Anyone 16 years or older may compete. Fighters will be placed into pools based on their HEMA Ratings when available. Unranked fighters will be grouped together to ensure fair and competitive matches. Minors will need a guardian present to sign a waiver.

All fencers are responsible for ensuring their equipment is fully functional and compliant with tournament rules.

A failed equipment check or incorrect gear during a match may result in disqualification.

Clothing must overlap fully so that no skin is visible in any guard position. Shoes must be secure and cover the entirety of the feet. Loose items like scarves or unsecured garments are not permitted.

Mandatory Protective Gear

All competitors must have:

• HEMA fencing mask with overlay

• Throat guard (gorget)

• Protective jacket rated 350N or higher

• Protective pants/breeches rated 350N or higher

• Heavy HEMA gloves

• Forearm guards

• Elbow guards

• Knee guards

• Shin guards

• Groin protection (required regardless of gender)

• Chest protector

Additional protective gear is allowed.
Metal protection (other than mask mesh, codpieces, and small components within gloves) is not permitted.

No bare skin may be exposed at any time during fencing.

All weapons and protective gear must pass inspection before competition.
Fighters must attend mandatory gear check from 8:00–9:00 AM, fully dressed in their equipment.

Competitors must use a longsword that meets the following specifications:

• A standard straight-bladed HEMA feder is expected.

  • Shiltless feders designed for high-intensity sparring are allowed.

  • Thin-edged “blunts” are not permitted.

• The point must have an expanded tip or securely attached tip protector.

• Blades must be free of large burrs or protrusions that could damage an opponent or their equipment.

• Maximum blade length: 40.16 in / 102 cm

• Maximum overall length: 53.15 in / 135 cm

• Blade flex: No more than 18 kg required to flex using the Franklin method.

Weapons failing inspection will not be allowed in competition or open sparring until repaired or replaced.

The Lane County Long Sword Open follows the Masterless Nordic Rule Set, overseen by trained judges and a Ring Director. Points are awarded based on clean, controlled strikes with proper targeting and form.

Only attacks with the edge, the point, or the pommel are valid scoring actions.
All strikes must be executed in a controlled manner.

Point Values

• 2 points — Strikes to the head or torso

• 1 point — All other legal target areas

• 1 point — Pommel strikes, which are only permitted to the mesh of the mask

Additional Scoring Rules

• Afterblows and doubles are treated the same, both considered scoring actions.
  Each fencer receives full points for target struck.

• Ring outs are not scoring actions.

• One-handed strikes outside of a grapple are not permitted.

• Protecting a high-value target with a low-value target results in the higher-value target being awarded.
  Example: Blocking a head cut with the arms will still score as a head hit (2 points).

Disarms

• If a fencer loses their weapon before a weapon strike occurs, their opponent is awarded 2 points.

• If the weapon is lost after a strike lands, the match will be halted and the strike(s) will be scored normally.

• A weapon is considered “lost” when it is not held in either hand by the fencer.

A full scoring breakdown will be included in the competitor packet.

Mandatory gear check takes place from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

All competitors must arrive at gear check fully dressed in their equipment so inspectors can verify gear and weapons before the tournament begins.

Yes. Competitors 16 years and older may participate with written authorization from a parent or legal guardian.

All minor competitors must have a guardian present at check-in who must submit a signed waiver before competing.

Yes! Spectators are welcome and admission is free.

However, all spectators must sign a standard HEMA liability waiver upon arrival. This is required by the venue and event insurance.

Spectators are welcome to stay for as much or as little of the event as they like.

Yes! We offer a $10 Open Sparring pass for anyone who wants to spar, train, or warm up without entering the tournament. This pass gives you access to the open sparring area for the entire event day, during all scheduled open fencing windows.

Open sparring participants must:

• Be 16 years or older

• Sign the event HEMA liability waiver

• Wear required safety gear (minimum standards match competitor requirements)

• Use safe, tournament-legal equipment

Mixed weapons are allowed in the open sparring area, provided both fencers agree and all equipment meets safety standards.

Open sparring is a great way to participate, meet other practitioners, and stay involved in the community even if you’re not competing in the main bracket.

The tournament will take place at Lane County Event Center, Exhibit Hall 2

796 W. 13TH AVE
EUGENE, OR 97402
Google Maps Link

Yes. Parking is free at the Lane County Event Center, with plenty of space available for competitors, spectators, and vendors.

On-site concessions are provided by Sling-in Wiener and includes vegetarian and vegan options. Their full menu is available here.

Take a look at the Lane County Event Center’s visitor resources page for nearby hotels!

Cancellations made on or before January 10, 2026 (two weeks prior to the event) are eligible for a full refund.
Refunds cannot be issued for cancellations made after January 10, 2026.

If you need to cancel, please email us as soon as possible so we can process your refund and offer the spot to another fencer.