Updated for Wolf Call V. Subject to possible changes as necessary.

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Conditions of Participation

All those wishing to participate must have registered prior to the event’s deadline date. Participants must be 18 years or older. All fencers are eligible for the Open events. The Women’s+/Underrepresented Genders tournaments are open to those who identify as female, non-binary or transgender.

 

Swords

• Must be blunt and of suitable quality for fencing

• Federschwerts are to be used for the steel federschwert tournaments. A weapon by any generally decent maker like Regenyei or SIGI should suffice. A rolled or splayed tip is required, or use of thermoplastic to tip the sword. The same rules apply to sabre and sidesword.

• Traditional style longswords are to be used for the steel longsword tournament. Must be of reasonable quality by a reputable maker. Ideally will have a rolled tip or something to that effect. We will accept rounded tips but must not be virtually a point (we would still recommend tipping the sword in thermoplastic in this case).

• All weapons will be checked by the judges prior to the competition

 

Protective Equipment

• Fencing mask (1600N is recommended. 350N will suffice provided it isn’t a Leon Paul)

• Back of head protection is mandatory (preferably an overlay to be used but as long as the head is fully protected that will suffice)

• Gorget or similar throat protection is mandatory (if not incorporated into the jacket)

• Forearm and elbow protection is mandatory (if not incorporated into the jacket)

• You require gloves that are sufficiently protective for sparring with the weapon you are using. The standard and Dreadnought Red Dragon HEMA gloves are not permitted for the longsword events but are acceptable for the single handed events. Lighter gloves may be worn for the single handed events but we would recommend something more padded particularly if you are likely to use your off hand while competing

• Fencers require a protective HEMA jacket (800N recommended; must fully cover the torso i.e. no gambesons that are missing the armpits). In the case of longsword events lighter jackets like the SPES Officers or Red Dragon Light are not sufficient.

• 800N Plastrons are recommended (unless your jacket is 800N)

• Hard chest protection is highly recommended, especially in the case of female participants.

• Groin protection is recommended for all participants but mandatory for those whose anatomy requires it

• Thigh protection is highly recommended, be it fencing trousers, thigh plates or a fencing skirt.

• Knee and Shin protection is mandatory

 

Etiquette

• It is expected that all participants will be respectful towards their opponents and the judges.

• Participants are expected to pull your blows, only using appropriate force to score.

• Participants will be applauded for calling hits on themselves that have been missed.

• Participants are permitted to challenge a verdict, offer information or question a decision. However this must be done respectfully and not excessively.

• Participants will salute their opponent and the judges at the beginning of the bout.

• Participants will shake hands with/fist bump/hug their opponent at the end of the bout.

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Tournament Structure

The structure of each tournament will be determined when the number of participants has been confirmed.

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In the case of a simple round robin (everyone faces everyone) then at the end the wins will be added up. The winner will be determined by most matched won. In the event of a tie it will go to number of draws. If this is a tie it will go to total number of rounds won (federschwert and longsword only), and failing that most points accrued (which is hit value scored less hit value taken). If there is still a tie then a tie-breaker round can be played to settle the deadlock.

 

If there are quite a few participants then they will be split into a number of pools. Pools will ideally be split to distribute different clubs and balance the level of skill. Winners (and possibly runners up) of pools will then go into a knockout stage. Pool rankings are determined the same way as a round robin.

 

Match Structure

Federschwert and longsword matches consist of 3 rounds, The first to score 3 points will win the round. The points cap at 3, so it is not possible to score more than this. The match is determined by whom has won the most rounds. If each fencer wins a single round and the other is a double loss the match ends in a draw. If all 3 rounds are double losses then the match is also a double loss.

 

Sabre and sidesword matches consist of an undetermined number of exchanges. The match continues until one fencer reaches at least 8 points (maximum of 10). If the match ends 8-8 it is a draw. If 3 double kills are achieved then both fencers will lose the match and all points scored will be forfeit.

