1 GENERALCONVENTIONS
These rules and guidelines apply to all Youth Boffer Divisions, ages 6-17. Specific differences between the divisions are addressed in "Divisional Standards". The terms "Boffer Combat" or "Youth Combat" used in these rules apply to all three youth divisions.

1.1 THE RULES OF THE LIST

1.1.1 Although the rules of the list of the SCA do not include boffer combat, all those rules apply unless superceded by a rule in this document.

1.1.2 The conventions of combat of the SCA apply to boffer combat unless superceded by a rule in this document.

1.1.3 The Middle Kingdom Armored Combat conventions apply to boffer combat unless superceded by a rule in this document. Any Middle Kingdom Rapier Combat convention can be used instead of an Armored Combat convention at any tournament with the full explanation of the change given to the combatant

1.1.4 The word hold is to be used by marshals, fighters and parents to stop the combat when they see a problem. Parents are allowed to call hold from the sideline if they notice a behavior in their child that they feel is either unacceptable or dangerous.

1.2 PARENTS/ LEGAL GUARDIANS RESPONSIBILITIES

1.2.1 Parents/legal guardians are to understand this is a contact sport and that injuries may occur.

1.2.2 At least one parent/legal guardian must be present at all times while the minor is engaged in Boffer activities. For 6-9 year olds this presence requires the parent to be with in visual and vocal range of the list area. For 10+ year olds, the parent must be at the same site as the boffer combat.

1.2.3 The parent/legal guardian present is to have the minor's authorization card in his/her possession at all times when Boffer activities (official fighter practice, tournament, melee) are occurring.

1.2.4 Parents/legal guardians are to behave in a courteous and responsible manner at all times.

1.2.5 Parents/legal guardians are urged to become authorized Adult Boffer Marshals so that they can work closely with their minor in this activity.

1.2.6 Parents/legal guardians are responsible for their minor's safety, with the Adult Boffer Marshals guiding the armoring/safety process.

1.2.7 Parents/legal guardians are required to read and understand these rules and standards and are to make sure that their minor follows them.

2 MARSHALLATE GUIDELINES

2.1 The activity of Boffer Combat within the Middle Kingdom shall be regulated and monitored by the Office of the Kingdom Earl Marshal, through the Special Deputy for Youth Combat and any other authorized deputies.

2.2 Marshals on the field are expected to take an active role in safety, sportsmanship and assistance in calibration. Marshals are encouraged to tell the youth combatant that a blow was struck.

2.3 There shall be two types of Marshals: the Adult Boffer Marshal, and the Youth Boffer Marshal

2.3.1 A Warranted Adult Boffer Marshal is a person at least age 18 authorized to:
• Marshal on the boffer combat field
• Inspect weapons and armor of boffer combat
• Teach the pre-authorization class
• Authorize youth combatants in all three boffer classes

2.3.1.1 A Warranted Youth Boffer Marshal is a person in the 12-17 age bracket authorized to:
• Marshal on the field of Boffer combat under supervision of an Adult Boffer Marshal.
• Inspect weapons and armor of boffer combat under supervision of an Adult Boffer Marshal.

2.4 To become a warranted boffer marshal you must complete the boffer marshal training program. This program is identical to the armored or rapier marshal training program with the following additions:

2.4.1 Those that are not authorized armored or rapier combatants must spend at least one day observing armored or rapier combat at an event and have a warranted marshal sign off on this. This marshal must answer any questions about combat to the boffer marshal in training.

2.4.2 The special deputy for youth combat may request additional references as desired.

2.5 All youth approved rapier and armored marshals are warranted Adult boffer marshals.

2.6 At least one (1) Adult Boffer Marshal is required for any practice bout.

2.7 At least one (1) Warranted Adult Boffer Marshals must be on the field for any tournament bout.

2.8 Adult Boffer Marshals are responsible for combat safety. This includes, but is not limited to, checking weapons, observing combat, warning a combatant of inappropriate or dangerous actions, disallowing dangerous weapons, and, if necessary, removing a combatant from the field.

2.9 It is suggested to allow Youth Boffer Marshals as much control and authority over combat as possible. However, the final responsibility on the field is with the Adult Boffer Marshal.

