United Empires of the Middle Ages
Medieval Reenactment Society
Marshall Tome

VERSION 1.0

Copyright (c) 2000

Copies may be made by members of the, UNITED EMPIRES OF THE MIDDLE AGES, for circulation to other members, so long as no changes are made and the copyright statement is included.

APPENDIX 3: ARMOR AND WEAPON STANDARDS

All construction standards are intended to specify materials and methods that will enable armor to function properly and maximize safety. Unless otherwise noted all standards apply to ALL Classes.

Tournament and War Equipment

Armor:

1. Helms:
   1. Class 4: Helms shall be constructed of steel of no less than 16 gauge, or of equivalent material. Be aware that steel of less than .0625" (1/16" or 1.6 mm) is too thin, even if it is sold as 16 gauge. (Note also that the mass of the helm is an important part of the protection. Beware of titanium, fiberglass, or other ultra-light materials.)

      Class 2 and 3: Helms shall be constructed of Hard Plastic. (Hockey, Lacrosse, etc..) Class 4 helms MAY also be used in Class 3 as long as the Marshall-in-charge does not feel that the Helm would cause damage to the weapons.

      Class 1: Full face Chemical shield, giving protection from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin.

   2. All joints or seams shall be constructed in one or a combination of the following ways:

      Welded on the inside and outside.

      Welded with a single bead that extends through both surfaces.

      Lap joints welded or brazed at the edges of both pieces.

      Riveted with Iron or steel rivets no more than 2-1/2 inches (63.5 mm) apart, or with equivalent riveting techniques.

      Welds must be sound and rivets secure.

   3. Face guards shall prevent a 1 inch (25.4 mm) diameter dowel from entering any facial opening.
   4. The face guard shall extend at least I inch (25 mm) below the bottom of the chin and jaw line when the head is held erect.
   5. Bars used in the face guard of Class 4, shall be steel of not less than 3/16" (4.8 mm) in diameter, or equivalent. I the span between cross-bars is less than 2 inches, 1/8" diameter bars may be used.
   6. All visors shall be attached and secured in such a way that there is minimal chance that they will become detached or come open in normal use.
   7. There shall be no major internal projections; minor projections of necessary structural components shall be padded. All metal shall be free of sharp edges. Face guard bars or mesh should not attach to the interior of the helm, unless of structurally superior design and workmanship.
   8. All parts of the helm that might come into contact with the wearer's head shall be padded with a minimum of 1/2" (13 mm) of resilient or closed-cell foam, or equivalent, or shall be suspended in such a way as to prevent injurious contact with the wearer. Similarly, parts of the helm that might come in contact with the wearer's neck or body should be padded.
   9. All helms shall be equipped with a chinstrap or other means of preventing the helm from being dislodged during combat. An equivalent might be, for example, a strap from helm to breastplate. A "snug fit" is NOT an equivalent. The chinstrap should not be so thin or so placed that it will tend to strangle the wearer.
2. Eye Wear:
   1. The lens of all eyewear shall be shatterproof safety glass or plastic. Ordinary glass lenses are prohibited. The wearing of contacts or "sports glass" is strongly recommended.
3. Neck Armor:
   1. In Class 2, 3, and 4: The larynx and cervical vertebrae must be covered by the helm, by a gorget of rigid material, by a mail or heavy leather camail or aventail, or by a collar of heavy leather lined with foam or other equivalent padding. They must stay covered during typical combat situations (turning the head, lifting the chin, etc.).
   2. In Class 1: Closed cell foam must cover the larynx and cervical vertebrae.
4. Body, Shoulder, and Groin Armor.(Class 1 Does not use this.):
   1. The kidney area, the short ribs, and the lower spine shall be covered with a minimum of heavy leather worn over 1/4" (6 mm) of closed cell foam or equivalent padding.
   2. For men, the groin must be covered by a minimum of a rigid athletic cup (e. g., a hockey, soccer, karate, or baseball cup), worn in a supporter or fighting garment designed to hold the cup in place, or equivalent armor.
   3. For women, groin protection of closed-cell foam or heavy leather or the equivalent is required. The wearing of male style athletic cups by female fighters is prohibited.
   4. For women, breast protection in the form of a gambeson shall be worn as a minimum. Separate breast cups are prohibited unless connected by or mounted upon an interconnecting rigid piece, i.e., heavy leather or metal breastplate.
   5. Heavy padding over the shoulders is recommended.
5. Hand and Wrist Armor.(Not used in Class 1):

