Brass Frog Rules

Judging

Judging is probably the most contentious aspect of any event – so we’re largely going to do away it!

1. Fencers are expected to call hits against themselves (holds true for ALL events)
2. Bouts will be managed by two ‘Seconds’ who will:
   • • Start and stop the action of the bout
     • Watch for unsafe conditions/behaviors
     • Watch for uncalled hits – each Second will watch for hits on ONE fencer
     • Seconds will determine the timing of the afterblow, where applicable
     • Poll the fencers about Skill/Art points
     • Report the results to tournament staff
3. Seconds have the authority to award points in the event of uncalled hits and/or rule infractions as well as settle disputes between the two fencers (the “I hit you First” issues)
4. ALL Fencers are expected to serve as Seconds throughout the weekend

Brass Frog AoA General Rules

1. Use of excessive or brutal force is strictly forbidden. The first offense will result in a warning. The second will result in a loss of the bout. Subsequent offenses and any offense resulting in an injury where the injured fencer is no longer able to compete will result in ejection from the event, at the discretion of the judges and tournament staff.
2. Prior to the start of any exchange the judging staff will ask if fencers are ready. The exchange will start when the judge calls “Fence!” The exchange will end when the judge calls “Halt!” Upon the called halt fencers must cease any aggressive actions and return to the appropriate side of the ring/piste.
3. Bouts are to be conducted for a maximum of three minutes. Point limits vary by weapon event.
4. Fencers are expected to call hits against themselves (holds true for ALL events)
5. Thrusts – thrusts must land point-first on target. Thrusts to the mask should be pulled to avoid injury. Thrusting in the Grand Baton event is forbidden.
6. Cuts (sabre) – cuts can be made with the true or the first third of the false edge. Cuts made with the flat are not valid, but will cause a halt to be called.
7. Slices (sabre) – slices can be made with a push or pull of the blade to the arms or head and must be of sufficient force
8. The back of the head is not a valid target in any event
9. Disarms and dropped weapons are scored as a point for the fencer retaining his/her weapon.
10. Leaving the ring/piste for any reason will result in a point for the opponent.
11. Pommel strikes, punches, kicks, elbow and knee strikes are not allowed
12. Grappling is not allowed.
13. Ignoring the directions of the judges or arguing with the judges will result first in a warning. Subsequent offenses in the same bout will result in points being granted to the opposing fencer or loss of the bout.

Brass Frog AoA Mixed Weapons

We ran this event in 2022 and this year it will be similar, but the ruleset is going to be a surprise!

Saber

For the first time in a LONG time, we’re changing the Saber rules!  Rules will include the the Afterblow AND Failure to Defend.  Details to follow

Smallsword

We’re changing the rules for our smallsword event as well!  They will follow mid-century German dueling conventions.  Details will follow shortly, but as a preview: Seconds will need to be in gear AND parts of the event start the night before around the campfire!

Skill/Art Points

We plan to recognize fencers who display a great deal of skill or art in their bouts, much as we we have done in past years. To accomplish this, fencers will be awarded points at the end of each bout and pool. At the end of each bout, 2 points may be awarded by the Seconds or Judges. At the end of each pool, fencers will be asked to identify the two fencers in their pool who they feel displayed the highest degree of Skill/Art in their fencing. At the end of each event the two fencers with the highest number of Skill/Art points will be awarded a ribbon that can be worn the remainder of the weekend while fencing.

Seconds/Judges and fencers should keep in mind the conventions of the weapon when awarding skill/art points.

Prizes

Medals for 1st to 3rd place in each event will be awarded. Ribbons will be awarded to the two fencers with the highest number of skill/art points in each event. Gift certificates and prizes from our sponsors will be awarded to the fencers with the highest total number of skill/art points and the to the fencers with the highest average number of skill/art points per bout. Door prizes will also be given out over the weekend.