This document provides the rules specific to the saber tournament. All rules outlined in the General Tournament Standards also apply to the saber tournament, and offer more depth on the criteria for scoring actions.
The goal of the saber tournament is to both showcase and help develop skill in utilizing the saber for the purpose of unarmored combat, as outlined in military saber traditions. This includes the use of the saber 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 saber there are times when you would wish to use more or less debilitating 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 tournaments, with the aim of creating as many meaningful matches as possible. (aka matches where you are close in skill to your opponent.)
Matches will be fought until a fighter reaches a score of 7 points.
Thrusting in U18 Singlestick is not allowed. (And is naturally not worth any points.)
Afterblow and Double Hits will be scored in accordance with the General Tournament Rules. (Afterblow is -1 from initial score. Don’t double.)
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 Tier A/B Saber Tournaments (Open and URG). No throws/takedowns in Tier C Saber, and U18 Singlestick. 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.
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:
