Thrown (Live) Weapons Policies for the East Kingdom (Version 2.0)

Created November 30, 1995

Contents

  1. Introduction.
  2. Requirements for Throwing Marshals.
  3. Responsibilities of Throwing Marshals.
  4. Equipment Standards.
  5. Range Procedures.
  6. Range Etiquette.
  7. Range Setup.
  8. Warranting Procedure.
  9. Target Construction.
  10. Definitions.

  1. Introduction.
    1. These rules constitute a set of thrown weapons "rules of the line" to be used as an adjunct to the East Kingdom archery "rules of the line". Enclosed in these rules are such items as basic authorization of throwing marshals, weapon classifications, inspections, line procedures, line courtesy, and the required layout of the range.

  2. Requirements for Throwing Marshals.
    1. Throwing Marshals (TM).
      1. All warranted TMs are expected to exhibit a minimum level of activity.
      2. All TMs must be of legal age in their state of residence.
      3. All TMs must be members of the SCA.
      4. All TMs must have been added to the roster of TMs kept by the Lieutenant General of Throwers (LtGT).
      5. All TMs must successfully complete the warranting procedure.
    2. Lieutenant General of Thrown Weapons (LtGT).
      1. Same as for a TM.
      2. Other requirements are still to be determined by the Kingdom and the Captain General of Archers.
    3. Regional Throwing Weapons Marshal.
      1. Same as for a TM.
      2. Appointed by the Lieutenant General of thrown weapons.

  3. Responsibilities of Throwing Marshals.
    1. To promote thrown weapons activities within their local area and help run any thrown weapons activities at outside events whenever possible.
    2. All TMs are responsible for the enforcement of the rules and safety standards for thrown weapons the East Kingdom.
    3. All TMs are responsible for ensuring that all throwers are familiar with and comply with the range etiquette outlined in Section VI.
    4. All TMs should try and instruct all throwers on how to inspect, repair, and handle their weapons properly.
    5. Additional responsibilities of each thrown weapons office are outlined below:
      1. Lieutenant General of Thrown Weapons.
        1. As defined by kingdom law.
        2. To promote thrown weapons activities throughout the kingdom.
        3. To train and warrant TMs.
        4. To establish policy for thrown weapons activities.
      2. Regional Thrown Weapons Marshal.
        1. As defined by kingdom law.
        2. To promote thrown weapons activities throughout the kingdom.
        3. To train and recommend marshals for warranting.
    6. Schedule of Reporting Deadlines.
      1. All TMs must submit a report to the LtGT by April 1st and October 1st of each year containing;
        1. Their SCAdian and Mundane Names.
        2. Address
        3. Phone Number
        4. Local Group.
        5. Membership Expiration Date
        6. A brief description of past and upcoming activities.
    7. Failure to fulfill the requirements and responsibilities listed above may result in removal from the roster of warranted TMs.

  4. Equipment Standards.
    1. Equipment and safety standards vary greatly depending upon the type of thrown weapon and the techniques that the thrower will use to throw the weapon. All inspections and decisions should be made with the following considerations;
      1. Is the weapon designed to be thrown?
      2. Is the weapon sturdy enough to be thrown?
      3. How will the user be throwing the weapon? e.g. For knives, will it be thrown by the handle or the blade?
      4. How sharp is the blade?
      5. Will the thrower be wearing gloves or other hand protection?
      6. Is the haft of the weapon designed to break away?
      7. How balanced is the weapon? If the weapon is so unbalanced that it would be awkward to swing then re-consider its use.
      8. Is the handle taped? If a weapons handle has been taped or reinforced it must have been done for a reason. Ask the owner about it. Give it extra attention to make sure that it is structurally sound and safe. Duct tape is not an acceptable fix for a handle with a MAJOR crack. If you can't verify the safety of the handle for any reason, fail it.
      9. Do you know enough about the weapon type to inspect it properly?
    2. Knives
      1. The handle of the knife should be firmly attached.
      2. The throwing surface should be free of burrs or protrusions that can cut or injure an unprotected hand upon release.
      3. The knife's edge must not be so sharp as to cut the hand if thrown by the blade.
    3. Axes
      1. The handle of all axes should be firmly attached. Note: Some axes are designed to allow the head to slide up a tapered handle and pressure fit on. The heads will come off if they are pushed toward the butt of the handle. When used the head is forced into place and seats tightly. Just make sure the head seat tightly and will not slip over the taper.
      2. The handle cannot have any MAJOR cracks.
      3. The handle cannot have any burrs or rough surfaces that can cut or give splinters to an unprotected hand upon release.
    4. Spears
      1. Spear heads must be firmly attached to the shaft of the spear.
      2. The haft cannot have any burrs or rough surfaces that can cut or give splinters to an unprotected hand upon release.
      3. The haft must be sound and without major cracks.
    5. Specialized Throwing Weapons
      1. Specialized throwing weapons are any weapons that have been designed with more than one impact surface to increase the chances of the weapon 'sticking' in the target. Because they come in a variety of shapes and sizes they must be judged on an individual basis.

