Medieval Combat Society Sic Transit Gloria Mundi CODE OF SAFETY FOR SHOW ACTIVITIES 1. Purpose and scope of the Code of Safety for Show Activities 1.1 The code of safety is designed to remove or inhibit some of the more dangerous scenarios of The Society s activities without removing the potential for enjoyment, personal initiative or restricting individual styles. 1.2 Members agree that they participate in society activities with a we take part in this activity with our eyes open, knowing that we could be injured without recourse to The Society or our opponent. While The Society does provide public liability insurance which also covers members not involved in combat activities at the time of any incident, no form of person to person insurance for participants is provided. 1.3 In view of this a commonly agreed Code of Safety is both desirable and necessary in order to minimise the risks involved in The Society s activities and all members taking part in such activities agree to be bound by it. 2. Basic Health and Safety Responsibilities for Society Activities 2.1 All members of The Society have basic responsibilities for their own and others health and safety laid down by law. a) To take reasonable care of your own health and safety during any combat activity. b) To take reasonable care not to put other people fellow members and members of the public at rick by what you do or don t do in the course of any combat activity. c) To make sure you have received proper training to engage in any form of combat and you understand and follow The Society s policies that cover this activity. d) To ensure that your personal protective equipment and tools of the trade are of the necessary standard to perform correctly and are well maintained. e) To report any injuries, strains or illnesses you suffer as a result of the society s activity (as The Society may need to change the way things are done). 3. General Society Rules for Society Activities 3.1 The minimum age for members to participate in full combat at an event shall be 18 for foot combat, and Gunnery. Any member aged 16 or 17 years of age may train to fight as part of a Society event in foot combat as long as they have parental / legal guardian supervision. Any member under the age of 16 may take part in non contact foot combat training under parental / legal guardian supervision. All participants must receive permission to take part from The Society s relevant advisor. The minimum age for members to participate in an archery activity where the public is present shall be 6 years of age. The minimum age to take part in a combat archery (battle) event shall be 16 years as an archer, 18 years as a skirmisher. Members aged 4 and 5 may train to shoot but only at practice sessions where the public is not present. All members under the age of 18 must be under parental / legal guardian supervision when participating in archery activities. As well as the permissions noted above to participate in any activity where the public is present members must have also demonstrated a basic level of skill by completing a Safety Test. In foot combat the test shal be set and administerd by the Fight trainer/arranger. In archery To pass this test the member must demonstrate the ability to shoot 6 arrows, from a range of at least 15 (10 for junior members), all of which must hit within the diameter of a standard 60cm target Code of safety for show activities Page 1 of 10 Last Edit 03.03.2013
face in under one minute using safe technique and showing due awareness. The Society s Archery Master may request any member repeat this test at any time as a demonstration of continued competence. 3.2 Members shall behave in a responsible manner, at all times, during all combat activities. 3.3 Members shall not fight with or use equipment likely to prejudice safety. 3.4 Members shall wear approved protection (armour) in all combat situations. For Society foot combat events a minimum of metal head and hand protection is required (a minimum of padded jack is also recommended but not mandatory). Non Society events may impose higher minimum protection standards. 3.5 No member shall consume intoxicating liquor to excess prior to or during any combat activity. 3.6 Any member with a medical condition or disability which may prejudice their safety or the safety of others must inform the relevent advisor before taking part in a society activity so that he can make an informed decision as to their suitability to take part. 3.7 Any member taking prescribed controlled substances must notify the Tournament director before taking part in any society activity and will be registered as taking such. 3.8 Any member unlawfully taking controlled substances prior to or during any society activity will be excluded from participation in the activity and will also face possible expulsion from The Society. 3.9 At no point shall a member of the public be allowed to handle weaponry independantly of a Society member s supervision. 3.10 Combat activities where members of the public are present shall take place in an arena area surrounded by a double rope with a gap of at least six feet between the rope, or as laid out in accordance with relevent event rules. 3.11 Members taking part in an event as a skirmisher (that is where hand to hand combat will be accompanied by the use of either bows or firearms) must also follow the Code of Safety for Archery Activities and / or the Code of Safety for Gunnery Activities as appropriate. 