UEA FENCING/SOWERBY-FENCING
SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE RULES 2009/2010
These Rules are to be observed whenever you fence. They exist for your safety and the safety of those around you. Serious breach of these rules will result in membership being revoked. All members must possess Union Sports Insurance; anyone not possessing such will not be permitted entry to the club or any of its competitive teams.
General Safety
Participation in the club warm up is a necessity. This can be done at your own pace -- there is no emphasis on speed nor endurance. Failure to participate in the warm up could result in serious physical injury.
The chewing of gum is not permitted; smoking is prohibited. The club is bound by BFA rules regarding drugs and alcohol and any member deemed to be under such influence by a coach will be prohibited from fencing.
Be aware of those around you when moving about the hall. Take care to avoid trailing ground wires and crossing pistes that are in use .
Responsibility
A fencer is deemed at law to except the ordinary risks of fencing, such as accidents relating to bodily contact and the breakages of blades that arise during the normal course of a bout. However, you will be individually liable for any injury caused by conduct considered illegal under the rules of fencing, recklessly violent actions, or if you knowingly use an unsafe blade. Such behaviour will result in immediate expulsion from the club and possible civil liability.
Ensure at all times you fence within the rules and that your equipment is safe. If in any doubt, ask the coaches for advice.
Fencers are advised to obtain insurance through membership of the British Fencing Association. Ask the club president for details of how to apply.
Whilst Fencing
All fencers must wear a 350n (minimum requirement) jacket while participating in the sport. All club equipment meets this standard. Those who have their own kit, please make sure the jackets meet the necessary requirements.
Legs must be fully covered. Fencers wearing breeches must wear longs socks. Fencers without breeches must have tracksuit bottoms/appropriate gym trousers with zipped/sewn up/no pockets. Fencers must wear trainers or other appropriate gym shoes. No jeans, shorts or other inappropriate clothing -- anyone deemed not appropriately dressed by a coach will be prohibited from joining in with the session.
Breeches are compulsory to fence epee.
T-shirts must be tucked in.
Equipment must fit properly; masks must fit snugly to the head and not wobble. If in doubt ask a coach for advice.
Never point a weapon at someone who is not wearing a mask. Observe caution when carrying weapons -- do not run with a weapon in your hands.
Left Handed fencers must make sure the equipment meets their particular needs.
Ladies must always wear chest protectors. All fencers must wear an under-plastron.
Courtesy and Miscellaneous
Always respect your opponent and observe fencing etiquette.
Respect the coaches and abide by their instructions and rules -- they are there for your safety. Please let the coaches know of any disabilities that will affect the method of your coaching.
Electric blades are stiffer than practice blades. Make sure your opponent consents to the use of an electric blade during non-electric fencing before undertaking any fencing.
Fencers wishing to progress to sabre and epee must demonstrate a level of control and fencing ability before such progression will be allowed. This does not affect those who are already proficient in or undertaking coaching in epee or sabre.
Spectators are to view sessions from where the senior coach designates as safe.
During competitions, participants and spectators are reminded that they represent both the Club and University; respect must always be shown to visiting teams.