CLUB SAFETY GUIDE

From its nature, Fencing could be dangerous. It is a safe sport only because fencers keep it that way. All club members should observe the following points during club fencing.

The most likely cause of an accident is being hit by a sword when not properly protected:

ALWAYS wear mask, jacket and glove when fighting or practicing with another fencer.

INSIST that your opponent is also properly protected. If a problem arises (e.g. his jacket becomes undone) stop immediately.

Carry weapons carefully, either by the handle with the point low, or by the point with the handle hanging down.

The most likely cause of a serious injury is penetration by a broken blade:

Do not fight with weapons with soft or badly bent blades, which may break.

REFUSE to fight an opponent with such a blade - it will be you who gets skewered.

Do not use masks that are soft, dented, rusty or whose bib is not firmly attached.

Do not use jackets that are in worn, torn or not properly fastened. Jackets should fasten at the back or on the non-sword-arm side.

NOTE. New safety regulations on masks, jackets and breeches came into force at the start of 2006. The club insists that all members' equipment meets these regulations, so if your equipment is more than a few years old, you will need to replace it.

When fencers are fighting they are not able to pay much attention to what is going on around them, so before you start a fight:

Make sure that you have enough space. Don't get too close to other fencers.

Look around for obstacles such as furniture, equipment bags etc.

If you are not fighting, but others in the hall are:

Move around watchfully so you don't walk into a fight.

Take care moving equipment or furniture so it doesn't obstruct a fight.

Don't cut across a piste close behind a fencer.

Don't run around.

Don't play ball games.

Don't throw things.

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