Longsword Tournaments

Swords

Note: All models of sword not featuring an integral safety tip/button/rolled tip at least 1cm wide must be tipped with a metal washer (or equivalent), covered by sturdy leather or a rubber blunt, and secured with strong tape.

The following list are approved makers and models:

Regenyei Feders	Pavel Moc Feders	Ensifer Feders	Mac Arms Feders
SGT Blades Feders	Black Horse Feders	Chlebowski Feders	Albion Meyer
Arms & Armor Fechterspiel or Fechtbuch Sword	Comfort Fencing “Dobringer” Feder	Darkwood Armory Feders	Baltimore Sword and Knife Works Feders
Castille Armory Feders

Specifically disapproved swords that will not be allowed in tournaments:

• Albion Lichtenauers (heavy and inflexible)
• Hanwei feders (breakage) and blunts (too stiff)
• Purple Heart Armory “Steel Techniques” feder (breakage)

Hand Protection

Note: Steel gauntlets are permitted, but you may not strike with them during a match in any way. You may grapple.

Approved gloves/gauntlets:

Absolute Force gloves	Sparring Gloves (all versions)	Black Lance gloves
Comfort Fencing gloves	SPES Heavy Gauntlets	Destroyer Modz gloves
Steel gauntlets (see above note)	St Mark’s Koning	Neyman gloves
Jeremy Steflik “MK4” Gloves

Lacrosse or Red Dragon gloves will be approved only with the addition of significant hard plating (not just finger cups), and will be pre-approved prior to tournament start. We will not let you break your hands just because you want to.

Mixed Weapons

Swords

Single-handed swords are a much larger field to discuss but similar restrictions apply to that in the Longsword section. Points must be tip protected. The blade must be reasonably flexible in the thrust and not too heavy.

Examples of approved swords:

• Single-handed swords designed for sparring from known manufacturers (see the Longsword feder list).
• Darkwood and other standard rapiers

Examples of disapproved swords:

• Most messer replicas (too heavy and stiff for safe tournament fighting)
• Aluminum sabers (can’t take contact with steel, no flex)

Some loaner weapons will be available for the mixed weapon tournament.

Hand Protection

For single-handed cutting weapons, a slightly less protective glove may be used, though we encourage you to use as protective of a glove as you can fit on the weapon grip. This includes:

• Red Dragon gloves
• Hockey gloves
• Modified lacrosse gloves

Leather or lightly padded gloves will not be permitted on open hilts. Because it is already protected, the hand holding a buckler, or inside an enclosed basket or rapier hilt, may use a light glove. Consider protecting your wrist in this case if it is not enclosed in a basket.

As an exception, for matches between single handed thrusting weapons, such as the rapier and small sword, light gloves will be permitted.

Historical Wrestling

The gear requirements for Ringen are the same as those expected at Longpoint.

Jacket

A durable jacket designed for wrestling or fencing is required for the tournament. Jackets must be closed in front. Zippers must be taped down.

Examples of approved jackets include HEMA-specific wrestling jackets, gambesons, and fencing jackets. Any other jacket must be pre-approved prior to tournament start.

Sweatshirts, open-front jackets, and certain martial arts gis are NOT ALLOWED.

Pants

Athletic attire is required for the lower body. Acceptable examples include: Warm-up or sweat pants, fencing knickers, gym or board shorts, and leggings/tights.

Jeans, cargo pants, or other non-athletic pants or shorts are NOT ALLOWED.

Footwear 

No shoes or socks are worn during competition.

Optional Gear

Groin protection, mouth-guard, soft protection for joints, head and/or ear protection.

General Hygiene 

• All metal piercings and jewelry must be removed
• Long hair must be tied back securely or braided
• Finger/toe nails must be trimmed
• Wrestlers must be free of contagious disease, virus, or fungus
• Wrestlers are to show up to competition as clean as possible, and may be disqualified at the referee’s discretion for any issues related to health or hygiene, including excessive body odor.

Head Protection

Mask with back of head protection in good condition (i.e. not significantly dented or rusted). If you have doubts, buy a new one and protect your head. Steel helmets may be permitted assuming they provide as good or better thrust and cut protection to a fencing mask; ask if you are unsure.

Sturdy neck protection is required. If in doubt, imagine one of your friends thrusting you in the neck with a steel tournament feder with forceful and competitive intent. If that sounds or feels like a really bad plan, you need better neck protection.

All the other bits

• Groin and chest protection required where anatomically appropriate. Encouraged for all participants.
• Padded jackets that completely cover the torso and arms are required.
• Rigid elbow and knee protection are required. Rigid shin protection is required for steel weapons. Rigid forearm protection is not required, but encouraged.
• Mouth guards are encouraged.
• Enclosed footwear is required.
• Finally, no exposed skin is permitted. For example, the back of the calf on someone wearing a shinguard and breeches must be covered, perhaps with those fancy long socks you got for Christmas.