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We welcome you to the seventh Glasgow HEMA Open, one of Scotland’s largest HEMA tournaments.
As is our custom we’ve taken on feedback and worked on how we did things in 2024 in our continuing mission to make it the best event possible for all those involved.
Events included this time will be:
Saturday
Open Longsword (48 max participants)
Women’s + Longsword (12 max participants)
Open mixed weapon cutting (18 max participants)
Sunday:
Open Sabre and Broadsword (30 max participants)
Women’s+ Sabre and Broadsword (12 max participants)
Open Messer (30 max participants)
None of the events are mutually exclusive with each other so you can enter as many (or as few) as you wish.
Note: Some of the following information may be subject to minor changes over the coming weeks.
BOOKING AND RESERVE LISTS ARE NOW CLOSED
Due to the larger size of theOpen this year, we also need volunteers for head judges. You will be need to do 2 1 hour long shifts on a single day, and should not be competing in the competition for which they are helping head judge. You will recieve a £25 discount and may take part in other events during the day or otherwise make use of sparring space when not judging.
Volunteers for Line Judges and table staff will recieve a £5 discount to their ticket price, and we will endevour to ensure you only have to help for 1 shift.
Refunds and Transfers:
In the event that you have to withdraw, refunds will be given providing you inform us of this via email to glasgowhema@gmail.com by the end of day Friday 3rd January 2025.
You may transfer your ticket to another at any point up to registration on the day of the event. You must inform us of this via email to glasgowhema@gmail.com or in person during registration on the day of the event.
All competitors should read our Terms and Conditions here.
Timetable
Saturday
09:00 - 09:30 Doors Open and Registration
09:30 - 10:00 Rules and Judge Briefings
10:00 - 14:00 Tournament start (see below). There will be sparring space for the duration of the tournament
14:00 - 15:30 Eliminations, Finals, and Prize Giving
15:30 - 16:30 Free Sparring (Full Hall)
16:30 - 17:00 Wrap Up. We must be out of the venue by 17:00
18:30 Onwards - Evening Venue, The Raven (https://maps.app.goo.gl/xyUDU3zuX1X2EXxP7)
Sunday:
09:00 - 09:30 Doors Open and Registration
09:30 - 10:00 Rules and Judge Briefings
10:00 - 14:00 Tournament start (see below). There will be sparring space for the duration of the tournament
15:00 - 16:00 Eliminations, Finals, and Prize Giving
16:00 - 16:30 Free Sparring (Full Hall)
16:30 - 17:00 Wrap Up. We must be out of the venue by 17:00
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Thanks to all those who gave feedback after last year. There was not much that people were wanting changed however there are still some things to note:
Expanded Longsword Open:
Due to its popularity last year, selling out in just 2 hours and having a reserve list equal to half the size of the Open, we will expand the Longsword Open from 30 to 48 fencers, with 8 pools of 6 people and a 16 person elimination, subject to enough having enough volunteers (particularly head judges)New Tournament!
Due to the increasing size, we have also decided to add an extra tournament to the event, the first Messer Tournament in Scotland! We all love messer and it's about time.
We are also looking into sponsors which would mean we could provide messers for the tournament for those that do not own one.Cutting Competition:
Every year our cutting competition has been very well recieved.
However, this year thing will be done differently.
Due to the discontinuation of the more affordable straw mats, this year we will be using Tatami which is sadly a fair bit more expensive. This also means increasing the cost of entry, an unfortunate but unavoidable consequence.
As such, rather than having multiple rounds, everyone will compete to the same criteria in one round. Rules are still being worked out and can be seen below. once finished.
The cutting will also be held on a single day (Saturday) and will be mixed weapon, so you can chose which sword you wish to compete with (no polearms, European swords only)Saturday Social:
In the past we relied on simply large bookings at local establishments. However as things grow so must these venues. As such we are hiring a venue for the Saturday evening. This will give us a private space with a bar and the option to order food etc.
