BASICS

PLAY AREA

The standard Lightspeed Saber play area is a 30x15 foot rectangle. Rectangles are the standard arena shape for all Lightspeed Saber matches. This shape provides room for powerful actions, side-stepping, and an enjoyable and easy viewing experience for the audience and referees.

WEAPON DIMENSIONS

All the weapons are designed to be balanced against each other so that they may coexist in the same competitive environment. Note that the Tano Saber system is not yet tournament legal. Permanent Dyad Saber rules are still being determined as of 2023.

TARGETING

Most of the body, as well as the weapon and any clothing worn, is a legal target area.

The groin is an illegal target regardless of sex or protection worn.

SCORING

Lightspeed Saber uses an asymmetric scoring system. This means that points are earned based on multiple factors, such as accuracy, defensive action, target, speed, and timing. This gives us the ideal combination of good combat principles, technique, and intensity.

 

There are four fundamental scoring types in Lightspeed Saber fencing:

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Go for speed and just hit first. Simple, but low scoring.

Go for speed and just hit first. Simple, but low scoring.

Or go for a key target. Hit the head and get two points instead.

Or go for a key target. Hit the head and get two points instead.

You can also get two points via good timing or agility. Hit and don’t get hit anywhere on the body and earn the same points as a headshot.

You can also get two points via good timing or agility. Hit and don’t get hit anywhere on the body and earn the same points as a headshot.

The prestige point of Lightspeed Saber fencing. Block then counterattack to earn three points and shoot up the scoreboard fast.

The prestige point of Lightspeed Saber fencing. Block then counterattack to earn three points and shoot up the scoreboard fast.

The fifth scoring type is a diminishing modifier. All the examples above are direct hits. Any indirect hit is reduced in value to one, no matter how much it would be worth normally.

Any attack that receives interference from the opponent’s blade before making contact is considered an Indirect Contact and is always worth only 1 point, even if it was clean, even if it was a Headshot, even if it was a Counterattack. Accuracy matters!

 

NO-SCORING ACTIONS

We aim for clear action as much as possible. As such, simultaneous, messy, or ambiguous exchanges do not score.

 

OTHER SCORING SITUATIONS

These are special scoring situations or derivatives of the four fundamental scores

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SPECIAL RULE: In this uncommon circumstance, the second fencer to hit is allowed to score if they hit the head versus the primary fencer hitting the anywhere below the thigh.

SPECIAL RULE: In this uncommon circumstance, the second fencer to hit is allowed to score if they hit the head versus the primary fencer hitting the anywhere below the thigh.

Derivative of the Counterattack. You can also earn 3 points by hitting and then blocking after.

Derivative of the Counterattack. You can also earn 3 points by hitting and then blocking after.

Derivative of the Clean Contact. When the followup attack is too underdeveloped to count ( errant )

Derivative of the Clean Contact. When the followup attack is too underdeveloped to count (errant)

VIOLATIONS

In general, avoid stabbing your opponent or any actions that could accidentally stab your opponent. Deliver any attacks to the lower legs percussively, rather than with a full “follow-through”. Remember that “accidental” does not mean “unpreventable”, and therefore intent is not an excuse for reckless behavior.