Armored Steel Combat:Acknowledgement Of Blows

Target Areas and Valid Blows

Target Areas

1. All valid blows will be targeted at the head and torso of the combatant. Arms one inch above the condyles of the wrist are valid. A valid blow one inch above the knee cap of the combatant's opponent shall be considered valid.
2. A blow striking non-counted (hands and one inch above the knee and below) areas shall not be cause to stop a fight unless it results in an injury. (An injury will require a root cause to determine if the armor failed to protect or the nature of the blow was the determining factor. In either case, action by the marshal is required.) Blows striking non counted areas shall not be considered as a valid counted blow.
3. Strikes to the groin, neck, and throat of a combatant are valid, however combatants should exercise caution when striking into these areas.

Valid Blows

1. A valid blow will be considered a cut, unimpeded or the intent of the blow not significantly diminished by defensive action, striking only upon the edge of the sword.
2. The blow is thrown with a similar technique as would have been used to cause injury, but with a force that is deemed acceptable for sports competition.
3. Three joints must be employed in the delivery of the blow (wrist, elbow and shoulder are a prime example).
4. Longsword blows require both hands on the grip to be scored.