Marshal Guidelines for BIWC 2025

MARSHALS

Our Marshals are here to keep the fight fair, safe, and honourable. They’re responsible for making sure all fighters follow the rules and stay safe in the list. You’ll find them to be polite, professional, and focused—please show them the same respect in return, whether you’re in the list or on the sidelines.

If you have any questions, concerns, or issues during the event, go to your team captain or captain’s representative first. Captains and their representatives are the only ones who should approach the Knight Marshals, who oversees all marshalling decisions and rules enforcement. Captains and Captain’s Representatives will have badges to help staff identify them. Please keep the badges with you when you need to communicate with Knight Marshals.

This chain of communication helps keep things running smoothly and lets the marshals focus on what they do best—making sure the battles are clean, fair, and within the code of honour that Buhurt is all about.

Fight hard, fight fair, and respect the List!

WEAPON CHECK REMINDER

Weapon checks will take place over multiple days, so please do not leave it to the last minute.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Ensure your weapons and shields are cleaned and ready for inspection before arriving at Worlds.

• All equipment must meet the standards set by Buhurt International.

• Please refer to the Buhurt International website for full equipment requirements and regulations.

• Make sure all your weapons and shields have the correct approved stickers. No sticker = no Fighting. 

• Below are some Important Information about Hafted Weapons.

Please take the time to inspect and maintain your gear in advance. Coming prepared ensures safety, saves time, and helps everyone have a better event.

HAFTS

Hafts must be made of strong wood or modern material that replicate the wood’s properties in terms of aspect, handling and stiffness.

It is forbidden to use soft or flexible material for haft, such as rattan.

If a haft is not made of wood, it is mandatory to use a covering for the whole haft (from head to bottom) one end must be exposed so it can be verified what the material is.

It is allowed to use a covering with the following materials:

·        Neutral rope with glue.

·        Linen thread with glue.

·        Neutral colour textile tape (I.E black, brown, grey).

WEAPON HEADS

BACK OF HEAD

Hitting an opponent with the back of the head is prohibited.

A hafted weapon may have a rebated hook or hammerhead on the back. Any strikes with these elements are strictly prohibited.

Any rebated hook or hammerhead must not present any sharp or pointed edge.

STRIKING EDGE

Any point on the Striking Edge of the weapon must have an angle more than 90 degrees.

Weapons with sharp corners (Less than 90 degrees) and corners that can be considered dangerous are prohibited.

The radius of all edges must be greater than 10mm to ensure safety.

HEAD SECURING

The head of any hafted weapon must be secured to the haft by at least 2 different methods.

Allowed methods are:

·        Wedges

·        Straps

·        Glue

·        Rivets or nails

·        Langets

SHIELDS

CONDITION AND IMAGERY

Shields must be in proper working condition at the start of the tournament, with no visible rust, significant damage, or structural weaknesses that could compromise their performance or safety. Shield designs must align with the overall style of the competitor’s armour kit. All images, drawings, and paintings on shields must be styled in accordance with the historical or thematic style of the armour kit. Modern or clearly offensive imagery is strictly prohibited on shields.

NUTS AND BOLTS

Nails and Rivets can be left visible. It is allowed to use bolts and nuts to fasten straps, but the nuts must not protrude past the screw. Additionally, bolts and nuts must be either painted black or concealed with leather or fabric.

COVERINGS AND EDGES

The entire edge must be covered with either a band of strong leather, or with at least three or more layers of fabric.

A leather band must be glued, sewn or riveted, to the shield. Any rivets must be neatly finished, the edge of the rivet should not stick out.

ARMOUR CHECK REMINDER

Before you enter the list, a marshal will carry out a full safety check of your armour. This is to ensure you’re properly protected and ready to fight safely. Here’s what we’ll be looking for:

• Armour Check: All pieces of your armour must be properly fitted and offer solid protection. We’ll be looking for anything that’s loose, missing, or unsafe.

• Helmet Fit: Your helmet must be securely fastened with no gaps around the neck. A loose helmet is a major safety risk.

• Neck Protection: Adequate neck protection is required. Further details on neck protection can be found below.

Have everything clean, ready, and checked before heading to the list. These checks are for your safety and everyone else’s—don’t leave them to the last minute.

NECK PROTECTION

Adequate neck protection is mandatory for all fighters. Systems such as "lobster tail" designs attached to the helmet or riveted plates on the aventail do not provide full protection for the cervical vertebrae. During grapples or twisting motions under pressure, these areas can remain dangerously exposed.

To ensure proper coverage, neck protection checks must be conducted with the fighter in a bent-forward position. In this position, the entire cervical spine must be visibly and physically protected by overlapping metal plates. Any gaps or insufficient coverage may result in a failed equipment check and the fighter not being permitted to enter the list.

CONCEALED

There are no historical sources nor dotation for such Armor elements. Nevertheless, it is approved to reinforce your neck Armor with concealed plates.

Concealed neck plates must be firmly attached Gambeson.

Concealed neck plates must be made of metal and be hidden under the aventail.

GORGET

A Gorget was a neck protection worn over the neck, clavicles, and shoulders. It evolved from earlier defences like chainmail and padded fabrics.

SIMON STRAP

In Buhurt, a "Simon strap" (or "me strap") is used to secure the helmet to the back of the breastplate.

This strap enhances safety by preventing the helmet from sliding off or becoming dislodged during combat.

EXAMPLE: GOOD PROTECTION

The concealed neck protection fits securely, covering the cervical vertebrae and upper spine without being visible. It allows good mobility and comfort while staying effective.

An extra plate can be added to the aventail if the fighter chooses, increasing protection without affecting armour integrity.

A Simon strap is used to stop the helmet from lifting. It does not hold the extra plate, but this setup is still acceptable as the neck remains well protected.

EXAMPLE: BAD PROTECTION

The additional plates on the aventail are not securely fixed, allowing them to shift and leave the neck exposed during combat.

When the fighter bends forward, it's clear there is insufficient coverage—even with a gorget in place. This highlights a serious vulnerability and the need for improved or properly secured neck protection.

Although the aventail includes a Simon strap, it is not being used and should be secured to help prevent helmet movement. 

Thank you for taking the time to review these guidelines. By coming prepared, respecting the rules, and working with the marshals, you help ensure the Buhurt International World Championships run safely and smoothly. Let’s honour the sport and each other—fight hard, fight fair, and make this a championship to remember.

photo by @traceydee.photography