 

Scoring Points

Scoring points can be achieved by the following:

• Killing Blow – represents a hit that is deemed to have incapacitated your opponent (i.e. decent hit to the head, thrust to the chest, a decent cut to the torso). A clean disarm would also count as a kill. [3 POINTS]

• Wound – represents a hit that would damage your opponent but not immediately incapacitate them (i.e attack to arm or leg or a less significant cut to the torso)[1 POINT]

• Double Killing Blow – this occurs if both participants score a Killing Blow within the same tempo, be it two kills or in the case of federschwert and longsword a killing blow coupled with the opponents 3rd wound scored (0 POINTS EACH).

• In federschwert and longsword doubles are replayed ONCE; if the replayed round is also a double both fencers lose the round.

• In sabre and sidesword double kills are noted. If 3 occur in the match both fencers lose the match scoring 0-0 regardless of how many points were scored up to that point.

• Afterblow – afterblow is timed within the same movement

• Grappling – grappling is permitted provided it is executed with control; although not joint locks or throws. The controlling participant must either strike opponent with the weapon or disarm them to score as the grapple itself isn’t worth any points. Kicks are prohibited.

• Pommel strikes count as a wound, regardless of weapon or location. You can however score 3 consecutive wounds with 3 consecutive pommel strikes.

• Illegal targets are back of the head, spine, groin, back of the knee and foot. Fencers are advised to please not present these targets.

 

Match Outline

• Fencers begin the match in the centre with the judges. The head judge will ask fencers to salute the judges, touch swords and retreat to their assigned corner.

• The head judge will begin each round/exchange by confirming that the other judges, scorer and fencers are ready and then call “Fence/Fight” to begin.

• When a Killing Blow has been dealt one of the judges will call “Halt!”. Fencers must stop fencing and retreat to their corners. The same applies for any 1-point hit during the sabre and sidesword tournaments.

• In the federschwert and longsword tournaments a judge will call “Wound” if a 1-point hit has been dealt. Continue fencing. This will be done for any succeeding wounds unless it is the 3rd wound, in which case “Halt!” will be called.

• If fencer are leaving the ring or both fencers are engaged in a grapple for an extended time without dominance the head judge may also call “Halt!”

• “Halt!” may also be called by either judge for equipment failure, injury or any immediate safety concern.

• The judges will consider the exchange and announce result accordingly. If unsure they may consult with the fencers individually to determine possible outcome. If still unclear the exchange may be replayed.

• At the end of the match fencers should shake hands with/fist bump/hug each other and thank their judges.

 

Hit Quality

• Participants are expected to pull your blows, only using appropriate force to score.

• Only attacks with the edge, point or pommel will be scored.

• Hits of low quality (hit with the flat, light flicks, cuts with very small arc etc) should be disregarded by the judges.

 

Fouls and Penalties

In general fencers should be respectful towards the other fencers and all event staff and maintain good control of their weapons during their matches by not using excessive force or hitting illegal targets.

 

Judges are expected to use their own discretion towards calling of fouls and issuing of penalties.

• Most infractions should incur a verbal warning from the head judge. This is polite advice from them to the fencer to adjust their behaviour

• If fencers do not respond appropriately then penalties can be issued. This can take the form of point deductions or disqualification

• Severe or malicious infractions can lead to penalties without a warning

 

Examples of fouls are:

• Not heeding a judge’s instructions, including continuing to fence after “Halt!” has been called

• Injuring an opponent deliberately or due to negligence- includes illegal attacks and uncontrolled strikes with the weapon

• Hitting illegal targets deliberately

• Striking the floor

• Repeatedly leaving the ring

• Throws and kicks

• Turning your back on your opponent

• Interfering with the conduct of the bout- calling “Halt!” without good reason, repeated protests for no reason etc.

• Unsporting conduct- verbal abuse, displays of disrespect etc.