EARLY MEDIEVAL ALLIANCE (E.M.A) WEAPONS SAFETY COMMITTEE GUIDELINES
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These are the current Safety rules laid down by the Early Medieval Alliance(UK)
as currently adopted by the Intermedieval
WEAPONS FIGHTING ARMOUR ARCHERY SAFETY FIRST AID BLACK POWDER
The committee held its second meeting at Wolston, Warwickshire on 13th February 1998, (chaired by Roger Lankford of MCS, aided by Eddie Hocking of Harlech (vice chair)). The committee consisted of 18 delegates from the following EMA member groups who represented more than 60% of EMA members: - Escafeld, Excalibur, Kings Commission of Array, Harlech Medieval Society, Medieval Combat Society (MCS). Thomas Lewis of St. Pierre and Swords of Albion. Guests:- A delegate from Crusade Signatea.
The aim of the meeting was to formulate a set of definitions and guidelines agreeable to the EMA member groups present (in conjunction with the NAReS Health and Safety guidelines). This was a self-regulating response to the changing role of the UK Health & Safety Executive (H&SE) related to re-enactment and our need to address their (H&SE) ever increasing powers.
Green text can be considered official Intermedieval rules the rest is plain common sense.
WEAPONS: -
Weapons (close
range)
1.
Construction - All the weapons used in combat must be of reliable
manufacture.
2.
Specifications
- All the weapons used in combat must be blunt. The edge of weapons should not
be less than 3mm in thickness, the only exception being daggers and spearheads
edges, which can have 2mm in thickness. All points should be rounded to a width
of 8mm and must be 3mm thick.
3.
Relating to weight: weapons must not be unnecessarily heavy. Unnecessary
thickness, length and ornamentation can produce very heavy and dangerous
weapons, which are less likely to be controllable.
4. Maces should have a maximum of five flanges and each of them 3mm thick.
5.
Flails are only permitted in single combat on the basis of mutual agreement
between two combatants well experienced in using them. There shall be no spikes
on them and every link of the chain must be welded.
Safety
measures
6.
Before
entering the lists, the battlefield, or any practise enclosure, every weapon
must be checked by a Safety Officer.
7.
Sharp and/or pointed weapons are absolutely forbidden in the above-mentioned
places.
8.
Before
using any weapon in combat it must be thoroughly checked all over. It is
essential to remove all the burs and dents (or splinters on wooden shafts). Any
fractured or broken weapon must be laid aside at once (if it happens when
fighting it must be removed from the combat enclosure immediately).
9. The weapons must be kept clean, that is to say, without rust and dirt of any kind. Paint imbedded in an edge as a result of striking a painted shield can be considered dirt because it may infect a wound. Similarly toxic cleaning products must be avoided on the same basis.
All weapons over 18 inches, including Axe, Glaive, Bardische, & Mace flanges should have a minimum 3mm cutting edge.
Any bladed weapon less than 18 inches (including Spear Heads) should have a
minimum 1mm cutting edge and no sharp points. Every weapon should have their
points rounded to more than the blunt end of a pencil, with tips hammer blunted
to 3mm thickness (where its' practical).
Food Knives (sharp) should be tied into a sheath and never ever be taken onto a
battlefield.
Broken Swords should be discarded to a safe place immediately. Swords are to be deburred regularly and be free from rust.
Sharp blades are not permitted on battlefields.
Weapons Classification will fall into three group types:-
Blade weapons: A Sword is generally over 18 Inches long, a dagger is usually less than 18 inches long.
Blunt Force Weapons: Axes, Flails, Mauls & Maces (Chain flail type
weapons were agreed banned due to a limited control). It was recommended to use
Hickory shafts on these type of weapons & feed the wood with Linseed oil.
NB: Hickory is a fibrous wood, which usually splits down its length before
shearing off, Ash will usually shear away - allowing the weapon head to fly off
in any direction.
Pole Weapons: it was generally agreed to restrict pole weapons to Scottish Lochabers and early Hook Bills, it was suggested that a year's period of transition be allowed for members to switch over and re-train. Whereas delegates agreed they would prefer to see more hand weapons and less pole weapons, it was pointed out some people like them.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENTS/FIGHTING: -
Individual Techniques are probably the most difficult subject to deal with because each individual has a different viewpoint of what's a good technique. The committee discussed a technique known as Fast Accurate Safe Technique (FAST), developed at Escafeld, and adopted by Harlech, MCS and some members of Excalibur. It's simple common sense, and works on the principle of - if you have an idea of what angle the blow/strike will come, there is less chance of being injured by it. Excalibur relayed a very encouraging picture of dramatically reduced injuries following their switch to the Fast Accurate Safe Technique (FAST) system. Escafeld and MCS quoted similar examples, member groups are urged to adopt the technique
Head blows (for those groups who use them), a vertical downward stroke to the centre of the helm (of about 12 degs either side of the centre line), delivered without force,
(Horizontal head shots and uppercuts are very dangerous).
