Fightcamp Events

Historical European Martial Arts In Action

Skirmish

Skirmish Melee Rules 2019

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The Fightcamp Melee Tournament is a team competition.

Each team must have exactly three members. You cannot fight for more than one team.

Melee Equipment

Any number of fighters with either:

  • Longsword
  • Arming Sword and Buckler
  • Arming Sword

All weapons must be of the HEMA shop brand and provided by the participants themselves.

Booking Melee Places

Places are booked in this tournament at FightCamp Skirmish itself, to enable players to find themselves a team.

Bookings will be taken by the Marshals at Reception.

Fill in your Team Name and the full name of each of your members onto the official form.

FightCamp Melee Rules

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

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.

Teams of three fighters will use an assortment of medieval weapon simulators.

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

Weapons

Any number of fighters with either:

  • Longsword
  • Arming Sword and Buckler
  • Arming Sword

Fighters must provide their own HEMA shop nylon weapons and protective clothing.

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 4 points in total wins the match.

The competition is run by direct elimination. If you lose a match then you are out of the competition.

The following rules apply during the Melee:

  • No wrestling or strikes apart from with the weapon count.
  • All cuts and thrusts count with swords.
  • Pommel/hilt strikes are not counted unless confirmed by a judge
  • No weapons may be thrown.
  • No striking with the buckler edge 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 head.
  • If a fighter drops their weapon they are deemed out.
  • 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.
  • If the competitor’s feet leave the rectangular marked arena then they are dead.
  • If the judges call halt, all fighters must freeze exactly where they 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 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.

FightCamp Terms and Conditions

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

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.