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Fencing Safety Rules and Guidelines
Is
Fencing Safe?
Fencing is a very safe and lifelong sport. It is an extraordinarily safe
sport considering its heritage and nature. If you are new to fencing,
the first question you'll likely ask is, "Are the weapons real? Are they
sharp?" Yes, they are "real". No, they are not sharp. The ends are
blunted and covered by either a rubber tip or flat metal "button". The
risk of being injured by broken weapons is rare. Proper protective gear
significantly reduces any potential risk. Centuries of fencing practice
have led us to state of the art protection. Today, the best fencing
jackets, pants and masks are often made with puncture-resistant fabrics
such as "bullet-proof" Kevlar.
Both
men and women from teens to seniors are learning to fence. It's a great
way to get in shape and stay in shape. Anyone can learn to fence safely
with the right instruction. The following common-sense safety rules and
guidelines are what make this sport safe and enjoyable.
Safety
Rules
1.
Mask,
jacket, long pants, and glove must always be worn when fencing.
2.
The
weapons are to be treated with respect and awareness at all times.
Weapons must be carried point down at all times. They are not toys. A
weapon is only
pointed at another person when that person is fully masked and ready to
fence or drill.
3.
Fencers must always be masked when weapons are raised, point forward.
This means on all occasions, including discussion of actions and during
drills.
4.
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.
5.
Stop fencing instantly if you think something is wrong or if your
opponent retreats and waves the unarmed hand or gives any sign of
wanting to stop.
6.
If you think a weapon is broken, stop fencing instantly.
7.
If you counterattack, you are responsible for preventing body contact,
injury, and weapons breakage.
8.
If you feel a fencer is behaving in a dangerous or uncontrolled fashion,
report it to an instructor immediately. They will speak to the fencer
without disclosing your identity.
9.
Inspect your weapons and mask each time you use them. If you are using
club gear and find any problem please report it to an instructor. Do not
put the item in question back into club storage without reporting it.
Club fees cover routine breakage and maintenance. You will not be
penalized for reporting broken gear.
10.
Wear proper shoes for fencing (court or fencing shoes). Please be sure
that shoes are clean when entering the fencing floor to avoid dust and
moisture buildup which make the floor slippery.
11.
Fencers on the floor have right of way. Persons not fencing are
obligated to keep themselves and their gear clear of fencers on the
floor.
12.
Report injuries immediately to an instructor.
Guidelines for Students
The
goal is to teach the art and science of fencing in a safe environment of
mutual respect and self discipline.
Just
as in a martial arts dojo, the traditions governing behavior in a
fencing club have developed over the centuries.
These
traditions promote respect for yourself, your opponent, the instructors,
the weapons, and the tradition itself, as well as promoting safety.
Repeated or egregious violations of protocols, safety or sportsmanship
will
not be tolerated. Violators may be dismissed from class or the venue at
the coaches' or instructor’s discretion.
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It is
expected that each student enter and exit the venue respectfully.
·
Students should respond to a coach's request or direction promptly and
respectfully.
·
Each
fencer will salute their opponent, the referee, and the audience before
every bout, and salute their opponent and shake hands after every bout.
·
Club-owned masks, clothing and weapons should be returned to their
bags/containers when class is over. During class equipment should be
placed (not dropped!) on the floor during breaks. Jackets should be
placed neatly in the bags/containers after each use, along with gloves
and other club equipment.
·
Cheering for other fencers is encouraged, but name calling and displays
of poor sportsmanship are not acceptable.
·
Food
and beverages are discouraged near the fencing floor. Fencers are
expected to clean up after themselves on the fencing floor and in the
bathrooms. In the club, each fencer is responsible for maintaining a
clean, safe environment for learning. We depend upon each another for
the maintenance of the club venue.
The
sport of fencing is, by its very nature, competitive. In any given
encounter, one person will be victorious, and one will be defeated.
Learning to accept victory gracefully
is at
least as important as learning that defeat can be a lesson. Thus fencing
by its very nature teaches sportsmanship, resilience, and mental
toughness.
The
heart of a fencing club is its students. Following these guidelines,
students and instructors can create a safe, fun learning environment.
Does
it hurt?
Not if
done properly. Even if executed with appreciable energy, a good, clean
fencing
attack
hurts no more than a tap on the shoulder. The force of the blow is
normally absorbed by the flex of the blade. Reckless and overly
aggressive fencers can occasionally deliver somewhat painful blows.
However, fencing is a martial art, so you
should
expect minor bruises every now and again. They are seldom
intentional. The most painful blows tend to come from inexperienced
fencers who have not yet acquired the feel of the weapon.
The
primary source of injury in fencing is from pulled muscles and joints.
Proper warm up and stretching before fencing will minimize these
occurrences. As with any sport or physical activity there is always a
risk of injury. Common sense precautions and realistic training goals
are the best prevention.
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