1) Horseplay: There is to be NO ‘horseplay’. Violations of this rule can result in suspension from fighting or practicing with the group and in the case of repeated offenses, expulsion from the group entirely.
     2) Hold: In a one-on-one sparring match, participants should watch each other’s backs. Should anyone sparring see that a potential safety issue is imminent, they have the authority to shout out “HOLD!” at which point, ALL sparring activity shall cease, and the issue dealt with. Any safety condition qualifies for calling a Hold - there is no such thing as ‘crying wolf’- we would rather stop for no actual issue than overlook a single one and have a person get hurt. Calling a HOLD stops ALL sparring - to stop only the match you are involved in call “Stop” to your opponent and instructor. This will prevent the other matches from being interrupted by an issue that does not affect them.
     3) Off Targets: When fighting or sparring, there are to be NO blows struck to off targets. Unintended blows struck to off target areas will count against the striking party as a blow landed by the struck party. Repeated offenses will be dealt with as described in 1). For novices off targets are the head and groin of your opponent. A Novice, by virtue of limited experience, should never thrust toward the face or head, swing toward the head, or thrust toward the abdomen. Once Student status has been achieved, thrusting toward these targets will slowly be integrated into the sparring practice as the Instructor feels the Participant’s ability warrants. For student rank on up the off targets are the face and the groin. Blows aimed to the head should be ‘pulled’ before they would land, and the term “Head” called out by the striking party. Blows should never be aimed at the face and thrusting towards the face is strictly prohibited. We realize that occasionally, a blow will be deflected in a manner that results in an illegal shot being struck. Unless this becomes a habitual practice, no disciplinary action will be taken; however, determining how accidental such blows are will be at the discretion of the official overseeing the match.
     4) Hits: All parties involved in a sparring or contest match are expected to acknowledge all received blows, no matter the severity of the hit. Hits should be acknowledged by calling “Good”, or by naming the struck body part, such as “Arm!” or “Leg!” Failure to do so is considered “Rhino-hiding”, and will be ruled against the offending party by the official ruling the match, or the supervising instructor in the case of sparring practice. Physical contact between the fighters should be avoided, only weapons should touch bodies. 
     5) Pull Blows: We would rather, especially in the case of a sparring match, that people participating hit too soft, rather than too hard. Slight blows count unless the person hitting calls a slight. All blows must be pulled and excessive force is not allowed. It is important to keep in mind that a sparring session is focused on the development of technique and form, never how hard one can hit, nor the potential damage done.
     6) Safety: Above all, SAFETY is of primary importance. With safety always in mind, sparring can be kept a safe and enjoyable experience. Also, it is important that all Participants remember that during the course of a sparring match, the person they face is not just their opponent, but also their teammate. Should the Participant see that they are backing their opponent into a potentially bad situation, such as spectators behind them, they should stop pressing their advance, and back up a bit themselves. This prevents the sparring from drifting into areas it does not belong, and prevents unnecessary stopping of the match. In all cases, good judgment and common sense will prevent most problems from arising in the first place.
     7) Preparedness: All Participants are expected to arrive on time for sparring practice and any other scheduled events or activities put on by the group. This includes field trips, fairs, parades, meetings, etc. 
     8) Weapons: An instructor must clear all newly created or acquired boffer weapons before they are used for the first time. Weapons that require special training and personal weapons will be marked with a tassel. Weapons with a tassel can not be used unless the person has permission from the owner and clearance on that type of weapon.
     9) Protective Gear: All Participants are REQUIRED to wear groin protection. An athletic supporter will be all the required protection for sparring or competing with boffer weapons. 
     10) All Participants are required to read, understand, and discuss these rules with their Instructors, their parents or guardians, and each other. Every Participant is also required to sign a form indicating that they have read, understood, discussed, and agreed to, these rules before being able to continue in the group activities. A permission form/liability waiver must also be signed by a parent/guardian in order to participate. A record of all forms received and returned with required signatures will be kept on behalf of the Participant, and shall include a listing of weapons he/she has been authorized to use by his/her Instructors. A membership card will also be made available, with a listing of authorized weapons on it, and shall be referred to as the Participant’s ‘fight-card’. Care of this card is up to the Participant, and replacement of lost or destroyed cards may cost them a fee.