Thrown Weapons:Glossary

Glossary

The definitions that follow apply throughout the handbook, unless specifically stated otherwise. They are intended to clarify usage and establish a frame of reference for commonly used terms in SCA thrown weapons.

Burr

Damage to a piece of metal leaving rough edges that can cut an unprotected hand.

Experimental weapon

A weapon whose safety concerns are or need to be formally evaluated.

Haft

The handle of a thrown weapon. This term usually applies to spears and axes.

Hard target

A target constructed of a material that is hard to penetrate, e.g. wood.

Major crack

Any damage to a weapon that structurally weakens the weapon.

Marshal

People who are supervising the range.

Plane of impact

This is the direction taken by the blade or cutting surface of a thrown weapon when it strikes and sticks in a target.

Rotation

The distance it takes for a thrown weapon to spin so the blade or point safely strikes target upon impact. Axes and knives can be thrown for multiple rotations.

Safety zone

The distance required on all sides of throwers to make injury less likely.

Side arm throwing

Throwing a weapon by swinging it to the side, away from the body. Side arm throwing has additional safety considerations.

Soft target

A target constructed of a material that is easy to penetrate; e.g. hay bales. These are generally used with spears and plumbatae.

Target face

The striking area of a target.

Target stand

Used to hold up a target. Designs generally prioritize stability or portability but not both. Throwers and marshals should be aware of this.

Thrower

People who are actually throwing weapons

Throwing line

The line throwers stand at or behind to throw while allowing for safety zones. All throwers are not required to be at the same exact distance.

Thrown weapons line marshal

A thrown weapons marshal who is calling the range commands and/ or inspecting weapons but is not in charge of the event or practice.

Thrown weapons marshal-in-charge

The thrown weapons marshal-in-charge of all activities on the thrown weapon range at an event or practice. They must delegate responsibilities to another thrown weapons marshal if they leave the range without closing it.

Thrown weapons marshal-in-training

An individual in training to be a thrown weapons marshal.

Throwing zone(s)

A method of dividing up the throwing area and maintaining safety zones. Such as 10-20 feet (3-6 m) range, 20-30 feet (6-9 m) range, etc. This is typically done in 10 foot (3 m) increments, though it does not have to be as long as safety zones are maintained.

Underhand throwing

The arc of the throw is below the shoulder, similar to an underhand softball pitch.

Worrying

To move a weapon stuck in a target back and forth in the plane of impact.