3.12 The Society shall be aware of any rules passed by official bodies in local, national or regional government in relation to The Society s combat activities and will institute them as soon as they are discovered. Melee combat Equipment for Combat Activities 4.1 The final decision as to the suitability of an item of equipment for use in combat activities rests with The Society s Weapons Master. 4.2 All equipment must be safe to use, well maintained and fitting for the period of time as portrayed by The Society. However, in any situation where a conflict exists between the need for authenticity and the need for safety, then the need for safety will take priority. 4.3 All weapon points should be rounded to no less than the contours of a pound coin. 4.4 All weapons impacting edges and points should have a thickness of at least 2mm. 4.5 All weapons and armour including shields should be kept free from rust, dirt, nicks, burrs and other sharp edges. 4.6 Metal used for plate armour should be steel of a minimum thickness of 16 gauge. It is recommended that helms are made from steel with a minimum thickness of 12-14 gauge. Weapons Classifications fall into three group types: - 1. Blade weapons: A Sword is generally over 18 Inches long; a dagger is usually less than 18 inches long. 2. Blunt Force Weapons: Axes, Flails, Mauls & Maces. We recommend you use Hickory shafts on these types of weapons & feed the wood with Linseed oil (Chain flail type weapons were agreed banned due to a limited control). NB: Hickory is a fibrous wood, which usually splits down its length before shearing off, Ash will usually shear away allowing the weapon head to fly off. 3. Pole Weapons: keep them to earlier medieval types with good shafts (no longer than 8ft). Heads and blades should be sturdy enough to not bend (inelastically) under pressure (bending eventually results Code of safety for show activities Page 2 of 10 Last Edit 03.03.2013
in breakage s by metal fatigue). We recommend you do NOT use Ramin (Dowel) for Pole wapons; use Ash, seasoned Pine or other good flexing wood. All weapons over 18 inches, including Spearheads, Bills, Axe, Glaive, Bardische, & Mace flanges should have a minimum impact edge of ~3mm and be substantial enough to not bend or break. Any bladed weapon less than 18 inches (Daggers etc) should have a minimum 1mm cutting edge and no sharp points. Every weapon should have their points rounded to more than the curvature of a one pound coin.), with tips hammer blunted to 3mm thickness (where its required). Pole weapons should not be (significantly) longer than your vertical reach (i.e. less than 8 feet). Food Knives (sharp) should be tied into a sheath and never ever be taken onto a battlefield. Brokem weapons should be discarded to a safe place immediately. All metal (armour, blades & shields) are to be deburred regularly and be free from rust. Sharp or pointed blades are not permitted on tournament field. Armour No Helmet No Gloves No Fight Helmets are mandatory in all combat situations, including training. The minimum requirement is that a helmet should be able to stop a heavy (accidental!) blow. If you plan to accept headshots your helmet must be sufficiently constructed to withstand repeated blows. It should also cushion your head against these impacts. Aluminium Helms are generally not suitable. Hand Protection is also mandatory. Gauntlets can be constructed from mail, plate or leather, but should be sufficient to withstand a blow across the hand, and reduce it to a merely painful experience. Other Armour. The minimum recommended body protection battles is a good padded jack. If the jack is sleeveless, the arms must be alternatively covered so that no bare flesh is visible. The amount of armour worn over other areas is still discretionary. Avoid defensive equipment which appears to offer more protection than it does. For instance steel armour should be at least 16 gauge EMA recommends 18 gauge. Inadequate look-a-like armour, be it mail, plate or padded, sends the wrong signals to your opponent, and is often worse than no armour at all. Be aware that a surcoat without body protection can be misleading, particularly if armour is visible on other locations. Shields should be (1.6mm) steel over plywood or (2mm) steel, or banded heavy plywood. Conduct of Combat Activities 5.1 The final decision as to the suitability of any person to take part in combat activities and the suitability of a location for combat activities to take place rests with The Socoety s Fight Trainer / Arranger. 5.2 All combat activities must take place under the direct supervision of the Fight Trainer / Arranger or a Knights Marshall or other Marshall appointed by him. 5.3 During a combat activity the word of the Fight Trainer / Arranger, Knights Marshall or any other Marshall on the field is law on all matters relating to combat and must be obeyed without question at all times. 5.4 Combatants should only use weapons with which they and their opponent have trained with and are fully familiar with. 5.5 The Society s fighting technique only allows for six recognised blows. All other attacks must be avoided. All blows should land within 1 of their attended target. a) A head blow: delivered as a downward stroke onto the helm within 22 degrees either side of an imaginary centreline from the middle of the helm. b) A blow to the upper arm: delivered as a downward angled stroke at 30 degrees to the bicep. c) A blow to the upper or lower leg: delivered as a downward angled stroke at 45 degrees to the mid thigh or the mid calf. d) A thrust: delivered to the centre of the shield or to the belt buckle. Code of safety for show activities Page 3 of 10 Last Edit 03.03.2013
