Part i: Boffers
Editor’s Note: Participants are limited in what boffers they can use according to their rank. If you or your child are unsure of what rank they are, please consult your local group or build a boffer that is appropriate for a Squire (level 1). If you want to learn more about the Ranks, please check out this link!
The following table breaks down boffers into six broad categories. The length requirements assume that the PVC core is two inches shorter than the overall boffer.
| Required Rank | Rank Band Color | Sword | Mace | Axe | Spear | Glaive | Staff |
| 1. Squire | Red | 26″ | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2. Knight | Orange | 26″ | 26″ | – | – | – | – |
| 3. Delta-Knight | Yellow | 32″ | 26″ | 26″ | – | – | – |
| 4. Cavalier | Green | 38″ | 32″ | 32″ | 50″ | – | – |
| 5. Dragoon | Blue | 42″ | 32″ | 42″ | 62″ | 56″ | 50″ |
| 6. Lancer | Purple | 50″ | 38″ | 50″ | 74″ | 62″ | 56″ |
| 7. Sentinel | Hot Pink | 62″ | 38″ | 62″ | 74″ | 68″ | 62″ |
To see descriptions or read more about individual boffer types listed above, check out Specific Boffer Types and Construction Rules.
Editor’s Note: One reason we made the size table like this is so that Participants can “up-cycle” their old boffers. For example, if a Knight ranks up to Delta-Knight, they unlock using 32 inch swords. However, if they already have a 26″ sword, they can “skin” it then take the old core and turn it into a 26″ mace or axe. They can then get a new length of PVC that is 32″ for their new, longer sword.
General Loadout Rules
- The six-foot rule: If a player is using a shield or a dual-wield setup, the lengths of their items put end to end cannot exceed six feet (72 inches). An Instructor can grant up to two inches leeway, allowing up to 74 inches. This might have to come into play if the only measuring device you have is a six-foot spear.
- Single-Wielding: Glaives, staff boffers, and any other boffer that is over 50 inches in length is a single-wield item. This means that it must be used by itself and cannot be used with a shield or as part of a dual-wield setup.
- Dual-Wielding: Using one boffer in each hand, as long as neither is single-wield (see item 2 above). When doing this you are subject to the six-foot rule (see item 1 above)
- Glaives and Staves must be single wielded. They cannot be used with another boffer or a shield.
Rank-Specific Loadout Rules
Editor’s Note: The Rank titles for each section are linked to the associated rank page where you can learn more about each rank, what they can use, and how they rank up.
- Squire ranked players cannot dual-wield sword boffers but are welcome to use a shield as part of their loadout.
- Knight ranked players can dual-wield any boffer that they can use. At this rank they gain access to the mace boffer.
- Delta Knight ranked players can dual-wield any boffer that they can use. They gain access to the axe boffer at this rank.
- Cavalier ranked players can dual wield any boffer that they can use. They gain access to the spear boffer at this rank. A Cavalier ranked player should check their loadout to ensure that they are within the limits of the six-foot rule.
- Dragoon ranked players are expected to know which boffers are single-wield only, and which ones are not. They may dual-wield boffers that are not single-wield only. They are also expected to check their loadouts against the six-foot rule. Players gain access to the glaive boffer and staff boffer at this rank.
- Lancer ranked players have the same basic loadout rules as Dragoons. They are, however, allowed to use longer boffers.
- Sentinel ranked players have the same basic loadout rules as Dragoons and Lancers. In addition to being able to construct and use longer boffers, they can design, build, and use non-standard boffers with Instructor approval.
General Construction Rules
- Definitions: Here are some definitions that might help with making sense of the build rules in our game:
- Schedule 40 PVC is standard white plumbing PVC pipe. It has “SCH 40” printed on the side of it. There are lighter grades of pipe that break more easily.
- Closed cell foam is foam that has enclosed gas bubbles inside to give resistance to being deformed. Some examples are camp mats, yoga mats, and pool noodles.
- Open cell foam has the bubbles not enclosed. A common example of this is a sponge.
- When weight is given (like 2# or 4#), it means a cubic foot of that type of foam weighs that many pounds.
- Boffer cores or hafts: All boffers shall have a core composed of ¾ inch schedule 40 PVC. Sword boffers that are 42 or less inches in length may use ½ inch schedule 40 PVC. The core shall be a single piece without splices or alterations (example: heat bending). Sometimes the word “haft” is used instead of “core”. In this document they are interchangeable.
- Haft or core coverings (aka courtesy foam): All non-sword boffers (other than spears and double ended staves) shall have the haft (core) covered with at least ½ inch thick closed cell foam from the tag end (axe head, mace head, glaive blade, etc.) to a point that is in the middle of the boffer lengthwise. If a boffer is 50 or more inches in length, this measurement is fixed at 25 inches. Spear and double-ended staff have their own rules for courtesy foam in their descriptions.
- Tape: The only tape allowed on a tag surface is either strapping tape, packaging tape (looks like duct tape with a waxy feel to the outside), or athletic cloth tape. Duct tape may be used for any other element of construction. Exceptions may be made for duct or other tape if a cloth cover is used.
- Pommels: All boffers must have a pommel unless the boffer description says otherwise. A pommel should be constructed with at least 7/16 inch closed cell foam, and is otherwise constructed in a similar fashion to a thrusting tip.
- Thrusting tips: The diagram below assumes tape construction. The foam discs that make up the thrusting tip should be taped securely so that they do not slide or otherwise move. This is sufficient for most sword boffers. The “enhanced thrusting tip” in this link is required on spears 62 inches or longer. Packaging tape (a type of tape that looks like clear duct tape and has a waxy feel to it) is allowed for thrusting tips as of this update.
- Instructor Judgement: Always remember that Equipment Rule Zero (see above in the yellow highlighted area) is in effect. Instructors have the ability (and duty) to point out unsafe equipment and have it removed from play.
Page 1 – the Introduction
Page 2 – Part I: Boffers (you are here)
Page 3 – Part II: Shields
Page 4 – Part III: Stuff for Instructors