Events: Conventions of Combat

Tentative Rules of the Lists
Conduct In Combat
The Use of Weapons and Shields
Acknowledgement of Blows
Major Alterations to SCA Rules

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IV. THE USE OF WEAPONS AND SHIELDS

A. Use According to Design

Weapons shall be used in accordance with their design (i.e. spears may only be used for thrusting, axes for striking along the edge of the blade, et cetera).

1. Only weapons approved for thrusting may be used for that purpose. Feinting as if to thrust with a weapon not approved for that purpose is prohibited.

B. Grasping of Weapons

1. The striking surface of a weapon in motion may not be grasped or blocked by the hands or limbs as a means of impeding a blow. Inadvertently bringing the hands in contact with the striking surface of such a weapon when attempting to block a blow with another weapon shall not be considered to be in violation of this convention.

2. Wrestling with or grappling the opponent, to include grasping the opponent's head, torso, limbs, or shield is prohibited.

C . Anviling

Blows repeatedly blocked by a weapon in contact with a fighter's helm, body or shield at the moment of impact may at the Sovereign or Marshallate's discretion, be considered to have broken the blocking weapon. This will force a fighter to forfeit the fight, unless a secondary weapon is carried or the opponent chooses to allow the fighter to rearm with another weapon.

D . Shield Usage

A shield may be used to displace, deflect, or immobilize an opponent's shield or weapon, so long as such use does not endanger the safety of the combatants. Deliberately striking an opponent's head, limbs, or body with a shield is forbidden, unless that shield is designed for use as a weapon, and is approved by the Marshallate.

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