HOW TO WIN

A match will consist of 3 passes. The target area will be from your opponent’s waist to the top of their helmet. The preferred target is the shield which will increase the chance of a lance break.

Points shall be awarded in the joust as follows:

• +1 point is awarded for breaking a lance between the waist and base of the helmet, including on the shield.
• +2 Points will be awarded for breaking a lance on the helmet.
• +3 Points will be awarded for unhorsing your opponent, or breaking his lance coronel to coronel.

Multiple matches are held to eliminate contenders and arrive at one winner. Disqualification can occur if a knight’s lance makes contact with his opponent’s horse. A knight may forfeit his tilt by riding along the list with his lance lowered.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS

Lances:

1. Total lance length shall be 12 ft.
2. The lance shall be constructed in three sections including the tip, middle, and base. The tip and the base will socket into the middle section.
3. Lances must have a tip of a minimum of 24 inches and a recommended maximum of 48 inches of expanded polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) or Extruded Insulation Foam of 2 inch diameter and 2 lb. density, projecting beyond the middle section.
4. The middle section consists of a cardboard tube with a 2 inch interior diameter and a maximum of a 1/8 inch sidewall. The cardboard tube must be cleared of broken foam after each run.
5. The base section may be made of any non-brittle material. The maximum length of the base section is 45 inches, including a recommended 6 inches extending into the middle section. The grip for the base section should be located so that there is a maximum of 96 inches from the center of the grip to front of the lance. It is recommended the base section be carved from wood.

Armor:

1. Helm – Helms must be of rigid materials (18 gauge mild or equivalent). There can be no openings that allow the penetration of a 1½ -inch dowel. Helms must have sufficient strapping and/or padding to prevent the rigid material from contacting the rider and so as not to be readily dislodged when subject to a moderate frontal impact.
2. Gorget – according to heavy weapons standards.
3. Body – rigid material covering chest and torso. Standard equestrian riding vests are deemed equivalent.
4. Groin – groin area must be protected by sufficient means including saddle or armor.
5. Hands – hand must be protected either by shield, gauntlet, or equivalent (i.e. vamplate on lance).
6. Leg, arm, and shoulder protection – armor recommended, but not required.

Shields:

1. The shields must be constructed of rigid, non-brittle, materials. Recommended is 1/2″ plywood. The edges should be blunt and corners rounded.
2. The shield should have at least 300 square inches of surface area to present a reasonable minimum target area to the opponent.
3. Shields must be strapped in such a manner that the rider has control of his or her equipment and mount at all times.

Equipment is inspected by a Marshall before each tournament.