Torneo di Spada a Rostock 2026

Welcome to the official Event Page of Torneo di Spada a Rostock.
Here you will get all information you need. Take a look at the timetable, tournament ruleset and equipment required to join the tournament.
There will be (German ranked – final confirmation pending) Tournaments in Sidesword (Open/ Woman+) and Rapier (Open/ Woman+)

Date: 28./29.11.2026
Location: An der Jägerbäk 6, 18069 Rostock (Germany)
Participation-Fee: 40 € / 60 € (one day/both days)

Any Questions? You want to join our Judge-Team or help in any other way?
Write us: torneodispada.hro[at]gmail[dot]com

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

The social event on Saturday (7:00 PM) will be a visit of the Rostock Christmas Fair. Due to the nature of a Christmas Fair no registration is needed. Our Christmas fair is one of the biggest in Germany and our visit will take us through the city. More Info: Rostocker Weihnachtsmarkt (Link)

Ugly christmas sweaters welcome!

To round things off we will celebrate the first advent on Sunday with christmas-themed snacks, drinks and sweets.
During the lunch-break we will hold a sword/fencing-themed „Secret Santa“ („Weihnachtswichteln“ in German). Participants will contribute a sword/fencing-themed gift (DIY or ~5 € – 15 €) and we will distribute them at random between participants.

Time Schedule

TBA after first evaluation of registrations.
Event starts at 9:00 AM on both days. We hope to finish latest 6:00 PM on Sunday.

Rules and Regulations

We use the Bolognese Rules, version 2.1 (English version), as well as the DDHF Framework Rules, version 6.0 (English version). In case of doubt, the Bolognese Rules take precedence.

DDHF Frame Ruleset (English)

Bologneser-Ruleset (Englisch)

Rule Adjustments and Clarifications

The following provisions replace rules from the aforementioned documents or provide clarification thereof:

Free (Symmetrical!) Weapon Choice

Free (symmetrical!) weapon choice is permitted, following the example of the Ochsenstich.

“Symmetrical” means that both fencers must agree on the same secondary weapon. Otherwise, the bout is fought with the primary weapon alone.

For the sidesword discipline, the options are:

• Sidesword alone
• Sidesword & buckler
• Sidesword & dagger

For rapier, the following options are available:

• Rapier alone
• Rapier & dagger

Scoring

Variant 1 applies to sidesword and Variant 2 to rapier, as described on page 4 of the Bolognese Rules.

Valid Hits and Safety (Clarification of the DDHF Framework Rules)

Valid hits are hits that make substantial contact with the edge or point. Draw cuts and thrusting cuts must be clearly visible and deliberately targeted.

Examples:

• Hits with the flat of the blade: Not valid.
• Strikes without a proper arc: Not valid.
• Missed thrusts (passé) that make only minimal contact: Not valid.
• Hits that only narrowly pass through a parry due to force, bouncing off, or hyperextension of the wrist: Not valid.
• Any hits made while falling: Not valid.
• Light touches executed with good form and structure because the opponent was left widely open: Valid.

Uncontrolled or dangerous fencing will be penalized with a warning, point deduction, and disqualification if the issue is not adequately addressed.

Examples:

• Hits to the back or back of the head when these could have been avoided.
• Endangering oneself, e.g. by turning one’s back or the back of one’s head toward the opponent.
• Full-power strikes without deceleration.
• Hard strikes, particularly when the opponent is unprotected (e.g. after a wrestling action).
• Simple rule of thumb: If the strike is likely to leave a bruise, it was too hard.

Final Bouts

Only in the final bouts must at least two unharmed exchanges be completed in order to win the bout.

Example: After 5 rounds, both fencers have each scored 2 unharmed exchanges and one double hit. In this case, the points score determines the winner.

However, if after 5 rounds Fencer A has one unharmed exchange and Fencer B has none, additional rounds are fought until one fencer reaches two unharmed exchanges.

Video Review (Final Bouts Only)

In the final bouts, each fencer has the right to appeal a decision by the referees once per bout by requesting video review.

If the appeal is upheld, the referees correct their decision, and the appealing fencer receives another appeal.

If the appeal is rejected, the appealing fencer has no further right to appeal for the remainder of the bout.

• It is the responsibility of the fencers to provide the video evidence. Video may be recorded using mobile phone cameras or similar devices where the footage is directly accessible (smartphones, tablets, etc.).
• Before the bout begins, the fencers must arrange for someone to record the bout. The person recording must not obstruct the referees’ view and must follow any instructions given by the referees and the officials at the table.
• The referees may not request video review themselves unless an appeal has been made. Once an appeal has been made, the referees may, where appropriate, access both videos in order to obtain a neutral view of the situation.

Tournament Equipment