2.10 Any combatant who refuses to obey the commands of the marshals, including Youth Boffer Marshals, shall be removed from the field.

2.11 Prior to any combat (practice or tournament) all equipment must be inspected and shall meet all safety and armor requirements pertaining to the appropriate division. An Adult Boffer Marshal or a Youth Boffer Marshal under supervision of an Adult Boffer Marshal must do inspections.

2.12 AUTHORIZATION GUIDELINES

2.12.1 All combatants, along with a parent or legal guardian, must attend a pre-authorization session taught by an Adult Boffer Marshal. The session will outline the rules and guidelines found within this handbook. A different session will be given for each division.

2.12.2 A combatant changing divisions will be expected to take the next appropriate session, along with the parent/legal guardian, before authorizing in the next division. This is on the honor of the combatant and parents.

2.12.3 Authorizations will be conducted in the manner detailed in the appropriate division.

2.12.4 If a previously authorized combatant fails to pass an authorization for the next division, the authorizing marshals may allow him to continue to participate in the previous division for the remainder of the event.

2.12.5 Authorization cards will be given to the parent/legal guardian. Cards must be presented to the marshal in charge or list official before any combat begins. A waiver for full contact competition must be on file with the Clerk of the Rosters before an authorization card will be issued. Authorizations are valid until the minor moves up to the next division.

2.12.6 For Boffer combat neither the parent nor the child need be members of the SCA, Inc.

2.12.7 All combatants must be authorized before participating in any tournament combat.

2.12.8 Parents and youth fighters are responsible for keeping track of the rules and any changes to the rules either via the Pale, the web, or personal contact with the marshals.

2.12.9 Combatants need not be authorized to participate in official fighter practices, but the parent/ legal guardian must sign a waiver for full contact competition.

2.13 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

2.13.1 The Adult Boffer Marshal is in charge of the field. The Marshallate will deal with violations of the rules of combat, safety regulations, or other inappropriate or unsafe action in an appropriate way.

2.13.2 Disciplinary actions may include a simple caution, a warning, removal from the field, removal from the tournament or practice, or suspension of authorization.

2.13.3 The Marshals may bar anyone who they feel is disruptive from the vicinity of the list field. If, as a result of that action, a minor has no parent/legal guardian present, he/she cannot continue and must be withdrawn from the tournament or practice.

2.13.4 Any action that involves removing a participant or a parent/ legal guardian from the field or practice must be reported to, and is subject to review by, the Earl Marshal and Special Deputy for Boffer Combat.

2.13.5 Only the Crown, the Earl Marshal, or the Special Deputy for Boffer Combat may suspend the authorization of a participant.

2.13.6 All injuries, in addition to being included in regular reporting, must be reported by telephone or in person to the Special Deputy for Boffer Combat and the Earl Marshal within 24 hours of the injury. If neither can be reached, contact the Kingdom Seneschal directly.

2.13.7 Marshals who fail to do their job or who create a dangerous situation on the field will be subject to the same disciplinary actions as participants and parents/legal guardians.

2.13.8 Those who wish to appeal any Marshallate actions must appeal to the next person up in the chain of command. That chain is:
• Marshal in charge of the field/inspecting Marshal
• Marshal in charge of the tournament or practice
• Regional Deputy for Boffer Combat
• Special Deputy for Youth Combat
• Earl Marshal
• The Crown of the Middle Kingdom

2.14 Reporting shall follow the same schedule as other marshals. See section three of the armored combat marshals manual or rapier marshals manual. Youth approved marshals may include boffer and other youth combat on the same report.

3 DIVISIONAL DEFINITIONS

3.1 Age Divisions

3.1.1 Children's Boffer Division (Ages 6-9)

3.1.2 Youth Boffer Division (Ages 10-13)

3.1.3 Teen Boffer Division (Ages 14-17)

3.2 INTERDIVISION COMBAT

3.2.1.1 At no time shall there be tournament combat between the different divisions.

3.2.1.2 Practice between divisions shall always use the weapon standards and calibration of the lowest division involved.

3.2.1.3 Youths of age 17 and below can practice with any other youth, regardless of authorizations held as long as they are able to follow those rules.

