Rules: Safety and Code of Conduct

Adobe AcrobatThis Safety and Code of Conduct Policy is page 3 of our Membership Form (PDF 116k).

The OFC is open to the general public who are interested in the sport of Olympic Fencing. Upon entering the OFC, all individuals including OFC members, guests, coaches, and staff, agree to follow these rules, along with adhering to the rules of fencing as adopted by the United States Fencing Association (USFA). The OFC management and/or its Board of Directors reserves the right to revoke membership or any privileges of any person who has been found to violate any of these rules. Fencing at the Oxford Fencer’s Club constitutes aceptance of these rules and code of conduct.

CODE OF CONDUCT

  • It is expected that each student will greet the coaches as he or she arrives at the salle, and shake the coach's hand as he or she leaves.
  • The instructors are to be addressed as Coach by the students, unless otherwise directed. Students will respond to a coach's request promptly and respectfully.
  • Each fencer will salute his opponent before every bout, and salute and shake hands after every bout.
  • Masks and weapons should be returned to their racks when class is over. Jackets should be hung on hangers after use, and gloves and plastrons returned to their containers.
  • Sportsmanship: Fencers may not jostle or fight during a bout, curse in anger, or engage in intimidation or threats.
  • Fencers will refrain from non-emergency interruptions of classes or lessons.
  • Fencers must clean up after themselves.

FENCING RULES

  • All on-deck fencers must direct the prior bout to conclusion, before they can fence.
  • If your equipment doesn't work for more than 5 minutes, get off the strip.
  • Bouts may not be interrupted for phone calls, conversations, etc. If a fencer is not able to fence during a bout, they must leave the strip and let others fence.
  • The fencing floor is for fencing and training. If you're not fencing or training, get off the floor.
  • No equipment bags, food or beverages are allowed on the fencing floor.

SAFETY

  • Safety precautions must be observed at all times.
  • Mask, jacket, glove and pants (not shorts) must always be worn when fencing. Fencers must always wear masks when weapons are raised.
  • Fencers may not run with weapons, hit things with weapons, or throw weapons or gear.
  • Violent or uncontrolled fencing actions are not permitted. Fencers must control their actions.
  • Do not turn your back on your opponent during an action. Do not cause body contact nor use the unarmed hand while fencing.
  • If you feel a fencer is behaving in a dangerous or uncontrolled fashion, report it to an instructor. They will speak to the fencer without disclosing your identity.
  • Do not cross fencing strips while there is fencing going on.
  • Inspect your gear each time you use it. If you find a problem with club gear, report it to an instructor. You will not be penalized for reporting broken gear.
  • Stop fencing instantly if you think something is wrong or if your opponent retreats and waves the unarmed hand or gives any sign of wanting to stop.
  • If you think a weapon is broken, stop fencing instantly.
  • Report injuries immediately to an instructor or coach.