Greetings from the Kingdom Rapier Marshal,
The new standards for padding in rapier masks and helms (see page 6) has been approved by the Board of Directors and incorporated into the Society rapier rules. The Deputy Society Rapier Marshal has given the various KRMs (*waves*) the option of implementing this rule any time between now and May 1, 2017, so as to give people time to comply with the new standards.
I intend to implement this grace period in Northshield because, let's face it, having your kit suddenly fail due to a rule change kinda sucks. However, everyone’s masks and helms WILL need to comply with the new standards by the deadline. My advice, therefore, is either make sure your masks or helms currently meet this standard, or work on getting them to the point where they comply. Sooner is better than later on this kind of thing, since you want to have time to run any possible changes by marshals, make subsequent adjustments, etc. I have included the wording of the new rules below. Please note that if you are currently using a commercial FIE/USFA/12kg style mask *with the factory padding in good repair*, you should be fine. (And if you have any doubts, run it by a marshal. Marshals, if you have any questions, please contact me or your regionals.)
I know that this may cause difficulties for some people depending on how their masks or helms are currently fitted. I also know that in a few cases it may not be possible to get your current helm or mask to meet the new standards. I truly sympathize, and will be happy to work with you any way I can to help get your gear into compliance. But at the end of the day, we all to have to meet the new standard if we want to play.
I'm sure I will have more to say on this topic later. In the meantime, keep fighting and having fun.
Regards,
Simon Morcar