HEMA Turniere in Köln Langschwert und Seitschwert Regelwerk

Ruleset – Foundations

This tournament follows the DDHF Framework Ruleset and the Bolognese Ruleset, with minor modifications. The primary scoring criterion is the number of cleanly survived exchanges; only secondarily are scored hits considered.
Wrestling is an integral part of the ruleset. Safe falling and being thrown are expected competencies for all participants.

If weapons or equipment do not meet our standards, we reserve the right to exclude participants from the tournament.
Minimum equipment standard is 350N protective gear, with a 1600N level 2 mask. 800N gear is recommended.

[Link to the DDHF Ruleset]

Modifications

1. The scoring rules under “Wertung” are adjusted.
2. Longswords are permitted, not just feders.
3. Turning your back to your opponent is prohibited.
4. Wrestling rules are covered under “Valid Hits” §4 and “Prohibited Actions” §8–§10.
5. Pushing or takedowns without a clear technique, as well as leg sweeps, are not prohibited.
6. Joint locks (except those used for disarming or pinning) are not allowed. No locks targeting joints are permitted.
7. Weapons must be well-maintained and visibly safe.
8. Sidesword §7: The tip must be either taped or fitted with a rubber tip, regardless of whether it’s droplet-shaped or curved.
9. The flex rating for side- and one-handed swords has been raised to 12.5 kg.

 

Victory Conditions / Format

1. The Exchange

A match consists of 3 or 5 exchanges, depending on the number of participants.

2. Victory Conditions

An exchange ends when a fencer scores a valid hit and the opponent performs a counterattack with no more than one step.
Scoring is determined as follows:

• Primary criterion: Number of exchanges survived without receiving a hit.
• Secondary criterion: Points scored in valid hits.

3. Round-Robin Format

Each fencer fights against every other fencer.
The top 4 fencers on the resulting leaderboard move on to the finals:

• Semifinals: 1st vs 4th and 2nd vs 3rd
• Finals & Bronze Match follow.

Each final round consists of 5 exchanges and is scored using the same criteria:

1. Fewer received hits (clean exchanges)
2. Points scored
3. Head hits scored
4. In case of a draw, no random decision — continue fighting until a clear winner is determined.

The ranking is determined in this order:

• Number of clean exchanges (not hit at all)
• Then points scored
• Then head hits scored
• If still tied, a random draw will decide

4. Video Review

Each fencer has the right to one video challenge per match.

• Fencers must stay in their corner during review.
• The referee panel decides the outcome. The video overrides the original call.
• If the challenge is successful, the decision is corrected and the fencer retains their challenge.
• If the challenge is rejected, the fencer may not challenge again in that match.

Referees may not initiate a video review unless prompted by a fencer’s official challenge.
Even a decision made by video review can be challenged once more by the other fencer.

 

General Match Procedure

1. Pairing & Call-Up:
   Fencers are responsible for gathering near the scoring table when their match is approaching.
   Once called, both must be ready on the fighting area within 2 minutes.
2. Equipment Check:
   Referees inspect the fencers‘ protective gear and weapon condition for approval.
3. Salute:
   Fencers salute each other and the referee before the bout begins.
4. Ready Positions:
   At the command „Ready!“, fencers move to their assigned starting points.
5. Confirmation:
   Referees may ask the timekeeper and assistant judges „Ready?“ and wait for confirmation.
6. Start of the Bout:
   At the command „Fight!“, the bout begins and the timer starts (if applicable).
7. Scoring a Hit:
   Fencers attempt to score a valid hit or perform a valid wrestling action.
8. Stop Command:
   If a valid hit, afterblow, or unsafe action occurs, the referee calls „Halt!“ and pauses the match (including the timer if necessary).
9. Next Exchange:
   The next exchange starts with the command „Ready!“ again.
10. Match End:
    When a winning condition is met (points, time, etc.), the referee calls „Halt!“ and announces the result.
11. Final Salute:
    Fencers salute each other and the referee after the bout.
12. Injury or Withdrawal:

• Fencers may request up to 10 minutes of break (can be split). The bout is paused or rescheduled accordingly.
• If a fencer voluntarily withdraws, the opponent wins with a clean result (no hits received).
• Disrespectful or offensive behavior may lead to disqualification.