3.2.1.4 Melee practice may only occur between divisions at local practices. No melee between divisions shall be allowed at any events

3.3 DIVISION TRANSFER

3.3.1 A division transfer authorization should be run in the same manner as any other authorization, but the marshals should be focused on the new rules between divisions.

3.3.2 Should a combatant fail a division transfer authorization, he will be allowed to participate in his previous division.

3.3.3 The Marshallate recognizes that some minors will be very small or very large for their age, or that there may be insufficient participants in a given division at an event. These minors may, at the request of their parents/legal guardians, and on a case-by-case basis determined by the Earl Marshal, Special Deputy for Boffer Combat, or designate be moved up or down one division as appropriate.

3.4 ADULT TRAINING AT OFFICIAL SCA ACTIVITIES

3.4.1 Adults in a training situation with youth combatants are not required to meet the armor standards outlined in the "Divisional Standards". It is recommended that trainers wear armor appropriate to the training.

3.4.2 Parents can actively train their own children.

3.4.3 Other than parents, only Adult Boffer Marshals and Youth Approved Marshals may train minors.

4 DIVISIONAL STANDARDS

4.1 CHILDREN'S BOFFER DIVISION: AGE 6‑9 YEARS

4.1.1 Minimum Required Armor

4.1.1.1 Head - The head must be covered by a helmet. Helms for youth combat include: street hockey helmets, hockey helmets, baseball catcher's masks with full head protection, and fencing masks. Period looking metal helms are also allowed and encouraged. All helms must have grills or metal mesh covering the face. No opening on the face shall be more than 2 inches. The helm must be constructed or rigid material. Helms must have either a chin strap or a back strap to hold the helm securely. All helmets must fit.

4.1.1.2 Neck - Larnyx protection is required. Minimum light leather. Note that some helmets, including all fencing masks meet this requirement.

4.1.1.3 Torso - Must be covered by shirt, tunic, bodice, etc. Kidney, sternum and xyphoid protection is not required.

4.1.1.4 Arms -Minimum of lightweight cloth must cover shoulders and elbow. Elbow joint protection is not required. Both a long sleeve shirt and a short sleeve with elbow pads meet this requirement. Light gloves are required for hands

4.1.1.5 Legs - Long pants, tights, or sweats required. Minimum of lightweight cloth. Sturdy shoes are required. No open-toed shoes or sandals. Knee joint protection is not required.

4.1.1.6 Groin - Minimum protection is sports cup, padded skirt or undergarment, light leather or equivalent.

4.1.2 Weapon Standards

4.1.2.1 All single handed weapons will be made of a single golf tube covered with .5 in. of closed cell foam extending 1.5 in. past the end of the tube. The ends of the golf tube must be fiber tape closed.

4.1.2.2 All two handed weapons will be made of golf tubes taped together with an overlap of up to three inches covered with .5 in. of closed cell foam extending 1.5 in. past the end of the tube. The ends of the golf tube must be fiber tape closed.

4.1.2.3 All single handed thrusting weapons must consist of the above listed construction plus a thrusting tip consisting of closed cell foam and tape, loosely wrapped, a minimum 2.5 inches in diameter and extending 2.5 inches past the golf tube. Tip should be sturdy enough to not completely fold over upon impact.

4.1.2.4 All two handed thrusting weapons must consist of the above listed construction plus a thrusting tip consisting of closed cell foam and tape, loosely wrapped, a minimum 3 inches in diameter and extending 2.5 inches past the golf tube. Tip should be sturdy enough to not completely fold over upon impact.

4.1.2.5 Weapons must be covered with single layer of loosely wrapped duct tape for support.

4.1.2.6 All weapons must be proportional to the size of the combatant. Mass weapons should have no "mass" to them.

4.1.2.7 Basket hilts are not required but are allowed.

4.1.2.8 The maximum length of any weapon will be 5 feet.

4.1.3 Shield Standards

4.1.3.1 Shields may not be used as offensive weapons. NO contact between shield and the opponent's body is allowed.

4.1.3.2 Materials allowed are wood, plastic, or aluminum or equivalent.

4.1.3.3 All edges must be covered by tubing, leather, or foam. Pipe foam padding is highly recommended.

4.1.3.4 Shield shape should be recognizable as an medieval shield.

4.1.3.5 Shields shall be reasonable in size proportional to combatant.

4.1.3.6 No bolts, wires or other objects may project more than .375 inches without padding or tape.

4.1.4 Blow Calibration

4.1.4.1 Touch only. Any blows that touch the opponent's body, unless rolled across a weapon or shield, will be accepted. Marshals are expected to notify the combatants if a shot comes off a shield or weapon. Groin shots, while legal, are to be discouraged.

