RULESET

Summary of the Official Ruleset (Version 2025)

Conventions & Hits

This ruleset is designed both as a performance check for trainees and for competitive tournaments. The core principles are fair play and the protection of all participants. Bouts survived unharmed are prioritized over points scored to encourage safe fencing.

Scoring a Point

• Longsword & Saber: Strikes or thrusts to the head or torso, and successful wrestling techniques = 3 points. All other hits = 1 point.
• Rapier: Thrusts to head or torso = 3 points; cuts to the head or successful wrestling = 2 points; all other hits = 1 point.
• Double hits: Count for both fencers according to the same system (but the exchange is no longer considered “unharmed”).
• Counterattacks: After receiving a hit, one step and one counterattack is allowed.

Penalties

• Yellow Card: First minor infraction (e.g. first boundary crossing).
• Red Card: Loss of bout + 3 points awarded to the opponent.
• Black Card: Disqualification and annulment of all previous fights.

Bout Procedure

A bout consists of multiple exchanges. An exchange ends with a hit and possibly a single allowed counterattack. The winner is determined by:

1. Number of exchanges survived unharmed (higher is better)
2. Points scored

Tournament Procedure

The standard format is a round-robin (everyone fights everyone). For larger groups, pools are formed (minimum 8 fencers).

Ranking is based on:

1. Number of unharmed exchanges
2. Total score
3. Number of head hits
4. In case of a tie, by drawing lots

In eliminations/finals, a fencer must survive at least two exchanges unharmed. If this condition is not met, more exchanges are added until a winner is clear.

Video Review (Elimination Phase)

Each fencer may request one video review per match. If successful, they keep their right to appeal again. If denied, no further appeals in that match. Fencers must arrange recording and make footage available. Referees cannot initiate reviews.

Prohibited Actions

• Kicks with the foot, lower leg, or knee
• Strikes to the back of the head, neck, spine, or feet
• Deliberate strikes toward the floor without engaging the opponent

Early Withdrawal

If a fencer withdraws from the tournament (e.g. due to injury), their matches are excluded from the pool ranking. Fully completed bouts may still be submitted to external rating systems (e.g. HEMA Ratings) with prior consent.

Source References

This ruleset is based on the DDHF Framework Ruleset, HALAG 2.0, and historical sources such as Antonio Manciolino’s Opera Nova (1531).