We won't be asking for any extra fee for this, though spaces will be limited so sign up will be required upon ticket booking. -
Head Judges and Event organisers will have final say on whether kit is suitable or not, if you are in doubt please contact us before the event starts and we may be able to advise you. All kit should be free from major damage or defects that would affect it’s protectiveness.
Steel Sabre/Broadsword:
Mask: CEN 1 (FIE 350N) Mask with an appropiate overlay.
Gorget: Must be worn under the mask and include a hard plate.
Jacket: 350N HEMA Jacket (this must be a jacket designed for HEMA and includes lighter jackets like the SPES Officer’s and Red Dragon Light, but not newton rated hoodies). Jackets must zip, rather than be fastened with straps etc.
Chest Protector: A hard chest protector (mandatory only for Females, recommended for all)
Trousers: 350N rated pants, breeches or trousers. These must cover at least to below the knee.
Joint Protection: Hard protection covering elbows and knees.
Shin and Forearm: Hard protection covering the shins and forearms.
Groin Protection: Hard protection worn under trousers (mandatory only for Males, recommended for all).
Gloves: If using a full basket hilt you must have a minimum of a light glove. If using anything less, you must be wearing a minimum of Red Dragon Gloves or similar.
You may wear any additional kit at your own discretion.Bare skin should not be visible once in full kit
Weapon: Steel Sabre or Broadsword, free from major damage or defects. Must feature safe rolled or spatulated tip.
Weight 800-1000g, up to 1300g for full baskethilts.
Maximum blade length 87cmSteel Messer:
Mask: CEN 1 (FIE 350N) Mask with an appropiate overlay.
Gorget: Must be worn under the mask and include a hard plate.
Jacket: 350N HEMA Jacket (this must be a jacket designed for HEMA and includes lighter jackets like the SPES Officer’s and Red Dragon Light, but not newton rated hoodies). Jackets must zip, rather than be fastened with straps etc.
Chest Protector: A hard chest protector (mandatory only for Females, recommended for all)
Trousers: 350N rated pants, breeches or trousers. These must cover at least to below the knee.
Joint Protection: Hard protection covering elbows and knees.
Shin and Forearm: Hard protection covering the shins and forearms.
Groin Protection: Hard proection worn under trousers (mandatory only for Males, recommended for all).
Gloves: Heavy Gloves (For example Sparring Gloves, SPES Heavy Gloves, Koning Gloves etc. NOT Red Dragon Gloves or any other Lacrosse style glove)Bare skin should not be visible once in full kit
Weapon: Steel Messer free from major damage or defects. Must feature safe rolled or spatulated tip.
Weight 700-1000g.
Maximum blade length 75cmSteel Longsword:
Mask: CEN 1 (FIE 350N) Mask with an appropiate overlay.
Gorget: Must be worn under the mask and include a hard plate.
Jacket: 350N HEMA Jacket (this must be a jacket designed for HEMA, and may not be light jackets like the SPES Officer’s and Red Dragon Light). Jackets must zip, rather than be fastened with straps etc.
Chest Protector: A hard chest protector (mandatory only for Females, recommended for all)
Trousers: 350N rated pants, breeches or trousers. These must cover at least to below the knee.
Joint Protection: Hard protection covering elbows and knees.
Shin and Forearm: Hard protection covering the shins and forearms.
Groin Protection: Hard protection worn under trousers (mandatory only for Males, recommended for all).
Gloves: Heavy Gloves (For example Sparring Gloves, SPES Heavy Gloves, Koning Gloves etc. NOT Red Dragon Gloves or any other Lacrosse style glove)
You may wear any additional kit at your own discretion.Bare skin should not be visible once in full kit.
Weapon: Steel Feder or Longsword, free from major damage and defects. Must feature safe rolled or spatulated tip.
Weight: 1650g maximum
Length: 140cm Overall maximum -
The following my be subject to minor change.