   The outer surfaces of the hand and wrist of both arms must be covered by one or a combination of the following:

   1. A metal basket hilt with enough bars or plates to prevent a blow from striking the fingers or the back of the hand. If a basket hilt is used, a vambrace or partial gauntlet should cover the remaining portions of the hand and wrist.
   2. A gauntlet made of rigid plates, either lined with padding or foam, or designed to transfer potentially injurious impact to the surfaces being grasped. (Note that finger gauntlets, in which plates cover individual fingers but do not form an arch over the finger to transfer force to the surface being grasped, are adequate only in Class 2 and 3.)
   3. A gauntlet of heavy leather lined with closed cell foam or heavy padding. (Note: A hockey glove is considered to be the equivalent.)
   4. A shield. (Note: a shield alone is NOT sufficient in Class 4, since It covers only the back of the hand --- not the fingers or thumb.)
6. Arm Armor.(Not used in Class 1):
   1. The point and bones at either side of the elbow Joint must be covered by a rigid material underlain by 1/4" (6 mm) of resilient padding or closed-cell foam, by a shield, or by an approved equivalent. This armor shall be attached in such a way that the elbow remains covered during combat.
7. Leg Armor.(Not used in Class 1):
   1. The kneecap and both sides of the knee joints must be covered by rigid material lined by 1/4" (6 mm) of resilient padding or closed-cell foam or an approved equivalent. This armor shall be attached in such a way that the knee remains covered during combat.
   2. A minimum of heavy padding over the thigh of the shield-side leg is strongly recommended.

SHIELDS:(Not used in Class 1):

Shields shall be edged with leather, or other padding in such a way as to minimize the damage to weapons.

No bolts, wires, or other objects may project more than 3/8 inch (9 mm) from any part of a shield without being padded. (Rounded shield bosses are not included in this category.) (See also shield as weapon)

WEAPONS:

No metal may be used in the striking surface or surfaces of any weapon.

1. Weapons used single-handed shall have a wrist strap (or equivalent restraint) which will keep the weapon from leaving the immediate area of the user.
2. Swords:
   1. Class 4 swords shall be constructed of rattan and shall be not less than 1 1/4" (33 mm) in total diameter (including rattan and tape) along its entire length.

      Class 2 and 3 swords shall be constructed of size 40 PVC that has a outside diameter of no more than 1" and no less than 3/4". Then covered by pipe insulation.

   2. Rattan shall not be treated in any way that will substantially reduce its flexibility.
   3. The edges of the blade shall be rounded. In Class 4 the blade itself shall be no less than 1 1/4v" (33 mm) in cross section. In Class 2 and 3, the blade must be 3" in cross section.
   4. The tip of the blade shall be rounded.
   5. The full length of the blade, including the tip, shall be wrapped. In Class 4: In stripping tape, in such a way that no rattan splinters can protrude.

      In Class 3: In duct tape, in such a way that no foam can be seen.

      In Class 2: Duct tape shall be used on the tip and along the seam of the foam. The whole weapon shall then be covered by stockings made of nylon.

   6. When thrusting tips are used, they shall be no less than 2" (51 mm) in diameter or cross-section and shall provide progressively resistant "give" under pressure without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon. Further, it shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) into a legal face guard.
   7. Swords shall have a hand guard such as a basket hilt quillons or equivalent. The hand guards shall have no sharp edges or protruding unpadded points of less than 1 1/4 inch (33 mm) in diameter. Further, it shall not be possible to force the guard more than 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) into a legal face guard.
3. Mass Weapons:
   1. Class 4 hafts made of rattan (or equivalent material) shall be of no less than 1 1/4 inch (33 mm) in diameter.