  5. Range Procedures.
    1. No thrown weapons activities are to take place at an event unless a warranted thrown weapons Marshall is present, hereafter referred to as the TMC (throwing marshal in charge).
    2. In the event of a disagreement the TMC shall resolve the dispute.
    3. The TMCs commands are to be followed explicitly by all throwers while on the thrown weapons range. Failure to follow direction will result in removal from the range.
    4. The TMC may request the assistance of other TM s in running the line and inspecting equipment, but the responsibility for safety remains with the TMC.
    5. The TMC or the assisting TMs shall inspect all thrown weapons for damage and compliance to the rules of the line.
      1. Equipment that does not adhere to the limitations laid out in Section IV shall not be used.
      2. Equipment deemed dangerous by the TMC shall not be used.
    6. The TM will call the throwers to the line.
    7. The TM will look to see that the range is safe down range.
    8. The TM will look to see that no spectators (anyone not on the throwing line) are directly behind the throwers, in the path of the swing, or within the arch traversed by the swing.
    9. The TM will call out "Clear Down Range, Clear Behind Range!", and wait momentarily for any responses.
    10. If all is clear then the order "Throw when ready!" will be given.
    11. When done the throwers are to put down any weapons in hand and wait until the order to retrieve is given.
    12. When all throwers are done, The TM will call "Weapons Down!". Wait for compliance.
    13. When all weapons are down then the TM will give the command "Retrieve Weapons!".
    14. When more than one weapon is being thrown at the same target all the weapons involved must be re-inspected prior to being thrown again if they strike one another or at the marshals discretion.
    15. All throwers on the line must throw from approximately the same distance. If individuals wish to throw from different distances use the following guidelines:
      1. Have every one on the line move to the farthest distance.
      2. When the range is called, allow the gentle(s) who wish to throw at that distance throw at leisure.
      3. When done have all of the people on the line move forward to the next position.
      4. Have the throwers toss their next volley.
      5. Continue this pattern until everyone is done.
    16. If the throwing range is set up so that it is part of an archery range then the tending TM must coordinate retrieval activities with the marshals tending the archery range.

  6. Range Etiquette.
    1. Do not stand or walk behind throwers on the line.
    2. No side arm throwing of weapons unless the range setup allows the arch covered by the swinging of the weapon to be clear of spectators, throwers, and other undesirable targets. Check with the TM before proceeding.
    3. Just before EACH throw, look behind to insure that it is clear.
    4. Do not throw at a target containing other gentles weapons without their expressed permission.
    5. Ask the tending TM for permission before 'filling in' on the line.
    6. Be aware of sharp points and edges of weapons.
    7. Throw only at designated targets.
    8. Do not Throw until commanded to do so.
    9. Do not retrieve until commanded to do so.
    10. If "HOLD!" is called put down your weapons and step back from the line.
    11. Step aside or back once you have completed throwing.
    12. Do not throw weapons that have not been inspected.
    13. Remove only your weapon from the target unless you have expressed permission to remove someone else's.
    14. Remove weapons by "worrying" them out. DO NOT YANK THEM OUT.
    15. Do not swing weapons aimlessly or in a careless manner. Always be aware of what may be in the path of your weapon when it is swung.
    16. Do not handle other peoples weapons without their expressed permission.
    17. Keep alert. Weapons can and will bounce back from the target if miss-thrown.

