available here:
http://tiarmour.com/An%20Tir%20Boffer%20%20Rules.htm
a sample from the current rule set. they will be ammended in jan. currently there are many grey areas that are confusing to those who want to be confused....
Tournament Divisions:
Tournament divisions shall normally be divided into age categories that enhance fun.
Junior Boffer: 4-6 yrs, 7-9yrs, 10-12yrs
Senior Boffer: 12-14yrs, 14-16, and 16-18. These groups overlap to allow for flexibility.
The MIC of the tournament MAY adjust the age groups to accommodate the numbers and ages of fighters in a given event. Groups may be combined or further divided as deemed necessary by the Boffer MIC, provided all fighters consent.
Boffer Fighter may move up to an older division if they desire and have parental/guardian permission to do so.
Junior Boffer fighters who advance to Senior MAY NOT go back to Junior Boffer competition.
Senior Boffer fighters MAY NOT compete in Junior Boffer.
Senior Boffer tournaments MAY NOT allow fighter over 18 to be involved in the event.
Illegal Blows: The following blows are NOT COUNTED as a death or removal of a limb.
The wrist and hand (two inches above wrist is valid).
The knee and below (two inches above the knee is valid).
Legal Blows: The following blows have the listed effects.
A blow to the Arm results in the loss of use/removal of that arm. If the fighter wishes to continue, they must discontinue the use of the lost arm, placing it behind their body (so it does not serve as a shield). Fighters must place the hand of the injured arm in a protective basket hilt or other adequate protection.
A blow to the Leg results in loss of use/removal of that leg. The fighter may then either:
Go to their knees. This is the standard practice.
Post the injured limb. Posting: the struck leg remains in the same spot, much like pivoting in basketball. Hopping is not acceptable as it renders the contestant off-balance and unsafe.
Any Blow to the Body/Torso (Front, side or back) is an automatic death.
A Second Blow to a Taken Arm counts as a torso shot and is therefore a death (the arm is not considered to be there).
A Blow with a Mass Weapon to the Hip or Point of Shoulder is considered a killing blow and not merely loss of limb. Mass Weapon here means Great Sword, Axe, Mace or War Hammer.
A Blow to the Side or Back of the Helm is considered to "cave in the Helm and whatever lies beneath".
A Blow to the Face is considered to remove it from the fighter, resulting in a near instant death…. and not a nice one at that!
A Blow to the Neck (Side, front or back) is considered to remove the head from the shoulders...usually resulting in death!
A blow to the GROIN results in (I believe we need add nothing here!) death!!
In all instances the struck fighter shall gauge the effectiveness of the blow, whether or not it was delivered with sufficient force to simulate an actual blow with an actual weapon. In no instance shall a Boffer Marshal offer any opinion in these matters, other than to direct the decision back upon the Fighters. Boffer is to DEVELOP CHIVALRY; it won’t always spring forth full-grown. Patience, tolerance and respect will be shown at all times to the Fighters. Allow issues of Chivalry to be addressed by the Chivalry. Boffer Marshals are there to promote and guide.
Winning the BATTLE
The Contest is over when the other Fighter yields, or is dead!
Disqualification is death!
The purpose of this handbook is to provide safe, progressive guidelines for Boffer tournaments, training and development of outstanding fighters. Above all, we are striving to improve the quality of Youth Combat in the SCA. Boffer is an exciting and fun event to sponsor and be involved in. Imagine the day when we have enough Boffer Warriors to hold a WAR!!!! With the help those who have come before and those who will be inspired to get involved in the future…the pitter patter of little tiny feet can have a whole new meaning