Calibration

1. The following does not include punches, kicks, or shield punches which are only disruption blows and not counted.
2. Substantial:
   1. This is a fight ending blow that the combatant deems would have either stunned, incapacitated, or killed them if it was an actual battle.
   1. A Substantial blow can be called for a blow that occurs that the combatant needs to recover from before re-entering the field/list.
   1. Substantial blows include, but are not limited to:
      1. Inflicts some measure of pain.
      1. Causes loss of breath.
      1. Stop forward motion.
      1. Impresses the recipient.
      1. Blows that are anywhere close to the threshold of which a combatant desires to receive a blow.
      1. Blows to non-armored areas or areas that would be a killing blow in a real battle.
   1. Substantial blows should not be the normal calibration for fighters.
3. Telling:
   1. A blow the combatant can feel or hear but is not Substantial.
   1. A blow that would be considered a wound if in a real battle but not enough to end your ability to fight on the field.
4. Glancing/Light:
   1. A blow that the recipient deems would not be effective if in a real battle scenario or a blow that is glancing, tippy, or otherwise ineffectual.
   1. Glancing/Light blows should not be counted.
   1. Any blow that first contacts the recipient’s sword or shield before making contact with the body. (The recipient may choose to take the blow if it is substantial however.)
   1. Glancing/Light is not an excuse to rhino-hide or shrug shots as your opponent may strike harder on the next blow.
5. Rhino-Hiding
   1. Fighters who rhino-hide and/or refuse to call shots may be addressed by their opponent and one (1) elder fighter or knight as their witness.
   1. We expect all fighters to show honor upon the field of battle. And while adrenalin and the heat of battle may account for not counting a shot, or a misunderstanding by your opponent that the shot was glancing or too light to call, obvious rhino-hiding will not be tolerated.
6. For Unarmored Combat – all blows must be “telling” calibration or lighter.
7. For Youth Combat – all blows must be “light”.

Counting Blows

1. In any fight, whether melee or tourney, a three-point system is utilized to determine the outcome of the combat unless otherwise stated prior to the combat (i.e. special tournaments with a 10-point count, etc.).
2. It is always the fighter’s discretion to determine the level of blow they count.
   1. All targets except for the face are considered telling based on the recipient’s judgment.
   1. Face strikes to a closed faced helm will be considered the same, but the recipient has the right to call a substantial blow at their discretion.
   1. Face strikes to an open-faced helm will be considered telling blows, but the recipient has the right to call a substantial blow at their discretion.
3. Fighters may continue the field until they receive one (1) substantial blow or three (3) telling blows. 
4. If a fighter is on the ground or has two (2) points of contact on the ground,
   1. Any blows should be limited to telling blows.
   1. A telling blow on the ground is considered a substantial blow. Substantial blows to an opponent on the ground should not be given.
   1. The fighter on the ground may cede the field by declaring loudly “dead”.
   1. Strikes must cease upon this declaration.
5. Weapons thrown (see approved thrown weapons) and arrows are considered a telling blow.
6. Hits from siege weapons and ballistae are considered a substantial blow.
7. Shield strikes, kicks, and punches are disruptions only and do not count as a blow.