Safety Rules for the Préachán Fuilteach
While it seems strange to announce our fighting rules and regulations it should be understood that Mediaeval reenactment can be dangerous.
As a Society we take part in vigorous,exciting and spontaneous combat with modern reproductions of authentic Mediaeval weaponry.
We have, therefore compiled a list of Fighting Rules and Regulations that we all adhere to.
The essence of any list of rules is that they are acceptable and easy to follow with a large measure of common sense. These are ours and
All combatants should train so that they can place their blows within the tolerances set out below
- HEAD BLOWS; Should be delivered as a downwards stroke onto the helm within approximately 22 degrees either side of the centre line at the middle of the helm.(NOTE: HEAD SHOTS SHOULD NEVER BE APPLIED TO ANYONE WITHOUT A HELMET ON)
- SHOULDER BLOWS; Should be an angled stroke at 45 degrees to the biceps.
- LEG BLOWS; Should be an angled stroke at 45 degrees to the mid thigh with a similar stroke allowable to the mid calf.
- THRUST; Should be delivered to the centre of the shield and/or to the belt buckle (this blow MUST be discussed with your opponent before being used).
- THE BACK; Always use the flat of the blade and deliver your blow to a point below the shoulder blades but above the kidneys, or to the buttocks, the upper thigh or the upper third of the helm.
- Any form of horizontal attack above the biceps line and upper cuts above the belt line are highly dangerous and should not be used.
- You should be of an ability to land all blows within one inch of their intended target (if you can not guarantee it do not try it!)
- You must have the ability to turn your sword so that the flat edge hits your opponent to reduce potential damage in case of error or accident.
- Never deliver blows to unprotected parts of the body, especially where vulnerable bones come close to the surface of the skin; such as elbows, knees, collar bones and wrists.
- If you must hit your opponent from behind always use the flat of the blade across the back or strike downwards onto the helm (NEVER strike while an opponent is actually in combat).
- Try to have a short practice before your combat especially if using unaccustomed weapons or combat manoeuvres.
- All fights or practices with weapons of any type should be in the presence of a third party acting in the capacity of Marshall.
- Approved helm and gauntlets shall be worn for all fights and practices whatever weapons are being used.
- No member shall consume intoxicating liquor to excess prior to a tournament or practice.
- If you are taking proscribes medicines you should notify the Tournament Director before taking part in a tournament so that you may be registered as such.
- Any member unlawfully taking controlled substances will be automatically banned from the tournament.
- Never go onto the tournament field whilst a fight is in progress (even if it looks safe) without approved head protection.
- No-one shall fight on the tournament field unless their ability is certified by the fight trainer or his/her appointed representative.
- All weapon points should be rounded to the contours of a one pence coin.
- All weapon edges and points should be kept free of rust and dirt.
- Nicks and burrs should be removed before a show or practice.
- All cutting edges and points should be at least 2mm thick.
- Do not fight with equipment likely to prejudice safety.
- Anger, Lack of consideration, An excessively competitive or aggressive attitude (other that simulated) do not belong on a combat field and will not be permitted within this society.
- Never put excessive force into your blows but make them appear heavy and aggressive through practice and concentration.
- Discuss your fight with your opponent (particularly if there is a weapon that either of you are not accustomed to).
- Always advise the Fight Trainer, Tournament Director and Chief Marshall of any special plans that you may have.
- If you have been bested on the field raise your opened sword hand into the air to yield.
- Stimulate a good vigorous combat rather than steam-roller somebody that is less apt at combat than yourself.
- Behave in a responsible manner at all times during Tournaments and Practice sessions.
- Always stop immediately when you hear the word "HOLD" from a fellow society member during combat especially if that person is the Marshall or the commentator who can, both, see far more that you.
- Weapons should only be carried at the times and places officially designated by the society or its designated officer.
- Outside of performance times, all weapons and equipment should be properly secured. All reasonable precautions should be taken to ensure that the general public cannot take hold of any weapon, or equipment, without proper supervision.
- The transportation of equipment shall be carried out in such a way as to offer no risk, or offence, to the general public.
- There must be a minimum safe distance between the participants and the public, for our Tournaments this is indicated by a double roped arena.
- The minimum safety gap between the two ropes of the arena is six foot.
- It is the responsibility of every member to assist the public in staying outside the roped arena.
- Unless specifically pre-arranged children and un-armoured individuals shall not come onto the combat area of the arena at any time that a combat or potential combat (i.e. armoured Knights on the field) situation is in progress.
- All members should be aware that common sense and its' utilisation will enhance safety in all cases.