After several trips to the Hillsdale emergency room ended the 2015 Naval Battle, Cravats and Blue Stockings is implementing a new set of rules to better protect participants in the heat of combat.
The club created weapons regulations, limiting participants to pool noodles. Mandatory shoes, uniform team armbands, and standardized ship materials are also among the new rules, finalized by Margaret Handel, Cravats and Bluestockings co-minister of events, and men’s dorms head resident assistants, after Galloway Residence expressed safety concerns following last year’s battle.
“Somebody is gonna have to really hit you to get a concussion from a pool noodle,” said junior Alex Ress, Simpson Residence head RA.
Galloway Head RA senior Christopher Pudenz said his dorm contemplated not participating in this year’s event, if those concerns went unaddressed.
“The Naval Battle is always a ton of fun, but a lot of people were unhappy with the injuries that occurred last year,” Pudenz said. “I like the rule changes, and Galloway is going to participate again this year.”
Senior Sam Clausen, Niedfelt Residence head RA, said he is excited for the dorms to engage in friendly competition without worry of serious injury.
“It’s still a bunch of guys hitting each other, so I expect some bruises, but there’s no need for cut feet or shattered PVC weapons to actually be drawing blood,” Clausen said.
Reuss said the Naval Battle plays an important part in building dorm culture.
“This is a big activity that freshmen can get involved with early on that creates a sense of unity,” Reuss said.
Cravats and Cluestocking is holding its annual Naval Battle at Baw Beese Lake on Oct. 8.
