Safety Rules and Behavior Code

  • Mask, jacket, underarm protector, long pants (preferably knickers), and glove must always be worn when fencing.
  • The weapons are to be treated with respect at all times, they are not toys. Weapons must be carried point down when around people without masks. Weapons are only pointed at another person when that person is fully uniformed, mask on, and ready to fence or drill.
  • Inspect your weapons and mask, jacket, and glove each time you use them. If you are using club gear and find any problem please report it to a coach. Do not put the item in question back into club storage without reporting it. Pay attention to your opponent’s uniform – if you see their jacket is unzipped, glove is undone, shoe is untied, and etc. tell them.
  • Wear proper shoes for fencing (court or fencing shoes). Please be sure that shoes are clean when entering the club.
  • Fencers must always be masked when weapons are raised, point forward. This means on all occasions, including discussion of actions and during drills.
  • Violent fencing actions are not permitted. Fencers must control parries and attacks so that the opponent is not injured by whipping or hard stabbing actions of the blade. If you cannot execute a flick properly, don’t do it. Do not cause body contact nor use the unarmed hand against your opponent. Do not turn your back on your opponent.
  • The salute must be done from the en garde lines.
  • Put away all equipment, don’t leave items laying around the strips.
  • If you think a weapon is broken, stop fencing immediately.  Stop fencing immediately if you think something is wrong or if your opponent retreats and waves the unarmed hand or gives any sign of wanting to stop.
  • If you feel a fencer is behaving in a dangerous or uncontrolled fashion, report it to a coach immediately. They will speak to the fencer without disclosing your identity.
  • Fencers on the piste have right of way. Persons not fencing are obligated to keep themselves and their gear clear of fencers on the strips.  Spectators must stay clear of the strips.
  • Report injuries immediately to a coach.  Stop fencing if you feel pain or discomfort.