rules for light steel

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A. All participants must maintain a level head, a calm demeanor, and attempt to resolve issues through discussion.
B. Upon the call of “Hold,” all fighting in the vicinity must cease. Fencers must lower their weapons and step away from each other.
C. Commands from the judicators in charge of the field must be followed at all times.

A. Valid Strikes

1. Valid strikes are delivered by thrust or draw cut.
    
   1. Thrusts must be delivered with positive pressure, meaning a slight bend in the blade.
       
   2. Push cuts are considered invalid, as they are unrealistic in a martial context.
       
   3. Draw cuts are allowed provided they have a minimum of six inches of draw. By themselves, draw cuts are equally unrealistic as push cuts, but they allow the closest simulation of an actual cut delivered with intent by the elbow and wrist without causing injury or requiring additional armor.
      a. Rapid circular motions are allowed, provided the resultant cut adheres to the six-inch draw rule and does not land as a percussive chop.
      b. Parrying devices may be used both to deflect an opponent’s weapon and as offensive tools against the opponent.
      c. Devices such as bucklers and batons may be used for strikes to the head, but only as blunt touches. No full-force contact is allowed. A clean touch to the mask (without interference from the opponent) is considered valid.
       

B. Open-Hand Techniques

1. A gloved, open hand may be used as a parrying device.
   a. An open hand may parry an opponent’s appendage (hand or arm) or push the opponent away via the torso, but may not grapple.
   b. An open hand or closed fist may not be used to strike another fencer.
    

A. Positive Pressure: The CoS uses a positive pressure standard. Thrusts must be delivered such that, had the weapon been real, the tip would penetrate 1–3 inches into the target.
B. Honor System: All thrusts and cuts are acknowledged on the honor of the fencer receiving the blow.

1. In case of dispute, if both fencers agree, the judicator may be asked for their assessment. The judicator’s decision is final.
    
2. If no resolution is reached or the judicator did not have a clear view, the fencers will reset and begin again.
    

C. Double Strikes / Kills:

1. A double strike occurs when two fencers deliver valid blows within one tempo of each other.
   a. Thrusts to the head delivered before an opponent’s attack nullify that opponent’s attack (does not apply to cuts).
   b. Thrusts to the weapon arm delivered before an opponent’s attack nullify that opponent’s attack (does not apply to cuts).
    

D. Debilitating Blows: Any blow received to the head, neck, torso, or upper inner thigh ends the fight.

E. Arm Blows:

1. Thrusts or cuts to the forearm/hand render the arm incapable of holding a weapon; the empty hand may still parry. A second blow fully incapacitates the arm.
    
2. Thrusts or cuts at or above the elbow incapacitate the entire arm.
    

F. Targetable Arm Areas:

1. From knuckles (excluding fingers) to the shoulder.
    
2. A wounded weapon arm may be switched to the opposite hand to continue the duel.
    

G. Leg Blows:

1. Thrusts or cuts at or above the ankle incapacitate the entire leg. Two blows to the foot also incapacitate the leg.
    
2. Targetable leg areas: top of the foot (excluding toes) to where the leg connects to the torso.
    
3. Options after leg injury:
   a. Yield
   b. Sit and continue the duel
   c. Stand and post the leg without weight
   d. Point toes straight down and continue movement as able
    

A. Olympic foil, saber, or epee blades are not allowed.
B. Only blades from the approved vendor list are legal.
C. New vendors must submit a test blade for evaluation by the board or designated member.
D. Blades must be steel and flex 2 inches under moderate hand pressure against a solid object.
E. Rapiers:

1. Maximum length: 56 inches (pommel to tip)
    
2. May be wielded one- or two-handed
    
3. Blade tips must be rounded and capped (rubber, leather, or plastic)
   F. Daggers:
    
4. Steel only; 2-inch flex required
    
5. Maximum length: 20 inches
    
6. Blade tips must be rounded and capped
   G. Any S-curve must be hand-straightenable.
   H. Nicks, burrs, or gouges must be filed smooth before use.
   I. Rapier guards with quillons must have blunt tips.
    

A. Bucklers must resist splintering, have no sharp edges or points.
B. Metal bucklers must have rolled edges or leather coverings.
C. Maximum diameter: 24 inches for tournament use (any size allowed in melee).

A. Mandatory: Mask, gorget, and groin protection.
B. Additional armor is optional for personal comfort. Note: blows to armored areas are still valid.
C. Masks:

1. Must fit snugly; no part of the face beyond the tip of the nose may touch the mesh when pressed.
    
2. Back-of-head protection required (can be cloth).
    
3. Front and sides must be fully covered with mesh; no holes large enough for a rapier tip.
   D. Genital Protection: Must be worn (cup, codpiece, or rigid protection). Final responsibility rests with the fencer; acknowledgment is sufficient.