Youth Rapier Combat - Protective Gear
General
All Youth Rapier combatants, except those using plastic rapier (see below), must meet the minimum standards of the Society Fencing Marshals' Handbook, and such further rules as are established by the Kingdoms. Kingdoms enacting more stringent standards shall weigh the benefits of more rigorous penetration coverage against the risks of heat illness, exhaustion, and stroke due to heavier or more confining gear.
Protective Gear for Plastic Rapier
The following shall be the minimum required protective gear for Youth Rapier age groups using the plastic rapier as their weapon.
Head and Neck
- The front and top of the head must be covered by either a pre-12k or 12k fencing mask, or a commercially manufactured safety mask designed to be used with plastic training foils and epees (e.g. the Nasycon "Aramis" mask and the Absolute Fencing Gear plastic weapons mask).
- The bib shall be in good condition.
Torso and other Killing Zones
- The entire torso (the chest, back, abdomen, groin, and sides up to and including the armpits) must be covered with abrasion-resistant material as defined in the Society Fencing Marshals' Handbook.
- Male fighters are strongly recommended to wear a youth athletic cup or other equivalent rigid groin protection. Female and male fighters should protect the groin area with extra layers of clothing or equivalent groin padding.
Arms and Legs
- Exposed skin in these areas is acceptable. That being said, all fighters are encouraged to strive for a period appearance on the field.
- Hands: gloves are recommended, but not required.
- Participants must wear properly fitting shoes that provide safe reliable footing.