Of Weapons ~

That singlesticks only are deemed acceptable for use.

Singlesticks should consist of a sturdy wooden ash blade, between 29" and 33" blade length according to personal preference. Sticks should be round in section of natural form (not turned), and not exceeding 1" in maximum diameter. Singlestick hilts should be appropriately sturdy in construction, being of wicker reed or leather.

Of Attire ~

That participants must wear strong fencing or martial arts masks for head protection, in good condition to serve adequately in covering the front, sides and top of the head, said armour also incorporating sufficient throat protection. Steel mesh or bars must be close enough not to permit a stick point to enter.

Leather gloves or gauntlets must be worn on both hands. Padding for the knee/s and elbow and/or forearm of the sword arm must be worn.

Fencing jackets shall be the minimum chest protection required. No steel armour apart from mask mesh is permitted.

Of Valid Target ~

The target areas of the body valid for scoring hits upon shall be the entire body excluding the legs from 2" above the knees downwards and the hands.

Of Valid Hits ~

For the purposes of Open Tournament, Cuts only may be delivered with the true edge or last quarter of the swords back edge to the valid target areas.

Cuts must be well placed with control and either drawn or pushed upon landing or arrive with appropriate momentum to replicate the action of an effective cut with a steel blade edge. Light taps or actions with the effective flat of the blade to target will not be deemed as valid cuts.

An intentionally well executed disarm of the sword, where one party removes or disables use of the sword from the other and presents an immediate threat with one weapon or both shall count the same as one hit.

In the event of one party losing their sword by dropping it, or having it beat from their hand, their opponent shall score one point as a hit if they present the immediate threat and intention of a cutting attack within distance and demonstrate honourable control in stopping that attack short of valid target.

Of Scoring of Hits ~

That the opponent to land three clear cuts upon the other shall be declared Victor of that individual bout.

Each valid hit landed must be clearly audibly acknowledged by the recipient at the moment of occurrence. Double hits, where both parties land valid hits together at the same time, shall be declared void, and no points awarded to either party.

Of Actions not Permitted ~

That hard hitting, thrusting with the point, striking with the hilt, pommel or any part of the body and grappling with the opponents person are all not permitted for the purposes of an Open tournament.

Upon the first infringement of these rules, shall a clear verbal warning be given to the offending party.

Upon a second infringement by the same person throughout the course of any one tournament, shall be a hit awarded against the offending party.

Upon a third infringement of the same, shall the offending party be disqualified outright from the tournament.

Of Judges ~

That the Academy's senior Master-at-Arms shall conduct the general running of the tournament and give final decision regarding the validity and allocation of hits.

Two additional assistant judges may be appointed to confirm actions and their validity.

Of Respectful Engagement ~

That upon being called to play and entering the arena, before masks are worn, both opponents should face and clearly salute each other, the judge/s and gathered spectators, in that order. Upon masks being worn, both opponents shall be called to engage blades at the half-sword and upon the signal for play to begin, shall both opponents first retire out of half sword measure before commencing with combat.

Of Halt of Play ~

That upon the Presiding Judges clear call of “Halt!”, should all play immediately stop. This shall be called upon all acknowledged and perceived valid hits landing, and may be called at any other time for reasons of safety.

If any other Tournament participant (opponent or judges) sees good reason to stop play at any time, they should signal this intent clearly by raising their non-sword hand high in the air.

Any hits landing after halt has been called shall not be counted as valid.