Upper torso to the biceps/shield only, - as a downward angled blow (of about 45 degs). Be careful to avoid Forearms, Elbows, Neck and Shoulder joints.
Upper thigh to the fleshiest part of the thigh, as an angled downward stroke (between 12 to 40 degs). Take care to avoid the Pelvis and joint bones, also the whole area of the Knee.
Calf Muscle is the same motion as the upper thigh. Take care to avoid the area of the Knee and the Ankle.
Thrust should only be delivered to the area of the belt buckle. Take care to avoid the Groin, Pelvis and Solar Plexus.
Also parts to avoid: - face, knees, elbows, groin etc.
Attitude (the spirit) should be an important factor in our fighting. A bad temper or a want to win at any cost! Often results in someone else paying a price with an injury, not acceptable! Only put sufficient force into your strokes to look convincing, beating people into the ground is pointless.
Group Fight Training members should nominate a Fight Trainer and formulate a structured training program. This should be designed to ensure each Combatant/Knight learns good skills and achieves a capable standard with the most of the weapons in your group. Sword type weapons should travel at least 1 meter to telegraph (2 metres is preferable) before impact.
Novices or members who had not previously been to a battle should wear some sort of sash to warn others to have-a-care... and be in the care of "a buddy".
ARMOUR :-
a.
All armour and helmets must be made of steel, except when there’s an
historical precedent (Leather armour must be hardened).
b.
Armour and helmets of any kind intended for “level
one” combat (see Part VII – Combat rules) should be no less than 1.2mm
thick (if made of steel) or 4mm (if made of leather).
c. Armour and any
kind of helmets intended for “level two
and above” combat must be no less than 1.6mm thick steel.
d.
Splinted armour may be used from “level
two and above” combat provided they are 4mm thick leather and 1.6mm thick
steel.
e,
Leather with steel reinforcements on the knee and elbow is permitted in “level
one” combat only.
f. Mail armour should be made from 1.6mm thick steel wire, with the exception of those intended for “level one” combat, which should be a minimum 1.2mm thick.
The meeting agreed an EMA automatic mass battle rule of: -
NO adequate HELM - NO GAUNTLET - NO FIGHT!
Shields and bucklers
g.
Shields must be constructed to withstand the shock impact of a 15th
century mace.
h.
They can be made of wood and/or steel, modern materials can be used in
their construction provided they are “not visible”.
I.
Wooden shields must be at least 9mm thick and steel ones at least 2mm,
but 2.5mm in level two and above
combats (see Part VII – Combat rules).
j.
Wooden bucklers must be at least 6mm thick and steel ones 2mm.
k.
Shields and bucklers must also be checked before combat, edges and
reinforcing bands can be dangerous if they are in bad condition. If necessary,
remove all burrs and dents (metal edges and/or band reinforcements and shield
faces), splinters (wooden shields) and flaws (leather edges and reinforcements).
l. If, during combat, a shield becomes so badly damaged it is considered dangerous, it must be removed at once from the combat enclosure.
Each group agreed to actively attempt to bring every spare helm to mass gatherings for members to borrow.
The meeting agreed rather than ban head shots, it would be better to gear EMA members to better head & hand protection. The meeting agreed the need for an official list of suppliers and encourages members to sell on older equipment. All EMA Members should be encouraged to acquire and use suitable Helms & Gauntlets. Steel Armour should be at least 18guage (NAReS recommend 16 gauge), 4mm thick leather at non-EMA bashes is ok, preferably with a steel lining. Wherever possible, use rivets to join metals. Aluminium Helms are generally not suitable.
Gauntlets can be mail, plate armour or leather, they need to withstand a hit across the knuckles, and reduce it to merely a painful experience.
Body Armour should be appropriate and offer real protection, look-a-like padded armour that isn't - could cause an injury through misconceived ignorance.
Archery :-
Weapons (long range)
Bows and crossbows
16.
Bows for shooting against combatants must have a maximum draw weight of 80
lb.
17.
