2009 Society rulings and interpretations as of March 15th.
Interpretations:
Buffer Zones for Combat Archery.
B. A buffer zone needs to be provided between the edges of the battlefield and spectators at all times. This needs to be increased when combat archery is included. The Marshal-in-Charge must ensure that it is a safe distance, taking into account the type of scenario, to minimize the chances of deflected shots traveling into the spectators. Physical barriers may eliminate the need for a buffer zone or lessen the distance needed.
My interpretation of this rule means that spectators should be safe from deflected shots such as bounces off of helmets as well as direct fire. No spectators should be able to be hit with a bounced arrow as well as direct fire. I've personally seen a bounceback that went 30 feet right back at the archer and a skipoff that went 90 degrees and 30 feet or so. These usually involve tumbling of the arrow and are very dangerous.
Striking surface:
Because of the nature of our activities and the ability of our weapons to break during use the "striking surface" of a weapon is to be considered throughout the entire striking portion, blade, or head, of the weapon, not only the outside "skin" or layer. This includes all interior construction materials and parts no matter how "deep" inside.
RULINGS:
Weapon construction:
"With the exception of the hilts, guards and pommels, no metal or non-approved rigid, granular, or liquid material may be used in the construction of single or two-handed weapons including spears."
Single Hand weapons: thrusting tips
Old Standard
VII. WEAPONS STANDARDS,
Section B, page 13
5. When thrusting tips are used, they shall be at least the same diameter as the shaft of the weapon they are mounted on and have at least 1 1/4 inch (31.8 mm) of resilient material in front of the rigid tip of the weapon providing at least 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) of progressively resistant give across the face of the thrusting tip. (Note: Pressing with the thumb into the center of the thrusting tip is not an adequate test. The give must be across the entire face of the tip.).
New Standard
Section B, page 13
5. When thrusting tips are used, they shall be at least the same diameter as the shaft of the weapon they are mounted on and have at least 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) of resilient material in front of the rigid tip of the weapon providing at least 3/8 inch (9.53 mm) of progressively resistant give across the face of the thrusting tip. (Note: Pressing with the thumb into the center of the thrusting tip is not an adequate test. The give must be across the entire face of the tip.).
Two-handed weapons under 7.5' in length: thrusting tips
Old Standard
VII. WEAPONS STANDARDS,
Section C, page 14
5. When thrusting tips are used, they shall be no less than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter/cross-section and have 2 inches (50.8 mm) of resilient material in front of the rigid tip of the weapon, thereby providing progressively resistant give.
New Standard
Section C, page 14
5. (a)When thrusting tips are used on rattan weapons with greater length than 7.5', they shall be no less than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter/cross-section and have 2 inches (50.8 mm) of resilient material in front of the rigid tip of the weapon, thereby providing progressively resistant give.
(b)When thrusting tips are used on rattan weapons with length less than or equal to 7.5', they shall be at least the same diameter as the shaft of the weapon they are mounted on and have 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) of resilient material in front of the rigid tip of the weapon, thereby providing progressively resistant give.
Marking minors who participate with adults in martial activities:
Any minor participating in martial activities (fighting / fencing / combat archery / siege / etc...) with adults will have their Kingdom's specific minor helm marking, or an event specified marking that will identify them as a minor participant on the front half of their helmet / mask. The marking is up to the Kingdom of residence or the Kingdom hosting the event and event staff shall be made aware of it. In addition to this all minors will have "minor" marked on their authorization card large enough that a list person can easily see it.