Combat Archery at Pennsic War

ATTENTION ALL PENNSIC COMBAT ARCHERS!

• ALL Combat Archers at Pennsic 41 are REQUIRED to have read the information below as pertinent.

• It is your responsibility as a Combat Archer to check, sort and repair your ammunition BEFORE bringing it to Inspection Point.

• Knowledge of these Regulations will help ensure a safe and healthy war for all; failure to take the time and effort to understand them is both unsafe and unacceptable for not only yourself but to others on the field.

• Few changes have been made (although there are some) to existing Pennsic standards in an attempt to standardize these Regulations for the benefit of the entire CA community over the next decade. Any changes which have been made are the result of that same attempt at safe standardization and/or Royal negotation and are in bold print.

• –►  Play safe and fair. We have a specialized weapons form that requires specialized skills, understanding and accommodations – play responsibly.
   
• –►  Help clear the field after battle – many hands make light work.
   
• –►  Attend Missile Day! It is a day for building our CA community, for putting names with faces, and for sharing talents. Bring some fighters too; all are welcome and will be included!
   
• –►  Thank the marshals, both CA and otherwise. They give freely of their time so YOU can play.
   
• –►  Lastly, consider becoming a marshal-in-training. You can find no better place to "see it all" than Pennsic. As our community grows, so too must its CA marshallate and you are welcome to be a part of that growth. Come to Inspection Point to volunteer!

INSPECTION PROCESS

1. All armor inspections shall occur at Inspection Point.
2. All initial combat archery weapon and initial ammunition inspections shall occur at Inspection Point during posted hours (likely 9-2 daily). Any changes in the inspection hours will be posted outside the Inspection Point as early as possible and supersede the hours posted in the Pennsic booklet.
3. There will be no "in-battle" re-inspections of cleared shafted ammunition under any circumstances, including within a battle comprised of 2-parts (such as traditional Castle Battles).
4. Immediate post-battle (on-field) re-inspections of all ammunition are likely (weather and logistics permitting).
5. All arrows or bolts must be inspected for a specific day's use, and be marked with the "color of the battle".
6. All arrows or bolts must be labeled in English, showing the owner's name and kingdom on the shaft.
7. After each battle involving combat archery, the arrows/bolts need to be re-inspected for the next official Pennsic sponsored battle.
8. It is strongly encouraged to get your Combat Archery ammunition inspected AT LEAST the day before any battle since showing up on the day of the activity will likely result in insufficient time to have equipment inspected.
9. Inspections will officially cease 45 minutes prior to the posted start time of any battle so that the marshals have time to get ready for the battle. Marshals not fighting may volunteer additional time but are not expected to.
10. No "in-camp re-inspection" of combat archery ammunition is planned. The Marshal-in-Charge of Combat Archery for Pennsic reserves the right to grant an exception for a re-inspection location in extreme circumstances. All approved inspection forms and requirements for the inspecting marshal must be used.
11. All marshals who are qualified in their own Kingdom to inspect combat archery ammunition or equipment and plan on inspecting at this Pennsic MUST sign in with the Pennsic Combat Archery Marshal in Charge (or his designee) and be "oriented" on the areas they will be inspecting by the appropriate staff. Oriented marshals will then be issued a badge that will quickly identify what they are allowed to inspect at Pennsic 41 having met those requirements.
12. NO MARSHAL may inspect combat archery equipment and ammunition unless they have signed in, been issued an inspecting marshal badge by CA-MIC or Deputy CA-MIC after being oriented for consistency with the conventions of the for the current Pennsic combat archery rules. This includes the proper way to fill out the inspection forms being utilized.

