If you are coming to FightCamp 2021, here’s the information you will need.

FightCamp 2021 Schedule:

You can download a PDF here: FC programme 2021

Competition Rules and Equipment Regulations

2021 is an unusual year for FightCamp (though not as unusual as 2020!), due to the current global conditions.
We have therefore taken the decision to not use the indoor hall, and to not have the normal array of tournaments.

In 2021 we will have following competitions:

• The FightCamp Open
• The Lady Luck mixed weapon tournament
• The FightCamp Team Melee Tournament

Both the FightCamp Open and the Lady Luck tournament will use FightCamp Standard Rules by default (though fighters in the Open can elect to use their own pre-agreed rules):

The Team Melee Tournament is run using rules detailed further down this document.

In FightCamp Standard Rules, emphasis is on accumulation of points through clean fencing.

FightCamp Standard Rules

All bouts will consist of 5 exchanges.

An exchange is where one or both people score a hit, and time for an afterblow (with one step) is allowed.

An afterblow must be limited to a single foot movement, either a passing step or lunge. As soon as the person hit has made one foot movement, afterblow time is finished. AN AFTERBLOW WILL ONLY BE RECOGNISED IF IT IS AN ATTACK TO THE HEAD OR A THRUST TO THE TORSO (incidental second hits to the limbs therefore are ignored).

If in doubt as to whether an exchange was a double or an afterblow, always assume that it was a double (which is replayed once).

Double hits score nothing and are replayed once. If the replay also results in a double hit, then that is recorded as zero to both fighters, as detailed below.

Scoring

Each time an exchange is concluded, it will be scored as follows:

• 5 points for a clean unanswered cut or thrust to the head or neck
• 5 points for a thrust to the torso
• 4 points for any other clean hit
• 3 points for strike to the face with a hilt, only if given cleanly
• For a successful afterblow (attack to head or thrust to torso within one foot movement), the person who hit first is awarded as above, but minus 2 points. (EXAMPLE – thrust to leg then afterblow = 4 – 2 = 2) The person who hit second with an afterblow gets 0 points themselves
• 0 points for double hits – In each exchange doubles are replayed once

Fighters will have 5 exchanges to accumulate as many points as possible, to a maximum potential points of 25.

Cuts and thrusts can only be counted when applied with the edge or point. Very light taps will be discounted. Draw or push cuts will be scored.

Disarms do not score, but a hit delivered after a disarm will score as above.

Strikes with the body and wrestling do not score points by themselves, but may be used to facilitate scoring a strike with the weapon. Corp-a-corps is expected to be carried out in a controlled way and not with the intention of causing a real injury.

No score is gained by forcing an opponent out of the ring, but if a fighter repeatedly runs out of the ring themselves, the referees may award points against them.

Referees may award yellow or red cards as they see fit, for dangerous or disrespectful conduct.

The FightCamp Open

Over two days (as shown on the programme) the sparring arena will be open for scored bouts between any fighters.

The fighters arrange their fights themselves then:

1. Report to the Marshal
2. Have their fight, according to either FightCamp standard rules, or their own pre-agreed rules, preferably with a third person as referee
3. Report the winner and loser of the fight to the Marshal

The Marshal keeps a record of all the fighters and their results. At the end of the time limit on the second day, the scores are tallied up and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd fighters are announced.

Fighters can use whatever weapons and rules they both agree on, so long as they meet minimum safety standards and are agreed by the Marshal.

The Lady Luck Mixed Weapon Tournament

This will be a direct elimination tournament, held by rounds. Opponents being selected at random. FightCamp Standard Rules are being used.

Each fighter will be assigned their weapons randomly by the staff, using a dice. Weapons will be provided and will be nylon and/or rattan/wood.

The weapon sets will be:

1. Longsword
2. Sword and buckler
3. Spear
4. Sword and shield
5. Spear and shield
6. Sword and dagger

No weapons can be thrown. Dropped weapons can be used by either fighter.

Protective clothing suitable for a nylon tournament is expected to be worn.

FightCamp Team Melee Tournament

In the FightCamp Melee Tournament fighters will declare hits on themselves, so honourable conduct is essential. Each team has 6 fighters.

The tournament is intended to be fair as well as fun.

If people do not declare hits then the tournament will not work. Repeated failure to declare will be punished with disqualification. There will be line judges to assist the referee and they will be looking for non-declaring of hits.

Teams of 6 fighters will use an assortment of medieval weapon simulators (nylon – Red Dragon allowed only).

The weapon selection puts the fight in a medieval civilian context and represents the sort of weapons that an unarmoured group of hoodlums or rioters might have had in the 14th to 16th centuries.

