Rapier Combat Rules: What’s changed?

The revisions to the EK Rapier Combat Rules are the most significant revision we’ve had in years. This document, while not part of the official rules, is designed to give you an idea of what has changed, and how it will affect you, without you having to hold old and new rules side by side. You should read and understand the new rules, but this is a good place to start to figure out what changes of substance occurred.

Why were the rules changed?

A new set of rules was put in place at the Society level. These new rules were a long time in coming and addressed many problems and inconsistencies with the old rules and attempts to bring the individual kingdoms more in line with each other. This required sacrifice and compromise from everyone.

Let’s be clear on some things: Are there new rules? Yes. Are they different from the way we’ve done things before? Yes. Is everybody going to like all of the new rules? No. But we have to live with it, and enforce the new rules fairly and evenly.

Drastic Revisions?

At first glance, the revisions to the rules seem pretty drastic – it looks like they were almost completely re-written. But a lot of the changes are more about wording than substance. The wording changes won’t be discussed here. What we will focus on are the actual differences in the way we will play the game.

Armor changes

  1. One nice change is the definition of materials. We now have words to define different things. But the meaning and coverage is about the same. Puncture resistant is basically 4-layer equivalent stuff. Abrasion resistant is single layer. Rigid is there mostly to allow for period style fencing helms.
  2. You are no longer required to have full puncture resistant protection to the elbow. Coverage in the armpit is sufficient. Yes, an armor standard was actually lowered. Look closely – it may not happen again in your lifetime.
  3. We now have guidelines for construction of period fencing helms.
  4. Mask tie downs are now required. You don’t have to like it, you just have to do it. The elastic and velcro band on the back of some commercial masks IS acceptable as long as it does hold the mask in place.
  5. Sweatpants are now legal. It is with great hesitation that this has been allowed. However it was ultimately decided that the rules should not dictate fashion. All fencers are encouraged to wear more period dress on the listfields.
  6. Full leg tights are now allowed
  7. Armor testing: there is now a more repeatable armor test available for use. Guidelines for building one are in the Marshal’s Handbook. Also, all armor must be tested at least once every two years. This means that a lot of people’s old armor is going to fail due to wear and tear. Now, we don’t expect everyone to immediately come onto the field with fresh, compliant armor, but everybody should get their gear up to spec as soon as possible.

Blades

  1. Diamond cross-section schlaegers are legal. This change was actually put in a while ago, but is pointed out here since it was so recent.
  2. Schlaegers do not need to have the tip cut flat, provided the tip was completely round from the factory. Also a change that pre-dated this revision.
  3. It is now illegal to alter blades by hammering, heating, etc. Such things were not allowed before but were not specified in the rules.
  4. Flexibility testing: there is now a test for whether a blade is "sufficiently flexible".

General Rules

  1. Take a long look at Section V.B – It is the responsibility of the fighter to get inspected. This will be a good question to add to single authorizations. Fighters who did not get inspected will be held accountable.
  2. Section V.C changes the wording of the calibration standard. It’s the definition in the Society rules. But it means the same thing. The calibration standard will not change. Anyone who has trouble with that will get to explore the "disciplinary process" in detail.
  3. Section V.E makes it the fighters responsibility to determine what weapons his opponent is using. Apply this to weapon length issue.
  4. The wording on cuts has changed slightly, but just for clarity. Cuts are the same.
  5. It is no longer legal to make hand-to-hand contact with your opponent on an off-hand parry. Some marshals asked this question during a single authorization so realize this is no longer legal.

Scoring System

  1. There are now two scoring systems. One is the same old traditional Eastern system that we’re all used to. The other is a derivation of the system outlined in the Society rules and used (in various forms) in other kingdoms. (The Society rules do not define cut length or whether draw/tip cuts will be accepted so these were things will vary from kingdom to kingdom.) The reason that the Society system is included in the rules so that fencers will be familiar with this system, as it will very likely be used at inter-kingdom events, such as Pennsic. This system is in the rules and fencers authorizing will be expected to be familiar with it. Fencers and mashals are encouraged to use this system at other events so that everyone will be comfortable with it. Some options include the MIC stating that the tournament will be run by Society scoring, or allowing the combatants to decide for themselves before each bout. The key to this system will be learning to judge whether a cut was six inches or not.
  2. Note that there is no mailed gauntlet under Society scoring.

Schlaeger

  1. Schlaeger may be freely used in tournament provided both combatants are authorized in it. A schlaeger marshal is not required to be supervising.
  2. A fighter wishing to authorize in schlaeger need only be authorized in three weapon forms rather than five (and meet the other requirements). However they will be tested in use with single schlaeger, schaleger and dagger, and case of schlaeger. If the candidate cannot handle those forms safely they will not authorize.
  3. The one-year-authorized requirement still stands.

Melee Rules

  1. Engagement rules have been clarified.
  2. All melee rules applicable to fencing have been included in the rules. There is no need to "fall back to the heavy list rules".
  3. Death from behind – use this with caution, especially in small halls.

 

 Final Rules