KRM Monthly Newsletters

September 2002

KRMs e-Newsletter for September 2002

Topics:
October Pale Letter
New blades
Resolving Differences & the Chain of Authority
Ubercards
Marshal Staffs
Disarms
Planned Events

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October Pale Letter

Greetings Rapier Combatants.

Here are a few announcements.

Hanwei blades (the practical series), produced by CAS/Iberia
(www.casiberia.com) are now MidRealm rapier legal.

Despite any rumors you may have heard, rubber band cannons are merely big
rubber band guns and hence, are SCA legal.

There is a new drop tester that I want to become the MidRealm standard for
punch tests. You can make and use one now. Go to
http://www.iceweasel.org/sca/

Your Rapier Handbook should have the following changes:
5/1/2002 Change 1 (replace 1-6, 1-7, 1-9, 2-3, 2-7, 2-8 & 2-9, remove pages
1-8 & 1-10).
5/10/02 Add to paragraph 2.2.2.B - The hilt (everything excluding the blade)
of any rapier or dagger will not exceed 12 inches long.
7/1/02 Delete the Preface in its entirety.

My apologies for the brevity but I'm limited to 200 words if you recall. If
you'd like to receive my more detailed KRM e-newsletter, let me know.
Scheltem@yahoo.com. Or go to the MidRealm Rapier website and read them
there. http://www.midrealm.org/marshal/fencing/kmof.html

Lastly, I just passed my first anniversary as KRM and have been given
approval to stay for 3 years. However, I am now accepting applications for
my replacement. I want to have my replacement named this spring so they can
be involved with the planning for Pennsic 32.

Dienst mit einem Laecheln,

Max

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New blades

As of 1 July, Hanwei Practical series rapier blades, produced by CAS/Iberia
are approved for use as heavy rapiers in the MidRealm. The Hanwei Practical
Rapier blades look similar to a Del Tin Practice rapier Blade except that
the ricasso is a little longer and they have a button welded onto the tip so
the tip is flat. (You can see pics of these at www.casiberia.com in their
new products listings).

As of 1 June 2002, Alchem 'Safeflex' rapier blades are approved for Society
use as heavy rapiers. The Alchem/Safeflex ones are about 40" in length, are
dark in color (similar to their daggers) and have a rectangular
cross-section. The width of the blade tapers as it approaches the tip. (pics
are at www.alcheminc.com). At this time, I haven't had anyone express an
interest in having these blades legalized in the MidRealm. I prefer to see
and handle the blades personally, before I make them MidRealm legal.

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Resolving Differences & the Chain of Authority

I've received feedback that not all fencers are clear about how to resolve
disputes.

(Excerpts from the handbook).

1.2.12 COMMUNICATION BETWEEN FENCERS
The marshals on the field are available for advice and/or judgment if asked.
If a rapier combatant leaves the field without registering a protest with
the marshals, the rapier combatant is assumed to be satisfied with the
outcome of the bout or melee.

3.1 MARSHAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND CHAIN OF AUTHORITY
Under normal situations, the Marshal in Charge of an event is the final
authority on issues that come up at that event and their decisions will
stand until a marshal higher in the chain of authority reviews the decision.
If no marshal higher in the chain of authority is present, the formal
appeals process must be followed.

3.4.1 MARSHALS COURT
A. GENERAL
In order to resolve a complex issue, the Marshal-in-Charge or an affected
individual may request that a "Marshal's Court" be convened to examine the
issues and determine what actions (if any) will be taken.

C. MARSHALS COURT OPERATIONS
a) The Marshal-in-Charge must schedule the Court to meet during the event,
preferably the same day.
b) Decisions are reached by simple majority vote of the Court members.
c) The Marshal-in-Charge must see that a Court Report is forwarded up the
reporting chain

The Chain of Authority is:
Marshal of the Field
Marshal in Charge
Regional / Principality Rapier Marshal
Kingdom Rapier Marshal
Kingdom / Principality Earl Marshal
King / Territorial Prince
Society Rapier Marshal
Society Earl Marshal
Board of Directors of the SCA

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Ubercards

When the new authorizations cards (Ubercards) were issued 2 years ago, some
were erroneously marked with a 2-year expiration date. Some weren't marked
at all. All authorization cards should have a 4-year expiration date. Please
make sure your card has a 4-year expiration on it. If it does not, please
have you group or regional marshal make the necessary corrections.

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Marshal Staffs

Please remember, marshals are required to use a marshal's staff or baton
(usually black with gold spiral stripes) when on duty. Canes and scabbards
are acceptable, if marked as noted above. (Paragraph 3.1.1.F.1)

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Disarms

Disarms are no longer an automatic hold even if you no longer have any
offensive weapons. Your opponent does not have to let you rearm. I'd say 98%
of rapier combatants will let you rearm, but beware of those 2% (probably
pirate personas) that will insist you yield. I would prefer that yielding to
disarms only happen in melees and not in tournaments.

There have been a couple incidents recently of overly successful blade
grabbing that have disarmed opponents. This is completely acceptable. But
remember, when grabbing a blade, you can not deliberately try to pull the
blade from your opponents hands. You can only hold the blade to immobilize
it. There should be no tugging on the blade by the grabber. If your opponent
tugs, please be courteous and release the blade. Of course of your opponent
twists the blade back and forth, your hand is disabled.

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Planned Events

My next planned events are:

9/14/02 - Harvest Day
10/5/02 - Procrastinator's Ball/Roaring Wastes Baronial Championships
10/12/02 - Red Dragon
11/2/02 - Crystal Ball
11/9/02 - Toys for Tots (Morrice, MI)
11/23/02 - Dancer's Revolt

Dienst mit einem Laecheln,

Max