e) A strike to the back: delivered with the flat of the sword to the point below the shoulder blades and above the kidneys, or to the buttocks / upper thigh or to the upper third of the helm. This blow should not be used on an opponent already engaged in combat with another participant. f) A shield strike: delivered as a direct blow to an opponent s shield. 5.7 The attacker must possess the ability to turn the sword to a flat edge in the imminent event of contact with his opponent s body. 5.8 Blows should never be delivered to unprotected parts of the body, especially where bones come close to the surface skin, e.g. elbows, knees, collarbones, wrists etc. 5.9 Care must be taken not to raise shields or other weapons directly towards the opponents face. 5.10 At a cry of HOLD issued by any person for any reason all combat activities must be stopped immediately. Even if the reason for the cry is not apparent. 5.11 Members of The Society will not participate in crowd charges at any event for any reason. 6. Chivalry and Attitude to Combat Activities 6.1 Fighters must at all times be fully aware of their actions and the environment in which they are fighting. 6.2 Anger, lack of consideration, an excessively competitive or aggressive attitude (other than that simulated) or an uncontrollable urge to win regardless is to be avoided. 6.3 Fights should, where possible be discussed in advance with your opponent, particularly if you are using one of the less common weapons. It is also desirable that after combat a discussion take place to identify where any improvements can be made. 6.4 Fighters should be able to recognise their opponent s limitations and work within them. 6.5 Steam rolling a less experienced combatant should be avoided as this provides no real victory and is of no learning value to either participant. 6.6 Every participant in an event should set out with the intention of providing their opponent a safe and enjoyable combat. 6.7 It is considered that every participant in any activity should attempt to make that activity as enjoyable as possible, both for Marshals Armour and Weapons Marshals will usually wear armour, for their own protection. In addition a marshal may carry a staff, or pole, or similar, but usually no other sort of weapon. Any weapons and armour carried by a Marshal are for their own protection, and they are strictly non-combatant. Attacking a Marshal is a very serious offence unless argrred as part of the show. Marshal s Authority The Marshals decision are final, and require mandatory obedience. On the field they are final arbiter and judge of conduct. Regardless of whether you agree with any decision, accept it. You will have your chance to dispute it later. o If you disagree with the decision of a Marshal, try not to engage them in a full-scale argument on the field; you both have something else to get on with! Contain yourself until after the battle. o If you are still aggrieved after the battle find the tournament director. Discuss the problem with them. Accept that they are responsible for what happens on the field, and that they have no obligation to use your rules or guidelines. Their decision is completely final. They may, however, agree with you. o No one is perfect and educating Combatants and Marshals alike is an on-going process. Helping Marshals If any Marshal asks for your help, regardless of what you are doing, go to their aid as quickly as possible. If a Marshal appears to be having difficulties, particularly with another combatant, be ready to offer your help. Tread carefully though; there is some sort of disagreement going on. Remember it is not a question of right or wrong, the Marshal s decision is final. Dealing with Trouble. Marshals are encouraged to be pro-active. We would all like to be left alone to get on with it, but the consequences of ignoring problems, for the sake of a quiet life, are extremely serious. Any Marshal turning a blind eye will have to answer to their conscience when a preventable injury occurs. Code of safety for show activities Page 4 of 10 Last Edit 03.03.2013
Mashals may handle a situation in a number of ways, ranging from a quiet word, during a lull in fighting, to instructions shouted during a melee, to expelling a persistent offender or dangerous combatant from the field. The tournament director may choose to compile a list of people who adopt habits generally considered to be dangerous or cheating. In addition a Marshal sending an individual off the field, for behaviour that is persistently dangerous or cheating, will issue the individual with a warning note. If three notes are issued in one year, a one-year ban from the field is imposed. Fast Accurate Safe Technique (FAST) system (for Swordsmen) Head blows: (for those groups who use them), a vertical downward stroke to the centre of the helm (of about 12 either side of the centre line), delivered without force. Headshots must