joustoväli

Joustoväli is a Finnish term that refers to the prescribed safe distance maintained between opposing combatants during a historical or reenacted jousting event. The word derives from joust (“työntäminen”) and väli (“interval”), and it is used by organizers to ensure the safety of both riders and match officials without compromising the authenticity of the medieval sport.

In practical terms, joustoväli is measured from the center of a participant’s shield to the point at which the lance is required to make contact. The distance is usually set between two and three metres for modern tournaments that employ safety gear, but some historical reenactments maintain the original 1.5‑meter guideline used in late medieval Europe. The measurement may vary according to the climate, terrain, and the specific rules of the event, but it is always recorded as a core parameter in the competition regulations.

The concept of joustoväli has been documented in several historical manuals, including the late 14th‑century Danish chronicle "Det Gamle Jættebog" and the 15th‑century Italian treatise "Libro di Grazio". Modern jousting associations such as the Finnish Jousting Federation adopt the term in their certification guidelines, stating that a compliant joustoväli is mandatory for any match that qualifies for official recognition. In safety briefings, referees reinforce that the prescribed joustoväli must be maintained before a bout commences, allowing both participants to prepare for the lance impact.

While judiciously controlling risk, joustoväli preserves the historical feel of a circuit with a brief, dramatic clash. The practice is regulatory, but also a nod to the centuries‑old tradition of organised melee.