Weapons

Red Dragon Rawlings Range only. Any number of fighters with either:

• 1 Longsword
• 1 Arming Sword* and Buckler
• 1 Arming Sword* alone

*Normal blade length – no longsword blades used in one-handed hilts.

Fighters must provide their own weapons and protective clothing, in line with what is required for the solo tournaments.

Fighting In the Melee

Fighters may not exchange weapons between team members during a fight. When someone is ‘killed’, they must take their weapons with them.

• Each match between two teams will consist of a series of bouts.
• Each bout lasts until all the fighters on one team are out.
• Points are denoted by the number of fighters left in play at the end of the bout.
• The first team to score 7 points in total wins the match.

The following rules apply during the Melee:

No wrestling or strikes apart from with the weapon count.

• All edge cuts and thrusts score with swords
• Pommel/hilt/buckler strikes are not scored
• No throwing of weapons is allowed
• A fighter receiving a hit and being out will exit the marked arena immediately by the shortest route possible, whilst holding their weapons and hands above their heads
• Fighters must use restraint when hitting in the back or when an opponent has fallen
• Fighters must use restraint when outnumbering/outnumbered
• One weapon hit anywhere on the body, including extremities, knocks a fighter out
• Double hits result in both fighters going out. Afterblows count, if given with one step, and send both people out
• If both the competitor’s feet leave the rectangular marked arena, then they are out
• If the judges call halt, all fighters must freeze exactly where are

Melee Judging

It is important that there is minimal interruption to a team fight. The following judging pointers will be applied:

• Fighters call their own hits
• Fighters repeatedly not declaring their hits will be removed from the match. Video footage may be consulted
• A number of line judges will be used, in addition to one main referee
• Line judges can tap a fighter on the head three times with their long stick to say that they are out, if they feel the fighter has not taken a hit
• Line judges or the referee can call halt to freeze a fight
• The referee’s decision is final

EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS

Protective Clothing

Steel feder/longsword & sabre minimum:

• 1600N mask with back of head protection added
• Gorget
• Padded purpose-made fencing/HEMA jacket with long sleeves and fully enclosed from neck to waist – no openings
• If the jacket has less than 800N penetration rating (or is untested) then a fencing plastron must be worn underneath – dominant side only for sabre/rapier, both sides required for longsword (double-sided advised)
• Groin protection/cup/chest protector (latter for women)
• Fencing breeches OR a purpose-made fencing skirt
• Hard knee AND shin protection
• Elbow cups on weapon arm/s
• HEMA sparring gloves – Red Dragon minimum for sabre (must be better than Red Dragons for longsword)
• No exposed skin anywhere (within reason)

Rapier minimum:

As above, but with lighter gloves allowed. We strongly advise thick leather and some hard plates as minimum

All other requirements the same as above

Nylon weapons minimum:

• Fencing mask (350N minimum)
• Thick, long-sleeved upper body garment (preferably a fencing jacket)
• Forearm and elbow protector on weapon arm/s
• Groin protection/cup/chest protector for women
• Gloves on both hands (Red Dragon/hockey recommended minimum)
• Knee protection minimum, preferably also shin/s

Steel Weapon Regulations

• Blade tips MUST either be rolled, nail, thickened (8mm minimum), have a metal casing (eg. .45 Colt brass cartridge) added or be spatulate and blunt, equivalent to a 10 pence coin (and at least as thick as a 10p, if they are that wide)
• Rubber tips are NOT allowed unless they have a metal case inside, due to the number of injuries documented with them
• Swords must be within reasonable length, mass and balance parameters as agreed with the staff. These parameters will become literally specified in the future, but are currently down to staff opinion on the day. If in doubt, check with a Marshal
• Blades MUST have a reasonable level of flex in the thrust – if they are deemed too stiff then they may be disallowed
• Steel blades must be in good serviceable order and without signs of blade fatigue, including serious bends, fracture lines/cracks, or deep nicks. If a weapon takes a concerning bend during the competition, then it will be resigned from service
• Blade edges must be blunt and smooth to the touch before EVERY round
• Hilts must not have dangerous projections or sharp angles/edges
• Weapons will be checked before every tournament and if a staff member has doubts about a weapon, then it will be disallowed

Nylon Weapon Regulations

• Nylon weapons are the Red Dragon brand* by default and in good order. Longsword blades fitted to single-handed hilts are NOT allowed.
• If you want to use a different brand of nylon weapon, then your opponent must either have a similar brand/type, or be otherwise happy with the match.
• In the Melee and Lady Luck tournaments, only Red Dragons will be used.

