Rapier Marshals Handbook - Midrealm / Middle Kingdom

2.1 MIDDLE KINGDOM STANDARDS FOR PROTECTIVE GEAR
Rev. 2.0
20 th of July, A.S. XXXV
2-3
2.1.1 GENERAL PROTECTION
A. OVERLAP
There shall be sufficient overlap between separate pieces of protective gear (at least 3 inches when the fighter is
at ease) that, regardless of the fencer's stance or movements, the minimum protection for that body area shall be
preserved.
B. BARE SKIN
No bare skin shall be showing, regardless of the fencer's stance.
2.1.2 TYPES OF PROTECTIVE MATERIALS (IN ORDER OF INCREASING RESISTANCE):
A. ABRASION-RESISTANT MATERIAL
Abrasion-Resistant-Material is material that will withstand normal combat stresses (such as being snagged by
an unbroken blade) without tearing. Examples include (but are not limited to):
1) broadcloth
2) heavy poplin or "trigger" cloth
3) sweat pants
4) opaque cotton, poly-cotton or lycra/spandex tights.
Nylon pantyhose and cotton gauze shirts are examples of unacceptable materials.
B. PUNCTURE-RESISTANT MATERIAL
Puncture-Resistant Material is any fabric, leather, combination of fabrics or combination of fabrics
and leather that will withstand the Broken-foil Four-thrust Test. (See below.) Examples include (but
are not limited to):
1) four-ounce leather
2) four layers of heavy poplin cloth
3) ballistic nylon rated to at least 550 Newtons
4) commercial fencing clothing rated to at least 550 Newtons.
Kevlar is not an acceptable material, as it may degrade rapidly.
C. RIGID MATERIAL
Rigid Material is puncture-resistant material that will not significantly flex, spread apart or deform
under pressure of 12 kg applied by a standard mask tester, repeatedly to any single point. Examples of
rigid material are:
1) 22 gauge stainless steel (0.8 mm)
2) 20 gauge mild steel (1.0 mm)
3) 16 gauge aluminum, copper or brass (1.6 mm)
4) one layer of heavy leather (8 ounce, 4 mm)
5) certain types of plastics (such as used for men's athletic cups).
2.1.3 HEAD AND NECK PROTECTION
A. PROTECTING THE HEAD
The front and top of the head must be covered by rigid material to below the jaw line and behind the ears.
Standard 12 kg fencing masks are known to meet this standard. Steel helms must provide the same coverage as
a Standard 12 kg fencing mask.
B. PROTECTING THE FACE
The face must be covered by mesh rated at least 12 kg (e.g. a standard fencing mask). See Section 2.1.6E
C. SECURING HEAD AND FACE PROTECTION
Head and face protection must be secured to the fencer, so that it cannot be easily removed or dislodged during
combat. The combination of snug fit and the spring-tongue in a conventional fencing mask is NOT sufficient by
itself, to secure the head and face protection to the fencer. Some other device (such as, but not limited to, a
lanyard around the neck and bib, an external hood placed over the mask or an extra strap running across the
back of the neck) must be used to secure the mask.
D. INSPECTION OF HEAD AND FACE PROTECTION
Head and face protection, when inspected, shall comply with the rigid material standard, provisions on facial
coverage, and shall show no evidence of impending failure (e.g. rust which weakens the metal involved, dents
or other defects which spread open mesh, broken weld points, etc.).
SECTION 2
EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
Change 1 (replace 1-6, 1-7, 1-9, 2-3, 2-7, 2-8 & 2-9, remove pages 1-8 & 1-10), - Effective 5/1/02