Rapier Marshals Handbook - Midrealm / Middle Kingdom

Rev. 2.0
20 th of July, A.S. XXXV
2-4
E. PROTECTING THE THROAT AND NECK
A Gorget (or its equivalent) must be worn which shall protect the larynx, the trachea, and the cervical
vertebrae, and cover the jugular notch at the top of the sternum. It shall be constructed of rigid
material and be backed by either puncture -resistant material (such as a fencing hood) or one-quarter
inch (6 mm) of closed-cell foam or their equivalents.
F. PROTECTING THE REST OF THE HEAD AND NECK
The rest of the head and neck must be covered by at least puncture-resistant material (e.g. a fencing
hood or coif). This head and neck covering must be tucked securely into the fencer's garments or
protective gear in such a way as to prevent a blade from slipping under it.
2.1.4 TORSO PROTECTION
A. BASIC TORSO PROTECTION
The entire torso (the chest, back, abdomen, groin, and sides up to and including the armpits) must be
covered with puncture-resistant material.
B. ARMPIT PROTECTION
Acceptable minimum armpit coverage is provided by a triangle extending from the armpit seam,
covering the lower half of the sleeve at the seam, and extending down the inner/under arm, one-third
the distance to the fighter's elbow. This triangle must fit snugly to the body area it is intended to
protect.
C. GAPS BETWEEN TORSO AND ARMPIT PROTECTION
There shall be no gap or opening between the torso and armpit protection.
D. MALE GROIN PROTECTION
Male fencers must wear rigid groin protection. Any ventilation holes larger than 0.2 inches in any
dimension (i.e. large enough to admit a broken flexi-dagger blade) must be covered from the outside
with at least puncture-resistant material.
E. FEMALE GROIN PROTECTION
Female fencers must wear puncture-resistant groin protection. (Note: If the groin is already
adequately covered by the basic torso protection as mandated above, no extra protection is required.)
2.1.5 HAND, ARM, LEG AND FOOT PROTECTION
A. HAND PROTECTION
Hands shall be protected by leather gloves with cuffs that are constructed of at least abrasion-resistant
material, that overlap any sleeve openings by at least 3 inches.
B. ARM AND LEG PROTECTION
Abrasion-resistant material is required on arms (save as noted above for armpits), legs and any area
not otherwise mentioned in these rules.
C. ADDITIONAL LEG PROTECTION UNDER SKIRTS OR KILTS
Fencers who wear skirts, kilts, long tunics, or the like, are required to also wear tights, leggings or
pants of at least abrasion-resistant material.
D. FOOT PROTECTION
Feet shall be protected by boots or closed-toe shoes, constructed of at least abrasion-resistant
material. Footwear shall have sufficient traction so as not to pose a safety hazard.
2.1.6 TESTING PROTECTIVE GEAR
A. INITIAL TESTING
All protective gear required to be constructed of puncture-resistant materials must be tested by a
Rapier Combat Marshal prior to its first use in tournament, melee, demo or practice . Also, each time
the protective gear is significantly changed (including new pieces being sewn on, layers being added
or subtracted, or the like, but not including changes in decoration), it is the RESPONSIBILITY OF
THE FENCER to have the altered gear re-tested by a Rapier Combat Marshal before being used.
B. BI-ANNUAL TESTING
The Deputy Society Marshal for Rapier Combat requires that all protective gear mandated to be
puncture-resistant and all face protection be formally tested at least once every two years.
Compliance is the responsibility of the individual fencer.
C. ADDITIONAL TESTING
Any protective gear may be formally tested if there is concern that the gear may have lost protective
ability due to age, wear and tear, or other factors.
THE MIDDLE KINGDOM
RAPIER COMBAT MARSHALS HANDBOOK