Match Rules:
Matches may last up to 150 seconds or until one of the fencers reaches 15 match points
Disarm or Successful grapple (see below): 7 match points
Cut or thrust to the head or neck: 5 match points
Thrust to the torso: 5 match points
Pommel strike to mask: 5 match points
Cut or thrust to any other target: 3 match pointsDraw cuts, or slices will be counted however, missed thrusts against the body will not be considered draw cuts.
(Longsword Only) One handed strikes will not score any points, unless made as part of a grapple.
Only cuts and thrusts supported by good body mechanics and edge alignment will score points, at the judge’s discretion.
Fencers are encouraged to call hits on themselves if the hit was missed by the judges, though they are not permitted to call hits against their opponent.
Likewise, a fencer may discredit a hit they made, if they feel it was a poor hit and shouldn’t be scored.Eliminations and Finals:
Elimination fights will be the same as pool fights, with the following exceptions:
Warnings will warrant -2 match pointsIf fencer’s scores are at tied when the match time runs out, the match will continue until one fencer has a 5 point lead over the other, if this hasn’t happened after a total time of 4 minutes, the next successful strike, without a double or afterblow, will win the bout.
Final fights will be same as the elimination fights, with the following exceptions:
Match time will be extended by 60 seconds to 210 seconds
The point cap will be removed.Doubles and Afterblows:
Double hits will be any hits that strike simultaneously - these will not score any points and will be recorded as they effect progression through to eliminations.
Afterblows will be any hits that land in a short space of time after the first hit landed, or before ‘Halt’ is called. After blows will score, with the lower points value target being deducted from the higher, and remaining points being awarded
e.g. Red scores a hit to the body (3 points), but Blue scores a hit to the head (5 points) as an after blow . Thus blues higher score of 5 will be reduced by 3, awarding them 2 points.Grappling:
All successful grappling techniques will be worth 7 match points.
Throwing an opponent is allowed, though fencers do not need to complete a throw to score points. If a fencer dominates a grapple or otherwise clearly shows that they could have thrown their opponent, they will score points for a successful grapple.
Fencers may choose to drop their weapon to gain an advantage in a grappling situation and will not be penalised for this.Any throws which lift the opponent off the ground (i.e. any suplex or double-leg takedown) are banned and may result in immediate disqualification - all throws must be done in a controlled manner.
Judges have a broad authority to warn any fencer who throws their opponent in a way that is deemed unsafe or if they throw their opponent with excessive force. Repeat warnings can result in disqualification, though reckless actions may also result in immediate disqualification.
Striking an opponent once they have been thrown to the floor is banned.
Disarms:
All successful Disarm techniques will be worth 7 match points.
Controlling an opponents sword arm or their weapon as part of a grapple will also score points. If a fencer controls their opponent’s sword arm or weapon with one hand while maintaining free use of their own weapon in the other hand, they do not need to strike their opponent with the sword to gain points, but only need to demonstrate control or dominance over their opponent.
Disarming an opponent will also score points, but points will only be scored if the fencer wilfully and purposefully disarms their opponent, or otherwise clearly demonstrates that they could strike their disarmed opponent. An opponent simply dropping their sword will not result in points being scored by itself.
Warnings:
Warnings will be given at the head judge’s discretion for all unsafe or inappropriate behaviour (including but not limited to):
Lack of control (hitting the floor, blows landed after ‘Hold’ called, etc.)
Unsporting behaviour (showing frustrated or angry reactions, excessive swearing)
Suicidal or reckless fencing (consistently ignoring incoming attacks, attempting to double, charging in to attack, etc.)
All warnings will be issued at the Head Judge’s discretion, repeated offences may result in disqualification.Illegal Targets and Techniques:
Presenting or striking the following targets is illegal: feet, back, back of the head, groin.
If a fencer deliberately strikes or presents an illegal target, they will be given a warning by the judges.Joint locks or joint manipulation.
Strikes with the cross guard, basket, knuckle bow etc..
Grappling moves that take both the opponents feet off the ground.
Striking an opponent once they have been thrown to the floor.
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The Opens:
The first stage of the opens will feature pools of 6 fencers.
