WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
In consideration of the risk of injury while participating in Historical European Martial Arts Tournament (the “Activity”), and as consideration for the right to participate in the Activity, I hereby, for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, assigns, or personal representatives, knowingly and voluntarily enter into this waiver and release of liability and hereby waive any and all rights, claims or causes of action of any kind whatsoever arising out of my participation in the Activity, and do hereby release and forever discharge Krump Pow, their affiliates, managers, members, agents, attorneys, staff, volunteers, heirs, representatives, predecessors, successors and assigns, for any physical or psychological injury, including but not limited to illness, paralysis, death, damages, economic or emotional loss, that I may suffer as a direct result of my participation in the aforementioned Activity, including traveling to and from an event related to this Activity.
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Krump Pow 7: Self-Call Heaven 2024
HEMA Tournament
LIST OF TOURNAMENTS AND RULES
The Wisconsin Historical Fencing Association - Appleton Chapter, welcomes you to Krump Pow 7!
This document explains the seven tournaments, as well as a rough itinerary, which is subject to change based on the needs of the tournament organizer, P.J. Stahl and Daniel Rauens.
There will be seven main tournaments, and some space and time allotted for open sparring.
The Tournaments: (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
❖ 1st Tournament: Singlestick
❖ 2nd Tournament: Small/Court Sword
❖ 3rd Tournament: Steel Longsword
❖ 4th Tournament: Mixed Steel (with length limits)
❖5th Tournament: Rapier (with or without additional off-hand device)
❖6th Tournament: Mixed Synthetic (limitations listed below)
❖ 7th Tournament: Youth Steel Longsword
The Main tournaments will be happening one at a time with two rounds (i.e. pools) to each tournament, followed by top 8 eliminations, and final medal rounds. Smallsword and Single Stick will be on Friday. Longsword and Mixed Steel will be on Saturday. Rapier, Mixed Synthetic, and Youth longsword will be on Sunday. The open sparring time will be allocated day of the event and/or based on desire and space.
Overall: The following pages explain the background and reasoning behind the rules system, the rules themselves, judging and the scoring system.
Background: The HEMA community has developed a number of sets of rules and systems of scoring. As this club and its members have experienced a number of these sets, we have worked to establish a new set of rules based on a more “martial” system. This system minimizes the use and roles of judges and maximizes the involvement of the participant. We feel this provides a more natural, yet highly competitive format and captures a more “martial” feel.
Mindset: The Tournament’s system is intended to engage the participants in the judging of their shared experience. To that end, it should be understood that the participants bear a responsibility to one another to foster a spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect.
Points: The points system is based on 15 points being available in each bout to each participant. Once the value of 15 is reached by the combined scores of the participants, the bout is over.
For Longsword (open and youth), Singlestick, mixed (steel and synthetic):
▪ Head= 5 points
▪ Torso= 3 points
▪ Arms/Legs=1 point (This includes the hand as a valid target)
For Smallsword:
▪ Torso = 5 points (bib to waist)
▪ Head = 3 points (helmet, minus the bib)
▪ Arms/Legs=1 point (This includes the hand as a valid target)
For Rapier:
▪ Thrusts or Cuts to the Head (including bib) or Thrusts to the body = 5 points
▪ Cuts to the body = 1 point
▪ Cuts/thrusts to the arms/legs = 1 points (This includes the hand as a valid target)
▪ After blows score the same (e.g. a thrust to the head, 5 pts, drops to 3pts with an after blow)
End of Bouts: Bouts are to the combined scores of 15 points with the winner having the majority of the points. All bouts will go to 15 points regardless if one fencer gains the majority:
Example: fencer A has 7 points and fencer B as 1. Fencer A strikes the head and gains 5 points, giving fencer A a total of 12 points to fencers B’s 1. There are still 2 points remaining for either fencer A or B to earn.
During each match scorekeepers will record each participant’s score on an individual scorecard. These scorecards will be turned in at the end of each round for tabulation and ranking against the rest of the field.
ELIMINATIONS & FINALS: The top 8 participants in each tournament will advance to single eliminations. Eliminations will be held right after the event. The top 8 fighters will be determined by the following scoring by order of precedence; Wins, Points For, Points Against, and doubles. Eliminations will consist of four matches in a bracketed format (with #1 seed against the #8 and so forth). The winners of these bouts will move on to the semi-finals; with the winners of the semi-finals competing for 1st and 2nd, and the losers competing for 3rd.
