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