COMBAT ARCHERY EQUIPMENT SPECIFICS

1. Bow
   1. Loops in bow string ends made by compressed metal / plastic clips are not allowed.
   2. Ensure that the string is not showing excessive wear.
   3. Measure the draw weight of the bow with a calibrated scale to ensure it is within appropriate specs. The handbow must be designed/constructed to draw @28" or it cannot be used in SCA combat.
   4. Check the bow itself for cracks or gouges, as well as for significant limb twist that could make the string leave the tips
   5. Handbows measuring over 30 and less than 50 pounds must be marked with a 4-inch wide band of red material (tape, cloth, etc) that goes completely around the upper limb of the bow.
2. Crossbow
   1. Loops in crossbow string ends made by compressed metal / plastic clips are not allowed.
   2. No combat archery "Pistol" type crossbows are permitted.
   3. No combat archery crossbow will be permitted to utilize a mechanical advantage cocking lever sometimes calld a "Goat's Foot".
   4. No Chinese repeating crossbows, nor repeating crossbows of any other type, are permitted in combat archery.
   5. Ensure that the string is not showing excessive wear
   6. Check that the lock mechanism releases smoothly under simulated pressure
   7. Check that the lock mechanism is solid and will not accidentally release.
   8. Ensure the stock has no failures between the bow and lock
   9. Measure the draw weight (in inch-pounds) of the crossbow with a calibrated scale and ruler to ensure it is within appropriate specs
   10. Check the prod for cracks or gouges, as well as for significant prod twist that could make the string leave the tips
   11. Crossbows measuring over 600 and under 1000 inch-pounds must be marked with a 4-inch wide band of red material (tape, cloth, etc) that goes completely around the right hand side of the prod as viewed by the bowman.
3. Shafted Ammunition
   1. Neither Fellwalker nor solo Tennis Ball ammo will be permitted at Pennsic.
   2. All other Society approved heads will be permitted at Pennsic as long as they meet the Society and your individual Kingdom standards for construction.
   3. Fiberglass-shaft arrows and bolts must be equipped with a Society approved anti-penetration device (APD).
   4. Solid-style nock ASGARD (APDs) anti-pentration devices are permitted to be used ONLY if the nock remains solid. Cutting any type of slot into the solid nock is not a Society approved modification and will not pass inspection.
   5. Absolutely no wooden shafts are permitted or metal in ANY part of the ammunition construction.
   6. Fiberglass-shaft arrows/bolts must be covered from behind the blunt, to the front of the Anti-Penetration Device (APD), in a sturdy tear-resistant tape, such as strapping, electrical, or duct tape.
   7. Based upon the type of ammunition, measure all dimensions for conformance. No more than 1/2" of overall variation will be tolerated regarding length from standards.
   8. Grab both head & tail and pull "away" with moderate force. If either head or APD moves longitudinally, the ammunition fails.
   9. Hold the shaft and APD close together and attempt rotation of the APD using minor torque as not to overly stress any existing glue seal. If any rotation of the APD occurs, the ammunition fails and needs re-securing.
   10. Hold the shaft and head close together and attempt rotation of the collar using minor torque so as not to overly stress any existing glue seal. If greater than slight rotation of the collar upon the shaft occurs, the ammunition fails.
   11. "Slight rotation" has been roughly defined by previous Pennsic KEM's to mean no greater than 1/8" lateral movement around the shaft.
   12. If ammunition is a type with foam, check that the foam tip cannot be forced more than 1/2" into a legal faceguard. If penetration COULD occur more than 1/2" inside a grill, the ammunition fails.
   13. Check the shaft for signs of cracking or other failure. Check that ammo is properly labeled and taped.
4. Tubular Ammunition
   1. Shafts
      1. The shafts of combat arrows and bolts must be constructed of Sil-o-flex (or approved equivalent) tubing with the following specifications: 100 PSI pressure rating and either 1.25 inches exterior diameter or 1 inch interior diameter.
      2. Arrows - A tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) combat arrow has a maximum length of 28 inches. This is measured from where the bow string touches the nock to the base of the approved tip. The 28 inches length is the maximum length; a shorter length may be used for those having a shorter draw length. A nock may be cut into the tail end, but may be no deeper than 1/2 inch. Wooden knocks MAY NOT be installed or used.
      3. Crossbow Bolts - The maximum length of a tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) combat crossbow bolt is 28 inches as measured from where the prod string touches the bolt to the base of the approved tip. There is no minimum length for a crossbow bolt. Past history has shown crossbow bolts around 14 inches fly well and work on most crossbows.
   2. Tips
      1. There are only two (2) approved tips for use on tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) combat shafts:
         1. Modified Baldar Blunts
            1. Any classic style of Baldar Blunt can be used in this manner, whether 1 or 2 piece mold or designed for fiberglass or wood.
            2. Older or newer style "egg" shaped Baldar Blunts are not approved for use on tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) combat shafts.