Scoring for Elimination: bouts in the elimination, semi-finals, and finals will be first to 12 points. All other rules are the same.
Scoring/Referees: The participants are responsible for awarding points based on their perception of the resulting actions! There will be only one Referee assigned to each ring. These Referees will act as an independent third party should confusion arise, and have last “say” as to the decision, but they will be encouraged to reset the bouts until an obvious decision is reached by the participants. Only “double-kills” are called by the Referee, and after 3, the match ends. All points earned up to that point are final in the match. Participants MAY “throw out” exchanges by declaring them “messy”. No negative penalty will be placed on these mutual discards. They will not be counted as “doubles”.
TEMPO/TIMING/LINE OF ATTACK: Fencers, let’s discuss afterblows, double kills, and valuation of multiple hits! The overall idea here is to take the best exchanges and rate them with the points system. Messy, close-calls are encouraged to be disregarded! These occur usually when the fencing is too clumsy or imperfect to have a satisfactory valuation of it. This happens to all of us at times. Yes, we fully realize it is a part of real combat, and in combat who “won” would be obvious as the other combatant would be seriously maimed or dead! Not so in our modern age, so let’s not obsess about it! Clean fencing, gives clean results.
Doubles are just that, these blows are landing on different targets at approximately the same time. I’ll demo a tempo segment at the start of each day to highlight this but for now, a hit, followed by another hit in about the same beat is a double. These doubles are generally considered a negative, and will be called by the Referee. Once the Referee makes that call, it cannot be reversed into a “messy” result and discarded. Three doubles and your match is over, and potential points are lost.
When a participant strikes a blow that lands on two targets, say the blow strikes the arm on the way to striking the head, the higher value head target should be awarded. Swords don’t stop once they hit the lesser point value target, in most cases the sword would have carried right on through that minor fleshy hit to the top part of the arm and then it would continue on its way to taking a nice chunk out of that skull! The appropriate value would be 5 points in this case and a head hit. Not 2 points for the arm, disregarding the final head hit!
Afterblows: In addition to recording double strikes, in order to further promote clean, quality fencing, this year we will utilize a limited afterblow system. In the event that an opponent lands a return strike against a fencer who scored on them the original strike’s score will be reduced one level. Please note that this would reduce an arm or leg hit (1 pt.) to 0 points.
Example: Fencer A lands a blow to Fencer B’s torso. As part of the same exchange, but not simultaneously, Fencer B strikes Fencer A’s head. The particular location of B’s blow is irrelevant, Fencer A’s torso hit (3 points) is reduced to 2 points.
This requires us to define what constitutes an afterblow. An afterblow is a normally scoring strike that lands in tempo, and as part of a continuous exchange, before returning to any guard position.
Example: returning to the example above, Fencer B’s strike would have necessarily been part of an attack launched before being struck by Fencer A, and be part of an uncompleted pattern of attack.
As with doubles, while the referee may request clarifications on whether a firm strike was made, he/she will be the final arbiter of timing of the attacks.
Etiquette/Score Cards: Upon arrival at the ring for the round, each participant will present the scorekeeper with his/her scorecard. At the beginning of each match participants will be called to enter the ring, and participants “on-deck” will also be called and are required to put on all equipment at that time and be near their ring and ready to fence. Participants who miss two announcements when called to enter the ring will forfeit their match and all 15 points will be awarded to their opponent.
At the beginning of each match the Referee and both participants will meet in the middle of the ring, participants will introduce themselves to each other. Participants will briefly discuss any issues or concerns, (equipment, health concerns, injuries etc.).
After each exchange of blows the participant who is hit will raise their hand and declare a hit by saying “halt”, then declare where they were struck. This is then accepted by the referee and added to the points total for the participant.
At the conclusion of each match, the Participants review their scorecards with the scorekeeper and initial that they are in agreement with the scoring. This will be done for each match. The scorecards will be handed in by the scorekeeper to the main table after each round. Unsigned or incomplete scorecards will not be accepted.
All tournament matches will have NO time limits. The Referee will have full authority to end matches that are stifled, or if any participant is somehow using these rules to a distinct and obvious advantage.