Crossbows used for the same purpose must have a maximum draw weight of 120
lb.
18.
Arrows
and bolts must be provided with large flights and blunt rubber tips fitted over
blunt ended shafts. They should always be supplied by the Organization.
Safety
measures
19.
When shooting at long range, archers and crossbowmen should do it in such a
way that the arrow or bolt falls as vertically as possible, they must listen out
for and follow the orders of their Archery Master at all times.
20. At close range archers and crossbowmen must only shoot against combatants protected by pavises.
SAFETY: -
Safety
Officer
1.
Each society must have its own Safety Officer who must be experienced, and
well acquainted with Inter-Medieval combat safety rules. However, the hosts of
an event should appoint a certain number of Safety Officers with the task of
re-checking everything… as is expected in their obligation to safety.
2. The Safety Officer is responsible for:
a. Checking the ground, the combat enclosure and double enclosure of
the
combat area.
b.
Not
allowing any combatant to step into the combat area without appropriate head and
hand protection.
c.
Checking
the weapons of the combatants, including padding in helmets and
ensuring
all armour fits and is correct fitted.
d.
Ensuring
the public remains outside of the double enclosure.
e.
Alerting
the marshals if anyone passes through the outer double enclosure.
Marshalls
3. The Marshall’s are responsible for:
a.
Overseeing
the safety of the combatants during combat.
b. Removing
broken or damaged weapons from the combat enclosure.
c.
Prevent
combat that does not accord with the rules.
d.
Expelling
combatants from the combat enclosure who dangerously misbehaving or repeatedly
disregard the rules.
4.
Marshall’s
should be people well acquainted with the combat safety rules. For Battles or
Melee’s, approximately one Marshall for every twenty-four combatants would be
desirable, the hosts of the event appoint marshals.
Judge
5. The Judge is the person responsible for:
a.
Deciding
if the hits are good, that is to say ;
1)
it counts as a ‘wound’.
2)
it is aimed at target areas previously defined by the combatants.
b.
Declare
a winner, where, In the case of equal skill on the part of the combatants, or
lack of it, results in prolonged, continuing draws.
6.
The Judge should be a person well acquainted with the rules.
7.
Note:
The Marshall and the Judge can be the same person.
8. Important: The word of all the above-mentioned officers is final. No combatant must, ever, question it.
Combat
area
1.
It must be even, without holes, rocks or any other kind of hindrance and
large enough to amply accommodate two combatants (about 18 square meters each
pair).
2. It must be well marked and double fenced all around. The minimum distance between the fences must be three metres, although we advisable six metres (there are always the possibility of a weapon, or part of it, flying out to the public).
Public
1.
The public must be treated with courtesy and their enquiries or concerns
related to the event, being promptly answered or referred to an official.
2.
Re-enactors
must always avoid re-acting to rudeness or provocation on the part of someone
from the public. If necessary, call for the intervention of the police.
3.
The
public must be kept at a safe distance from the combat enclosure or shooting
area. Any member of the public entering the safety area enforces an immediate
stop in the combat or shooting.
4.The
public should not handle any item of combat or living history without the
permission and supervision of a re-enactor (consider the safety implications at
all times).
5.The public must be well informed of what is happening. After all, teaching through re-enacting is the aim of all re-enactors.
Combatants
1.
All combatants must be fully aware of and understand the combat and safety
rules (if you are unsure… ask for clarification).
2.
They
must be adequately trained by senior members of their respective societies
before involving themselves in combat with members of different societies.
3.
They
must keep all their armour and weapons in good condition, that is to say, not
likely to cause injury to their fellow combatants.
4.
They
must always wear appropriate head and hand protection.
5.
They must, always, acknowledge and obey the directions and decisions of the
Safety Officers, Marshals and Judges.
6.
They
must, always, keep their temper under control. Fighting in re-enactment is not
for real - it is supposed to be for fun and a demands responsible behaviour
7.
Before commencing in combat and in the presence of the Marshals and/or
Judges, both combatants must clearly define:
a. The level they are going to fight in (see Part VII, Combat rules).
b.
The
targets they agree are to aim at.
c.
The
armour they are wearing, specifying
the thickness of it.
d.
The
weapons they are going to fight with.
7. Above all; combatants must always behave courteously. Trying to overcome the opponents at all costs is dangerous - apart from being an absolute nonsense and completely contrary to the chivalric ideals and re-enactment ethics.
Host group customs would always be observed by all members.
Groups should ensure their individual members are adequately trained to take part in combat/battles.
