Our goal is to teach the sport of fencing in a safe environment of mutual respect and self discipline. We expect all of our students to follow these guidelines.
Just as in a martial arts dojo, the traditions governing behavior in a fencing salle d’armes have developed over the centuries. These traditions promote respect for one’s self, one’s opponent, the instructors, the weapons, and the tradition itself, as well as promoting safety. Repeated or egregious violations of protocols regarding safety or sportsmanship will not be tolerated. Violators may be removed from class at the coaches’ discretion.
Student guidelines
- Greet the coaches as you arrive at the club and tell them goodbye as you leave.
- Please address instructors as Coach, and respond to a coach’s request promptly and respectfully.
- Treat weapons with respect and awareness at all times. Carry your weapon with the point down at all times. It is not a toy. Only point your weapon at another person when they are fully masked and ready to practice or fence.
- Salute your practice partner before and after every encounter. When you fence, salute your opponent, the referee, and the audience before and after every bout, and shake hands after every bout.
- Return masks and weapons to their racks when class is over. Place (not drop!) equipment on the floor during water breaks in class. Hang your jacket neatly on a hanger after each use, and return gloves, plastrons, and chest protectors to their appropriate container. After fencing electric, wrap up your body cord in a neat bundle so they don’t get tangled in the box.
- When we are playing games or having team contests, cheering for your team is encouraged, but name calling and displays of poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated.
- Food and beverages are never allowed on the fencing floor. Please clean up after yourself on the fencing floor, in the carpeted areas, and in the bathrooms. In a salle d’armes or a dojo, each student is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe environment for learning. We all depend on one another for the maintenance of the salle.
Sportsmanship
The sport of fencing is by its very nature competitive. In any given encounter, one person will be victorious, and one will be defeated. Learning to accept victory gracefully is at least as important as learning that defeat can be a lesson. Thus fencing by its very nature teaches sportsmanship, resilience, and mental toughness.
The heart of a fencing salle is its students. Following these guidelines, students and instructors can create a safe, fun learning environment.