Wins will be worth 3 points
Draws will be worth 1 points
Losses will be worth 0 pointsYour second, and each subsequent warning, will be worth –1 point
After all pools fights finish, the two fencers in each pool with the lowest number of doubles will be rewarded with 2 points.
Longsword:
Since we once again have nice numbers for this, the top 2 of each pool will advance to Eliminations.
Sabre/Broadsword and Messer:
The eight fencers (accross all pools) with highest progression score will proceed into the elimination round.
If a pool is understrength, the scores for that pool will be weighted as if it were full.
If a tie between fencers progressing into eliminations happens, the outcome will be determined by the highest score in the following order: points differnce, most technical points, least doubles, least warnings, most matches won, most matches drawn.
Women’s+ Tournaments:
As our Women’s+ tournament has a lower capacity and to allow proper full stafffing it will run in a different format to the Open’s.
If the events are understrength (less than 12 fencers) they will be run as a 5 round swiss-style tournament, going into a 4 person elimination.
If we fill the event completely, there will be 2 pools of 6, with the top 2 of each pool progressing to the eliminations.
The reason why we’re running it this way, while more complicated for us, is to maximise the number of fights people get to have, and keep people involved for as long as possible.
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These rules may be subject to minor changes
Swords will be provided, if you wish to bring your own sharp you may do so but you must contact us in advance.
Safety:
A seperate area will be used for cutting, with pools being allocated a time slot for their cutting. Only one fencer, along with the judge, will be permitted to enter the cutting area at a time.On the day, strict safety requirements will be laid out for all attendees, breaching any of these safety rules may result in immediate disqualification from either cutting or the entire event at the judges discretion
Rules:
Everyone will recieve 2x 90cm Tatami mats.
The competition will be run with mixed weapons, meaning you will have a range to chose from depending on what your preferred sword is.Mat 1: The first mat is used to judge your consistancy and your aim while cutting. You must preform pairs of cut, with a continuous transition from the first into the second. You cannot repeat a pair of cuts once you have performed it.
You can perform up to 4 different pairings, with each scoring 3 points if done without flaws, and 1 point for partial successes (such as 1 cut suceeding, but the 2nd not), and 0 points if neither cut fully passes through the target.
This means the maximum score on your first mat is 12 points.
Eg. A fencer perform the following pairs:
Right Oberhaw then Right Oberhaw - flawless, 3 points
Right Oberhaw then Left Unterhaw - flawed, 1 point
Left Unterhaw then Right Unterhaw - failed, no points
As they did not cut cleanly enough, there’s not enough mat left to continue, and so they score 4 points on their first mat.Mat 2: This mat is to judge your skill in cutting alongswide other techniques commonly seen throughout HEMA. You will need to perform the following 3 actions, and will be awarded points for each.
1 - Feint into a cut: You must make a feint at the target followed by delivering a cut in a continuous motion. The feint must make contact with the target, without significantly knocking it (thus showing your control of the blade in such a situation), and you must then throw a cut to any other line of attack.
This is worth 3 points, with the following deductions:
1 Point for failing to contact the mat
1 Point for significantly hitting the mat with your feint
1 Point for scalloping your cut (making a cut that isn’t straight through the mat).
Failing the cut will result in 0 points being awarded.
2 - Thrust into a cut: You must land a thrust on the mat, before withdrawing it and making a cut in a continuous motion. The thrust must pass through the mat.
This is worth 4 points, with the following deductions:
2 Points for missing the target with the thrust
1 Point for the thrust landing, but not making it through the target
1 Point for scalloping your cut
Failing the cut will result in 0 points being awarded.
3 - Lightning Cut: You must perform a “lightning cut”. That is a series of 3 cuts, all on the same line, in a zig-zag pattern. For example, for Longsword - Right Oberhaw, Left Unterhaw, Right Oberhaw, or for Sabre - Cut 1, Cut 4, Cut 1.
