in-club Sword & Buckler tournament

Ruleset

1. Equipment

  • Competitors may use steel arming swords or padded (synthetic) arming swords, with either steel/wooden bucklers (with steel boss) or a padded buckler.
  • Weapon type must be mutually agreed upon by both competitors before the match.
  • All participants must wear appropriate protective gear suitable for their chosen weapon type.

2. Match Format

  • Each bout lasts up to 3 minutes.
  • A match ends when:
    • A fighter reaches 10 points, or
    • Time expires.
  • The fighter with the highest score at the end of regulation is declared the winner.

3. Target Areas & Scoring

  • Extremities (hands, arms, legs, feet): 1 point
  • Upper openings & torso (head, neck, chest, abdomen): 2 points

Domination Bonus

  • If a fighter demonstrates clear and complete control of the opponent’s weapon during a successful scoring strike:
    • Award +1 additional point

4. Doubles

  • A double hit (both fighters landing valid strikes simultaneously or near-simultaneously) results in:
    • No points awarded
  • This rule emphasizes defensive responsibility and control

5. Grappling

  • Allowed:
    • Standing grappling
    • Weapon control
    • Off-balancing techniques
  • Not Allowed:
    • Takedowns of any kind
    • Throws, trips, or actions that bring an opponent to the ground
  • All fighters must remain standing at all times

6. Conduct & Safety

  • Fighters must demonstrate:
    • Control
    • Intentional targeting
    • Respect for opponent safety
  • Excessive force, unsafe behavior, or disregard for control may result in:
    • Warnings
    • Point deductions
    • Disqualification (at judge’s or Marshals discretion)

7. Judging

  • Matches will be overseen by one or more judges and Marshals responsible for:
    • Awarding points
    • Determining doubles
    • Assessing domination
  • Judges’ and Marshals decisions are final

8. Victory Conditions

  • A fighter wins by:
    • Reaching 10 points, or
    • Having the highest score at time expiration
  • In the event of a tie:
    • Judges and Marshals may call for sudden victory exchange.

9. Prize

  • The tournament winner will receive a designated prize