Fighting rules for Moesgaard and Trelleborg 2020

We are joining forces, so that the rules of Moesgaard and Trelleborg are the same.
We do not want a stringent rule system, because it may create a bad atmosphere,
where people stop using common sense, and try to find loopholes and bend the
rules as much as possible. When we make rules, we have three categories to work
from: safety, game balance and authenticity. We want to honour the creative spirit in
the scene, but there are limits. We have seen some silly things over the years, and
we try and better the fight for all with these adjustments. Please make your weapons,
look like weapons, and not sporting tools.
We traditionally allow the standard assortment of knives, axes, swords, spears and
daneaxes, all of various shapes and sizes. Rather than attempt to name all
variations here, we ask you to try to use your common sense. Please note that we
will reserve the right to remove weapons that we consider to be in conflict with the
fair play mentality of our sport. If any doubts arise, please feel free to contact the
organizers.

We can not make rules for everything, but we still claim the right, to take any
weapon of the field, if it is:
-unsafe
-not viking age
-or mess up the game

Weapon specifications:
All weapons must be based on viking weapons.
All cutting blades must have a minimum of 2mm rounded edge.
Spear tips for one handed spears:​ 8x12mm (or a flattened 12mm ball). No edges
must be able to catch. The impact point must be flat, with rounded edges.
Spear tips for two handed spears:​ 8x15mm (or a flattened 15mm ball). No edges
must be able to catch. The impact point must be flat, with rounded edges.
Two handed spear:​ Maximum 250cm.
One handed spear:​ Maximum 180cm.
Daneaxe:​ 200cm.
Swords & Axes:​ (The following are NOT rules, but rather guidelines in the spirit of
fair play. Please expect any significant deviation to be addressed.)
Sword blades: 90cm.
Axes: 90 cm.

Shafts for all weapons, must be made of wood. Antler and bone handles are allowed
for knives and swords. Weapons must be made of steel. No light weight metals, and
no hollow weapons.

The “Trumpet” shape. Flattened 15mm ball

Knifes, Bucklers and special weapons:

Knifes must be made from finds, and like all other weapons, they must be worn in a
scabbard in the belt. No knives must be attached to your hand, or held in the back
hand of the spears.
We will not allow any shields hanging from the hips. Also, bucklers are not allowed in
the shows, because they are not viking age. We will, however, allow bucklers in
trainings, because they are great training instruments.
No special designed sport instruments, will be allowed.

Target zones
Swords, axes & knives:
The target zone covers the torso, from the top of the shoulders, and the upper legs
down to the knees, including the crotch.
The neck, head, knees and the upper arms are NOT a part of the target zone!
Spears:
The target zone covers the torso to the underside of the hipbone, including the
crotch and buttocks.
Only a thrust with the point of a spearhead counts as a kill. Slapping or cutting does
not. The definition of a thrust is a forward moving motion of the tip. A slap thus being
a horizontal or vertical motion, with the tip not moving forward. A cut is defined as a
forward moving motion were the tip isn’t the first to hit. Simply put: if the spear moves
forward and the tip of the spear hits you, it’s a kill.
Often when attacking from behind, a spearman will attempt to protect the opponent
by cutting with the spear to the back or buttocks. We urge you to be gracious in
defeat and accept the kill. This is for your own protection.

Metal Kills
We operate with the term “metal kills” for all weapons, with the exception of the
spear. Any contact between a knife blade, sword blade or axe head and the target
zone counts as a kill. The quality of the hit is not important: metal kills. However,
neither sword handles, axe hafts or spear shafts can kill an opponent.

Passive shield:
A number of restrictions will be put on use of passive shield when using a
two-handed weapon.
- When carrying a passive shield, the fighter must also carry a one-handed
weapon.
- A passive shield must be carried on the back.
- The fighter must be able to, effectively, switch to the secondary weapons.

The following is not allowed at neither training nor battles

• Kiteshields
• Metal butt-ends for spears
• You are NEVER allowed to bring any sharp weapons or blades of any kind onto the
field!
Hooking with axes:
If you hook someone you must let go of the axe, for safety reasons. If you hook
someone in the target zone, they are dead, but you must still let go of the axe.

Grabbing weapons:
You can grab the wooden part of a weapon. If you grab the steel, you must let go at
once. You are not dead. Do not use the hand to block the steel part of weapons.

Headshots
If your weapon or shield come into contact with an opponent’s head, you are out of
the fight. Occasionally, a fighter is unaware that he or she has made a headshot. If
so, simply say “headshot” and the fighter will go down. Any discussion or placement
of blame can take place after the fight has stopped. Please do not resume training
until any dispute has been resolved. If two fighters cannot reconcile a situation,
please find the organizers and they will help resolve the matter.

"Headshots are a delicate matter. Where do we draw the line? Personally, if

someone punches or elbows me in the head. I’ll call a headshot. However, if I charge
on and head-buds someone’s shield, I won’t. We don’t want to make too many rules,
but urge all fighters to respect the friendly and honorable spirit of the game. – Mads
Rode - former Moesgaard organizer "