Rulebook Outline! Summary of the Rules of Combat!

Transcription

1 Rulebook Outline Summary of the Rules of Combat

2 Table of Contents Introduction 3 Summary of the Rules of Combat 4 Athletes, weapons, equipment 4 The Process of the Bouts 4 The Refereeing system 6 The Principles of Scoring 7 General rules 7 Further weapon-specific rules 8 Longsword competitions 8 Duelling Sabre competition 9 Single Rapier competition 10 Organisation of the competitions and classification 11 Fencing etiquette and disciplinary rules 14 Tournament Staff 15 2 of 20

3 Introduction This summary comprises the essential points of the full Rulebook devised for the Leon Paul - London HEMA Open Tournament Competitors and Seconds are strongly advised to read the Rulebook for detailed information on each topic within this document this outline is only a general introduction, and does not replace thorough knowledge of the Rules of the Competitions. The goal of this event is to assess fencing in a safe and friendly manner on the principle of 'to touch without being touched'. In common with historical rule-sets, competitions are explicitly an abstracted test of skill, and not a simulation of an unregulated combat to the finish in this sense, we shall regard each individual point as a separate 'duel', the loss of which is indicated by having a point called against the losing fencer. Our intention is to determine the relative ranking, and the best fencer, among the competitors present on the days of the competitions. 3 of 20

4 Summary of the Rules of Combat Athletes, weapons, equipment LP - LHO 15 is open to athletes of 18 years and older. The current format of the London Open tournament includes the following weapons: Open Longsword; Women's Longsword; Open Single Rapier; Open Duelling Sabre. Requirements for safety equipment and weapons are specified in the Equipment Standards, to be found in the Rulebook and in the Equipment Summary. The Process of the Bouts 1. The competitors present themselves in the arena when called by the referee before each pool or direct elimination bout, in appropriate gear conforming to the rules and be ready to fence. The referee carries out a quick equipment check before each round, and has the right to repeat this check any time he/she finds it necessary. 2. Each fencer is allowed one coach/second who is allowed to be near the arena during bouts. This person may speak to their fencer during breaks but may not disturb the bout with verbal or physical gestures. Generally, it is the fencer who should address the referee for help, clarification or appeals, the seconds should not interfere with the bout in any other way than advising their fencers during breaks. 3. The competitors called first place themselves to the right of the referee behind the on guard line. (In case of a left handed facing a right handed fencer, the left handed fencer is always placed on the left of the Referee) 4. Pool bouts last 2 minutes of effective fencing time; or until one of the fencers reaches 3 points. Direct Elimination bouts last 6 minutes of effective fencing time, with one minute resting period after two and four minutes; or until one of the fencers reaches 9 points. The 'End of Time' is going to be announced by a Timekeeper. 5. Before the beginning of each bout, the two fencers called on the arena salute to their opponent, and the referee. Competitors come on guard when the referee gives the order On guard, after which the referee asks, Are you ready?. On 4 of 20

5 the affirmative, or in the absence of a negative reply, the command will be given for fencing to commence with the word Fence. 6. The bout stops when the referee commands Halt. 7. No actions that have started before the command 'Fence' or after the command 'Halt' may be counted as valid. 8. Leaving the arena with both feet will result in a point awarded to the opponent. 9. After each valid hit (including the ones that don't score: double/simultaneous/after hits) the bout continues from the 'On guard' position, at the starting line. 10.However, in case the bout is stopped for other reasons than a valid hit (confused fencing, malfunction, etc.) the fencers keep the ground gained or lost. They are replaced in the position which they occupied when the bout was interrupted and retire an equal distance to achieve fencing distance, provided that this does not place them outside the arena. A grappling situation without scoring a point may be an exception, where the ground gained or lost cannot be judged properly in these cases, the bout continues from the 'On guard' lines, even if no point was scored. 11.When available, fencers have the right to appeal for video review once during a pool bout and twice during an elimination bout. We are working on providing official video assists, but in case no official review is available, and based on our practical experience, we are going to accept unofficial reviews. If the video review alters the referee's verdict in their favour, they retain the right to appeal for video review during that bout. For a complete understanding of details and conditions of video reviews, please read the Rulebook's regulations. 12.In case the points of the fencers are equal at the time limit, the following rules will be applied: 1. In a pool bout, the referee chooses one of the competitors through a cointoss. The bout continues for an additional minute, or until the first valid hit. In case of non-scoring valid hits (simultaneous action, double hit or afteraction), or no hit during the extra time whatsoever, the fencer randomly chosen wins. 2. In elimination bouts, an additional minute of time is given. If the fencers have equal points after the additional time, the same procedure as in pool bouts applies. 13.At the end of the bout the referee will announce the winner and the final score. The opponents shall salute to the referees and the opponent and shake hands with the opponent. 5 of 20

