They were heavy armored and the jousting lance were of a soft wood. They would break very easily and the one who broke his lance on the opponent was awarded the winner.
Source: I read this in a museum in germany were many armors and tournament weapons were on display.
Garagatt t1_iuigpgx wrote
Reply to ELI5 How did knights participate in tournaments like jousting without killing themselves? by QuantumHamster
They were heavy armored and the jousting lance were of a soft wood. They would break very easily and the one who broke his lance on the opponent was awarded the winner.
Source: I read this in a museum in germany were many armors and tournament weapons were on display.