[SCA-AE] RULES OF ENGAGEMENT <<All marshals, fencers, and heavy fighters please read>>

[Sir Tristen Sexwulf - Earl Marshal of AEthelmearc]

Also, At Pax I was made aware of some issues with engagement.
This is less clear cut than the face thrust issues because in a melee,  
engaged opponents are not always aware of each other.
Confusing but true.
First, here are the rules of engagement enforced at Pennsic and within  
AEthelmearc.
Please read them carefully even if you are a veteran fighter.
Rules of Engagement
Attacking an opponent from the rear who is not aware of your presence  
is unsafe and is strictly prohibited. The opponent must be made aware  
of your presence and intent by gaining engagement before you may  
strike him. You gain engagement by the following circumstances:
Eye contact has occurred with your opponent and the opponent has  
acknowledged you as a threat by reacting to you in some way (examples  
of which include, but are not limited to: nodding at you, making a  
defensive reaction to you, going on guard against you or blocking a  
light blow)
Fighters may not strike while they or their opponent are turning to  
engage.
If an opponent seems to be ignoring your attempts to attract his  
attention you may NOT proceed to attack him. He may simply have felt  
he was bumped by his own team, did not hear you or may already be  
engaged. In such an instance you may continue your attempts to gain  
engagement, as well as fouling his weapons or shield with your weapon  
or shield. This way, you gain the advantage of being to the rear  
without jeopardizing safety.
Deliberate refusal to engage an opponent is grounds to be removed from  
the battle.
Deliberately striking from behind without gaining engagement is  
likewise grounds for removal.
The marshals are encouraged to actively enforce these rules. Treat  
your opponents with safety and courtesy.
Cohesive melee units are considered a single entity.  This presents  
engagement problems especially when there is bending or c-shaped  
cupping in a shield wall.  You may have a chance to legally strike  
someone who is completely unaware of your presence but who is part of  
a unit engaged with your unit.  You know that you are engaged, and you  
are right, but all your opponent feels is someone hitting him from  
behind.
I find this to be the source of 80%+ of all engagement issues.
My advice, strike them with a minimal killing blow.  If you blast them  
unaware you add pain to their surprise and risk an altercation.  If  
you hit them too light, or just tap them, they may turn and say  
"light" which will only make you feel cheated for "being nice".

In Service,

Sir Tristen Sexwulf
Earl Marshal of Æthelmearc
“Quicumque est necesse pro malum praevaleo est pro bonus hominum  
efficio nihil.”
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