6 14.After the pool round and each direct elimination bout, the fencers shall check and sign the result sheet filled in by the referee during the bout, before leaving the arena. 15.For an injury or cramp which occurs in the course of a bout the referee will allow a break in the fight lasting up to 10 minutes (measured from the point when the qualified staff give their opinion). This time interval is reserved for the treatment of the injury or cramp which brought it about. No further interruption can be allowed in the same bout for the same injury. If the professional attendant deems the fencer unsafe/incapable to fence before or at the end of the 10-minute break, they have the authority to withdraw the fencer from the bout or the competition. 16.A second safety check will be performed by the referee directly before the bout to confirm completeness of safety gear and weapon. Fencers who appear in the arena wearing or using unapproved or incomplete equipment will be penalised according to the Rulebook's regulations, and will not be allowed to start or continue competing without having the item(s) approved or replaced with approved ones. (For further IMPORTANT details about equipment checking, please read the Equipment Standard brochure) The Refereeing system 17.The referee works with an assistant (side referee) and manages the time and protocol (when necessary, supported by an administrative crew). 18. The referee gives the signals to start, stop, assigns points and describes what happened during the entire assault or at least the last exchange. 19.After stopping the bout, the referee consults with the assistant and PROPOSES a result. If the fencers agree the result stays. 20.If the fencers accept the decision (they say nothing), the fight continues with the proposed score. If they don t agree with the referee, but they agree with each other, the referee will make a decision according to their wishes. If any of the fencers protests and the fencers disagree with each other, the referee will decide whether to assign a point (being completely sure) or repeat the assault. 21.If the referee is unable to interpret the fencing phrase for some reason, he/she can repeat the exchange but will explain and apologise. 22.Referees' decisions cannot be contested after the bout. 6 of 20

7 The Principles of Scoring General rules 23.General principle: Competitors simulate several "duels to the first blood" in each bout, which is performed for a set amount of time or until a set amount of hits. 24.Fencing time is the time required to perform one simple fencing action. In judging hits, referees will count simple and immediate actions that start up to the moment of the first hit, as relevant after-actions. 25.Double hits do not score in any of the weapons, in case both fencers get a valid hit within one period of fencing time 1, the result is annulled. Once a hit has landed, an action initiated by the fencer who is being hit does not score any more, and does not nullify the hit they received ("out of time"). Hits initiated at the same time, or before/during a hit being received, do not score in themselves, but nullify the opponent's hit ("within time"). 26.However, if this occurs three times in a row, the following rule is applied: The referee choses one of the fencers through a coin-toss. The fencer chosen this way has priority in the next double hit she/he gets the point. The roles switch after each double hits. This procedure will take place throughout the entire bout including additional times, both in pool and DE matches. 27.Forbidden actions 1. Neck-wrenching, throwing the opponent onto their head, full application of joint locks, small-joint manipulation, or other potentially dangerous wrestling techniques, punching, kicking, violent jostling, and throwing the weapon are strictly forbidden. 2. Excessive force, brutality or unnecessary violence are forbidden. 1 In case of (nearly) simultaneous hits performed within one period of fencing time, three different tactical situations are defined in the rules. a. A simultaneous hit is the result of similar conception and execution of both fencers at the same time. b. A double hit occurs when a fencer hits with an action he/she started after the opponent had started a direct attack, without diverting the threat and they both get hit within a period of fencing time ('within time'). c. An after-action is a double hit situation, where the fencer at fault starts a counter action in the moment of receiving a hit. An after action that the fencer has obviously determined after the first hit had landed or consists of composed movement (e.g. two distinct movements) are regarded as irrelevant. 7 of 20

