9. Armor Requirements

9.1 Four types of armor are defined. These are Rigid, Penetration Resistant, Padded, and Abrasion Resistant. Figure 3 provides a summary of the types of armor and which body parts they cover. 

9.2.Limbs

9.2.1. Limbs may be covered by abrasion resistant material if the fighter prefers but is not required.

9.2.2. Exceptions

9.2.2.1. The inner arms down to 4” (10 cm) below the armpit, are to be covered by penetration resistant material.

9.2.2.2. The groin must be covered with penetration resistant armor. Note: section 9.8 still states, "In addition, any part of the person vulnerable to significant serious injury or disproportionate bleeding, such as external reproductive organs, or hemangioma, must be covered by rigid protection." This did not change.

9.2.2.3. The armor as worn must cover these areas regardless of the fighter’s position (standing, prone or on the ground).

9.2.2.4. Light rapier - limbs must be covered by abrasion resistant material.

9.2.3.Additional limb requirements for Cut and Thrust Combat

9.2.3.1. Limbs must be covered by abrasion resistant material

9.2.3.2. Elbows must be protected by a minimum of a resilient padding at least 1/8” thick.

9.2.3.3. The backs of the hands, including fingers and 1” (2.5cm) above the bend of the wrist must be covered by 1/4" (6 mm) open cell foam or equivalent resilient padding.

9.2.3.4. If at least one combatant is using a two-handed metal weapon in Cut & Thrust Combat, then the backs of the hands, including fingers, and 1” (2.5cm) above the bend of the wrist on the back half of the forearm must be covered by rigid protection with sufficient coverage to prevent a reasonable percussive blow from contacting the bones of the hand and wrist.

9.2.3.5. The rigid protection does not require padding underneath

9.2.3.6. The coverage for rigid protection may be achieved by any combination of gauntlet, sword guard, or defensive object. A shield alone may be considered an equivalent to full hand and wrist protection only if no part of the gloved hand or wrist is within 4” (10 cm) of the edge of the shield while the shield is in use.

9.3. The torso, including the abdomen down to and including the groin in front, and the inner arm down to 4” (10 cm) below the armpit, are to be covered by penetration resistant material.

9.4 The neck, including the front, sides, and back of the neck, is to be covered by penetration resistant material for Light Rapier Combat. The entire front 180 degrees of the neck, as well as at least 5” (12.5cm) centered on the cervical vertebrae, must be covered by rigid material for all other categories of Fencing (figure 4).

9.6. The rest of the head must be covered by abrasion resistant material for Rapier and puncture resistance for Light Rapier. The rigid protection of a mask must be extended to the entire head for Cut & Thrust Combat to protect against percussive blows.

9.7 The neck must be covered by rigid protection and Rapier Combat and Cut & Thrust Combat. The neck must be covered by at least penetration resistant material for Light Rapier