Rapier:Inspecting equipment

Inspecting equipment

General information

1. At each event, the marshal-in-charge must arrange for the inspection of all equipment to be used in combat (e.g., armor and weapons). This in no way relieves the individual combatants of their responsibility for following the equipment standards.
2. The purpose of our rules, standards and inspections is to reduce the chance of injury for those who participate. Even with those rules and standards, all of our combat activities can lead to injury.
3. Ultimately, the fighter is responsible for the condition and safety of the armor and weapons they use at all times.
   • This includes periods between bouts, between battles, and day to day periods between battles at a multi-day event.
   • Equipment that was perfectly serviceable at the beginning of the previous event or day could have broken since, and even the most experienced fighter can occasionally forget some piece of armor.
   • The marshal's inspection is intended to provide a second pair of experienced eyes and an outside point of view.
4. As a marshal, you are not guaranteeing or certifying that anything is completely safe, or that its use is without risk.
   1. The primary responsibility for the safety of weapons and armor remains with the fighter.
   2. You are inspecting to see whether the item (armor, weapon, how the armor sits on the fighter, etc.) complies with our published standards or not.
   3. Weapons or armor that do not comply with our standards must not be used.
5. If you (as a warranted marshal) do not believe that the weapon or armor is safe, do not let it be used on the field regardless of whether it meets all other requirements.
6. When in doubt, ask for a second opinion from another warranted marshal. Only a warranted marshal is allowed to make final decisions about weapons and armor.
7. Properly carrying out your duties as an officer of the SCA and a marshal will indemnify you in case the corporation or its officers (of which you are one) are sued.
8. The sample inspections, listed below, are not meant to be comprehensive for every item in the rules. Marshals are encouraged to use their best judgement to conduct any aspect of an inspection more thoroughly.

Sample armor inspection

1. Armor inspection must be done with all of the armor on the body of the fighter who is going to wear it. It is not otherwise possible to get an accurate idea of what is covered and what is not, or where gaps could occur as the combatant moves.
2. Check that the combatant has the appropriate level of protection on the appropriate parts of the body.
3. When inspecting a combatant's armor, you might not be able to see every part of armor. In these cases, ask the combatant about their armor and to determine if they know the rules and are, per their assertion, armored accordingly.
4. It could be necessary to ask the combatant what their penetration resistant armor is – for example, it could be a combination of a doublet and underarm gussets sewn into their undershirt. If you cannot see the undershirt in this scenario, ask them if they're wearing it.
5. If there is concern about the penetration resistant armor, it should be tested using a standard drop tester. Marshals doing the testing must be trained in the use of the drop tester. The Kingdom Rapier Marshal can choose to designate certain deputies to administer such testing.
6. It might be necessary to ask the combatant to adopt a pose or move in a manner common to combat, for example a lunge or going into an "en garde" position, in order to see that there is sufficient coverage in their armor.
7. If a part of the inspection requires you to touch the combatant, for example to check for proper mask fit, ask for and receive their permission before you do so. If the combatant does not permit inspection, they do not pass inspection.
8. You can ask the combatant if they are wearing groin protection appropriate for them. It is up to the combatant to know what they need to wear.

Sample mask inspection

1. Check that the materials of the mask meet the rigid material standard, and are without excessive rust or dents that weaken the material.
2. If there is concern about the face mesh of a modern fencing mask, it should be tested using a standard commercial 12 kg mask punch. Marshals doing the testing must be trained in the use of the punch. The Kingdom Rapier Marshal can choose to designate certain deputies to administer such testing.
3. Check for a snug fit that is unlikely to result in the mask or a part of the mask contacting the combatant's head or face.
4. Check the mask off the head. Look inside for any substantial (i.e. greater than 1/8 inch (3 mm)) protrusion and check that there is sufficient padding or an adequate suspension system to keep the combatant’s head from contacting any rigid surface.
5. Check the mask on the combatant. It is frequently necessary to push or pull on the mask to ensure it doesn't contact the combatant. Tell the combatant what you are going to do as you work through the inspection.