8 Further weapon-specific rules Longsword competitions 28.All hits made with the true edge, the false edge and the tip of the blade are valid, as long as the hit is made with the distal 2/3 of the blade. The action must be performed in such a way that it would have caused a wound to an unarmoured opponent, had the weapon been sharp. Hits performed with the flat may be counted at the Referee's discretion, if they bear the characteristics of a coordinated and potent technique. 29.The target includes the whole of the fencer s body, including clothing and safety equipment, except for the back of the head, spine and back of the knee. 30.Hits performed with the pommel are allowed only on the covered or uncovered mesh part of the opponent's mask. 31.It is forbidden to hit with the cross-guard; and in all circumstances, to hit the back of the head, spine and back of the knee of the opponent and will be penalised. 32.When only one of the fencers receives a hit within one period of fencing time, the fencer who was hit is called one point against. 33.Close quarter combat and grappling are allowed with the following regulations: 1. Grappling on the opponent's blade is allowed, if the blade is controlled. Failing to control the blade will be counted as a point against the competitor who attempted to enter grappling. 2. Disarming techniques allowed and score a point, unless the disarmed fencer immediately controls the opponent's weapon and enters grappling. 3. Grappling actions that score a point are: # take-downs and throws if the agent remains standing, # take-downs and throws followed/accompanied by a simple and immediate hit with the weapon (within a period of fencing time), # pinning and controlling the opponent on the ground, and submission holds leading to the opponent submitting or until the Referee calls 'Halt'. 34.It is forbidden to continue attacking or to attack an opponent who has fallen over or lost his/her weapon, except for a simple and immediate cut following an intentional disarming action (within time), whether or not the disarming action lead to losing the weapon. 35.If a fencer accidentally drops the weapon, without the opponent's interaction, it does not count as disarming, and the Referee shall call 'Halt'. A hit that started before the fencer obviously lost the weapon should be counted as valid even if it 8 of 20

9 arrives afterwards, but in the spirit of sportsmanship, no intentional new attack should be initiated if the opponent has lost the weapon. Duelling Sabre competition 36.The rules are based on Hungarian duelling customs and rules in the XIXth century All cuts and thrusts made with the edge, back-edge or the tip of the blade are valid, as long as the hit is made with the distal 2/3 of the blade. The action must be performed in such a way that it would have caused a wound to an unarmoured opponent, had the weapon been sharp. Hits performed with the flat of the blade are not counted. Clear drawn cuts performed with the tip may be an exception, in case they are performed in an obviously coordinated manner. 38.The target includes the whole of the fencer s body, including clothing and safety equipment, except for the back of the head, spine and back of the knee. 39.It is forbidden to parry or to seize the opponent's hand, arms or weapon with the unarmed hand. 40.It is forbidden to hit with the guard, or the pommel. 41.It is forbidden in all circumstances, to hit the back of the head, spine and back of the knee of the opponent and will be penalised. 42.When only one of the fencers receives a hit within one period of fencing time, the fencer who was hit is called one point against. 43.Close quarter combat is allowed as long as there is no contact between the fencers' bodies (corps à corps). The Referee is going to allow to continue the phrase even after the sabre hilts have come in contact, as long as she/he is able to follow the actions and judge the assault properly. 44.If a fencer gets successfully disarmed through the actions of the opponent, the disarm scores a point in itself. 45.It is forbidden to continue attacking or to attack an opponent who has fallen over or lost his/her weapon, except for a simple and immediate cut following an intentional disarming action (within time), whether or not the disarming action lead to losing the weapon. 2 Hungarian Duel by Vilmos Clair; The Theory of the Noble Art of Fencing and the Rules of Dueling by Br. Samu Chappon, 1892; Sabre Fencing by Knight Gusztáv Arlow, Interpreted by Krisztina Nagy 9 of 20

