Link to Google Doc Rules: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XrR0W3KhKJYl7VcLooEeMq5bKC1gbTZq-ufgqbUiGiY/edit?usp=sharing

In the case of a discrepancy between rules as posted to HEMA Scorecard and the Google Doc, the rules posted to the Google Doc above will be considered the most up-to date version and will be followed.

Seated Fencing Accomodations:

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Set-Up + Match Protocol

Distance

Start Position

Any fencer may opt to fence their matches seated.  If a fencer opts to fence seated, they must conduct all following matches from a seated position. A fencer who starts a tournament seated may not switch to standing. A fencer who starts the tournament standing may switch to seated, but may not switch back after making that decision. A fencer who wishes to fence seated should inform the tournament organizer.

A fencer who is scheduled to fence a seated fencer will be given the option to fence in one of two formats:

1. Both fencers may fence seated. The Seated Fencing Set-Up and Match Protocol defined below will be followed.

2. The fencer may fence standing against the seated fencer. The standing fencer will be contained to a 3ftx3ft square, defined by a wooden boundary. They may move however they wish within that square, so long as they stay within it. The usual protocol for finding distance in seated matches will be followed, except that the standing fencer will stand in the marked center of their square. The usual targeting for seated fencing matches will apply to both fencers. Chairs are mounted on a 12” high platform, and so are at a height that is comparable to an average person's standing height.

Seated Fencing Set-Up and Match Protocol:

A seated match will begin with both fencers seated in parafencing chairs provided by IGX. The chairs will be angled so that each fencer’s dominant arm is forward.

• Rules and Scoring:

  • Incidental hits to the legs will be non-scoring and will not halt a pass. Repeated incidental contact with the legs, forceful contact with the legs, or purposeful attacks to the legs will be subject to penalty.

  • To define the target area, a piece of duct tape will be placed on the front of each fencer’s jacket. All areas from the ribs and up will be on target (in accordance with the legal targets defined below).

• In seated matches, the torso below the ribs and the legs will be off target.

• In seated matches, all carding and penalty rules will apply as usual.

• All scoring rules will apply as usual, and all scoring actions (other than ringouts) that are defined within the ruleset are valid as usual.

• If a standing fencer steps out of their square, the pass will be reset without score. Repeated resets caused by stepping out of the square or intentional resets caused by stepping out of the square are subject to penalty. Fencers may not step on top of or over the wooden boundary. Fencers may touch the inside edge of the wooden boundary.

• Judges will start and stop passes as usual.

• All gear requirements will apply as usual.

• Fencers will wear seatbelts to strap them into the chairs.

  • Lifting the body completely from the chair is prohibited (some part of the legs/hips/rear must maintain contact with the chair at all times).

• Fencers may not attempt to stand up from their chair during a pass. Doing so is subject to penalty.

• If a fencer falls out of their chair or their seatbelt comes undone, a safety hold will be called, and the pass will be reset.

• While fencers may not stand up from their chair, they may lean or move their upper body in any way necessary, so long as they remain seated.

• A fencer’s feet must remain on the footrest of the chair, and their body must maintain contact with the seat of the chair at all times. If a fencer requires a higher footrest to maintain foot contact, one will be provided. If a fencer is unable to keep their feet planted on a footrest, they should alert a tournament organizer so that a suitable accommodation may be made.

• In tournaments utilizing a single-handed weapon and no sidearm, a grab-bar will be equipped to fencing chairs (if available). Fencers may hold onto this bar, but are not required to do so.

• Distance:

• To find the distance for the match, the fencer with greater reach will sit upright (not leaning forward or backward) and extend their dominant arm forward, with their elbow bent at a 90° angle. The fencer with lesser reach will sit upright in their chair (not leaning forward or backward), and extend their weapon in front of them. The chairs should be adjusted until proper distance is achieved. The proper distances are as follows:

• • • Thrust-Dominant Weapons (Longsword, Rapier, Smallsword): the tip of the weapon should just touch the outside of the opponent’s elbow

    • Cut-Dominant Weapons (Sword + Buckler, Saber, Singlestick): the tip of the weapon should just tough the inside crease of the opponent's elbow
  • By default, the distance set by the fencer with the lesser reach will be used. However, the fencer with the lesser reach may request to use the distance set by their opponent, instead.

• Start Position:

• • At the beginning of each pass, fencers will assume the relevant start position. From that position, the director will announce "Fence!" and the pass will begin and proceed as usual. Start positions are as follows:

• • • Longsword: Fencers will assume a neutral bind position with their swords pointed upwards.

      • Blades must touch, but fencers may not apply pressure on the opponent's blade
      • Swords may not be pointed directly at the opponent
    • Sword + Buckler: Fencers will assume a guard with their swords pointed up and unextended. The weapons may not touch.
      • Swords may be held to the left, right, or center of the body.
      • Bucklers may be held in any position.
    • Saber + Singlestick: Fencers will assume a guard with their swords pointed up and unextended. The weapons may not touch. Swords may be held to the left, right, or center of the body.
    • Rapier + Smallsword: Fencers will assume a retracted guard position with the swords pointed forwards, towards the opponent.
      • Sword arms must be held back, not extended towards opponent
      • If a sidearm other than a second sword is used, it may be held in any position. If a second sword is used as a sidearm (case of swords), it must be held in the same manner as the dominant-hand sword.