Crossbows for use in Light Weapons Combat Archery shall measure no more than 600 inch-pounds. Those for Heavy weapons combat archery shall measure between 600 and 1000 inch-pounds (for a crossbow with 9" of draw, this is equivalent to 65 - 110 pounds). Obtain this result by multiplying the 'draw length' by the poundage.
Bows must be free of cracks running across the limb. Cracks in the varnish and not in the material of the bow limb itself may be exempted. The string should be checked for excessive wear from age or the use of gauntlets. If all bow string strands show wear, the string should be rejected If the limbs of the bow show noticeable twist, the bow may be disallowed by the Marshal-in-Charge or his designated Archery Marshal. No part of a bow may have red upon it unless it is covered in some manner.
Arrows: Arrows should be examined for brittleness. If they crack or break when squeezed in your hand they should be failed. All arrows must have sufficient red or orange tape such that the arrow head can be seen from all normal angles. No part of an arrow other than the head may have red upon it. Check the fins for rigidity and depth. No fin may protrude more than 0.5" into a legal helm. Tennis ball heads must be securely attached by the reinforcing cords. Arrows not meeting the listed written requirements may be passed on the explicit approval of the Marshal-in-Charge, but any such dispensation must be reported to the Earl Marshal within one week of the event.
Additional Safety Considerations: Make sure that everyone including spectators and photographers are aware there is combat archery in progress. Move the crowd or individuals back further when they are in danger from missile fire. Redirect arrow fire from the archers away from the crowd. Make sure the archers realize that they are responsible for the flight of their arrows until it strikes a target or is deflected.
Monitoring the use of bows and arrows: Remind fighters when they are hit squarely, that arrows need not hit like a rattan weapon to be good. Keep an eye out for archers holding both a bow and a rattan weapon. They must drop one or the other or be considered killed. Marshals should remove any bow that is in danger of being trampled, replacing it in the same spot when the fighting permits. Remove all arrows that are damaged during combat. If a bow is struck by a rattan weapon during combat, remove the bow from the fight until it can be inspected.
All non-combatants (including marshals, water-bearers, heralds, etc.) that will be on the field during the combat must be wearing at least eye protection which is sufficient to protect against the combat arrows in use. It is also recommended that Marshals wear kidney and groin protection. They shall bear conspicuous insignia to indicate their profession (baldric, surcoat, etc.). [Society rule]
All participants in Light Weapons Combat Archery must first have authorized in Light Weapons.
The following tests must be passed to append a combat archery authorization to the fighter's authorization card. The testing marshal must make sure that a report of the authorization is filed with the Earl Marshal or the fighter database will not be properly updated and the fighter may have to re- authorize when their card is reissued. No fighter may be authorized in combat archery as their first authorization form (i.e. you must already be an authorized fighter).
1) Have the archer present himself for inspection, including bow and arrows. Inspect the archer's
armor and other equipment and make sure equipment is up to standards.
a) Is all equipment
legal? If not do not continue.
2) Have the archer verbally point out the kill, wound and illegal target areas with an arrow.
a) Are
there any important errors in the areas designated?
3) Have them take and pass the written test. Do not continue if they fail the written test.
4) Solicit the aid of two appropriately armed and armored fighters (lights for light weapons tests, heavy weapons fighters for heavy weapons combat archery).
5) Have the opponent advance at a walk on the archer and attempt to strike a normal killing
blow. Have the archer shoot as desired at the oncoming fighter (who may dodge or attempt to
deflect arrows as desired). The archer may not retreat (as if they were caught on a boundary).
a) Does the archer attempt to block with his bow?
b)) Does the archer yield rather than get hit? (this probably preferable)
c) If the archer allows himself to be hit, does he accept a normal killing blow?
d) Does the archer demonstrate an ability to basically target the opponent?
e) Does the archer cease firing when the opponent gets within 15 feet (for Light Weapons)?
f) ) Does the archer show signs of uncertainty as the opponent is advancing?
6) Have both armed fighters begin sparring at a distance of about 25 feet. Designate one as a
friend to the archer and the other as an opponent. Designate one direction as being toward the
border. Instruct the fighters to call blows but do not cease sparring. Have the fighters move in a
arc from center field toward the 'border'.
a) Is the archer able to select his target or does he simply shoot at the combined combat
without regard to friend or foe?
b) Does the archer cease to shoot or relocate himself when he is in danger of shooting
toward the 'border'?
7) Outfit the archer with an appropriate weapon in addition to his bow. Have one or both of the
fighters converge on the archer and attempt to kill him.
a) Does the archer attempt to draw and
utilize his weapon without dropping his bow?
b) Does the archer attempt to block blows with his
bow?
The testing marshal has significant discretion in the grading of this test, but if the archer shows tendencies to panic when under attack, to attempt to fight with both a weapon and a bow or to wildly spray arrows around the field, they should probably not be passed and asked to re-test on another date. Don't forget, they already are authorized to fight,, so not allowing archery participation will not prevent them from participating in the event. If in doubt, err on the side of caution.
If the participate is passed, validate their fighter card for the appropriate skill as follows:
Light Weapons Combat Archery:.......... CAL/your initials
Heavy Weapons Combat Archery:.......... CAH/your initials
| Caid Combat Handbook - Volume II | 8/30/95 |