10 46.If a fencer accidentally drops the weapon, without the opponent's interaction, it does not count as disarming, and the Referee shall call 'Halt'. A hit that started before the fencer obviously lost the weapon should be counted as valid even if it arrives afterwards, but in the spirit of sportsmanship, no intentional new attack should be initiated after the opponent has lost the weapon. 47.Grappling and body contact are not allowed in Dueling Sabre. The exchange is stopped when the fencers have come in contact (corps à corps). It is forbidden to repeatedly cause body contact in order to avoid being hit or to jostle the opponent. 48.Switching of the weapon hand is allowed only in case of injury of the original armed hand, disallowing to continue fencing with the same hand. Switching the hands in any other case or holding the sabre with two hands is not permitted. Single Rapier competition The rules are based on the historical conventions described by Giovanni Battista Gaiani in Attacks with the rapier score with the point only. Thrusts must land clearly on target, with enough positive pressure to have wounded the opponent had the weapon been sharp. 50.The target area for rapier includes any part of the body above the waist only (a horizontal line drawn between the top of the hip bones and then horizontally round the fencer s trunk), including the hands, clothing and safety equipment of the fencer. Only hits which arrive on the target are counted as valid. A hit which arrives on a non-valid part of the target is not counted as a hit; in obvious cases it does not stop the fencing and does not annul any subsequent hits. The Referee has the right to stop the exchange in ambiguous cases, even if the final decision is 'off target'. 51.A fencer who substitutes a non-valid part of a target for a valid part, either by covering it or by any abnormal movement, will be penalised and any hit scored by this fencer in this exchange is annulled. 52.It is allowed to parry with the unarmed hand. 53.It is forbidden to hit with the hilt, the cross-guard or the pommel; and in all circumstances, to hit the back of the head, spine and back of the knee of the opponent and will be penalised. 54.When only one of the fencers receives a hit within one period of fencing time, the fencer who was hit is scored a point against. 3 Translated and interpreted by Piermarco Terminiello 10 of 20

11 55.Close quarter combat is allowed in rapier competitions, the Referee is going to allow to continue the phrase even after the weapons' hilts have come in contact as long as she/he is able to follow and properly judge the action. The competitors may perform a discernible disarming action to, or seize the blade, the hilt or the arm of the opponent: 1. successful disarming of the opponent scores a point 2. seizing of the blade needs to be momentary, and followed by an immediate 'clean' hit to score a point. If the competitor cannot achieve a hit consequently to the blade-seizing, the Referee will call 'Halt' and award no point. 56.It is forbidden to continue attacking or to attack an opponent who has fallen over or lost his/her weapon, except for a simple and immediate thrust following an intentional disarming action (within time), whether or not the disarming action lead to losing the weapon. 57.If a fencer accidentally drops the weapon, without the opponent's interaction, it does not count as disarming, and the Referee shall call 'Halt'. A hit that started before the fencer obviously lost the weapon should be counted as valid even if it arrives afterwards, but in the spirit of sportsmanship, no intentional new attack should be initiated after the opponent has lost the weapon. 58.Grappling and body contact is not allowed in Single Rapier. The exchange is stopped after the fencers' bodies have come in contact (corps à corps) and everything that happens after that is annulled except for a disarm or weapon seizure with a simple and immediate hit resulting from the seizure that starts before having come in contact. 59.Switching of the weapon hand is allowed only in case of injury of the original armed hand, disallowing to continue fencing with the same hand. Switching the hands in any other case or holding the rapier with two hands is not permitted. 60. The round of pools: Organisation of the competitions and classification 1. In all competitions for which the formula includes a round of pools, these pools will consist of 8 fencers if the number of participants is divisible by 8. Otherwise the pools will be of 8 and In the pools a bout ends when: 1. One of the fencers has scored 3 hits. In this case the score registered on the score-sheet is the final score of the bout (V3 Dn, where n = the number of hits scored by the losing fencer). 11 of 20

