[Artemisia] Youth Combat, regarding Nerf N-Force Swords

[rayzentz at aim.com]

Unto all noble citizens of Artemisia, from the snow shrouded emerald valley of Arrows’ Flight, do I, Lord Padruig McTavish, Kingdom Youth Combat Marshal, send greeting.

 

I have received inquiries regarding some new swords that are available in various mercantile establishments, specifically asking whether said swords could be used for youth combat. I did procure a couple of these Nerf N-Force Swords for the purpose of evaluating them. Here are some of my thoughts...

My first thought is that they are relatively inexpensive, really costing no more than a well-made “boffer”/waster sword for youth combat. The two that I procured each cost only slightly more than 12 golden coins of the realm. 

 

The core, while thin, is fairly solid, and stiff. It seems to support the foam sword well. I can bend the sword into about a 60 degree arc, and it doesn't break. Resistance gets stiffer as you go. It is not too whippy. 

 

The foam outer part is closed-cell, and seems fairly sturdy. I would still run duct tape up and down the length of the sword, for extra strength, and to protect the foam. 

 

It is very light, and would be very easy to use by kids of any age

These swords will not work for Youth Combat, however, for a couple of safety related reasons.

 

1. The foam padding is insufficient, according to current rules. These swords would really smart when struck against skin with any kind of force at all.


2. The sword itself is t
oo thin. It could very easily slip between the bars on a helmet, or through the eyeholes, potentially causing damage to eyes and face.

 

Use of these swords could cause severe injury.

 

Because of these safety issues, and liability concerns I have made the following determination…

 

THESE SWORDS MAY NOT BE USED FOR YOUTH COMBAT ACTIVITIES AT SCA FUNCTIONS!

 

Do not bring them to SCA events, whether kingdom or local. If children are wielding these swords at SCA events, they WILL be confiscated (the swords, not the children. Sorry). They will be retrievable, by parents only, at the end of the event, from the highest authority in attendance.

 

If you have any questions, please contact me.

 

Lord Padruig McTavish, OGML

Artemisia Youth Combat Marshal