I just have to say something and i think it might get ma lot of hate on this forum by fellow muricans.
I find this retarded in many ways (archery removed as i stated on the 1st page of this thread... noobs...), but the most retarded stuff is mixing gear that cannot be mixed according to the time line. Also heraldry is totally wrong. I suppose there are 2 distinct explanations from my point of view and both are really sad (for me):
1. muricans want to "relive" european rich history of various ways of bloodshed (since they are using "euro" gear i have to limit this to eurocentric retarded point of view) which is sad since they are doing it wrong
2. they wanna enjoy something they might find fun and exotic but they are too lazy to read about it to at least follow some common sense rules about dress code
I know my point of view is quite harsh but i always leave room for someone to correct me and accept my mistake if im persuaded.
(still looks gay when they hug...)
EDIT:
I forgot to state one important thing. Medieval tournaments were not about breaking bones and bashing heads. It was a lot more sophisticated - being seen, recognized, finding a girl of ur life, making nobles prove themselves and a lot more...