1. Hit Zones & Guidelines:
   The entire surface of the opponent and their gear counts as a target zone.
   The listed valid hit definitions are intended as guidelines for fencers and judges.

 

Valid Hits

1. Cut with the Edge (Strike):

A valid strike is when the opponent is hit with the cutting edge, and the blade travels in the appropriate cutting plane.
To count:

• The edge must land on the opponent.
• A flat hit (with the flat of the blade) does not count.
• The blade must move at least 60 cm before contact.

2. Thrust with the Point (Thrust):

A valid thrust is when the weapon’s point hits the opponent and either:

• Visibly flexes on contact,
• Deflects off the mask,
• Or visibly influences the opponent.

3. Draw Cut (Slice):

A valid draw cut involves pulling the edge across a target area with pressure.
To count, one of the following must apply:

• Blade is laid with the edge on target and drawn approx. 30 cm with pressure.
• The pressure causes a visible reaction in the opponent.

4. Wrestling Techniques:

Grappling Phase:

• If wrestling occurs, fencers have 10 seconds to gain a dominant position.
• If the fight transitions to the ground, another 10 seconds are allowed for control or a submission.
• The bout is stopped immediately if safety is compromised or at risk.
• Fencers must respect the inherent risk of grappling.

Bringing Opponent Down:

• If one fencer brings the other to the ground and remains standing or regains stability first, it’s a scoring action.
• Exception: If the opponent rolls and stands ready to fight again, the action does not count.

Pins / Locks:

• A pin counts if the opponent is rendered incapable of acting and cannot escape.
• The pin must be clearly intentional and dominant.
• A tap-out (physical or verbal) ends the exchange.
• Crying out or similar is treated as a tap-out.

5. Simulated Pommel Strikes:

• Pommel strikes may only be clearly simulated.
• They are scored only if obviously and unambiguously seen as successful.

6. Out of Bounds (Ring-Out):

• A fencer steps outside the boundary (one foot touches ground outside) → opponent scores.
• Boundary line is part of the fighting area.
• If a fencer scores, then steps out: No point awarded.
• If a fencer is pushed out: counts as a ring-out for the opponent.

7. Disarmament / Weapon Loss:

• If a fencer loses their weapon due to a disarm or mishandling, while the opponent retains theirs and can re-establish distance → opponent scores.
• A fencer may voluntarily discard their weapon (e.g., in wrestling); this does not count as a disarm.

 

Scoring

1. Point Values

• 3 Points
  • Cuts, thrusts, or slices to the head
  • Thrusts to the torso
  • Successful wrestling actions as defined in the DDHF Framework
• 2 Points
  • Cuts or slices to the torso
  • Cuts, slices, or thrusts to the thighs
• 1 Point
  • All other valid hits

2. Double Hits

• Both fencers receive the appropriate point value according to the scoring criteria.

3. Afterblow

• A counterattack after receiving a valid hit is allowed within one step or one tempo (action), and within approximately half a second.
• The intensity must remain controlled to ensure safety.
• Points are awarded to both fencers based on the respective hit zones.

4. Ring-Out

• Stepping outside the boundary with both feet gives 1 point to the opponent.
• If a ring-out happens during a wrestling action or fall, and it’s unclear or unintentional, the exchange is repeated.
• If a fencer is pushed out, this counts as a ring-out and the opponent scores.

5. Blocking or Covering Hits

• If a target is covered by a body part (e.g., hand on chest) and hit, the full point value is awarded.
  • Example: A thrust to the hand covering the torso counts as a 3-point hit.

6. Unclear Actions

• If an action cannot be clearly assessed, no points are awarded, and the exchange is repeated.

7. Cards & Penalties

• Misconduct cannot lead to an advantage or negate a valid hit.
• If a fencer commits a foul, their own points for that action are nullified.
• Opponent’s points remain valid and are possibly increased by a penalty hit.