4.1.4.2 The marshals shall notify the combatant when the blow force is harder than a touch.

4.1.4.3 All combatants are presumed to be wearing only a tunic.

4.1.4.4 Combatants may call hold to discuss the force of blows, but only the marshal in charge of the field may discount a blow.

4.1.4.5 The marshal in charge of the field will discount blows that are harder than positive force, but not hard enough to injure an opponent. This situation must be discussed with both youth combatants.

4.1.4.6 Any combatant using force sufficient to bruise or injure an opponent will, after one warning, be removed from the field. This situation will be discussed with the combatant and the parent. It is up to the marshal in charge to determine if the combatant is to be allowed on the field that day.

4.1.5 Target Area

4.1.5.1 The entire body is a legal target area for cutting blows. Blows to the hand are not counted.

4.1.5.2 Thrusting is allowed to the torso, arms and legs.

4.1.6 Blow Acknowledgement.

4.1.6.1 Any touch to a legal target area scores a victory for the combatant striking the blow

4.1.6.2 Combatants do not fight from their knees or with the off hand

4.1.6.3 All tournament combat shall be conducted in the manner of counted blows with three being the standard number.

4.1.6.4 In melee when touched an opponent may either fall down or leave the field.

4.1.7 Authorization Procedure

4.1.7.1 There is only one authorization in this division and it will allow the combatant to use any weapon.

4.1.7.2 The marshal shall have the combatant strike him with a proper blow. The marshal shall explain if the blow force is correct. If it is not the marshal shall attempt to correct it. The authorization will not continue until the marshal is satisfied with the blow force.

4.1.7.3 An authorization bout will be fought. Blows will be called verbally. The preferred opponent is someone in the same age division. If none are available, then use an older boffer opponent or a Warranted Youth Marshal. Use of an Adult Boffer Marshal as an opponent is a last resort.

4.1.7.4 The combatant will pass unless he demonstrates willful disregard for the rules. Neither a lack of ability to attack nor defend is a reason to fail an authorization. Poor acknowledgement is not a reason to fail an authorization.

4.1.8 Educational Goals

4.1.8.1 Explanation and practice in use, function, and techniques of Youth Boffer Weapons.

4.1.8.2 Preparation for advancement to the Youth Boffer Division ( Age 10-13 years ).

4.2 YOUTH BOFFER DIVISION: AGE 10-13 YEARS

4.2.1 Minimum Required Armor:

4.2.1.1 Head - The head must be covered by a helmet. Helms for youth combat include: street hockey helmets, lacrosse helmets, hockey helmets, baseball catcher's masks with full head protection, and fencing masks. Period looking metal helms are also allowed and encouraged. All helms must have grills or metal mesh covering the face. No opening on the face shall be more than 2 inches. The helm must be constructed or rigid material. Helms must have either a chin strap or a back strap to hold the helm securely. All helmets must fit.

4.2.1.2 Neck - Lightweight gorget covering the larynx and cervical spine is required. Minimum of light leather.

4.2.1.3 Torso - Must be covered by shirt, tunic, bodice, etc. Kidney, sternum and xyphoid protection is not required. For females: As a girl matures, she must also have adequate breast protection, e.g. quilted material tunic, light leather or equivalent.

4.2.1.4 Arms - Minimum of lightweight cloth on shoulders and armpits. Heavy or padded gloves are required for hands. Elbow joint protection is required. Minimum of soft elbow pads.

4.2.1.5 Legs - Long pants, tights, or sweats required. Minimum of lightweight cloth. Sturdy shoes are required. No open-toed shoes or sandals. Knee joint protection is required. Minimum of soft knee pads.

