Safety Rules for Fencing

Follow these rules at all times while in the club, to ensure a safe environment.

1.)    For ALL activities involving raised weapons, masks MUST be worn.

When not fencing, points should be placed on top of your foot.

When carrying weapons hold at the tip, handles down.

This means all activities, including discussion, description of actions, etc…

2.)    Violent actions are not permitted.

Fencing is a non-violent sport, and each fencer is required to control their actions, both attacks and parries to avoid injury from whipping or stabbing actions.

3.)    Respect the space of your opponent and classmates.

Do not cause body contact, not use the unarmed hand against your opponent or their blade.

Do not turn your back to your opponent, and do not expose the back of your head to them.

If your opponent retreats too close to a wall, STOP fencing, switch places or return to the center.

Keep mindful that there may be vigorous fencing occurring close-by, even if you are unmasked.

4.)    Mask, jacket, underarm protector, glove, and long sturdy pants are required for bouting.

Unarmed movement drills may be done in shorts, but sturdy pants (track pants, jeans, fencing breeches) must be worn for bouting.

5.)    If a weapon breaks, even if not on your strip, STOP ALL FENCING, and identify and replace the blade.

Likewise, if an unsafe situation arises, call “HALT” immediately, to alert your classmates to the situation.

If you feel a fencer is behaving in a dangerous manner, report it in confidence to the instructors.

6.)    Inspect all equipment before use, particularly masks and weapons.

Periodically inspect tips during practice for breakdowns. 

Give faulty equipment to the instructors for replacement/repairs.

7.)    Do not hastily remove your mask during interruptions or at the end of the bout.

8.)    Do not improvise or embellish your weapon, body or hands.

If your instructor invents special games or drills, you must play exacting according to the rules.

9.)    Wear proper footwear for fencing.

No sandals, boots or slippers.

Keep soles clean to avoid dust build-up and slipping.

10.)    Report any injuries or physical conditions which may affect your ability to fence BEFORE beginning any activity.

11.)    Report any injuries IMMEDIATELY to instructor.

In general it is best to remain where you are if injured.

Instructors will arrange for transportation to hospital (if required).

Instructors are required to make written reports of injuries; this is not a personal reflection.

You will be ask how and when the injury occurred, your name, address, and phone number.

12.)    Counterattacks and fleche attacks must be made with caution.

The fencer initiating the action is responsible for preventing body contact, injury, and weapon breakage.

The fleche must be made so as to pass the opponent as it finishes.

Do not attempt these actions until you have had sufficient instruction and practice.

You should make these actions in such a way as to bend the arm the instant the point arrives in order to relieve pressure on the blade (and your opponent!).

With these notes in mind, your fencing experience will be safer and more enjoyable for everyone.