Woodside Fencing Center Fencing Rules

The Woodside Fencing Center desires to keep you safe while you learn to fence. Please abide by the following rules while at the sale. Conduct yourself in a sportsmanship manner.

• You will not be allowed to fence or take lessons unless you are wearing a fencing jacket, underarm protector, glove, mask, and fencing shoes or sneakers . Additionally, girls must wear breast protectors.  The proper attire is important for classes and lesson, as well as competition.  Knickers do not have to be worn for classes or lessons; warm-ups or sweats are adequate. In hot weather y ou may wear shorts while exercising or warming up . It is advisable to change into warm-ups, sweats, or knickers once classes and lessons commence. 

• Under no circumstances should weapons, i.e. fencing or otherwise ever be used to thrust at someone not wearing protective equipment, for example a fencing mask. Keep the point of the weapon down unless you are fencing on the fencing strip in a bout. Do not drag or poke the weapon on the floor. The weapon is not a blind man’s cane. Adjust the bend of the weapon with your sneaker on the rug next to the strip.

• Examine your weapons and protective equipment prior to bouting.   All non-electric foils must be capped with a rubber tip at all times.  If the tip comes off, all action must halt until another rubber tip is in place.  If any part of the blade breaks, action is halted immediately, and the blade must be discarded and replaced.  Consult the instructor if your blade breaks. Bends in a blade must be removed carefully.  If a blade becomes bent, consult the instructor immediately.

• Warm up before bouting or lessons. Practice good fencing techniques, posture, and footwork to prevent bad habits that lead to injuries.  It is understood that since fencing is an athletic activity, it entails an innate degree of danger.  Injuries are not uncommon in this sport, especially minor bruises, scratches, etc… Come physically prepared to fence. Fencing requires vast amounts of energy and uses tremendous stores of body fluids and nutrients. If you have been ill, or are not feeling well, don’t fence. 

• Be careful in the fencing area.  Make sure your strip surface is clear of all debris.  Weapons, masks, or other Warm up before bouting or lessons. Practice good fencing techniques, posture and footwork to prevent bad habits that lead to injuries. items that could cause trips, slips, or falls should be removed.  No horseplay on the strip and never attempt to make contact with someone who is bouting on another strip.  Never enter or exit the fencing area by crossing a strip where bouting is occurring.  Always use the walkway, but be aware that fencers may come across this area at any time.

• Take care of equipment.  You will not step on or kick weapons or masks.  This weakens whatever component was violated (grip, guard, blade, etc…) and therefore shortens its lifespan.  Also, you must always put away any equipment you borrow before you leave.

• Fence only when a coach or instructor is present and only under qualified supervision. Please ask for advice or assistance if you have any questions. We want your fencing session to be a positive one.