            3. The modified Baldar Blunt must be slipped 1/2 inch over the tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) shaft.
            4. Baldar Blunts should be modified by separating / cutting the fins from the outer collar, but the outer collar must remain intact.
               1. Tape
                  1. Fiberglass-reinforced (strapping) tape is the only material approved for securing the Modified Baldar Blunts onto the shaft and one of the two materials used for securing the rubber stopper into the shaft.
                  2. Electrical tape may not be used.
         2. Rubber Stopper
            1. A rubber stopper, size 6.5 should be used (preferably with a 1/4 inch hole in the center to allow greater compression).
            2. The stopper must be inserted 1/2 inch into the shaft.
            3. It is suggested to use the white/off-white rubber stoppers that are gum rubber because they are softer and compress better than the neoprene.
               1. Securing the Rubber Stopper Head on/in the Shaft (2 Methods)
                  1. Traditional Lacing Method for rubber stoppers:
                     1. The rubber stopper must be inserted 1/2 inch into the tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) shaft.
                     2. The rubber stopper must be attached with 1/8 inch or less diameter strong cord.
                     3. Two pieces of cord must be crossed through the shaft underneath the base, over the stopper then tied securely. The knots must be located on the side of the blunt and not on the tip. (A touch of glue on the knots helps keep them from loosening up)
                     4. The cord must be securely taped to the rubber stopper using fiberglass-reinforced tape.
                  2. Fiberglass-reinforced (strapping) tape method:
                     1. The rubber stopper must be inserted 1/2 inch into the tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) shaft.
                     2. The Modified Baldar must be slipped 1/2 inch over the tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) shaft.
                     3. The rubber stopper or modified Baldar is secured with several pieces of fiberglass-reinforced (strapping) tape that will cross each other on the top of the tip. Each piece must start from at least 1 inch down the shaft (measured from the intersection of the tip and shaft), go up over the head and then back down the other side of the shaft at least 1 inch.
                     4. The intersection where the head meets the tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) shaft must also be secured with a piece of fiberglass-reinforced (strapping) tape wrapped around the joining point.
   3. Foam
      1. Resilient Foam: The Society Definition is: dense, plastic, closed-cell foam such as ethyl polymer.
      2. Both rubber stopper and Baldar Blunt heads must have resilient foam padding secured on the tip.
      3. Rubber stopper heads must also have a side wrap of foam.
      4. Resilient foam approximately the diameter of the stopper must be secured to the tip so that there is at least 1/2 inch and at most 1-1/4 inches thickness after taping with fiberglass-reinforced (strapping) tape.
      5. The resilient foam is secured with several pieces of fiberglass-reinforced (strapping) tape that will cross each other on the top of the foam. Each piece must start from at least 1 inch down the shaft, go up over the tip and then back down the other side of the tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) shaft at least 1 inch.
         1. Side Wrap Required for Rubber Stopper – Note: Modified Baldar Blunt does not require a side wrap.
            1. The side wrap of resilient foam must extend from the tip of the padding to at least ½ inch over the tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) shaft and be secured with fiberglass-reinforced (strapping) tape.
            2. The side wrap of resilient foam must be wrapped around the padding/stopper/shaft so that the ends meet without a gap and secured with fiberglass-reinforced (strapping) tape.
            3. The side wrap must be secured to the tubular (Sil-o-flex or equivalent) shaft with several pieces of fiberglass-reinforced (strapping) tape that will cross each other on the top of the resilient foam.
            4. The total diameter of the final head assembly must be at least 1 ½ inch.
            5. It shall not be possible to force the head of any combat archery ammunition more than ½ inch into a legal face guard.
   4. Nocks
      1. A nock may be cut into the tail end, but may be no deeper than 1/2 inch.
         1. No wooden nocks, wooden plugs, corks, pool noodles, tape or anything that closes off the end of the tubular ammo will be permitted and are not legal to be used with tubular (Sil-o-flex / equivalent) ammunition at Pennsic.
   5. Fletching
      1. Ammunition may have fletches as long as they are securely attached and made of a soft material.
      2. Fletches may not project farther than 1/2 inch from the shaft if they are less than 1.5 inches thick.
      3. The fins must meet the construction standards approved at Society Level
         1. The tail end of the Sil-o-flex (or equivalent) must be left solid for at least 1 inch.
         2. Cuts no longer than 2-1/2 inches may be made beyond that in order to install fletches but must have a 3/16 inch hold drilled at the ends of each cut (stop holes) to keep the cut from going further.
      