Card Types:

• Yellow Card
  • A warning. Only one per bout. Any further offense = red card.
• Red Card
  • Adds a penalty hit (full value) for the opponent.
  • For repeated Category 2 offenses, a second red card can be issued.
  • Otherwise, the second red card = black card (disqualification from bout).
• Black Card
  • Disqualification from the current bout.
  • The opponent is awarded the win.
  • The fencer may continue in the tournament, unless behavior was severe — in which case, they may be removed from the event entirely.
  • Issued by the referee and signaled with a black card.

 

Prohibited Actions

For safety and fairness, the following actions are strictly forbidden.
Additionally, unsportsmanlike conduct or deliberate endangerment of an opponent will result in penalties up to disqualification.

The following actions are banned:

1. Kicks with the foot, shin, or knee to joints or soft tissues
2. Strikes with:
   • Fist
   • Palm
   • Edge of the hand
   • Forearm
   • Elbow
3. Pommel strikes (only simulated pommel strikes are allowed)
4. Crossguard strikes
5. Attacks to the opponent’s back
6. Turning your back to the opponent (intentionally or during an action)
7. Throws that:
   • Land the opponent on the head or neck
   • Involve placing the sword on the opponent’s neck
   • Involve locking arms, legs, or the sword around the head or neck
   • Involve holding a locked submission
   • Target the opponent’s weapon
   • Include sacrifice throws (e.g., jumping scissor throws)
8. Joint locks, specifically:
   • Neck cranks
   • Knee locks
   • Small joint locks (fingers, toes, wrists, ankles)
9. Removing the opponent’s equipment (e.g., mask, padding, etc.)
10. Throwing your weapon or any equipment
11. Grabbing the opponent’s blade, unless the blade is stationary
12. Non-historical techniques from other martial arts or combat sports should be avoided. Fencers are encouraged to use historically documented techniques.

 

Personal Equipment Requirements

All participants must wear fencing-appropriate sports clothing that fully covers the body except for hands and head.
No visible bare skin.
Jewelry, watches, and accessories are prohibited.

All equipment and weapons will be checked and approved by the tournament staff before the event begins.

1. Head Protection

• Fencing mask (FIE Level 2) with a minimum 1600N puncture resistance.
• Must protect against thrusts and strikes.

2. Back of Head Protection

• Rigid material, protecting the back of the head from strikes.

3. Throat Protection

• Hard material covering the entire throat, protecting the larynx from impacts.

4. Torso Protection

• At least 350N puncture resistance
• Must protect:
  • From hips to neck (even with arms raised overhead)
  • Front and back
  • Arms down to wrists

5. Leg Protection

• Rigid protection for the knees
• Thigh protection with minimum 350N resistance against thrusts and strikes

6. Hand Protection

• Rigid gloves covering fingers and wrists, resistant to strikes

7. Elbow Protection

• Rigid material covering both elbow joints

8. Chest and Groin Protection

• Chest protector or groin guard as appropriate for gender

9. Footwear

• Sports shoes appropriate for the surface (non-marking soles)

Prohibited Equipment

Any protective gear that poses a danger to others is strictly prohibited. This includes:

• Sharp edges or pointed parts
• Metal armor pieces unless specifically approved
• Loose or damaged equipment

Optional protective gear (e.g. spine protectors, mouthguards) must be approved by tournament officials.

The tournament staff and designated safety officers reserve the right to inspect and approve all equipment for safety and suitability.

 

Weapons Requirements

Early Rapier / Sidesword

Weapons must meet the following specifications:

1. Blade Length:
   Between 80 cm and 95 cm, measured from tip to guard (including ricasso).
2. Blade Geometry:
   The tip must be at least 1 cm in diameter.
   The blade must not exceed 5 cm in width at the crossguard.
3. Total Length:
   Must not exceed 115 cm.
4. Crossguard Length:
   Between 10 cm and 30 cm.
   Parrying elements are allowed, but basket hilts are not permitted.
5. Mass:
   Between 0.9 kg and 1.4 kg.
6. Flexibility (Flex):
   Blade must bend visibly under 12.5 kg of test weight.
7. Safety Modifications:
   • Tip must be taped or fitted with a rubber tip, whether it’s droplet-shaped or curved.
   • Weapon must be well-maintained and visibly safe to use.

Recommended Weapon: Feder / Longsword