CFA Safety Rules
| Wear Mask | 1) Always wear a mask if you are fencing or on a strip next to fencers. 2) Never demonstrate a move unless both you and your partner are wearing masks. This is mandatory. 3) Beginning fencers in a class must get permission from their coach before removing their masks. 4) All group classes must have masks on before picking up weapons. To finish, put weapons down, then remove masks. 5) As you gain experience, you will learn to handle both weapon and mask correctly in order to salute your opponent before a bout or your coach before a lesson. |
| Listen to the Coach | 1) In all group classes, fencers must have their eyes on the coach when he is talking (so the coach knows you are paying attention). 2) Fencers must attempt all skills, as instructed by a coach. A part of all fencing technique is safety. Even if you are not good at the technique, if you try to execute the skill the way the coach instructs you to – you will be safe. |
| Eyes Open | 1) Before moving around the fencing floor, you must look to see where everyone is and take a route that keeps you out of the way of the fencers, remembering that the fencers usually move very fast and pay attention only to their opponent and never to by-standers. 2) Never walk across a fencing strip being used by two fencers. 3) Your drilling or fencing partner cannot see behind him/her. You need to stop the bout and warn him or her if there is an obstruction behind them – i.e., a bench, a wall, a person, or equipment. |
| Proper Equipment | 1) You must wear a full fencing uniform consisting of approved mask, jacket, plastron or underarm protector, knickers, and glove. Men should wear a protective cup and women a chest protector. 2) Absolutely forbidden are shorts or jeans. Fencing pants need to cover the entire leg (with or without the help of socks) and be flexible and stretchy. 3) Athletic shoes with non-marking soles. 4) For beginning classes, rental equipment and a glove (to cover your fencing hand) are available and must be worn. 5) Uniforms must be kept in clean and safe condition. Experienced members can show you how to care for your electric vest & mask. |
| Physically Ready | 1) Warm up. It is the fencer’s responsibility to warm up. Come early to make sure you are adequately warmed up to fence. 2) If you have any medical conditions, see your doctor first. CFA makes no representation about being able to give medical advice. 3) Do not fence if there is a medication issue that will cause you to have trouble focusing and/or staying alert. |
| Improper Movement | 1) No Running (except in class exercise) and no Horseplay. 2) No hard hitting on purpose and, especially, no retaliation. 3) No Walking while holding your weapon up in the air. 4) When moving across the floor, always carry your weapon by the tip, and the handle toward the floor; this is to ensure that your tip is not endangering anyone. Or keep the tip near and facing the ground all of the rest of the time. 5) If you see a breach of safety or improper behavior, please bring it to the attention of a coach or CFA staff member ASAP. |