      Class 2 and 3 shall be constructed of size 40 PVC that has a outside diameter of no more than 1" and no less than 3/4". Then covered in pipe insulation.

   2. The haft may not be treated in any way that significantly reduces its flexibility.
   3. The head shall not be constructed solely of rigid materials. The head shall be firmly and securely attached to the haft. The head shall allow some progressively resistant give, between the striking surface and the weapon haft.
   4. The striking surface of all mass weapons shall have no sharp edges or square corners.
   5. If grips or guards are used, they shall have no sharp edges or protruding unpadded points with cross-sections of less than 1 1/4 inch (33 mm) in diameter. Guards and pommels shall be firmly and securely affixed to the haft.
   6. When thrusting tips are used they shall be no less than 2" (51 mm) in diameter or cross section, and shall provide progressively resistant "give" under pressure without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon. Further it shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) into a legal face guard.
   7. Maximum total weight of weapon shall not exceed 5 pounds.
4. Pole Arms:
   1. Class 4 Shafts shall be of rattan (or equivalent material) of no less than one and 1 1/4 inch (33 mm) in diameter.

      Class 2 and 3 shafts shall be constructed of size 40 PVC that has a outside diameter of no more than 1" and no less than 3/8". Then covered by pipe insulation.

   2. Pole weapons should not be excessively flexible or whippy
   3. The head shall not be constructed of solely rigid materials. The head shall be firmly and securely attached to the haft. The head shall allow some progressively resistant "give" between the striking surface and the weapon haft.
   4. No pole arm may have a cutting head and/or smashing head at both ends.
   5. When thrusting tips are used they shall be no less than 2" (51 mm) in diameter or cross-section and shall provide progressively resistant "give" under pressure without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon. Further I it shall not e possible to force the thrusting tip more than 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) into a legal face guard.
   6. Weight of the total weapon shall not exceed one pound per foot up to 6 (six) feet in length. Additional weight is allowed to weapons over 6 feet in length at the rate of 1/2 (one-half) pound per foot (i.e. a 7 (seven) foot weapon would be allowed to weigh 6 1/2 (six and one-half) pounds.)
5. Spears:
   1. Spears shall not have any cutting or smashing head.
   2. Class 4 shafts shall be of rattan (or equivalent material) of no less than 1 1/4 inch (33 mm) in diameter. Fiberglass spears shall be constructed in accordance with the additional specifications listed below.

      Class 2 and 3 shafts shall be constructed of size 40 PVC that has a outside diameter of no more than 1" and no less than 3/8". Then covered by pipe insulation.

   3. Thrusting tips shall be no less than 2" (51 mm) in diameter or cross-section, and shall provide progressively resistant give, under pressure without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon. Further it shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) into a legal face guard.
   4. Total spear length shall not exceed 12 (twelve) feet.
   5. Fiberglass Spears:

      Pultruded fiberglass piping only may be used. Substitutions are not allowed. The piping must be 1 1/4 inch (33 mm) in diameter and have a side wall of not less than 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) thickness. Hence it shall have an interior diameter of 1 inch (25.4 mm).

      The end of the shaft which will have the thrusting tip attached must be covered with a schedule-40 PVC cap with an interior diameter the same as the outside diameter of the shaft (1 1/4 inch, or 33 mm). The thrusting tip will then be attached over this cap, and shall meet the requirements for fiberglass spear thrusting tip.

      Shafts may be "spliced" using a solid fiberglass rod of the same or equivalent material that has an outside diameter of 1 inch (25.4 mm) and is between 8 inches and 12 inches in length (20.3 cm to 30.4 cm). Only two splices will be allowed per spear shaft. Each end to be spliced should be cut square and clean of cracks or frayed fibers. The rod should extend at least 4 inches (10 cm) into each spliced end. The splice should be secured by one or both of two methods:

      Epoxying the fiberglass rod before insertion.