Sample glove inspection (if required by your kingdom)

1. Gloves are to be made of abrasion resistant material. Most gloves in practice are made of leather. Check for any significant openings, breaks, cuts, etc. that could permit a blade or abrasive cut. Note that when sewing leather together, small gaps can appear at the seams which are structurally sound.
2. Check that there is sufficient overlap between the gloves and the shirt that there are no gaps in reasonable arm/hand positions.

Sample inspection for bladed weapons

Overall inspection

1. Check that the overall length is within the acceptable range.
2. Check that the weapon is in good repair; i.e. doesn't seem like it will fall apart with a parry.

Blade

1. Check for nicks that can cut an opponent. You can do this visually or by running a gloved hand along the edges of the blade. Run your hand in both directions but do so lightly – by its very nature a potentially harmful nick can injure you. If the blade has substantial nicks, they will need to be filed or sanded before the weapon can be used.
2. Look down the length of the blade to look for kinks. Weapons with kinks consistent with fatigue cannot be used.
3. Check the flexibility of the blade. If in doubt, check the weapon for flexibility using a 6 oz (170 g) weight and a ruler.
   1. You can create a 6 oz (170 g) weight of a variety of materials. One of the easiest is a collection of thick washers, pre-weighed to 6 oz (170 g). Tie the washers together with a piece of wire or string, and create a loop from that wire or string so that you can use it to hang the washers on a sword tip.
   2. To test a sword, clamp or hold the sword on a rigid surface, such as a table, so that it doesn't move at the handle end. Place a ruler vertically behind the tip, and note where the tip is. Then hang the weight and note how far the tip deflected down. Turn the sword over and repeat.

Tip

1. Check the tip visually for cracks, bulging, or discoloration, or any other signs that the sword is starting to punch through the tip.
2. Frequently, it isn't possible to ascertain the internal components of the tip. For example, if the tip is made of leather, it might not be possible to tell that the leather is thick enough. Ask the combatant about the construction of the tip to check that they are familiar with the rules and that their tip construction is in compliance.
3. If the tip appears not to meet the requirements, it needs to be replaced before the weapon can be used.
4. Check that the tip is unlikely to come off during combat, by pulling on it.

Quillons and pommel

1. Check that the quillons and pommels do not have sharp or pointed ends.

Sample inspection for spears

Head

1. Check that the tip is flexible, and returns substantially to its original shape within three seconds.
2. Check that the head is well affixed to the haft.

Haft

1. Check that the haft is the appropriate diameter and material.
2. Check that the haft is free from dangerous burrs or protrusions.

Sample inspection for defensive equipment

1. Check for any major splinters, nicks, or features that can injure an opponent.

Sample inspection for ranged weapons

1. Check the striking surface of ammunition for size and yield.
2. The draw of a rubber band weapon can be checked with a scale such as a fish scale or luggage scale or an archer's tool.

Sample inspection for combat archery equipment

Bow

1. Ensure that the string is not showing excessive wear.
2. Measure the power of the bow with a calibrated scale to ensure it is within appropriate specs. There are two approved methods to measure a bow's poundage:
   • Using a measuring device calibrated to 28 inches of draw, use the bow scale to measure from the back of the bow at full draw.
   • Using a measuring device calibrated to 26 1/4 inches of draw, use the bow scale to measure from the pivot point of the bow at full draw. (This is sometimes referred to as True Draw Length.)
3. Check the bow itself for cracks or gouges, as well as for significant limb twist that could make the string leave the tips.

Crossbow

1. Ensure that the string is not showing excessive wear.
2. Measure the power of the crossbow with a calibrated scale and multiply that measurement by the length of the draw to ensure it is within appropriate specs.
3. Check that the lock mechanism releases smoothly under simulated pressure.
4. Check that the lock mechanism is solid and will not accidentally fire.
5. Ensure the stock has no failures between the bow/prod and lock.
6. Check that the prod is secure to the stock and free from any defects.

Ammunition

1. Based upon the type of ammunition, check that all dimensions meet or exceed the minimum requirements.
2. With two fingers and a thumb, grab both head and tail and pull with moderate force while slightly twisting. If either end moves laterally, it fails.
3. Check that the blunt is in good repair.
4. Check the shaft and anti-penetration device (if applicable) for signs of cracking or other failure. If a marshal can place a fingernail in a defect, then it fails.
5. Check that it is properly labeled and taped.