not be horizontal or uppercut, these are very dangerous. Upper torso: to the biceps/shield only, - as a downward angled blow (of ablout 45 ). Be careful to avoid Forearms, Elbows, Neck and Shoulder joints. Upper thigh: to the fleshiest part of the thigh, as an angled downward stroke (between 12 to 40 ). Take care to avoid the Pelvis and joint bones, also the whole area of the Knee. Calf Muscle: is the same motion as the upper thigh. Take care to avoid the area of the Knee and the Ankle. Thrust: must only be delivered to the area of the belt buckle. Take great care to avoid the Groin, Pelvis and Solar Plexus. Telegraph Weapons should travel at least 1 meter to telegraph (2 metres is preferable) before impact. Pole Weapons There are a variety of techniques for fighting with ople weapons, but ideally they should be used in the conventional way: Over-Hand Grip Over-Hand Grip: The preferred grip technique is the overhand grip, that is both hands holding the pole over the top, palms down. In this grip the pole cannot easily be knocked up out of the grip, only down. Under-Head Grip The Under-Hand Grip, where the front hand cups the pole from below (back hand as above), should be aware that only the thumb prevents the pole from being knocked up, and should accordingly keep the height of the pole low. No Sliding: During a thrust, or any other movement, both hands must remain firmly gripped on the pole. Sliding the pole through the front hand during a thrust (also called sliding) or at the end of a thrust (sometimes called cueing) must not be used. Changing Grip: The grip on the pole may be changed when the pole is at rest, between a broad defensive grip and shorter attacking grip. However, the grip on the pole must always be at least as wide apart as the user s shoulders. That is to say, the arms should be parallel or A shaped, never V shaped. Thrusting: As well as avoiding all the usual illegal target areas all thrusts must be kept below the formed by shoulders and breastbone. Blocking: Generally the pole is held pointing diagonally downwards during a block. The front hand should be a little above waist height, back hand at head height. Against thrusts, the best defensive movement, particularly for high blows, keeps the front elbow tucked firmly against the ribs; the back hand then rolls the pole over the head, pivoting around the front elbow. This motion may at first seem awkward, but it protects both the elbow and the face from deflected blows. It also prevents the blow being knocked up into a neighbouring combatants face. Finally it provides a strong block, which creates better opportunities for a riposte. Other Weapons Code of safety for show activities Page 5 of 10 Last Edit 03.03.2013
Most blunt force weapons, such as Axes, Mauls or Maces, will follow similar techniques to swords, with the caveat that these weapons are not balanced and are therefore much harder to pull, and a correspondding amount of common sense and caution should be used. Zweihanders, Bardisches, long hafted Axes and the like use a combination of techniques, some similar to sword techniques, some similar to pole techniques, some unique to that type of weapon. However these are weapons for experienced combatants who can hopefully work out which safety guidelines apply to their weapon, and what alse constitutes safe technique. Archery Equipment for Archery Activities 5.1 The final decision as to the suitability of an item of equipment for use in archery activities rests with The Society s Archery Master. 5.2 All equipment must be safe to use, well maintained and fitting for the period of time as portrayed by The Society. However, in any situation where a conflict exists between the need for authenticity and the need for safety, then the need for safety will take priority. 5.3 Archers should only use weapons with which they have trained with and are fully familiar with. 5.4 All arrows will be checked on a regular basis; any found with defects will be discarded and if beyond repair broken to avoid accidental use. This check must include the condition and presence of nocks, points and fletching. 5.5 All bows will be checked on a regular basis for cracking or twisting and that nocks and grips (if present) are sound. If a bow is found to be defective it must be repaired or retired. If in any doubt have it checked by the Archery Master before any further use. 5.6 All bowstrings are to be checked before use any found to be defective or frayed must be replaced. 5.7 Bows must not be drawn back further than the draw length for which they were constructed. Overdrawing can break the bow and injure the shooter in the process. 5.8 Bows must not be drawn unless there is an arrow on them, and bowstrings must not be released without an arrow on them; this is known as dry shooting and can result in bow damage. 5.9 Members must not shoot in costumes that could cause danger when shooting. Particular examples of this are the wearing of helms with restrictive vision and costumes with tippets or liripipes which could tangle in a bowstring. 5.10 Long hair must be tied back when shooting or otherwise covered with an appropriate headdress. 