[Coda]

In Amtgard, head shots simply don't count at all, for safety reasons. If you're hit in the head, you're free to ignore it; if you're hurt, you can announce "head!" and combat is forced to stop. Presumedly the same rationale applies to Bel -- if head armor were penetrable it would encourage MULTIPLE blows to the head to penetrate it.

Edit: They're not birdseed packets! XD

Edit 2: Amtgard does have classless sparring too, and even in class battles casters are expected to end up locking weapons at some point. (Carrying a weapon larger than a dagger uses up your MP though...) So you're EXPECTED to be able to defend yourself with a blade.