Maryland Jousting Tournament Association

Ring Jousting
"Maryland's Official State Sport"

Jousting is a sport synonymous with Maryland history. It has survived in Maryland since the founding of the original colony.

The people of Maryland enjoy this sport because of its colorful, friendly, traditional aspects. Men, women and children participate often in the same classes, and always under the same set of standard rules. A Maryland Jousting Tournament is unique in its own right, and depicts the motto of the Great Seal of Maryland. It is indeed a sport of “Manly Deeds and Womanly Words”.

During the special February session of the Maryland legislature in 1962, the Honorable Henry J. Fowler Sr., Delegate from St. Mary's County, introduced a bill into the Maryland House of Delegates giving recognition to the sport of jousting as the Official State Sport of Maryland. This bill passed both chambers of the Legislature by an overwhelming vote and was signed into law by Governor J. Millard Tawes. Thus, as of June 1, 1962, Maryland became the first state in the United States to adopt an official state sport. We are proud of the honor and of the opportunity to present for the fine people of Maryland, as well as the tourists and visitors from other states, what we proudly hail as the Official State Sport of Maryland.

Maryland Jousting Tournament Association

The Maryland Jousting Tournament Association (MJTA) was established in 1950.

The purpose of the organization

A. To govern a standard set of jousting tournament rules which are agreeable to the riders and which will be enforced at every tournament.

B. To act as mediator between sponsors in arranging suitable tournament dates that are not in conflict.

C. To notify each member in advance as to the time and place of each tournament.

D. To promote a better understanding between rider, sponsors and spectators.

E. To encourage good sportsmanship and good horsemanship among the members.

F. To encourage a friendlier relationship and mutual understanding among the members.

G. To make every effort to keep alive the quaint, colorful, ancient traditions of the Age of Chivalry which are associated with the sport, and to do as much as possible to make it unique in its own right.