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University of Calgary Fencing Club Salle Rules and Etiquette General Safety is the first concern of all individuals in the salle. When handling or carrying a weapon between periods of use, the tip of the weapon shall be below the knees or held securely in the hand. Swordplay without masks is strictly forbidden. It is also forbidden to touch or menace a person who is not properly equipped or who is not prepared or expecting to receive a touch. It is forbidden to fence without proper attire, including protective equipment and suitable clothing and footwear. Horseplay, with or without weapons, is forbidden in the salle. Guests to the salle may handle weapons only under the supervision of an Instructor. Fencers shall not receive lessons, or bout freely in any weapon, or with electric equipment, without the approval of an Instructor. One must treat the weapons honourably. The handling of any weapon, sharp or not, requires respect. It is forbidden to throw, intentionally drop, or otherwise abuse the weapons and other equipment. The individual who does so will incur any repair expenses, and the wrath of the Club Armourers. Use of pointed, broken, kinked, or otherwise unsafe weapons is strictly forbidden. Fencers must continually check the curvature of the blade and condition of the tip to avoid potential accidents. If a blade breaks in use, the fencers must halt the action instantly. Any individual who sees an unsafe situation shall immediately halt the action and report it to an Instructor If a blade breaks during normal use, the fencer using the weapon at the time will be responsible for the full replacement value, unless he or she has paid the specified Weapon Fee. Use of a club electric weapon for dry fencing is forbidden, unless no equivalent dry weapon is available. The individual will be held responsible for the full replacement value of an electric weapon broken while fencing dry, regardless of any Weapon Fee paid. Club lamés must also be removed while fencing dry. All injuries must be reported immediately to an Instructor, and if the severity warrants, to Campus Security. It is necessary to be respectful, polite, and helpful to beginners. Even the greatest champions started with the most basic skills. Payment of Club membership is due within the first month of the semester. All Club members are required to purchase an annual Alberta Fencing Association membership. Beginners are also encouraged to purchase an annual AFA membership. Individuals wishing to fence as occasional guests must make arrangements with the Club President or an Instructor. Occasional guest fencers must purchase an annual AFA membership through the club, or provide proof of affiliation with their national fencing association. Club equipment is available for overnight loan only for competitions or Club-sanctioned events. Equipment must be signed out through the President or Armourer. Fencers may not handle the private equipment of another without express permission from the owner. Private equipment should be clearly and permanently marked. After use, all Club equipment must be stored neatly and carefully in the appropriate cabinets to avoid damage and allow proper drying. During the Lesson During lessons the students must give the Instructors their full attention, and must not chatter or interrupt unnecessarily. If a student has a question directly related to the current lesson, he should raise his hand and wait for acknowledgement. Questions not related to the immediate lesson can wait until the end of the lesson. During line drills, students should observe the Instructors’ work with the preceding students. In this way, when their turn comes, they will not make the same errors. Students are expected to apply themselves with a sincere desire to learn and improve. During the Assault One must respect the opponent, and offer him salutes and handshakes at the appropriate times. When fencing under the supervision of a Referee, fencers must also offer him salutes at the appropriate times. Fencers should not challenge the decisions of the Referee. They may, however, request an explanation of a decision. If a fencer feels he has received a touch, but the Referee is uncertain, the fencer should acknowledge himself as touched. When fencing dry, the fencer is required to acknowledge all valid touches, as well as any which he is not certain of. If a fencer feels his own touch was of questionable validity, he should choose to waive the touch. In instances of questionable priority, both fencers should agree to discount the touches. Vengeful, violent, or vindictive actions will not be tolerated. At Competition Club members are expected to behave in an exemplary manner of sportsmanship. They must participate with sincerity, enthusiasm, and good technique, to the best of their ability. Club members must fence with pride, and should display Club colours as a mark of this. Club members must show respect for all opponents and officials, regardless of ability or club affiliation. Club members must keep well clear of active pistes and involved officials so as not to disrupt bouts in progress. Club members must respect the tournament apparatus. Abuse of the reels, pistes, or scoring boxes is a most serious and despicable offence. Home  |  About Us   |  About Fencing   |  Links  |  Photo Gallery Image Bank  |  Reviews   |  Fencing Fun  |  Contact Us