Kingdom of Meridies Rapier Combat Rules

Appendices
A.S. XXXIV
(Saturday, May 1, 1999)
(Revised: Wednesday, Oct 15, 2003)
(Revised: Thursday, Aug 19, 2004)

1: Testing Standards for SCA Rapier Combat
2: Procedures for Experimentation in Rapier Combat
3: Typical Authorization Procedure
4: Supplemental Epée Authorization
5: Approved Blades (Added 10/15/03) (Revised 8/19/04)

Rapier Rules
Marshal Handbook

APPENDIX #1:  TESTING STANDARDS FOR SCA RAPIER COMBAT

   1. FABRIC TESTING FOR PROTECTIVE GEAR
      Tests known to be acceptable are:
         1. Cloth or garment manufacturer's commercial certification that a fabric is rated to 550N. (Documentation must be available at the time of inspection.)
         2. Use of 550N garment punch test devices, manufactured by sources acceptable to the Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier Combat. Such a device shall be used in accordance with its' instructions.
         3. Use of a drop test device which delivers a force, on dropping, of 4 joules. An example is a dull, flat 5/32" (4 mm) metal rod mounted on a 1.4 kg weight and dropped down a guide tube from 30cm (1 foot) onto the fabric sample. The sample must be held firm over a 4" diameter can or frame by rubber band or clamp when the drop test is applied.
         4. Use of a flat-broken foil blade to thrust against the material. To conduct this test, lay the material to be tested on firm ground or penetrable material (not hardpacked dirt, concrete, or similarly hard surfaces). Holding the broken blade in both hands, punch the material four times, increasing the force each time. After each punch, examine the material.

      For these tests, if the material in question has been completely penetrated, or penetrated in more than one layer, it fails. If only the top layer has been damaged, then it passes.

   2. BLADE FLEXIBILITY TESTING
      If doubt exists about a weapon's flexibility, an acceptable field test is:
      Hold weapon parallel to the ground, supporting handle against table or bench if necessary.  Hang a 3 ounce weight (85 grams) just behind the tip.  If the blade flexes visibly (More than 1/4 inch <6mm>), the blade is sufficiently flexible.
       

APPENDIX #2:  PROCEDURES FOR EXPERIMENTATION IN RAPIER COMBAT

    Before any new weapon or technique can be used in Society Rapier Combat, a test plan must be submitted to and approved by the Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier Combat. This plan shall describe:

        * the new weapon or technique
        * specifics of materials used and construction of the weapon (as appropriate)
        * the proposed uses of the new weapon or technique
        * all restrictions that will be imposed during the experimental period
        * how long the test period will be.

    It is the prerogative of the Kingdom Rapier Marshal, subject to the above, and to approval of the Earl Marshal, to allow testing of new weapons or techniques within Meridies. Testing means the weapon or technique may be used at fighter practice, tourneys, and in small melees after all combatants and marshals have been informed the weapon or technique is being tested and that it is not approved for general SCA use. All combatants and marshals must consent to the use of the weapon or technique before combat begins. If any of the marshals or combatants object to the use of the weapon or technique, it may not be used.

    At regular intervals the Kingdom Rapier Marshal shall report to the Earl Marshal, and the Deputy Society Marshal, on the progress and results of the experiment. At the end of the test period the Kingdom Rapier Marshal will provide the Deputy Society Marshal with a test summary, to include a list of injuries that resulted from the use of the weapon or technique, and any concerns from fighters and marshals arising from the testing. The Deputy Society Marshal, after consultation with other Kingdom Rapier Marshals, shall determine if the weapon or technique seems suitable for SCA Rapier Combat. He shall then report to the Society Marshal for final adjudication.

APPENDIX #3:  TYPICAL AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURE (They will never be exactly like this, but close)