5.11 Although no evidence exists for the use of bracers, shooting gloves or tabs in the 14 th Century these items may be used if required in the interests of safety. Members are advised that a shooting glove is considered more appropriate than a tab as these are shown in 15 th Century art. 5.12 Due to the relatively short ranges at which The Society shoots, arrows must feature a minimum of 4 fletchings. Speed fletched arrows are not permissible. 5.13 Arrows to be used for combat or on the battlefield must feature a minimum of 5 full feather fletchings, and use a Red Head blunt over a flat ended shaft. A Red Head must NEVER be placed over a regular arrow point. The use of Green (Eco-Blunt) or Black (Speedblunt) heads is not allowed at society events and it is recommended that members do not use them if provided at an open event due to concerns over the safety of these types of blunt. 5.14 Arrows should be used which are appropriate to the draw length of the archer and the draw length of the bow being used. Under length arrows can be drawn inside the bow, over length arrows are inherently inaccurate and therefore dangerous. 5.15 Sharp and Blunt arrows must not be stored or carried together. Blunt arrows should never be used for target shooting due to the danger from rebounds. It goes without saying that sharp arrows should never be used for combat. 5.16 Society equipment including bows, arrows, nets, targets and target stands should be inspected for damage before and after use. Any defects must be reported to the Archery Master. Conduct of Archery Activities Code of safety for show activities Page 6 of 10 Last Edit 03.03.2013
6.1 The final decision as to the suitability of any person to take part in archery activities and the suitability of a location for archery activities to take place rests with The Society s Archery Master. 6.2 All archery activities must take place under the direct supervision of the Archery Master or a Line Captain appointed by him. 6.3 During an archery activity The Archery Master or Line Captain on the fields word is law on all matters relating to combat and must be obeyed without question at all times. 6.4 Stooting must take place from the shooting line only. 6.5 Archers must remain between the stooting line and back line at all times when shooting is taking place. Never shoot an arrow unless you are positive that no one is in front of you or behind the target. Never stand in front of a bow whilst it is being shot even if you are to one side of the shooter. 6.6 If it is necessary for archers to shoot at different ranges that targets should be brought forward of the target line. Archers should not be moved forward of the shooting line. 6.7 Arrows must only be nocked when at the shooting line and with the bow facing the target line. 6.8 Commands used on a MCS ranges or battle shoot shall be as follows. a) FAST Hold fast, stop shooting, no further shooting is allowed until a further command is given. Under no circumstances must an arrow be loosed after the FAST command is given. If you have an arrow on your bow do not shoot and allow the bow to come down. b) ARCHERS READY Check that the range is clear and prepare to shoot. Never move forward of the shooting line once this command has been given. c) COME DOWN Under control, reduce tension on the bow string without releasing any nocked arrow. Lower the blow to point towards the ground and then allow any nocked arrow to fall from the bow. d) NOCK Place an arrow on the string, select a target and prepare to shoot. Do not draw your bow on the command to NOCK as on a battlefield there will probably be arrows landing around you while the NOCK command is given. Some archery captains use the command MARK in place of NOCK. e) DRAW Draw your bow and take aim. Do not release the arrow until the command to LOOSE. f) LOOSE Take your shot and release the arrow. If you are not ready to shoot when the LOOSE command is given allow the bow to come down and wait for the next set of commands. Do not release the arrow late. g) COLLECT SHAFTS Move down the range to the target line and recover your arrows. Never move forward of the shooting line until this command is given. h) WARE ARROWS A battlefield command to indicate that arrows are approaching. Lower your eyes and brace yourself in case you are hit. Under no circumstances look up to watch the arrows. 6.9 Only the Archery Master or Line Captain should issue commands with the exception of FAST or WARE ARROWS which should be used by any person at any time if a potential danger is perceived. 6.10 At a cry of FAST issued by any person for any reason all archery activities must be stopped immediately, even if the reason for the cry is not apparent. 6.11 Arrows which fall from the bow or are otherwise miss-shot which land in front of the shooting line must not be recovered while shooting is taken place and should be considered as shot. 6.12 When collecting arrows do not run towards the targets, always walk. Remember that arrows are sticking out of the target and possibly the ground and can cause injury. 6.13 When pulling arrows out of the target archers must stand to one side the target and insure no one is directly in front of the target. Arrows can be as dangerous coming out of the boss as they were going in. 6.14 Arrow points detached in a target should be recovered immediately using pile pasher. If this is not possible the impact point should be marked and the point recovered as soon as is realistically possible. Points left in a boss create a rebound hazard. Safe Technique and Attitude to Archery Activities 7.1 Archers must at all times be fully aware of their actions and the environment in which they are shooting. 7.2 Never point a bow with a nocked sharp arrow at another person. It is only acceptable to shoot at a person for display purposes if the target is suitably armoured and then only using suitable equipment including blunt, slow fletched arrows. 7.3 An arrow must never be shot straignt up into the sir. As what goes up must come down, you risk hitting yourself or another person on the shooting line. Code of safety for show activities Page 7 of 10 Last Edit 03.03.2013
