Concord Fencing Club 10 Easy Rules to Safe Fencing

It doesn't take a lot of effort to minimize the risks and dangers of our competitive sport!

Fencing is a relatively safe sport. For the most part, the problems we encounter are limited to bruises, strains and sprains. Nevertheless, there is always the possibility of serious injury. Most serious injuries result from either the improper use of equipment and/or unsafe fencing techniques and tactics.

All fencers need to understand equipment limitations and to accept the inherent dangers in the sport. Plus, fencers need to assume responsibility for their behavior which can put themselves and their opponents at risk.

The USFA/ASTM Fencing Safety Committee created a list of 10 safe fencing recommendations. The list includes practices and behaviors that ultimately impact the health and well-being of fencers. We hope to offer the following list in poster format for posting in clubs and schools.

1.	Wear protective equipment during all lessons, practices and competition.
2.	Maintain and regularly check your equipment for safety.
3.	Do not use unsafe or damaged equipment, including, but not limited to, torn uniforms, dented masks, worn gloves or unstable weapons.
4.	Warm up and stretch before lessons, practices, and competition.
5.	If your weapon breaks, stop fencing immediately.
6.	Keep proper fencing distance; never turn your back on your opponent.
7.	Never point your weapon at an unmasked opponent.
8.	Use fencing actions appropriate for skill level and competitive setting.
9.	Comply with the U.S. Olympic Committee policy on banned substances.
10.	Always fence in a courteous manner that preserves the character of a courteous and honest encounter.

From "American Fencing" magazine, Summer 96'/Volume46, Number 3.
Follow 10 Easy Rules to Safe Fencing by Drs. Cynthia Carter and John Heil.