How was Longsword seeded?
Open and URG Longsword were sorted using HEMA Ratings;
- Open Tier A: >= 1450
- Open Tier B: 1100-1449
- Open Tier C: < 1100
- URG Tier A: >= 1300
- URG Tier B: < 1300
If there are significant results not included in HEMA Ratings, or any other extenuating circumstances, please contact us. Should someone's rating change enough between now and the event to move them into a different tier (due to new events being added) they will have the choice which tier they wish to compete in.
How was Messer seeded?
Messer is more challenging to seed because there are no HEMA Ratings. The rating cut off for Tier-A was 1200, based on the highest single-handed rating of the fighter, or 75% of their longsword rating; whichever was higher. Some minor adjustments were made based on performance in unrated weapons (like messer). If there are significant results not included in HEMA Ratings, or any other extenuating circumstances, please contact us.
If there are any Open LS Tier-A rated competitors seeded into Tier-B they may ask to be moved up into Tier-A if they would prefer.
How was Cutting seeded?
If messer is hard, this is even worse. Competitors which have shown some level of success in past cutting tournaments will be moved into Tier-A.
If you have concerns about your seeding please contact us. If there are any Open LS Tier-A rated competitors seeded into Tier-B they may ask to be moved up into Tier-A if they would prefer.
When Does Registration Close
The last day for tournament registration is September 3rd, and participants can register for the event (classes/lectures only) right up to the beginning of the event.
The tournament cap for Open Longsword works a little bit differently this year. We are only a few spots away from hitting the cap for Tier B and Tier C, however participants with a HEMA Rating of over 1500 will still be able to enter up until the close of tournament registrations. All other Open Longsword entries will go onto the waitlist, and open up if(when) there are drops.
Can I Jump Into A Tournament Day-Of If There Are Drops?
Not unless you were (a) already on the waitlist, or (b) substituting for someone in your club who had to drop out of teams.
How Do We Submit Our Teams For The Relay?
Contact the event organizers with your 3 fighters, in order from weakest to strongest. Please note that everyone in your team must be registered at the same school. (Anyone can register for the event under whichever school they want. Email us if you want to switch your club affiliation.)
If you are in teams, and don’t have a school team, we will randomly create pickup teams the day of the tournament.
Are There Lectures and Workshops?
Yes! We have just announced the bulk of the instructors, and will be rolling out a few more in the coming weeks as we get final confirmation. Those of you who remember the walk last year will be pleased to know that we have rented a lecture room directly across from the tournament hall. The free sparring area will, unfortunately, still be a walk to the tennis courts. But we hope combining the classes and free sparring will make the whole area more lively. (
Confirmed Instructor List).
How Do The Classes Work
We are doing a different class format this year, with no formal workshop style classes as is traditional. Instead each instructor will be on shift in the free sparring area and available to help event participants with their questions and give more direct instructions in their specialties. Depending on the instructor and number of people at any given time they could go through some traditional instruction, answer questions in an “ask me anything” format, or spar participants and give their feedback. Check it out if you want the chance to get advice and coaching from some talented coaches and fighters from across the country!
Are The Rules The Same As Last Year?
No. The longsword point values for individual have been re-done, and the messer is completely different. We are bringing in a lot more of the head-to-head cutting match format that we experimented with last year, and the longsword team relay format that you all know and love is unchanged.
Tournament Rules