7.4 Never shoot an arrow off into the distance if you cannot see where it will land, again there it the possibility of hitting another person. 7.5 Bows should be drawn upwards using the V-draw technique. The T-draw is acceptable on the grounds of safety but is not appropriate for historical longbow shooting. The kyudo draw is specifically prohibited due to the danger of a bad loose releasing an arrow upwards. 7.6 Archers should only use the Mediterranean (3 finger split) release. Flemish (2 finger) and Mongolian (Thumb) draws are not suitable due to their inherent lack of control. 7.7 When drawing a bow an archer must take no action or use any technique which could cause an arrow, if accidently released, to travel beyond the stop line or side lines. 7.8 In order to maintain control a smooth draw must be used at all times. Even when speed shooting snap or snatvh draws should not be used. 7.9 Care must be taken not to allow an arrow to be drawn inside of the bow to prevent the possibility of the arrow point contacting the archers bow hand (causing injury) or the bow (causing severe equipment damage and injury). 7.10 It is considered that every participant in any activity should attempt to make that activity as enjoyable as possible, both for themselves and all other participants without taking any action that would prejudice their safety. Have-A-Go Archery 8.1 Members of the public may not enter the range or shoot except at a specifically arranger have-a-go archery session. 8.2 No member shall assist with a have-a-go archery session without the express permission of the Archery Master. 8.3 Members must complete a specific Society training session on have-a-go archery before they mey be considered to assist with such a session. The Society s Archery Master may request any member to repeat this training at any time as required for continued competence. 8.4 During have-a-go sessions appropriate safety equipment (tabs, bracers and hair bands) should be availble for use by the public if required. 8.5 Only approved training bows may be used for have-a-go archery. Under no circumstances should members personal equipment be used by members of the public. Gunnery Equipment for Gunnery Activities 4.1 The final decision as to the suitability of an item of equipment for use in gunnery activities rests with The Society s Gunnery Master. 4.2 All equipment must be safe to use, well maintained and fitting for the period of time as portrayed by The Society. However, in any situation where a conflict exists between the need for authenticity and the need for safety, them the need for safety will take priority. Conduct of Gunnery Activities 5.1 The final decision as to the suitability of any person to take part in gunnery activities and the suitability of a location for gunnery activities to take place rests with The gunnery advisor. 5.2 All gunnery activities must take place under the direct supervision of the Gunnery Master or the Gun Captain appointed by him. 5.3 During any gunnery activity the word of the Gunnery Master or Gun Captain on the field is law on all matters relating to gunnery and must be obeyed without question at all times. 5.4 Gunners should only use equipment with which they have trained with and are fully familiar with. Sequence of Operation for a Gunnery Display 6.1 The gun barrel and carriage components should be visually inspected during assembly to ensure they are in sound condition and correctly assembled. Code of safety for show activities Page 8 of 10 Last Edit 03.03.2013
6.2 Black powder preparation will be carried out in a tidy area, well away from any sources of ignition. The black powder charges are pre-measured into cartridges made from paper, only the amount of cartridges required for a given display will be made and all cartridges a stored in a wooden box with a closable latched lid. 6.3 A gun captain is to be identified for the display. This person must hold a valid shotgun and explosives acquire certificate. Under normal circumstances the gun crew will consist of three members, the gun captain who will load the charges and oversee the operation of the gun crew for the duration of the display the first crew member will use the ramrod and the wet swab, and the second crew member will use the screw and the dry swab. 6.4 All members of the gun crew must be trained prior to any operation of the gun, they must be familiar with all the tools and fully understand the reasons for their various operations. 6.5 Prior to the display all gun tools will be checked. Any found to be defective will be discarded and replaced. The gun captain will keep his priming powder in a measured powder flask, he will use only a non-ferrous cartridge pricker and use only a linstock and match for gun ignition. 