  7. Range Setup.
    1. If possible make the entrance to the thrown range at the side of the range not the back.
    2. The Throwing line is the closest position from which a throw can be made.
    3. 'Hard' targets for axes/knives and such must be at least 10 feet away from the throwing line (down range).
    4. 'Hard' targets for spears must be at least 20 feet away from the throwing line.
    5. 'Soft' targets for spears must be at least 10 feet away from the throwing line.
    6. The safe zone starts 6 feet from the thrower on each end and continues down range at a 45 degree angle away from the targets. This safe zone should extend for at least 30 yards, and at least 30 yards beyond the last target.
    7. There must be a rear buffer zone at least 10 feet behind the thrower that is farthest from the throwing line.

    In graphical browsers a diagram of a throwing range is rendered here.

  8. Warranting Procedure
    1. The applicant must petition the LtGT to indicating the intent to become a TM.
    2. The LtGT or an assigned agent must test the applicant to ascertain that the applicant has both a book, and a working knowledge of the "rules of the line".
    3. The LtGT, based upon an assessment of the applicants book knowledge, applied knowledge, and enthusiasm, will;
      1. Add the applicant to the roster, inform the Captain General of Archers and the applicant of the appointment.
      2. Classify the applicant as a TM in training (TMT), where he/she can work the line under the direct supervision of an assigned TM until ready to become an TM or until the applicant is determined unacceptable.
      3. Determine that the applicant is unacceptable. The applicant must be informed of the reasons for refusal and can reapply after 60 days.

  9. Target Construction.
    1. General Criteria
      1. Targets must be designed to limit the damage done to weapons.
      2. They must be soft enough to allow weapons to penetrate them easily. This will limit bounce backs and will let the throwers concentrate more on throwing form than on speed and strength.
      3. Targets must be on stands sturdy enough allow the safe retrieval and bear the added, unbalancing weight of the weapons. Note: Thrown weapon targets tend to be heavy.
    2. Targets Types
      1. Hard targets. These are dense heavy targets usually used for knives and axes. The most common material to make them out of is wood although some more modern materials may suffice. Possibly some dense foams would work well.
      2. Soft Targets. Soft targets are constructed of light and/or loosely packed materials. The most common types are just constructed of straw bales. targets of this type are really only suitable for spear throwing, as they will 'swallow' up knives, and are not dense enough to hold axes.

  10. Definitions.
Burr:
Damage to a piece of metal leaving rough edges that can cut an unprotected hand.
Filling In:
Taking someone's place on the line while the line is active.
Haft:
The Handle of a thrown weapon. This term usually applies to Spears and Axes.
Hard Target:
A target constructed of a material that is hard to penetrate. e.g. Wood.
Impact Surface:
The part of the weapon that is designed to strike or stick in the target.
Lt. General of Throwers (LtGT):
Throwing marshal responsible for establishing thrown weapons policy, training throwing marshals, and promoting thrown weapons activities on a kingdom level.
Plane of Impact:
This is direction taken by blade or cutting surface of a thrown weapon taken when it strikes and sticks in a target.
Rotation:
The distance it takes for a thrown weapon to spin completely once before striking the target.
Side Arm Throwing:
Throwing a weapon by swinging it to the side away from the body.
Soft Target:
A target constructed of a material that is easy to penetrate. e.g. Hay Bales.
Tending:
Used when referring to the marshal that is currently running an archery or thrown weapons line.
Throwing Marshall (TM):
Individual responsible for assisting in the administration of a thrown weapons range.
Throwing Marshall in Charge (TMC):
The throwing marshal in charge of all activities on the thrown weapons range.
Throwing Marshall in Training (TMT):
An individual in training to be a throwing marshal.
Throwing Surface:
The part of the weapon that is held in the hand when it is being thrown.
Worrying:
To move a weapon stuck in a target back and forth in the Plane of Impact.