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Policy Decision:
Please know that I made the following decision regarding combat regulations, specifically concerning Combat Archery equipment:
All wooden and fiberglass shafted arrows used in SCA Combat archery shall be required to have an approved ABD on the nock-end to prevent any injurious contact to SCA combatants. This requirement shall be implemented on August 1, 2001, to allow a sufficient period for implementation.

Make the following changes:
Combat Archery Handbook
Wood and Fiberglass Shafted Arrows and Bolts...
8) All wooden and fiberglass shafted arrows are required to have an approved ABD securely attached to the nock-end in such a manner as to prevent more than 1/2" penetration into any SCA-legal helm.
(Current numbers 8-9 renumbered to 9-10...)

Approved ABD's (Anti-Bounceback Devices):
Foam Wedge ABD (1 1/2" diameter)
Round rod UHMW ABD (1 1/4" diameter)
Octagonal UHMW ABD (1 1/4" diameter)
Fellwalker ABD

Details for construction and specifications can be found at:

Foam Wedge:
http://fellwalker.com/SCA/missile/ABD/hbfoamabd.jpg

1 1/4" round rod UHMW ABD and Octagonal UHMW ABD's:
http://fellwalker.com/SCA/missile/ABD/hbuhmwabds.jpg

Fellwalker Bolt (SCA-legal):
http://fellwalker.com/SCA/missile/ABD/detail.GIF
http://fellwalker.com/SCA/missile/ABD/xbblunts1.jpg
http://fellwalker.com/SCA/missile/ABD/xbabds2.jpg

Note:
There will be several more approved designs available soon, pending conclusion of safety testing. Estimated time for addition to this list is approximately one month.

Discussion:

The issue of ABD's is very contentious, as you all know. I have received a good number of letters in this regard as of this writing, most of which are over a year old. I am certain you all are receiving letters even now about this matter. As those Directors on the BoD just after the time of my appointment to this Office (Oct.'99) may recall, this was a very hotly debated issue at that time as well. It is very important for you to know that since that time, my Office has been conducting ongoing testing with various alternative nocks, arrow designs and ABD's, in an attempt to ascertain the best course of action in regard to this issue. Many of these tests have been discussed on the various e-mail lists and otherwise as they developed, as well. I feel we have delayed this decision overly long due to the contentious nature of the issue, but we need to act in order to resolve the safety and liability concerns represented. This is by no means a knee-jerk reaction to a problem that just popped up, nor is it hastily considered or bereft of council and discussion from both the ranks of the Senior Marshallate in the SCA and the recognized leaders in the Combat Archery Community. This decision reflects a great deal of hard work and lengthy discussion on the part of all these people, and I am indebted to them for their council and insight.