6.6 At the start of the display the piece will always be positioned in such a way that it is never aimed at any persons and with the barrel of the gun at maximum elevation. The box containing the powder charges will be placed to the rear of the gun at a distance of no less than six feet. The tools will be placed on the appropriate side of the piece. The piece will always be cleaned prior to any discharge at the beginning of any display; at no time is any member of the gun crew to position themselves in front of the gun barrel during its operation in any display. 6.7 At no time will any crew member place his or her hands over the end of any gun tools. All tools must be used only with hands wrapped around the tool shaft, in the case of the ramrod and screw they have been made with extra long shafts as these are the only tools put into the barrel when it is charged. 6.8 To load and fire the gun captain will open the powder box, remove a single cartridge and close the powder box. The gun captain will place the cartridge in the end of the gun barrel and indicate to a crewmember that they may ram home the charge. The crew-member charged with ramming will then, using the ramrod, gently slide the charge to the base of the barrel and then ram it home firmly. The same crewmember will then remove the ramrod and place it ready for the next operation. 6.9 The gun captain will then pierce the paper cartridge using a non-ferrous pricker through the touch-hole. The gun captain will use his powder flask to fill the touch-hole with fine powder to prime the piece. 6.10 The crew-member who is nominated to fire the piece will be handed the linstock with the burning slow match in place, any build up of ash on the slow match will be removed as this may prevent ignition of the priming powder. 6.11 A final check will be made to ensure that the field of fire is clear; at no time will the piece be fired if there is any doubt as to the safety of others and or the gun-crew. 6.12 Prior to firing of the piece a warning will be given, this is to make aware to other persons in the vicinity of the piece that it is about to be discharged, the warning is usually a loud shout of HAVE A CARE. The match is then put to the touch-hole using the full length of the extended arm and the length of the linstock; this ensures that the crew member is kept as far from the touch-hole as is possible. 6.13 After the piece has been fired scraps of paper and powder residue will remain inside the barrel. It is essential that this material is removed / extinguished to ensure no pre-ignition of a charge occurs during the next loading operation. 6.14 The gun screw will be used to remove any paper remaining in the barrel. It is possible to identify whether there is any paper remaining by the sound the tool makes while rotating against the botton of the barrel. 6.15 The wet swab will then be slid to the end of the barrel and rotated. The gun captain will then place a finger over the touch-hole and the swab will be removed in a single motion. This process creates a vacuum which, together with the water from the wet swab, helps to extinguish any remaining embers. 6.16 The dry swab will then be slid to the end of the barrel and rotated to dry the barrel after the wet swab has been used. The gun captain will again place his finger over the touch-hole during the removal of the dry swab. 6.17 The piece will then be ready for the next loading and firing sequence. Code of safety for show activities Page 9 of 10 Last Edit 03.03.2013
6.18 On occasions the main charge may fail to fire when the priming charge in ignited. In this event (a misfire) the gun captain will clear the touch-hole using the pricker and check that the paper cartridge has been pricked, the piece can then be primed again and fired as normal. 6.19 The above process may be repeated, but if it becomes clear that the charge will not fire then the charge will be removed using the screw. Extreme care must be exercised while carrying out this operation to ensure that the charge is not ignited accidentally. Attitude to Gunnery Activities 7.1 Gunners must at all times be fully aware of their actions and the environment in which they are shooting. 7.2 Gunnery is potentially the most dangerous of all MCS activities. Members should take extra care when engaged in gunnery activities to check and double check that all safety requiredments are being met and that care and common sense are applied at all times. 7.3 It is considered that every participant in any activity should attempt to make that activity as enjoyable as possible, both for themselves and all other participants without taking any action that would prejudice their safety. 7.4 All members should be aware of the following COSHH information with regard to black power being used whether by themselves or by others in their immediate environs. Non Combat Equipment for Non Combat Activities 4.1 The final decision as to the suitability of an item of equipment for use in non combat activities rests with The costume and equipment advisor. 4.2 All equipment must be safe to use, well maintained and fitting for the period of time as portrayed by The Society. However, in any situation where a conflict exists between the need for authenticity and the need for safety, then the need for safety will take priority. Code of safety for show activities Page 10 of 10 Last Edit 03.03.2013