This is worth 5 points, with the following deductions:
1 Point if 1 of the cuts fail
3 points if 2 of the cuts fail
Failing all the cuts will result in 0 points being awarded.Other Deductions:
If you do any of the following at any stage, you will be deducted points:
1 Point in each instance of knocking the mat off the stand
3 Points for hitting anything other than the target (eg. the stand, the stake holding the mat, the floor etc.) with any subsequent instance resulting in immediate disqualification. Agregious enough offences may result in immediate disqualification. -
Most Technical Fencer:
Technical points will be awarded in the pools at the head judge’s discretion to any fencer that performs an impressive technical feat (disarming the opponent, mutiren, Hande Drucken, halfswording, or other ‘wow-ing’ moves. Commonly used techniques such as zwerhaw, zornhaw etc. will not award technical excellence points in and of themselves).
Both fencers can score technical points in a match.
The fencer who scores the most technical points will be awarded the “Best Technical Fencer” prize.
There will be a most technical fencer award for both Longsword and Sabre/Broadsword judged across both the Open and Women’s+ Tournament, and for Messer.Best Sportsperson:
We will have a prize for the “Best Sportsperson”. This will be decided by judges at their discretion, based on who they feel are acting in the most sporting manner throughout the day (examples of this behaviour may be calling hits, being respectful to your fellow fencers and staff etc.)
There will be a Best Sportsperson award for both Longsword and Sabre/Broadsword, judged across both the Open and Women’s+ Tournament, and for Messer. -
Opens and Women’s+ - The top 3 of both these tournaments will each recieve engraved medals, with the 1st place recieving an engraved Scottish Quaiche.
Cutting - The top 3 will recieve engraved medals with 1st place recieving an engraved trophy.
Best Sportsperson - The best sportsperson will recieve an engraved plaque and a 50% discount if they wish to enter next years open.
Most Technical Fencer - The most technical fencer will recieve an engraved plaque and a 50% discount if they wish to enter next years open.
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On Saturday evening, we have booked The Raven (https://www.theravenglasgow.com/) from 18:30.
We have a maximum booking of 45 people, so you will need to reserve your space (at no additional cost), but we ask that if you cannot make it to let us know so your place can be offered to others.
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Here are some of the questions/feedback we recieved in the past (not verbatum), with our responses.
Q: Why don't you have scoring cards/please have scoring cards.
A: Well we used to, then COVID happened, things were moved around, and they dissappeared. Why haven't we replaced them? Well, we've gone back and forth on the issue, but ultimately we like not having scoring visable during bouts, as it helps limit people gaming the system.
I'm sure many of us have had fights where, for example, during the last exchange our opponent has maybe acted in a way that wasn't necessarily good HEMA, but was calculated in order to stay in the lead for points (things like deliberate doubling out).
This is infuriating (and potentially dangerous), and we feel that fencers should be performing their best, not trying to chase points or trying to lock out their opponent from scoring simply because that's what maths say they should do.Q: The venue is a bit out the way
A: Over the years we have hosted the Open at a variety of venues. Glasgow has a relative shortage of good quality affordable venues where we can have the space entirely to ourselves. While the current venue is more out the way than we'd like, it is still ~10 minutes from the nearest train station and has ample free parking, while only being about 15-20 minutes drive from the city’s West End. Other venues closer to the centre of town either cost a lot more, would require sharing the space or have very limited/expensive parking. Thankfully where we are has none of those issues, at the expense of being a bit further awayQ: I'd like to do more sparring
Q: You should have less space for sparring and run more pools
A: Yes these are both comments we have recieved from mulitple attendees over the last two years. Now, given we've recieved both sides of this, we feel we're probably balancing this as well as we can. This year we will have somewhat less space for sparring during the pools as a result of the expanded capacity.
However, there will be more time and space toward the end of each day for those that want to get more fights in with our friends from far and wide.Q: It'd be good to have more time to warm up and get ready.
A: And we shall provide it. This year there wil be more time at the start of the event after registration for the various briefing and for people to be able to warm up etc. This will hopefully be evident once we release the full timetable.