It depends on the period.

It dates from about the 11-15th centuries that jousting became a sport or called Hastilude without connections to direct warfare. In the beginning it was practiced with mail, a helm and a great shield by 1400 knights wore a full suit called a harness. During the earlier periods jousting was still a military a fair or a duel they were far more dangerous and often were not as more gentlemanly as later on. People would fight in a group to win various things from the other party.

With the idea of chivalry it became more regulated and knights had to fight on equal terms.

An early joust is featured in the Codex Manesse.

The barrier between the two combatants was only introduced in the 14th centuary and it was made from cloth.

An actual quote from battle is as follows "Is there among you any gentleman who for the love of his lady is willing to try with me some feat of arms? If there should be any such, here I am, quite ready to sally forth completely armed and mounted, to tilt three courses with the lance, to give three blows with the battle axe, and three strokes with the dagger. Now look, you English, if there be none among you in love."

It was answered by a English squire

The French gentlemen won. But the English thought that he acted without honour but the squire said it was due to the reaction of his horse that he lost and honour was preserved.