As with the other rules-sets to be included on the KCT website, the KCT editors neither endorse nor guarantee the information contained on these pages; rather they are provided for the consideration of groups hoping to host feats of arms or for those who are considering attending a feat of arms held under this rules system.

The Early Medieval Alliance--an umbrella organization encompassing nearly xx groups--seeks to provide a simple system for the conducting of live steel "full contact" sparring that can be used both to facilitate crossover between group members and to provide a framework for the regulation of such combats within Britain.

In Great Britain, there has been increased pressure on the historical re-enactment community owing to the increased governmental interest in regulating all forms of weaponry. This unwanted attention has caused several of the medieval re-enactment communities to come together and create a set of safety rules to create a sense of legitimacy and a framework for safe conduct that the member groups hope will forstall increased regulation.

Roger Lankford, proprietor of Lancaster Armouries of Great Britain, himself a re-enactor for more than twenty years, has been the driving force behind the establishment and adoption of these rules. He reports a vastly improved safety record with the "FAST--Fast Accurate Safe Technique", and the author's experience bears this out.

The essence of the system places the responsibility for safety squarely with the combatants, relying less on equipment than do the behourd societies or some of the martial arts groups. Surprisingly, the only armour required is a helmet and gauntlets, while blow regions are allowed for the head, body, upper arm, torso, upper and lower leg, but only from particular trajectories. Some measure of blow telegraphing is expected as a matter of safety, though the combatants I fought exhibited the ability to fight without telegraphing and to respond to blows without cues.  Blows on plate defenses can (and should be) delivered with force, while those to unarmoured regions are expectd to be delivered flat. The weapons used are rather thick compared to other groups--3mm for swords, for example--and are also a bit heavier unless a fuller is employed to reduce the mass.

It should be emphasized that this combat system does not contain any sort of point system in and of itself; but it could be applied in a number of different victory conditions and tournament formats. The author has only had contact with the combatants of House Lancaster, who primarily perform for the public with English Heritage and on private estates in Britain. The tournament as employed has a predetermined outcome, though the fights are not choreographed.

This rules system is being considered by the IMA as one of the possible formats used to form the core of an international framework; further information should be obtained from Roger Lankford.

EARLY MEDIEVAL ALLIANCE (E.M.A)  WEAPONS SAFETY COMMITTEE GUIDELINES
The committee held its second meeting at Wolston, Warwickshire on 13th February 1998, (chaired by Roger Lankford of MCS, aided by Eddie Hocking of Harlech (vice chair)). The committee consisted of 18 delegates from the following EMA member groups who represented more than 60% of EMA members: - Escafeld, Excalibur, Kings Commission of Array, Harlech Medieval Society, Medieval Combat Society (MCS). Thomas
Lewis of St. Pierre and Swords of Albion. Guests:- A delegate from Crusade Signatea.

The aim of the meeting was to formulate a set of definitions and guidelines agreeable to the EMA member groups present (in conjunction with the NAReS Health and Safety guidelines). This was a self-regulating response to the changing role of the Health & Safety Executive (H&SE) related to re-enactment and our need to address their (H&SE) ever increasing powers.
 

Food Knives (sharp) should be tied into a sheath and never ever be taken onto a battlefield.

Broken Swords should be discarded to a safe place immediately. Swords are to be deburred regularly and be free from rust. Sharp blades are not permitted on battlefields. (Ed. I assume this means all weapons; not just swords)

Weapons Classification will fall into three group types:
 
Blade weapons: A Sword is generally over 18 Inches long; a dagger is usually less than 18 inches long.

Blunt Force Weapons: Axes, Flails, Mauls & Maces (Chain flail type weapons were agreed banned due to a limited control). It was recommended to use Hickory shafts on these type of weapons & feed the wood with Linseed oil. NB: Hickory is a fibrous wood, which usually splits down its length before shearing off, Ash will usually shear away - allowing the weapon head to fly off in any direction.

Pole Weapons: It was generally agreed to restrict pole weapons to Scottish Lochabers and early Hook Bills, it was suggested that a year's period of transition be allowed for members to switch over and re-train. Whereas delegates agreed they would prefer to see more hand weapons and less pole weapons, it was pointed out some people like them.
 
 

Individual Techniques are probably the most difficult subject to deal with because each individual has a different viewpoint of what's a good technique. The committee discussed a technique known as Fast Accurate Safe Technique (FAST), developed at Escafeld, and adopted by Harlech, MCS and some members of Excalibur. It's simple common sense, and works on the principle of - if you have an idea of what angle the blow/strike will come, there is less chance of being injured by it.  Excalibur relayed a very encouraging picture of dramatically reduced injuries following their switch to the Fast Accurate Safe Technique (FAST) system. Escafeld and MCS quoted similar examples, member groups are urged to adopt the technique.