*We have nothing against other brands, but in competition the stiffer and heavier blades of some other brands (eg. Black Fencer) offer a great advantage and we therefore see them as unfair. You are very welcome to drill with them in classes or spar with them – they just aren’t allowed in the competitions for fairness.

When you attend any FightCamp events you agree to the following terms and conditions:

• You will abide by the current UK COVID regulations.
• If the event is not able to run due to unexpected changes to the COVID regulations, your payment will be refunded.

We regret that we can not refund you if your local restrictions prevent you attending, but the event is still able to go ahead. Consider this carefully before booking. We do not accept liability for any travel or quarantine issues that might arise as a result of the pandemic.

Registration fee covers you for the following:

• A single person’s registration.
• Camping from 6pm on Thursday to 11am on Monday across the weekend of the event.
• Training sessions, sparring and lectures during the course of the event.
• A catered evening meal on the Saturday of the event.
• Parking for one vehicle (no larger than a van), in the designated car park areas.

Cancellation:

• Payments are subject to the standard seven day cooling-off period.
• After the cooling-off period booking fees are non-refundable.
• Bookings and fees paid are not transferable.

Absences:

• If you are unable to attend a training session, or day of the event, you will not be entitled to a discounted rate or any form of refund.
• We recommend arriving early for training sessions, as numbers will be limited for each class.
• FightCamp reserve the right to alter the timetable at any time during the event.

Safety Considerations:

• You must arrange insurance, through your club or privately, before attending.
• You are responsible for your own safety whilst at the event and accept all the normal safety considerations involved with this kind of martial arts training.
• You must follow the recommended minimum safety equipment for sparring and training in the information pack.
• Before the class begins, you must disclose any relevant medical conditions or previous injuries to your instructor.
• Marshals have the right to remove any student from the site, Instructors may remove any student from their class.
• You will act respectfully to other event attendees and staff at all times.
• At any point during the event, you must follow any reasonable instruction given by a Marshal.

Acceptance of Risk:

• By attending FightCamp, you accept the following factors;
• Participation may be physically and mentally intense and may require extreme exertion.
• Participation may be dangerous if not carried out in accordance with the advice given.
• The possibility of injury to others and yourself exists.

You confirm and agree that:

• You are fully aware of the risks to yourself and others involved in participation at any martial arts event and under no circumstances will you deliberately cause harm to your training partners.
• You are physically fit and mentally able to take the strain and exertion involved in participation.
• You will comply with the FightCamp guidelines as set out in the information pack, and use equipment appropriately and safely.
• You will at all times use adequate protective clothing and equipment appropriate for the activity taking place.
• If you are unsure of safety requirements for any activity, you will ask a Marshal or Instructor for assistance before continuing to train.

Release:

• By attending FightCamp you release, remise and forever discharge from any claims and liabilities whatsoever without limitations that you might have against FightCamp or the organisers and the owners of the property on which the event is carried out.
• You make this release on behalf of heirs, executors, assigns, administrators and yourself.
• As well as being responsible for returning hired equipment and any debts generated whilst at FightCamp (Attendance fees/Damage or loss).

By filling in the FightCamp Registration Form and attending the event, you are agreeing to comply with the Terms & Conditions and Acceptance of Risk above.

We’ve been holding off making any decisions about FightCamp in the hopes that we would still be able to run a version of the event on the planned weekend.

Unfortunately, it is with regret that upon consultation with the site we have now decided that it’s best to postpone.

New FightCamp 2020 Dates

We are determined not to entirely miss this year’s event, and so we have provisionally decided to go ahead on the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of October.

This two day event will be a stripped back version of the FightCamp we know and love.

But we’re hoping we can make the very most of it.

FightCamp Students

Over the next few weeks we’ll release more details, finalise our plans and only when we are totally confident we can provide a safe as well as fun event, we will release tickets.

If the situation changes and the government guidelines are retightened, your booking will be refunded in full.

FightCamp Instructors

The limited time and distancing restrictions will mean necessary changes to the timetable.

We will be in touch with you all as soon as we can to discuss whether you would like to be involved, and how we might be able to make that possible this year.

Grappling and other close combat will sadly need to be deferred to 2021.

Looking Forward

Things are changing so fast at the moment, it’s hard to make plans for anything. But we are going to do our very best to provide you with an excellent event this year, in whatever form is necessary.

And next year, in 2021, FightCamp will hopefully be able to have a grand return to its former glory.

We can’t wait to see you all again, and will update you again as soon as possible.

Tournament Entries For FightCamp 2019 Now Closed

Please note that melee tournament bookings will be taken at the event.