12 2. Two minutes of effective fencing time have passed. (There is no warning for the last minute.) 1. If when the time limit expires there is a difference of at least one hit between the scores of the two fencers, the fencer who has scored the greater number of hits is declared winner. The score registered on the score-sheet is the actual score achieved in the bout (VN Dn, where N = the number of hits scored by the winning fencer and n = the number of hits scored by the losing fencer). 2. If at the end of regulation time the scores are equal, the fencers fence for a deciding hit, with a maximum time limit of one minute. Before the fencing recommences, the Referee draws lots to decide who will be the winner if scores are still equal at the end of the extra minute. 3. In this case the score registered on the score-sheet is always the actual score achieved in the bout: VN Dn if a deciding hit is scored within the time limit for the bout. V3 D3 or V2 D2 or V1 D1 or V0 D0 if the winner is designated by drawing lots. 4. Before the competition starts, the Organising Team will decide on and announce the number of fencers who will be eliminated based on the ranking established by the pools (20-30%). 5. After the pools, a single general ranking will be established of all the fencers who have taken part in the pools, taking account, successively, of the indices V/M, HS HR, HS. 6. (V = victories; M = bouts; HS = hits scored; HR = hits received.) 7. A summary classification table shall then be made in the following way: 1. The results written up on the summary table will be added up to ascertain the two indices required. 2. The first index, for the initial classification, shall be obtained by dividing the number of victories by the number of bouts fought, using the formula V/M. 3. The fencer with the highest index (maximum 1) will be seeded first. 4. In cases of equality in this first index, and to separate fencers with equal first indices, a second index will be established, using the formula HS HR, the difference between the total number of hits scored and hits received. 5. In cases of equality of the two indices V/M and HS HR, the fencer who has scored most hits will be seeded highest. 6. In cases of absolute equality between two or more fencers, their seeding order will be decided by drawing lots. 12 of 20

13 61.The direct elimination 7. Should there be absolute equality among the last to qualify there will not be a barrage, and the fencers with equal indicators will all qualify, even if they are in excess of the number decided on. 8. A fencer who withdraws, or who is excluded, is scratched from the pool, and his/her results are annulled as if he had not taken part. 9. For the pool score-sheet see Figure The direct elimination table (bout plan) complete or incomplete is established taking account of the classification table and the special rules for each competition (See Figure 2.) 2. The organisers of a competition publish the direct elimination bout plan, showing on it the scheduled time for each bout from the table of 64 onwards. 3. The direct elimination bouts are for 9 hits or end when the three periods of two minutes, with a one-minute rest between each period, have passed. 4. During the one-minute rests a person, named before the bout, may have access to the fencer. 5. The bout ends when: 1. One of the fencers has scored 9 hits; or 2. 6 minutes of effective fencing time have passed. 6. The fencer who has scored the greater number of hits is declared the winner. 7. If at the end of regulation time the scores are equal, the fencers fence for a deciding hit, with a maximum time limit of one minute. Before the fencing recommences the Referee draws lots to decide who will be the winner if scores are still equal at the end of the extra minute. In this case the score recorded on the score-sheet is the real score achieved in the bout. 8. Withdrawal: When, for whatever reason, a fencer cannot fence, or cannot complete his bout, his opponent is declared winner of that bout. A fencer who withdraws does not lose his place in the overall classification of the competition. 9. Order of bouts 1. In each round of the direct elimination table (256, 128, 64, 32, 16, 8 or 4), the bouts are always called in the order of the bout plan, starting at the top and ending at the bottom. 2. A fencer must always be allowed a rest period of ten minutes between two consecutive bouts. 10.For the direct elimination score-sheet see Figure Classification 1. The general classification is obtained as follows: 13 of 20