Individual members have a lawful duty under the Health & Safety act to ensure they do not endanger themselves or other people. We can all think of a time when someone's thoughtless actions could have cost someone an eye - or worse.
Common techniques of combat will go a long way to elevating injuries at mass battles. Members are urged to sponsor the F.A.S.T concept; it will make it possible for us to fight each other safely without losing the special styles that identify individual groups.
All weapons should be free from rust & dirt, with exposed burrs filed down. Don't clean weapons with toxic cleaning agents, wounds could become infected. Also members should be encouraged to have their tetanus injections updated.
First Aid:-
Professional First Aid (Red Cross/St John) should be organised for large
events. Each member group should send their first aid box, with their first
aider to register at a central point. It is recommended that member groups have
a health record for each member's special needs i.e. asthmatics, diabetics, with
some of their medication in their boxes. Also each box should have bolt shears
to enable rapid entry into armour/mail and a retractable blade hooked knife to
sever leather quickly.
Water:- Adequate supplies of water on the battlefield is crucial, because the
average person will evaporate about 1 pint of water an hour in a battle.
Drink & Drugs :-
The meeting unanimously agreed the following statement:-
Illegal Drugs are banned,
Any person found with illegal drugs will be ejected from the site. Any person found to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs before a mass battle will not be allowed to participate.
Black-powder firearms – Inter-Medieval guidelines
I
GENERAL
PROCEDURES
(The
Safety Officer will decide “when” older 1300/1400 type firearms may
be used).
(RUMBLE
FIREARM; A firearm without a true barrel, designed to use a small pre-made
explosive charge).
(SHOOTING
FIREARM; A real or replica firearm capable of shooting a ball or bullet).
II
Regulations concerning charges used for firearm
replicas.
a) For rumble firearms – black powder or patented petards.
(PATENTED PETARDS; A low grade light explosive
substitute, usually used as a pre-made charge)
(BLACK POWDER; Also called “Gunpowder” is
commonly used for re-enactment firearms)
b) For all shooting firearms – black powder only is permissible!
a) 1F or fg – (UK= G12) the most course used for biggest caliber and cannons.
b) 2F or ffg – popular, finely granulated used for caliber 0,45 or greater.
c) 3F or fffg – the most popular used for small firearms of caliber less than 0,45.
d) 4f or ffffg – (UK= G20) the most finely granulated one used for small caliber.
III
Regulations
concerning firearm replicas.
Shooting
firearms:
Rumble
firearms:
1. If it is self-made, it must be tested and approved by the Inter-Medieval Safety Officer.
2. All rumble firearms should be clean and in good technical condition.
3. It is forbidden to use dirty, wet or damaged weapons. There should be no rust, damage or bend barrel.
4. It is forbidden to over-load the rumble firearm (example two petards for one charge), It can result in serious accidents.
IV
Regulations
concerning organization of shooting.
a) It is forbidden to target straight at a person or animal. Shooting during battle or siege re-enactment should be at 45º angle away from ALL people and animals.
b) The barrel should be cleaned after each shot.
c) Match - lock should be cleaned after each shot.
d) The shooter/cannon should be on level (flat) ground.
e) Black powder and other shooting materials should be at least 2m away from the shooter.
f) It is forbidden to talk or be distracted during the shooting, “except when passing new orders for changing safety situations”.
g) It is absolutely forbidden to leave the loaded or unloaded firearms unattended. If re-enactors notices that a member from the public holds a firearm or explosives – immediately - politely ask them to put it down, it is necessary to call the Safety Officer. Struggling with such a person can result in serious accidents.
(a) Only use non-burnable wadding.
(b) A safe shooting distance is usually 10 meters.
(c) Always have a bucket of water for wet swabs and putting out ground fires.
(d) Firearms should only be handled by re-enactors who are trained to use them (member nations council representatives must ensure only properly trained re-enactors are registered with the Inter-Medieval Firearms Safety Officer to use firearms. New shooters must demonstrate their knowledge of firing procedures, safety and weapons proficiency to the Inter-Medieval Firearms Safety Officer, before taking part in any event.
(e) Never leave loaded firearm in car, store, or at home.
(f) Never drink alcohol during the shooting or handling firearm.
(g) In case of any problem contact the most competent person.
Written by Tomasz Szajewski – PPSTLB - Poland
MAIN PAGE WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT MEETINGS ENGAGEMENT RULES SAFETY GUIDELINES EVENTS PLANNED PICTURES HOW DO I JOIN CONTACTS