Jousting History of Maryland

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By Linda J

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Jousting In Maryland

Jousting is Maryland’s state sport. “ Jousting” from the historical meaning of the word itself, it means for knights to engage in a sports contest in which two opponents on horseback fight with lances. And yes, to compete for superiority. So now, why exactly is jousting Maryland’s state sport?

If you’re already planning to go and experience the jousting festival in Maryland, make sure you have an idea of a good hard drive data recovery service near you. Nevertheless, enjoy and experience being a fellow of the middle ages!

Maryland was first owned by Lord Baltimore, an English nobleman. Once found, the land was then named the Province of Maryland (“Terra Mariae”)  in honor of the queen consort of King Charles I, but later became just “Maryland”.

Jousting History

The sport goes back in the medieval period — the middle ages. Literally, it was a method of war, but the invention of guns and its speedy distribution rendered it completely unnecessary and inefficient. Just imagine how the first wave of knights with their lances charging toward the enemy with guns.

They probably died reacting albeit not even making it to the enemy. So because of this, jousting became a sport instead.

Maryland was also known for its nickname “Little Ameria”. Do you want to know more about it? Here’s the story.

Maryland adaptation

Jousting Adaptation Maryland

In Maryland, jousting became a sport in the 19th century. A man, named William Gilmore, who lived in the Glen Ellen mansion, won a big jousting tournament in Scotland called the Eglinton Festival. The festival was roughly described as a mix of a renaissance fair and woodstock. So, Gilmore saw this and figured bringing it to Maryland. And so it did. It stuck around.

Now, this amazing sport became the official state sport of Maryland because of what a group of people created back in 1950, the Maryland Jousting Tournament Association. They proved to have a big role in promoting the sport of jousting among essential stakeholders: the spectators, participants, and sponsoring organizations.

In 1962, a member of the Maryland Jousting Tournament Association, Inc. named Henry J. Fowler introduced a bill to recognize Jousting as the official state sport of Maryland. Then, after that Maryland General Assembly, the bill was immediately passed and signed into law.

Maryland was a part of the 13 colonies that formed the United States. It is one of the Southern Colonies together with Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia. Apparently, the 4th colony to be established.

Rules of the Joust

Maryland Jousting Rules

Every jouster is allowed 8 passes. For the first four passes, the lances used should be an inch and a quarter (1 ¼)  thick, whilst the passes after that, inclusive of the tie breaking passes, the lances usd are an inch and a half (1 ½) thick.

For points, you essentially need to hit a piece of metal called the “gridded grand guard” by the side of the chest of your opponent. Hitting this would give you 1 point, 5 for a shattered lance, and 10 for unhorsing. If ever there is a tip to tip, that pass is meant for a re-run, even if your lance bounces then hitting the target.

Aside from gaining points, what’s just as important and even more important for some instances is to not gain penalties. Hitting a horse would take you out of the competition. Striking your opponent straight at their helmets, or too low, that’s a minus five (-5). You get the same deduction if you do not keep your horse at constant speed. If it slows down before contact, that’s a penalty.

There are more actions that give a jouster penalty points that’s why the best thing to do is to be penalty free and just hit the target in full contact.

If you enjoy seafoods, you’ll probably get your mouth watering once you tasted the Maryland’s pride The Blue Crabs.

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