Head blows (for those groups who use them), a vertical downward stroke to the centre of the helm (of about 12 degs either side of the centre line), delivered without force,  (Horizontal head shots and uppercuts are very dangerous).
 
Upper torso  to the biceps/shield only, - as a downward angled blow (of about 45 degs). Be careful to avoid Forearms, Elbows, Neck and Shoulder joints.

Upper thigh to the fleshiest part of the thigh, as an angled downward stroke (between 12 to 40 degs). Take care to avoid the Pelvis and joint bones, also the whole area of the Knee.

Calf Muscle is the same motion as the upper thigh. Take care to avoid the area of the Knee and the Ankle.
Thrust should only be delivered to the area of the belt buckle. Take care to avoid the Groin, Pelvis and Solar Plexus.

Also parts to avoid: - face, knees, elbows, groin etc.

Attitude (the spirit) should be an important factor in our fighting. A bad temper or a want to win at any cost! Often results in someone else paying a price with an injury, not acceptable!  Only put sufficient force into your strokes to look convincing, beating people into the ground is pointless.

Group Fight Training members should nominate a Fight Trainer and formulate a structured training program. This should be designed to ensure each Combatant/Knight learns good skills and achieves a capable standard with the most of the weapons in your group. Sword type weapons should travel at least 1 meter to telegraph (2 metres is preferable) before impact. Novices or members who had not previously been to a battle should wear some sort of sash to warn others to have-a-care... and be in the care of  a "buddy."

Each group agreed to actively attempt to bring every spare helm to mass gatherings for members to borrow.
The meeting agreed rather than ban head shots, it would be better to gear EMA members to better head & hand protection. The meeting agreed the need for an official list of suppliers and encourages members to sell on older equipment. All EMA Members should be encouraged to acquire and use suitable helms & gauntlets.

Steel armour should be at least 18guage (NAReS recommends 16 gauge (.065")), 4mm thick leather at non-EMA bashes is ok, preferably with a steel lining. Wherever possible, use rivets to join metals. Aluminium Helms are generally not suitable.

Gauntlets can be mail, plate armour or leather, they need to withstand a hit across the knuckles, and reduce it to merely a painful experience.

Body Armour should be appropriate and offer real protection, look-a-like padded armour that isn't - could cause an injury through misconceived ignorance.

Shields should be 16 gauge steel over plywood or 14 gauge steel, or banded heavy plywood.

On Site: An on site survey should be done by the group safety Rep;

Arena Shows should be on level, even ground. The arena should have a double roped cordon with a minimum 6-foot gap between the cordons, or some other means of separating the participants from the combatants with a safe space.

Mass Battles should have a barrier with Marshals and an open space of ground to separate the participants from the spectators, as seen at the old style Bosworth and Tewksbury mass battles. Marshals are our designated on site safety members, their requests command mandatory obedience.  An emergency vehicle clear way should be designated and cordoned off to allow easy access onto and off the site.

No black powder will be allowed at Mass Battles. Host group customs would always be observed by all members.

Group / Member Responsibilities
Every group should acknowledge their elected safety officers and enforce their decisions. Group Safety Officers should check the condition of all weapons and armour for rust & sharp edges before they are permitted into the combat zone.

Battle field Marshals are our "in battle - on site - safety members", their commands carry mandatory instant obedience.

Groups should ensure their individual members are adequately trained to take part in combat/battles.
Individual members have a lawful duty under the Health & Safety act to ensure they do not endanger themselves or other people. We can all think of a time when someone's thoughtless actions could have cost someone an eye - or worse.

Common techniques of combat will go a long way to elevating injuries at mass battles. Members are urged to sponsor the F.A.S.T concept; it will make it possible for us to fight each other safely without losing the special styles that identify individual groups.

All weapons should be free from rust & dirt, with exposed burrs filed down. Don't clean weapons with toxic cleaning agents, wounds could become infected. Also members should be encouraged to have their tetanus injections updated.

First Aid
Professional First Aid (Red Cross/St John) should be organised for large events. Each member group should send their first aid box, with their first aider to register at a central point. It is recommended that member groups have a health record for each member's special needs i.e. asthmatics, diabetics, with some of their medication in their boxes. Also each box should have bolt shears to enable rapid entry into armour/mail and a retractable blade hooked knife to sever leather quickly.

Water
Adequate supplies of water on the battlefield  is crucial, because the average person will evaporate about 1 pint of water an hour in a battle.

Drink & Drugs
The meeting unanimously agreed the following statement:-

Any person found with illegal drugs will be ejected from the site. Any person found to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs before a mass battle will not be allowed to participate.

Medieval Combat Society
Harlech Medieval Society
Escafeld Medieval Society
Excalibur Re-enactment Society
The King's Commissions of Array
Swords of Albion
St. Pierre
Crusade Signatea