Actions such as /striking/kicking/ will not be allowed. Wrestling will not be allowed in: Any Matches, or Anywhere on the Tournament Grounds! Trapping, seizing and establishing a position of advantage is allowed. No completed throws are allowed.
Participant behavior: Unfortunately there are times when the competitive nature of the tournament can cause some unhealthy behavior. Participants will be penalized for these specific acts:
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Throwing down of equipment: results in 5 points assessed to your next opponent if between matches, or to the current opponent if done mid match.
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Breaking the participant-agreed upon rules: results in 3 points assessed to your current opponent.
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In each match the first instance of leaving the ring (not merely stepping on the line, but being significantly out in order to avoid a blow) will receive a warning. Each instance thereafter will award 3 points to the current opponent. This promotes both fight etiquette and safety to nearby rings and spectators.
Required safety equipment: This tournament will require the generally accepted standard of HEMA safety equipment for tournaments. A commercially available fencing mask, with back of the head protection, a gorget, a Hema fencing jacket or other suitable chest protection (i.e. Olympic style for smallsword), hard elbow/knee/shin protection, proper fencing gloves, athletic cup (no external cups or codpieces), closed toe and soled shoes. Each tournament will have specific rules for gear as well but unless otherwise started, all the equipment above is required. No exposed skin.
All equipment will be checked by the tournament directors before use is permitted. Individual questions on gear can be answered, but if it’s reasonable it’ll be allowed. The only exception to this rule is that steel gloves may be used; they will only be admitted under extreme scrutiny by the directors.
Weapons: All weapons must reasonably be able to be classified as the weapons they are based off historically. Tournament directors shall have, in their sole discretion, final approval over the acceptableness of any weapon. All weapons must be tipped. It is much preferred that the tips are industry standard rubber tips. If that is not a feasible option, leather tips may be permissible upon approval by the directors. All weapons must have been made for the specific purpose of being fenced with. Retrofitted or broken blades are not permitted.
Tournament Specific equipment and rules:
Single stick:
Equipment: Hema standard bell and rattan stick; no hickory. Due to the nature of the bell, gloves can be optional. Forearm protection is encouraged but not required. The single stick does not need to be tipped.
Additional Rules: use of the offhand is disallowed: no offensive or defensive use. Fencers may agree, prior to the start of their bout, to score all touches with the stick (i.e. sportified single stick) or treat it as a saber (i.e. edge alignment and a level of force/rotation are needed to count as a hit). Points only scored with strikes from the stick; Thrusts are not allowed nor can you score with a strike from the bell/pommel.
Smallsword:
Equipment:
All weapons must reasonably be able to be classified as a Smallsword. The directors have sole discretion on this determination. The blade may not be longer than 32 inches, from the guard to tip. All blades must be triangular in shape (i.e. Epee blades) and have adequate flex. Guards must be of typical size and shape as determined by directors. Gloves must be worn but can be light (i.e. leather gloves or puncture resistant under gloves). Knee/shin/elbow guards are not mandatory but there cannot be any exposed skin.
Additional Rules: Off hand is allowed to defend, trap/wrap the blade but grabbing with the hand is not allowed and is scored as a hand hit to the detriment of the fencer grabbing (with no drop in points for an after blow). Cuts are not allowed. Points are only scored for thrusts with the point (no cuts or pommel strikes).
Longsword (applies to both Open and Youth tournaments):
Equipment: Hema specific feder blades. Training blunts are not allowed. All swords must have acceptable flex (at directors’ approval) and be tipped. Hard shell gloves and all generally listed equipment (listed above) are required.
Additional Rules: Strikes with the pommel to the front of the mask are scoring points (5 pts). The striker is responsible for the safety of the other fencer; “showing” the pommel strike and calling it is the preferred to any contact. Any excessive contact (or a strike with the pommel to any location outside the front of the mask) is unsafe and will not be scored.
Youth Longsword:
Youth longsword follows all the rules set above for Open Longsword. The only additional rule is fencers have to be under the age of 18 to compete in youth longsword.
Mixed steel:
Equipment: Hema specific weapons. Training blunts are not allowed. All swords must have acceptable flex (at directors’ approval) and be tipped. Blades length is 36” or less (from tip to start of the guard). Please do not try to use rapiers for this tournament (we have a specific one just for them). Offhand devices can be from the following:
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dagger (Hema specific blade, appropriate flex, and tipped, only thrusts will count as a hit).
