Bratislava Fecht uses the following rulesets:

Longsword: SFHEMA rules for longsword tournaments v1.3.2
Rapier: SFHEMA rules for rapier tournaments v1.1

Summary of the rules

Longsword

  • All valid hits award one point
  • In case of a double hit both fencers are awarded one point each
  • It is possible to score a point by dominance – dominance in wrestling, dominance by disarming or weapon dominance
  • The longsword tournament uses the “Vor” rule – a modified right of way rule. A fencer who (in case of a doublehit) attacked in tempo and did no mistake in his attack (the doublehit is apparently caused by wrong reaction of the opponent) may be awarded a point for their hit. For more details about the Vor rule see the ruleset. For the theoretical background and philosophy of the rule you may read the article “The injustice in longsword attacks“
  • The fights in pools are fought to 5 points, the fights in eliminations to 7 points

Rapier and Dagger

  • Only rapiers with quasi-historical blades intended for sport-historical competitions are allowed into the tournament. Modern, standard sport fencing blades are forbidden
  • All valid hits award one point
  • In case of a double hit both fencers are awarded one point each
  • If both of the fencers miss their targets and will come to a close measure, a touch of their blade won’t be counted as a hit
  • It is allowed to hit the opponent with the pommel into the mask. Such a hit will be counted as valid and will award a point
  • It is forbidden to grapple or wrestle
  • Fencers may use a dagger as a sidearm; however it isn’t allowed to use the dagger to attack the opponent. The reason for this decision is that there aren’t many reliable producers of such gear in this moment. The sidearm may be of course used to deflect the opponent’s blade etc. (see the rules for more details)
  • It is possible to grab or deflect the opponent’s blade with bare hand, if the opponent’s blade is static. If however the opponent will free his blade from such a grab by pulling his weapon, such action will be considered a slice and the opponent will be awarded a point
  • The fights in pools are fought to 5 points, the fights in eliminations to 7 points