Proposed New Combat Rules

Proposed New Combat Rules (DRAFT)

The author feels that the current combat rules do not accurately reflect how the club works and does not give a realistic structure for authorisation and grading of combatants.

The current six-tier system is arbitrary and outdated, with references to wooden weapons and a lack of consideration of the availability of store-bought weapons and armour on the internet.

A new structure needs to take into account a fighter’s capability with weapons as well as their possession of appropriate combat gear and soft costume. It should also provide a goal towards which a fighter may work. These combat rules do not account for non-fighting members of the club.

Major changes

These proposed rules make the following major changes:

1. The old six-tier grading structure has been removed and replaced with three Ranks plus a number of Proficiencies for weapons, weapon combinations and combat situations. Rank and Proficiencies are now required to be recorded on the website.
2. All references to wooden weapons have been removed.
3. Marshalls have been removed and replaced with powers delegated by the Chief Marshall to other members of Veteran rank. The Chief Marshall is now required to appoint a Veteran as Acting Chief Marshall in the event of an extended absence.
4. The period after which rank is revoked due to lack of training has been extended from 10 weeks to one year.
5. Helmet standards have been altered to account for single-piece and spun dome style helmets. Previously only framed or frameless spangenhelms were legal.
6. The absolute requirement for lower limb protection has been removed. Lower limb protection is now in the “strongly recommended” category along with vambraces, cricket boxes and mouthguards.
7. Calls of “Hold” and “List” have been specified.
8. The procedure for calling a General Meeting of Combatants has been clarified.
9. Language has been clarified throughout.