      
5. Additional Ammunition Information
   1. Ammunition cannot be more than 10% yellow (as yellow is reserved for Siege).
   
   
6. The Pennsic Combat Archery Marshal In Charge, his Deputy and those approved designees may inspect all combat archery equipment and ammunition to the enclosed "Pennsic Standard" which supersedes any Kingdom level. Any decision may be appealed utilizing the proper chain of command.

   RULES SPECIFIC TO COMBAT ARCHERY

   1. All bows, crossbows, ammunition and conventions shall meet, at minimum, all Society standards for construction. They must also meet any additional restrictions described in this document, or restrictions declared by the Pennsic Combat Archery Marshal In Charge as needed.
   2. Combat archers need only a half gauntlet made to the standards for gauntlets but without finger protection.
   3. As with any weapons form, an archer may yield to an opponent, and archers should feel free to loudly express their "dead/yield" status. Courtesy taps delivered by an opponent should be accepted by the Combat Archery combatant as the gift they are. Likewise an opposing fighter throwing excessive or repeated blows into a "subdued/dead" opponent will face disciplinary action.
   4. Minimum range for a shot is "clears the bow".
   5. Targeting of the back of an individual (alone or in an organized unit) is prohibited. A cluster of folks may be targeted in THEIR situation 180 degrees and a rearward facing opponent shot thusly should accept the strike. This applies equally for an opponent who has rotated after release. But the actual specific targeting of the back side of any individual is prohibited.
   6. There is no limit on the amount of ammunition an archer may carry unless defined in a specific battle scenario.
   7. For Pennsic 41 there will be no gleaning allowed. The decision to permit gleaning is decided by Royal Agreement and may change from Pennsic to Pennsic. If gleaning is allowed at a future Pennsic, ONLY tubular arrows and bolts may be gleaned from the battlefield and reused after inspection by the person who gleaned them.
   8. Other ammunition must be re-inspected (post-battle) by approved designated Combat Archery marshals prior to reuse.
   9. REMINDER: Inspection of shafted ammunition WILL NOT OCCUR between 2 portions of an extended battle (eg. BETWEEN the 2 portions of a Castle Battle) as there is neither appropriate time, oversight, nor focus to do so properly.
   10. If an equivalent material to tubular ammunition standards/Sil-o-flex is used in construction of tubular ammunition, it is required that documentation proving that the material used conforms to specs in the Society rules for tubular ammunition be provided at inspection.
   11. All combat archery ammunition must have the owner's name & Kingdom displayed clearly on it in legible English. Ammunition inspected is under the care and responsibility of the person who brought it to inspection.
   12. Pavises shall follow the rules set forth in the current Society Combat Archery rules revision. A combat archer may carry and use shield or pavise; however, as long as they are carrying such, they cannot span (cock a crossbow or draw a handbow) nor loose their weapon.
   13. Archers may have a backup weapon on them, but MAY NOT draw it until their bow has been safely disposed of (taken off the field, discarded in a low traffic area, handed to another combatant, etc). A crossbow must be placed outside the combat area or in the keeping of a marshal who will accept it. Upon drawing a backup weapon to enter combat, hands must both be appropriately armored.
   14. Any direct strike upon a marshal, even unintentional, causes instant death (and should garner an immediate apology)
   
   
7. Bow/Crossbow Using Fiberglass Shafts
   1. Hand bows shooting fiberglass arrows may only have a 30-lb. pull maximum at 28 inch draw.
   2. The handbow must be designed/constructed to safely draw 28 inches or it cannot be used in SCA combat.
   3. Light crossbows shooting fiberglass bolts may only have a 600 inch-pound maximum rating.
   4. Any bow that is allowed to shoot fiberglass arrows may also use any tubular arrows approved for use at Pennsic.
   
   
8. Bow/Crossbow Using Tubular ("Siloflex") Arrows
   1. A handbow that measures over 30 and less than 50 pounds at 28 inches is considered a heavy handbow and may only shoot tubular arrows. A heavy handbow must be marked with a 4-inch wide band of red material (tape, cloth, etc) that goes completely around the upper limb of the bow.
   2. A crossbow that measures greater than 600 and less than 1000 inch-pounds is considered a heavy crossbow and may only shoot tubular ammunition. A heavy crossbow must be marked with a 4-inch wide band of red material (tape, cloth, etc) that goes completely around the right hand side of the prod as viewed by the archer.
   3. Only tubular arrows or bolts may be shot from heavy bows and crossbows. Remember to check Society standards on the proper specifications for tubular ammunition.

POST BATTLE SORTING

The Process: After each battle, all fiberglass ammunition shall be placed in one pile & the tubular ammunition in another to facilitate re-inspection (by the marshals). The piles should then be subdivided by bolts &arrows forming 4 piles.

Combat Archers (not marshals) will then divide the piles by owner (so cooperative help is appreciated at this critical juncture). Once an owner claims a pile is likely complete, marshals will begin the re-inspection process for ammunition integrity as quickly as available. Be sure you do not remove your arrows/bolts from the field until they have been inspected after the battle, as it is vitally important that we ensure the safety of all ammunition as well as obtain incidents of failure, if any. This process should also reduce loss due to theft as any ammunition noted as heading "away" should be suspect and questioned.

Editorial: Patience is needed and anything you can do to aid the process is welcome; the marshals have protocols to follow to insure the safety and integrity of the ammunition being inspected. Anyone not able to assist can be promptly moved rearward in the inspection process to allow those "more helpful" be on their merry way faster.

OVERPOWERED AND NON-INSPECTION WARNING

Likewise, ANY use of uninspected ammunition or weapons on the battlefields of Pennsic will prompt immediate removal from the battlefield and will be subject to other disciplinary action (including potential fighting ban) via the proper heavy weapons violation inquiry procedure.