   1. The candidate will be briefly quizzed (verbally) on the rules of Meridien Rapier.
   2. The candidate will attest to the ownership of the equipment he/she is wearing.
   3. A marshal will inspect the candidate's equipment.
   4. The candidate, armed with the weapon authorizing in, will spar with an opponent (an authorized fighter) armed with weapons of the Authorization Marshal's choosing.
         1. For the first few minutes, the duelists are asked to spar at 3/4 speed, acknowledging blows verbally, but not counting them. Occasionally, the Authorization Marshal may direct either or both combatants to switch to the off hand, change weapons, sit down, etc.  During this phase the Marshals and observers shall be getting an impression of the authorizing duelist's footwork, coordination, stance, and parries.
         2. Then, if the first portion of the bout has progressed satisfactorily, the duelists are instructed to proceed "as if it were a point of Honor," at full speed, counting blows until one is defeated. This second phase may be repeated as often as needed; again with either opponent switching to the off hand, changing weapons, sitting down, or other such scenarios.  (The marshals may also advise the candidate with tips for improvement.)  During this time the new duelist's aggressiveness, reaction to blows, and ability to cope with stress is observed.  
   5. After the bout, the Marshals, the experienced opponent, and any authorized observer(s) shall confer to decide if the candidate exhibits adequate performance in the minimum criteria for qualification.
   6. Types of Criteria the Marshals may be looking at:
         1. For RAPIER:
               1. Does the candidate know and apply the rules and customs of rapier combat?
               2. Does the candidate exhibit safe behavior on the field, both for self and others.
               3. Does the candidate parry properly?
               4. Does the candidate have good and safe control of the weapon at all times?
               5. How does the candidate react to pressure?   Does the candidate fight back, or does the candidate get disorganized and confused?
               6. Is the candidate able to feel and judge blows both given and received. Are blows acknowledged immediately?
               7. Is the candidate coordinated enough to keep from dropping the weapon repeatedly?
               8. Does the candidate maintain their footing?
               9. Is the response IMMEDIATE to a call of "hold"? (This call should occur at an unexpected time during the authorizing bout.)
              10. Is the candidate's conduct courteous and honorable?
         2. For RIGID PARRY:
               1. Is the parry device used in a safe manner, without offensive moves at anything but the opponent's weaponry?
         3. For SOFT PARRY:
               1. Is the parry device used in a safe manner?
               2. Is the parry device thrown in a safe manner?
               3. Does the candidate keep his/her weapon from getting tangled with the parry device?
               4. Does the candidate still call blows through the device?
         4. For DAGGER:
               1. Is the dagger used in a safe manner?
               2. Is candidate comfortable with closing to dagger distance?
               3. Is candidate comfortable using the dagger alone?
               4. Is the candidate comfortable using the dagger to execute draw cuts?
         5. For CASE
               1. Are the weapons used in a safe manner?
               2. Does the candidate keep his/her weapons from getting tangled with each other?
               3. Is the candidate capable of using the two weapons for different purposes at the same time and still maintain safety?

APPENDIX #4: SUPPLEMENTAL EPÉE AUTHORIZATION

   1. Purpose
      The base weapon in Meridien Rapier Combat is the schlager blade.  We do not use epée blades in Meridies and our authorization does not cover epée.  However, there are many kingdoms in the SCA which are epée-based; some do not even permit schlager use of any kind.  This is not generally, our concern.  There are, however, a few experienced Meridien Rapier fighters who travel extensively throughout the Known World.  In order that they may participate in rapier activities, while abroad, the following supplemental authorization is provided.
   2. Application
      In order to be eligible for this epée authorization, fighters must have authorized in all Meridien Rapier weapons and styles.  They must then submit a written application to the Kingdom Rapier Marshal defending their need and detailing their previous epée experience.   If the KRM accepts their application, they must then pass a special epée authorization procedure to demonstrate their safety with the weapon.
   3. Restrictions
      This authorization may ONLY be used on foreign soil and at interkingdom events.  Even then, it will NOT be used in any Meridies hosted activity.  Should the applicant also be a Meridien marshal, this authorization does NOT grant any authority to marshal epée combat.   Consequently, epée blades may NOT be used in Meridien Rapier practices, tourneys, melees, etc., regardless of any special authorization.
   4. Conventions
      Meridiens who achieve this special authorization will adhere to SCA Corporate standards for epée combat.  As such, they will be expected to present themselves to a foreign marshal for armor inspection (under Corporate minimum requirements) and weapon inspection under the hosting kingdom's requirements.  They will also adapt to the fighting conventions of the those of hosting kingdom.  This privilege is designed solely to allow inter-Kingdom participation by Meridien subjects and does NOT extend Meridien Rapier Conventions onto epée combat.
   5. Authorization
      The authorization procedure falls under the same restrictions.  It may only be conducted on foreign soil, or at interkingdom events.  It will be officiated only by the Kingdom Rapier Marshal in conjunction with an Authorization Marshal from an epée-based kingdom.  It will be run by the foreign marshal as if the applicant were authorizing in that kingdom.  Both marshals must be completely satisfied with the applicant before granting this special authorization.

APPENDIX #5: APPROVED BLADES (Last Update Aug 19, 2004)

   1. The following rapier blades are approved by the Society and Kingdom Marshal for use.  This list will be updated as additional weapons are approved:
         1. Del Tin practice rapiers
         2. Del Tin bated rapiers
         3. Zamarano
         4. Scotty
         5. Hanwei practice blades
         6. Alchem SafeFlex rapiers*
         7. Angus Trim (AT 1691)
         8. Triplette rapier blade (T03)
         9. Triplette schlager blade (T01)
   2. The following dagger blades are approved:
         1. Flexidaggers
         2. SafeFlex daggers
         3. Scotty daggers
         4. Triplette daggers (T05)
         5. Angus Trim Daggers
         6. Darkwood (Wideflex and Diamondflex)
   3. Fiberglass blades are not allowed for any purpose.  Rattan daggers are only allowed for a parrying device.
   4. Sidesword style weapons will be added to this list as the KRM and deputies determine which are suitable for the rapier field.

        * The curved blades from Alchem have NOT been approved at this time.  They are currently under a Society experiment.

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