4.2.1.6 Groin - Minimum protection is sports cup, padded skirt, leather or equivalent.

4.2.2 Weapon Standards:

4.2.2.1 Schedule 40 PVC is considered the standard base material for boffer construction. The marshallate will consider other equivalent materials for construction (such as CPVC, Schedule 80 PVC, or Siloflex) on a case by case basis. The standard non-thrusting type weapon must consist of:
• 0.5 inch I.D. PVC (schedule 40) minimum; 1.0 inch I.D. maximum
• Both ends of PVC must be capped.
• Two layers of fiber-reinforced strapping tape.
• 0.5 inch closed cell foam, minimum, extending the striking length of the boffer to 1.5 inches past tip of PVC. The foam must cover all sides of the PVC.
• Minimum one layer duct tape wrapped loosely.

4.2.2.2 All single handed thrusting weapons must consist of the above listed construction plus a thrusting tip consisting of closed cell foam and tape, loosely wrapped, a minimum 2.5 inches in diameter and extending 2.5 inches past PVC. Tip should be sturdy enough to not completely fold over upon impact. Tips may use soft leather or cloth to give support to avoid folding over.

4.2.2.3 Two Handed weapons must use a minimum of .75 inch PVC.

4.2.2.4 Two Handed thrusting weapons must consist of the above listed construction plus a thrusting tip consisting of closed cell foam and tape, loosely wrapped, a minimum 3 inches in diameter and extending 2.5 inches past PVC. Tip should be sturdy enough to not completely fold over upon impact. Tips may use soft leather or cloth to give support to avoid folding over.

4.2.2.5 All weapons must be proportional to the size of the combatant Mass weapons should have no real "mass" to them.

4.2.2.6 Basket hilts are not required but are recommended.

4.2.3 Shield Standards

4.2.3.1 Shields may not be used as offensive weapons. NO contact between shield and the opponent's body is allowed.

4.2.3.2 Materials allowed are wood, plastic, or aluminum or equivalent.

4.2.3.3 All edges must be covered by tubing, leather, or foam. Pipe foam padding is highly recommended.

4.2.3.4 Shield shape should be recognizable as medieval shield.

4.2.3.5 Shields shall be reasonable in size proportional to combatant.

4.2.3.6 No bolts, wires or other objects may project more than .375 inches without padding or tape.

4.2.4 Blow Calibration

4.2.4.1 All cutting blows must have positive force to count. Positive force is defined as a blow that does not stop at the surface but need not have any power behind it.

4.2.4.2 All thrusting blows will require touch only. Any unimpeded blow will be counted.

4.2.4.3 All combatants are presumed to be wearing a quilted coif and tunic only.

4.2.4.4 Any combatant using force sufficient to bruise or injure an opponent will, after one warning, be removed from the field. This situation will be discussed with the combatant and the parent. It is up to the marshal in charge to determine if the combatant is to be allowed on the field that day.

4.2.5 Target Area

4.2.5.1 The body from 1 inch above the knee and up is legal target area for cutting and thrusting. Blows to the hand are not counted. Please be aware that the entire head is a legal area for thrusting, just like rapier combat.

4.2.5.2 Modifications to the target area to match either armored or rapier combat for a particular tournament or melee is allowed. These target areas are defined in the appropriate handbook. In this case all combatants MUST be clear on the legal target areas and no combat shall proceed until they are.

4.2.6 Blow Acknowledgement.

4.2.6.1 Any blow striking from the shoulder to the hand shall cause the loss of the arm.

4.2.6.2 Any blow striking from 1 inch above the knee to the hips will cause the loss of the leg. The combatant will then be allowed to fight from his knees.

4.2.6.3 Any blow striking the hip will cause the loss of movement. The combatant must sit to continue to fight.

4.2.6.4 Any blow struck to the head or torso is a kill. The combatant is to fall to the ground.

4.2.7 Authorization Procedure

4.2.7.1 There are two authorizations categories: Single handed weapon and two handed weapon.

4.2.7.2 The marshal will quiz the combatant on legal target area, armor standards and weapon standards.

4.2.7.3 The marshal shall have the combatant strike him with a proper blow. The marshal shall explain if the blow force is correct. If it is not the marshal shall attempt to correct it. The authorization will not continue until the marshal is satisfied with the blow force.