14 First: the winner of the bout for the first place Second: the loser of the bout for the first place 2. A bout for third and fourth places will be fought between the two losers of the semi-final matches. 3. The remainder are placed, within each round of the direct elimination, in accordance with their classification for the composition of the direct elimination table. Fencing etiquette and disciplinary rules 63.By the mere fact of entering a fencing competition, the fencers pledge their honour to observe the rules and the decisions of the officials, to be respectful towards the referees (referee and assistant) and to scrupulously obey their orders and injunctions. 64.By accepting a position as referee or assistant, the person so designated pledges his/her honour to respect the rules and to cause them to be respected, and to carry out his/her duties with the strictest impartiality and absolute concentration. 65.All persons who take part in or attend a fencing competition, including the spectators, must observe strictly and faithfully the particular rules for the competition in which they are engaged, the traditional customs of courtesy and integrity and the instructions of the officials. In particular they will subscribe, in an orderly, disciplined and sporting manner, to the following provisions; all breaches of these rules may entail punishments by the disciplinary authorities after, or even without, prior warning, according to the facts and circumstances. 66.Everybody taking part in or present at a fencing competition must remain orderly and must not disturb the smooth running of the competition. During bouts no one is allowed to approach the arenas in order to give advice to the fencers, or to interfere with the referee or the assistants. The second must remain in the space assigned to him/her. The referee must stop immediately any activity which disturbs the smooth running of the bout which he/she is refereeing 67.Any person who, for any reason, threatens or insults an official is eligible for immediate disqualification/expulsion from the premises. 68.No fencer may take part in the competition if he/she refuses to fence against any other fencer whatsoever correctly entered in the event. 69.All bouts must preserve the character of a courteous and frank encounter. All irregular actions (e.g. 'running in' attacks which finish with a collision; jostling the opponent; disorderly fencing; irregular movements in the arena; hits achieved with violence; blows struck with the crossguard; hits made during or after an accidental fall; failing to stop dangerous techniques short of full application, taking out fury on 14 of 20

15 the furniture or equipment of the venue) or anti-sporting behaviour are strictly forbidden. 70.Before the beginning of each bout, the two fencers must perform a fencer s salute to their opponent, to the referee and preferably to the spectators. Equally, when the final hit has been scored, the bout has not ended until the two fencers have saluted each other, the referee (and the spectators). 71.During or after a bout, even if the fencer has already left the arena, any act against the spirit of sportsmanship such as violently or dangerously throwing one s mask (or any other piece of equipment) will be penalised. 72.Punishable actions are acted on by verbal warnings, warnings (yellow card), point awarded to the opponent (red card) or disqualification and expulsion from the venue (black card), according to severity and repetition of offence, as detailed in the rulebook (see the table of offences, also attached to this summary). 73.The referee has the right to interrupt a bout if the play becomes confused, dangerous or she/he is unable to clearly judge the action any more. In absence of an objective scoring device, the fencing phrases are judged according to the referee and assistant's observation of the action. While fencers are welcome to address the referee for clarification or appeals before the final decision is made, the referee's judgment regarding facts is not to be questioned in retrospect. 74.The referee, and/or the organising team, on their own authority, can decide to expel from the competition venue, with or without a warning, any person who by his/her gestures, attitude or language disturbs the good order or smooth running of the event. For the table of offences and penalties see Figure 1. For details about penalties and jurisdiction please see the disciplinary rules section in the rulebook. Tournament Staff Medical/paramedic staff will assess possible injury/illness of the participants during/after bouts and advise on immediate management. The head of the organising team is responsible for the overall smooth running of the tournament. The organising team is available for questions, complaints, compliments, and suggestions, before during and after the event. The head of the refereeing committee oversees the allocation and performance of the referees and assistants. The refereeing committee can be approached 15 of 20

16 directly by the participants or their representatives, if questions regarding the performance of any of the referees are raised. The head of equipment inspection performs pre-tournament checks of safety equipment and weapons, stamps passed weapons and keeps a list of participants whose safety equipment has been deemed satisfactory. In case of any question, request or wish, please contact rules@hemaopen.co.uk. The Rulebook was created by Krisztina Nagy, with the contributions of Piermarco Terminiello, Claudia Krause, Joeli Takala, Artur Augustyniak, Fran Terminiello, Łukasz Majewski and Michael Smallridge. The Summary was created by Claudia Krause, Krisztina Nagy and Fran Terminiello. In the work to prepare the rules, we were inspired by existing rulesets of HEMA, regarding the content, and the FIE, regarding the form. We would like to express our gratitude for these works (a list of them is included in the Rulebook). 16 of 20

17 Figure 1 - Table of offences and penalties 4 4 References may change slightly in the final edition of the Rulebook; this won t affect the understanding of this table. 17 of 20

18 18 of 20

19 Figure 2 - Bout plan for direct elimination (table for 64 fencers) 19 of 20

20 Figure 3 - Score sheet and order of bouts for pool rounds Figure 4 - Score sheet for direct elimination bouts 20 of 20