This document provides the rules specific to the Longsword Tournaments. All rules outlined in the General Tournament Standards also apply to the longsword tournaments, and offer more depth on the criteria for scoring actions.
The goal of the Longsword tournament is to both showcase and help develop skill in utilizing the longsword for the purpose of unarmored combat, as outlined by the KdF tradition. (Of course, all other traditions are invited to play!) This includes the use of the longsword as a sharp sword. Tournament rules and judging standards are meant to advance fundamental skills, such as integrating cutting mechanics into antagonistic sparring. A match is not a simulation of a sword duel.
In the use of a longsword there are times when you would wish to use different types of striking mechanics, but if you don’t demonstrate high quality strikes when asked to, it shows you are not capable of them. It is the goal of SoCal Swordfight to stress test high quality striking interpretations and push the fighters to achieve these. There are many other existing venues which test a fencer's skill and ability to achieve touches as quickly as possible.
SoCal Swordfight will seed fighters into appropriate tournament tier based on results of past longsword tournaments, with the aim of creating as many meaningful matches as possible. (aka matches where you are close in skill to your opponent.)
If you completed the cutting qualification at SoCal 2023, SoCal 2024, or have competed (with some degree of success) in a cutting tournament at any event in 2023 or 2024, you are already qualified. If not, you must attend a cutting qualification on Friday or you will be disqualified from the longsword competition. (There is no limit on the number of re-tries to pass the qualification).
Even if you think you are pre-qualified you are responsible for checking the cutting qualification list to be sure. You can check by going into your longsword tier and selecting Cutting Qualification, next to the Tournament Roster.
Cutting qualification shall consists of the following 4 cuts (in any order):
The paper is quite wide, approximately 2 feet, so you will need to maintain your sword in the cutting plane for a relatively wide arc. While the paper will not stop your blade like a tatami mat, if you cut poorly it will rip apart rather than cutting.
Matches will be fought until a fighter reaches a score of 7 points.
+1 point for Controlling Action
Afterblow and Double Hits will be scored in accordance with the General Tournament Rules. (Afterblow is -1 from initial score. Don’t double.)
One-handed strikes are not permitted except when the hand is removed as part of a grappling technique executed against an opponent.
If any valid scoring action is deemed to be a Controlling Action an extra (1) point will be awarded over and above the normal point value awarded. A controlling action is defined as a blow which either seizes control of the opponent’s blade (eg: constrained thrust) or primary weapon arm (eg: grapple or slice) at the moment of impact. No controlling action can be scored in the event of an afterblow.
The amount of time permitted for a wrestling action is a 5-count from the director; beginning when both of the swords are inhibited (discarded, entangled, etc). This count may or may not be verbalized at the director's discretion.
Throws/takedowns are only permitted in Longsword Open Tier-A & Tier-B, and URG Tier-A. No throws/takedowns in Open Tier-C & Unrated, URG Tier-B, and U18. As per the General Tournament Rules high amplitude throws and leg wraps/locks are not permitted.
A standing takedown is a wrestling action that deliberately and safely puts the opponent on the ground, while the throwing fighter remains standing. Standing requires one foot remain on the ground, dropping to a single knee is acceptable.
For a takedown to qualify as a Controlling Action, the throwing fighter must retain control of their weapon and demonstrate the ability to deliver a cut or thrust.
All protective equipment and weapons must be inspected prior to competition. A fighter must show up to gear check wearing their equipment.
All equipment from the General Tournament Standards is required, in addition to the following:
Participants must bring a longsword which matches the following specifications:
Final discretion lies with the tournament manager, including judgment on blade design elements that may not be included in this document. The event is under no obligation to allow you to use the sword you have brought.
Blackfencer Synthetic Longsword will be provided for the U18 Longsword Tournament, however should both competitors in a match have feders which have passed gear check they may use them instead.