4.2.7.4 An authorization bout will be fought. Blows will be called verbally. The preferred opponent is someone in the same age division. If none are available, then use an older boffer opponent or a Warranted Youth Marshal. Use of an Adult Boffer Marshal as an opponent is a last resort.

4.2.7.5 To authorize the combatant must demonstrate the ability to deliver and recognize a proper blow. They must demonstrate a reasonable attempt at defense. Most importantly, they must exhibit safe and courteous behavior throughout the bout.

4.2.8 Educational Goals

4.2.8.1 Refinement of techniques in defense, accuracy, and speed.

4.2.8.2 Continued development in the graces of chivalric combat, honorable conduct, and etiquette both on the field and off.

4.2.8.3 Preparation for advancement to the Teen Boffer Division (Age 14-17) and Youth Rapier.

4.3 TEEN BOFFER DIVISION: AGE 14-17

4.3.1 Minimum Required Armor

4.3.1.1 Head - The head must be covered by a helmet. Helms for youth combat include: street hockey helmets, lacrosse helmets, hockey helmets, baseball catcher's masks with full head protection, and fencing masks with padded hoods. Standard SCA armored helmets are encouraged. All helms must have grills or metal mesh covering the face. No opening on the face shall be more than 2 inches. The helm must be constructed or rigid material. Helms must have either a chin strap or a back strap to hold the helm securely. All helmets must fit.

4.3.1.2 Neck - Gorget covering the larynx and cervical spine is required. Minimum of medium leather or equivalent.

4.3.1.3 Torso - Must be covered by shirt, tunic, bodice, etc. The kidneys, sternum and xiphoid must be covered by rigid material. Minimum medium leather backed with padding or foam. Kydex, metal scale, plate etc. are acceptable. Females must also have adequate breast protection, e.g. quilted material tunic, light leather or equivalent.

4.3.1.4 Arms -Minimum of lightweight cloth on the shoulders and armpits. Rigid elbow joint protection is required. Minimum elbow pads covered with medium leather. Roller blade or volleyball style pads with hard plastic cup are acceptable.

4.3.1.5 Hands - The hand must be protected by a combination of basket hilt, gauntlet or hockey gloves. Street hockey and lacrosse gloves are acceptable for this division. Gauntlets may be made of leather or metal.

4.3.1.6 Legs - Long pants or sweats required. Minimum of lightweight clothe. Sturdy shoes are required. No open-toed shoes or sandals. Knee joint protection is required. Minimum of soft kneepads covered with medium leather. Roller blade or volleyball style pads with hard plastic cup are acceptable.

4.3.1.7 Groin - For boys minimum protection is sports cup or rigid pubic arch protection. For girls, closed-cell foam or heavy leather or the equivalent is required to cover the pubic bone area. The wearing of a male style athletic cup by female fighters is prohibited

4.3.2 Weapon Standards

4.3.2.1 Schedule 40 PVC is considered the standard base material for boffer construction. The marshallate will consider other equivalent materials for construction (such as CPVC, Schedule 80 PVC, or Siloflex) on a case by case basis. The standard non-thrusting type weapon must consist of:
• 0.5 inch I.D. PVC (schedule 40) minimum; 1.0 inch I.D. maximum
• Both ends of PVC must be capped.
• Two layers of fiber-reinforced strapping tape.
• 0.5 inch closed cell foam, minimum, extending the striking length of the boffer to 1.5 inches past tip of PVC. The foam must cover the striking edge only.
• Minimum one layer duct tape wrapped loosely.

4.3.2.2 All single handed thrusting weapons must consist of the above listed construction plus a thrusting tip consisting of closed cell foam and tape, loosely wrapped, a minimum 2 inches in diameter and extending 2 inches past PVC. Tip should be sturdy enough to not completely fold over upon impact. Tips may use soft leather or cloth to give support to avoid folding over.

4.3.2.3 Lanyards are required on single-handed weapons.

4.3.2.4 Construction of two-handed weapons shall follow single handed weapon guidelines with the exception of 1inch PVC (Schedule 40) used for base material.

