Revising the Management of Rapier in the West

Since the last review of the documents related to the Guild structure and the integration of Guild Ranks into the structure of the Rules I have had some questions, that I think deserve answers. I thought about this and I think that the appropriate way to deal with questions is to establish an FAQ for the West Fencing Page and to also broadcast the FAQ on the West Email List in the first week of every month.

I have also received a communication from HRM Jade which outlines his requirements for the Rules and Guild. The pertinent sections of that message can be viewed by those interested in the ideas of HRM on the topic by following the link to Jade's letter

In response to the communications I have received from the members of the Rapier Community and HRM I have produced a second revision of the Guild Charter and of the marshalate section of the Rules.

For those who have read the previous version the areas that you should look at for changes are:

• The term Master of Defence has been replaced by Guild Master of Fence thoughout the documents. If you find an instance I have missed, please let me know.
• I have tidied up the terms and definitions used to eliminate the inconsistencies that were reported by other readers.
• The Ceremony for Creation of a Guild Master has been fleshed out.
• The section of the Rules which defines the requirements and functions of each level of the Guild has been expanded and revised to reflect the requirements of HRM. This has restricted the teaching of Schlager fencing to Guild Masters. Schlager Authorisations are available to Journeymen and Provosts, but these people may not teach schlager.
• Read the section on Disciplinary Procedures, this has new material required by HRM.