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buckler/targe (with a diameter 14” or less. for safety, strikes with the front of buckler only and only scoring to the front of the mask; scoring as pommels)
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Cape (wrapping the arm does not protect against cuts or thrusts in mixed steel, they cannot be thrown).
Gloves will be dependent on the level of built in protection from the weapon; i.e. simple crucifix swords/daggers require hard shell gloves, more complex hilts requiring heavier (red dragons or the like) while basket hilt weapons require light gloves (e.g. leather). Final discretion will be at the directors’ approval.
Additional Rules: Strikes with the pommel of the main weapon to the front of the mask are scoring points (5 pts). The striker is responsible for the safety of the other fencer; “showing” the pommel strike and calling it is the preferred to any contact. Any excessive contact (or a strike with the pommel to any location outside the front of the mask) is unsafe and will not be scored.
If a fencer does not have an offhand devices and the other does, the fencer without the offhand device starts the bout at THREE POSITIVE POINTS. You may not switch or add the offhand device during a bout, you may remove your offhand device during the bout but it will not reset the bonus points (if applicable) once the bout has started.
Rapier:
Equipment: Hema specific weapons that are reasonably be able to be classified as a Rapier (at the discretion of the directors). Training blunts are not allowed. All swords must have acceptable flex (at directors’ approval). Blades length is maxed at 42” or less (from tip to start of the guard) and CANNOT have triangular blades. Offhand devices can be from the following:
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dagger (Hema specific blade, appropriate flex, and tipped, only thrusts will count as a hit).
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buckler/targe (with a diameter 14” or less, for safety strikes with the front of buckler only and only scoring to the front of the mask, scoring as pommels)
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Cape (wrapping the arm DOES protect against cuts but NOT thrusts, caps cannot be thrown).
Gloves will be dependent on the level of built in protection from the weapon; i.e. simple crucifix swords/daggers require hard shell gloves, more complex hilts requiring heavy gloves (red dragons or the like) while basket hilt/bells with adequate hand protection require light gloves (e.g. leather). Final discretion will be at the directors’ approval.
Additional Rules: Strikes with the pommel of the main weapon to the front of the mask are scoring points (5 pts). The striker is responsible for the safety of the other fencer; “showing” the pommel strike and calling it is the preferred to any contact. Any excessive contact (or a strike with the pommel to any location outside the front of the mask) is unsafe and will not be scored.
If a fencer does not have an offhand devices and the other does, the fencer without the offhand device starts the match at THREE POSITIVE POINTS. You may not switch or add the offhand device during a bout, you may remove your offhand device during the bout but it will not reset the bonus points (if applicable) once the bout has started.
Mixed Synthetic:
Equipment: Hema specific synthetic weapons of nearly any variety (with Polearms and Zweihanders being not allowed). Weapons must be Historical and European (fantasy/Sci-fi weapons are disallowed). All weapons must have adequate flex for thrusting. Offhand devices can be any synthetic weapon that is allowed in one hand plus these additional offhand devices:
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dagger (Hema specific blade, flex, only thrusts will count as a hit).
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buckler/targe (with a diameter 20” or less, for safety strikes with the front of buckler only and only scoring to the front of the mask, scoring as pommels)
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Cape (wrapping the arm does not protect against cuts or thrusts in mixed synthetic, they cannot be thrown).
At minimum, gloves will require red dragons or similar gloves with more complex guards requiring less protection. Final discretion will be at the directors’ approval.
Additional Rules: Strikes with the pommel of the weapon to the front of the mask are scoring points (5 pts). The striker is responsible for the safety of the other fencer; “showing” the pommel strike and calling it is the preferred to any contact. Any excessive contact (or a strike with the pommel to any location outside the front of the mask) is unsafe and will not be scored.
If a fencer does not have an offhand devices and the other does, the fencer without the offhand device starts the match at THREE POSITIVE POINTS. You may not switch or add the offhand device during a bout, you may remove your offhand device during the bout but it will not reset the bonus points (if applicable) once the bout has started.
Swords and gear must pass the SUBJECTIVE judgment of tournament organizers, P.J. Stahl and Dan Rauens. Contact them at: krumppowtournament@gmail.com if there is any question as to if your specific tournament sword is allowed. We will have a safety inspection and briefing at the beginning of each day and each event. Any questions on specific gear/rules can be addressed at this time or you.
THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK