Ensuring Safety in Fencing: Top 6 Rules Every Fencer Must Follow
Overall, fencing is a very safe sport that is made even safer by our 15/14 shoe. However, this depends on whether the participant follows safety rules that serve as a guideline for all fencing-related activities. Here at Azza, we try to make fencing as safe as possible. This includes sharing knowledge on our blog, along with developing the best shoe on the market. There are 6 crucial safety rules for fencing that, when not followed, can lead to serious injuries such as the loss of eyesight, painful and dangerous hits on the unprotected body, and concussions.
Never hit someone when they do not have their mask on.
When someone does not have their mask on, there should never be attempts to hit them. Even if they are in full gear, the lack of a mask signals that they are not a target in the present moment. If they have no mask but full gear on, the best practice is to ask them to wear their mask before you use them as a target.
When not fencing, handle your blade with caution and care.
This rule helps to prevent more accidental injuries. A great practice is always to keep your point towards the ground when not fencing. Another way to manage your point is to carry your blade with your hand wrapped around your point. However, if your hand grazes it incorrectly, a metal splinter may occur from the blade's residue.
Try your absolute best not to hit someone with your bellguard in their mask.
This rule helps to protect your teammates and opponents from gaining concussions while fencing you. It is essential to avoid head injuries that may have lifelong impacts, although accidents may occur. If your bellguard requires being close to your opponent's head, consider forgoing attempting to earn that point (especially when in practice). Remember: the best training partners are healthy training partners!
Always Wear Your Full Gear While Doing Drills and Bouting.
When doing drills and bouting, wearing your full gear is very important. This rule includes always wearing your plastron, mask, white jacket under your electric jacket, and fencing socks. Even when you think they might not be necessary, your gear can help. This is essential because our safety equipment aims to minimize the chances of accidents having a severe impact. While accidents may occur, your safety equipment and practices may save your health and protect your life.
In a fencing lesson, the student should wear at least a mask and glove.
During a fencing lesson, it is typically socially acceptable for students not to wear gear other than their mask and gloves. This practice is okay as long as both the student and coach follow the other safety precautions listed above. However, wearing your glove is very important because it can stop injuries such as cuts and bruises to and possibly through your hand! While people have different preferences for how they dress for their lessons, a glove and mask are the bare minimum.
When someone, the other fencer, a referee, or another onlooker of your bout tells you to halt or stop, you should always cease fencing.
Fencing is a community. This phrase means that our sport is only made possible by the support and guidance of others. Sometimes, in bouts, you may be told to halt for a reason that you may not be able to see yourself or you have not noticed. You should always stop fencing when this occurs because there may be a major safety concern that you may not realize until it is too late. It may be something as minor as someone’s shoe coming untied or something as major as someone’s jacket unzipping during the bout. Either way, you should always halt to ensure your own safety and the safety of others.