      Thoroughly taping the splice over with fiber tape.

      The butt end of the shaft should be smooth and free of cracks or frayed fibers. The butt should be taped over or otherwise sealed. It is recommended (but not required) that the entire length of the shaft be taped, because prolonged exposure to sunlight will shorten the life span of the shaft. If a weapon is completely taped, a marshal may require one section be untaped enough to determine that Pultruded Fiberglass has been used in the construction of the shaft.

      All fiberglass spears must have a thrusting tip with a minimum of 3 inches (75 mm) diameter or cross-section. Additionally, these thrusting tips must be constructed so that there is a minimum of 3 inches (75 mm) of resilient material in front of the PVC endcap and shall provide progressively resistant "give" under pressure without allowing contact with the PVC endcap. Further, it shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than 1/2 inch (12.5 mm) into a legal face guard.

      Total spear length shall not exceed 12 (twelve) feet.

6. Shields:
   1. If a shield is to be used as a weapon, particular attention must be given to keeping it light enough that it will not injure someone who is struck with it.

Missile Combat Equipment

Armor:

1. Same as Class 3 melee armor.

BOWS:

1. A Combat Archer may use any recurve or longbow that is in a safe and usable condition, so long as the bow does not exceed 30 (thirty) pounds pull weight at 28 inches of draw. Compound bows are not permitted. Bows shall be inspected by the Marshall-in-charge at the time of armour and weapons inspection.
2. Only if the golf-tube arrow is used by all Combat Archers on the field, then bows with a pull weight of up to 50 (fifty) pounds weight at 28 inches of draw may be allowed by the Marshall-in-charge.
3. No bow may ever be used as a weapon, or as a shield against weapons. Such use shall be considered grounds to remove a fighter from the field and may be considered grounds for revocation of authorization.

CROSSBOWS

1. A Combat Archer may use any crossbow that is in a safe and usable condition, so long as the crossbow does not exceed 50 (fifty) pounds pull weight at 12 (twelve) inches of draw. (The pull weight is to be measured at the nut. - i.e. string position when the crossbow is cocked.) Compound crossbows are not permitted. Crossbows shall be inspected by the Marshall-in-charge at the time of armour and weapons inspection.
2. If only the golf-tube arrow is used by all Combat Archers on the field, then crossbows with a pull weight not exceeding 70 (seventy) pounds at 12 (twelve) inches of draw may be allowed by the marshallate. (The pull weight is to be measured at the nut. - i.e. string position when the crossbow is cocked.)
3. Crossbows with draw lengths of other than 12 (twelve) inches can not have an inch-pound rating exceeding 600 (six hundred) inch-pounds. If the crossbow is designed to shoot golf-tube arrows only, the inchpound rating may be increased to 840 (eight hundred forty) inchpounds. (inch-pounds is the number determined by multiplying the length of "draw" in inches by the pounds of pull at the locked position on the string.)
4. No crossbow may ever be used as a weapon, or as a shield against weapons. Such use shall be considered grounds to remove a fighter from the field and may be considered grounds for revocation of authorization.

ARROWS:

Arrows may only be used as missile weapons launched from a bow. No arrows shall be used as hand-held thrusting weapons. Such use may be considered grounds for removing a fighter from the field and/or revoking his authorization.

WOODEN SHAFTED

Wood-shaft arrows shall be used only after inspection by the Marshall-in-charge (this may mean that no gleaning of these arrows is allowed). Archers shall be responsible for re-checking the safety of all arrows at the time of use.

1. Arrows must have a blunt point, rubber blunt or modified Markland tip, which is flat and has a finished diameter of at least 1 1/4 inches. If the blunt point, rubber blunt or the wooden dowel (used on Markland arrows) is less than 1 inch in diameter screening shall be required on the helm openings of all combatants. Blunts made to a pattern that provides greater safety are strongly recommended.
2. Tips shall be firmly glued and taped to the shaft.
3. Maximum allowable arrow draw length (nock to just back of the blunt) is 28 inches (71 cm).
4. Only wooden shafted arrows are permitted. Fiberglass and aluminum arrow shafts are not permitted.
5. Bow quivers, brush buttons, and bow slings are allowed.
6. Metal piles shall be removed prior to mounting blunt points.
7. The shaft of the arrow shall be spirally or longitudinally wrapped with plastic or cloth tape, totally covering the surface from the front of the fletching to the tip of the shaft.

