situation is forbidden or inappropriate. Again: No matter how clear or accurate, rules cannot replace common sense, good judgement, and concern for the participants.

 

VIII. EXPERIMENTATION PERIOD:

Practices should be held on a weekly basis with some practices being held during the normal territorial SCA rapier practice.

 

Reporting Requirements

The reporting requirements will be strictly enforced in the program. Failure to submit reports in a timely fashion will be cause for removal from participation in the program.

Marshals - Monthly

All experimental program marshals are required to maintain a record of the following from each practice/demo they attend in which these techniques are used:

• Date of practice
• Names of the fighters practising with this technique
• Any and all technical issues that arise from the use of this style of combat.
• All injuries (regardless of severity)

Injuries will be divided into three categories:

·        Insignificant.

·        Significant,

·        Serious.

Insignificant injuries are those that do not affect the combatant’s ability to continue through a regular practice or demo. These are such things as skinned knuckles and minor bruises.

Significant injuries are those that cause the combatant to discontinue fighting for the practice or demo. These are such things as serious bruises and minor cuts.

Serious injuries are those that require medical attention. These are such things as dislocations or major cuts.

Insignificant and significant injuries will be reported through the normal reporting procedures. Serious injuries will be reported immediately (within 24 hours) to the Kingdom Rapier Marshal or Deputy Kingdom Rapier Marshal for Sidesword Combat, and also to the Earl Marshal, either by phone or email.

 

Additionally, at the end of each practice, there will be a 'cool down' discussion period of approximately 30 minutes and notes should be taken by the Sidesword Combat marshal in charge.

 

By the end of each month, a report summarising activity and issues related to the use of this technique along with minutes of each meeting will be submitted by each experimental program marshal to the Kingdom Deputy Marshal for Sidesword. However, in the case of an injury, a report must be submitted to the KSM within 24 hours.

 

In addition the field groups must hold a combined practice/meeting once per quarter and file a combined report for that event.

 

This limited participation testing period will continue until the participants involved, the KMoF's of the kingdoms involved, and the SdmoFsc is satisfied as to it's validity and safety. At that time, it will be open to fighters meeting the armouring and participation standard for sidesword combat that have been authorised to take part in the experimental program. Once the experimentation period is over a final set of Society level rules will be written if the experiment is successful. Input will be expected from the Kingdom Marshals who took part in the experiment.

 

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: TESTING STANDARDS FOR SIDESWORD COMBAT

BLADE FLEXIBILITY TESTING

If doubt exists about a weapon's flexibility, an acceptable field test is:
Hold weapon parallel to the ground, supporting handle against table or
bench if necessary. Hang a 3 ounce weight (85 grams) just behind the tip.
If the blade flexes visibly (more than 1/4 inch <6 mm>), the blade is
sufficiently flexible.