4.3.2.4.1 All two-handed, thrusting weapons must consist of: thrusting tip - leather or rubber, covering the last 12 inches of the PVC on the thrusting end. Foam and tape to be a minimum 2.5 inch in diameter and extend 2 inches past PVC. Striking tips on poles and spears shall also include one half split tennis ball end or equivalent over foam on end.

4.3.2.4.2 Size limits on two-handed weapons
• Spear - 7.5'
• Polearms - 6'
• Great sword - 6' no more than 18" haft.

4.3.3 Shield Standards

4.3.3.1 Shields may not be used as offensive weapons. NO contact between shield and the opponent's body is allowed.

4.3.3.2 Materials allowed are wood, plastic, or aluminum or equivalent.

4.3.3.3 All edges must be covered by tubing, leather, or foam. Pipe foam padding is highly recommended.

4.3.3.4 Shield shape should be recognizable as medieval shield.

4.3.3.5 No bolts, wires or other objects may project more than .375 inches without padding or tape.

4.3.3.6 A shield basket, hockey glove or gauntlet is required under the shield.

4.3.4 Blow Calibration

4.3.4.1 Light force is required for all cutting shots. Light force is best described as a bounce of the weapon upon contact. Blows may reach armored combat force without penalty.

4.3.4.2 Positive force is required for thrusts to the body, arms or legs.

4.3.4.3 Face thrusts require only a touch. Any combatant using more than a touch to the face will, after one warning, be removed from the field. Face thrusts with greater than touch force will be discounted by the marshals.

4.3.4.4 Groin shots, while legal, are to be discouraged.

4.3.4.5 All combatants are presumed to be wearing mid-thigh leather gambeson and leather skullcap.

4.3.4.6 Any combatant using force sufficient to injure an opponent will, after one warning, be removed from the field.

4.3.5 The target area and blow acknowledgement will be the same as armored combat. Refer to the current armored combat manual for definition.

4.3.6 Authorization Procedure

4.3.6.1 There are three authorizations categories: One handed weapon and two handed weapon and face thrust. You must be authorized in both one handed and two handed weapon before attempting face thrust.

4.3.6.2 The marshal shall have the combatant strike him with a proper blow. The marshal shall explain if the blow force is correct. If it is not the marshal shall attempt to correct it. The authorization will not continue until the marshal is satisfied with the blow force.

4.3.6.3 An authorization bout will be fought. Blows will be called verbally. The preferred opponent is someone in the same age division. If none are available, then use an armored authorized youth combatant. If none of either are available then a youth approved armored marshal should be used.

4.3.6.4 To authorize the combatant must demonstrate the ability to deliver and recognize a proper blow. They must demonstrate a reasonable attempt at defense. They must react correctly to pressure. They must exhibit safe and courteous behavior throughout the bout.

4.3.7 Educational Goals

4.3.7.1 Continued development in the graces of chivalric combat, honorable conduct, and etiquette both on the field and off.

4.3.7.2 Preparation for advancement to Armored Combat.

5 MELEE CONVENTIONS

5.1 Except as noted below all melee conventions follow armored combat conventions.

5.2 Charges are restructed

5.2.1 Charges may only be used to gain ground.

5.2.2 There must be a noticeable drop in speed before engaging combat.

5.2.3 Running into your opponent to knock him down is prohibited.

5.3 If any combatant loses a piece of required armor, a hold shall be called and that fighter removed from the field.

5.4 No missile weapons of any type are allowed

5.5 When a combatant is defeated in melee combat, he must die in a defensive manner or safely walk of the field with his weapon held above his head.

6 EXPERIMENTATION

6.1 Due to the nature of working with youth, all experimental weapons must be approved by the Special Deputy for Boffer Combat.

6.2 All approved experimental weapons must be reported on by the parent of the user on a monthly basis.

6.3 Either parents or the youth may refuse to allow an experimental weapon on the field.

6.3.1 If the marshal in charge is uncomfortable with an experimental weapon, it will not be used even if it has been approved unless either the Special Deputy or Earl Marshal is present at the event.