GOLF-TUBE:

Golf-Tube Combat Arrows shall be constructed by using a plastic golf tube and attaching a tennis ball or foam thrusting tip to the reinforcing ring end.

1. The golf-tube arrows may be gleaned from the field and used immediately.

For the Tennis-ball style:

Using a strong cord of 1/8" or less diameter tie the tennis ball to the golf tube by crossing two pieces of cord through the golf tube underneath the reinforcing ring, and over the tennis ball. Be sure that the knots are located on the side of the tennis ball and not at the tip. Securely tape the tennis ball to the tube using fiber-reinforced tape. Be sure that the cords are securely taped to the tennis ball to prevent slippage. These cords will prevent the tennis ball from being torn loose when the arrow strikes a hard surface.

For the Foam Thrusting-tip style:

Construction methods should be similar to thrusting tips for rattan weapons. The tip should be a minimum of 1.5 inches diameter, and should allow for about 1 inch of compression.

The striking point of the arrow should be marked with red tape or cloth that is firmly attached. The shaft of the arrow need not be taped as there is no chance of breakage. Fletches are recommended for better stability during flight, but number and size are left to the discretion of the archer. Fletches must be of a soft, flexible material such as foam or duct tape, and rounded so as to not have sharp corners.

To reduce the likelihood of an arrow penetrating a UEMA legal helm. In case of "bounce-back", there should be a foam, paper, or similar material plug put in the knock-end of the arrow so as to limit the tendency of the tube to compress upon impact (alternative solutions to this problem are subject to the Realm Marshall's approval). Maximum allowable arrow draw length (nock to just back of the blunt) is 28 inches (71 cm). Substantial additional weight may not be added to the arrow.

Other Projectile Weapons:

1. Javelins may be constructed from lengths of one inch OD, schedule 40 PVC tubing, or equivalent materials approved by the Realm Marshall. Any equivalent should be as strong or stronger, and not significantly heavier, than schedule 40 PVC tubing.
2. The shafts shall be spiral wrapped with fiber tape.
3. Striking tips shall be constructed according to tourney weapon thrusting standards.
4. Other throwing weapons or projectiles must meet these standards, and be individually approved for use by the Marshallate.
5. Projectiles shall be marked for individual identification of ownership.

EXPERIMENTAL WEAPONS AND MATERIALS

Before any unapproved weapon or material can be used at Society activities a test plan must be submitted to and approved by the GME. This plan should include specifics on construction (i.e. materials used, how assembled etc.), an outline of the test and all restrictions that will be imposed on the test. It should also tell how long the test period shall be.

It is the prerogative of the Ruler 1 Marshall to allow limited testing of alternate or unapproved materials and weapons within a Empire. Limited testing means the weapon or material may be used at fighter practice tourneys, and in small melees after all combatants and Marshall's have been informed the weapon or material is being tested and that it is not approved for UEMA use.

All combatants and Marshall's must consent to the use of the weapon or material before combat begins. If any of the Marshall's or combatants object to the use of the material or weapon, the material or weapon may not be used. All unapproved materials and weapons shall be marked with alternating bands of red and white tape totaling 6" (six inches) in length. Bands shall be visible during weapon usage.

At regular intervals through out the test period the Ruler 1 Marshall will update the GME on the progress and results of the testing.

At the end of the test period the Ruler 1 Marshall will provide the GME a test summary. This summary should include a list of injuries that resulted from the use of the weapon or material and any concerns from fighters and Marshall's that resulted from the testing. The GME, after consultation with the Ruler 1 Marshall's, shall determine if the weapon or material is suitable for UEMA Combat-Related activities.

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