Fencing

An Ancient Art, A Modern Sport

Introducing the sport

To Parents

FORWARD

This manual pays tribute to parents, who contribute and sacrifices their time to support their child who takes up the sport. It introduces the sport to parents, to show them how to enjoy the sport while accompanying their child to competitions and what to expect. It also explains the basic needs and

preparations for competitions.

MR LIM PENG JIN BCN, PJK

FEDERATION INTERNATIONEAL D’ESCRIME (FIE) LEVEL 1 COACHING CERTIFICATE (ISSUED BY AUSTRALIAN FENCING FEDERATION 2003) HON. SECRETARY – PENANG FENCING ASSOCIATION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – MALAYSIAN FENCING FEDERATION MEMBER – AUSTRALIAN FENCING FEDERATION

STATE COACH – PENANG SPORTS COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT COACH – NATIONAL SPORTS COUNCIL OF MALAYSIA

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCING THE SPORT TO PARENTS

2. ROLL OF PARENTS & HOW TO ENJOY THE SPORT

3. THE PISTE

4. THE GAME

5. THE WEAPONS

6. THE SKILL

7. TOURNAMENT/COMPETITION

8. THE RULES

9. PENALITIES

10. WARNING CARDS

11. THE OFFICIALS

12. HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION

13. HAND SIGNS USED FOR RAFERRING

14. WHAT TO BRING TO COMPETITION

15. EQUIPMENTS

16. SAFETY RULES

17. TRUISMS OF FENCING

18. SOME COMMON TERMS (ENGLISH/FRENCH) USED

[LPJ/ 2007}

FENCING

INTRODUCTION ,ROLE OF PARENTS & HOW TO ENJOY THE SPORT

INTRODUCTION

“AN ANCIENT ART, A MODERN SPORT”

The sport of fencing is a uniquely classic sport. It has history, drama, romance, style, art, plus all the advantages of an active physically demanding sport. Mentally it is mind consuming, allowing not a moment's break. Fencing is also fast and athletic, a far cry from the choreographed bouts you see on film or on the stage. Instead of swinging from a chandelier or leaping from balconies, you will see two fencers performing an intense dance on 1.5 – 2 meters wide and 14 meters long foot strip. The movement is so fast the touches are scored electrically - more like Star Wars than Errol Flynn.

Fencing is an exciting, wonderful, and productive sport that will give your child realistic life experiences, maturity, and physical and mental training for life! Come prepared, enjoy the process, and encourage your child to keep trying. The mind is the most powerful weapon that any fencer can wield. The ability to control the mind and your body‟s response to a situation is fundamental. Imagine standing there facing your opponent who is holding a sword just like you. Suddenly they dart toward you with the tip of that sword pointed at your chest. What to you do? How do you react? Tell your feet to retreat, your hand adjusts your grip on your sword tightly to block the oncoming attack, you tell your mind to stop racing and focus on what it‟s going to take to stop this attack, and what you're going to do after you do? As a fencer, you will learn to have the self-control over your body to react to these actions all at the same time. (Now we're talking multi-tasking!) If you compare this to other sports where the child merely tries to kick or hit the ball, the strategy and self-control is an afterthought. In fencing, self-control and body-control come first. And most importantly, it‟s what keeps you from getting hit by that attacker. By fencing, your child will gain greater self-control and increase concentration. Soon enough, this self-control will begin to extend to other aspects of their life.

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YOUTH PROGRAM

The youth program of the Penang Fencing Association (PFA) is designed to provide an introduction for your child to one of the most fascinating, exciting and safest sports. Fencing develops discipline, balance, coordination, and sportsmanship. Fencing helps the youth develop quicker reflexes and an ability to make lighting fast analyses of tactical situations.

The youth fencing program has developed a very large foundation for our pyramid of fencers, the apex of which cannot be higher than the base is wide, meaning the wider the base the higher we can reach. Large fencing programs are appearing across Penang and Malaysia as an alternative to the all-time favorite team sports. There is no predetermined method to pre-select great fencers so all fencers must be given equal chance and attention. Children develop at different mental, emotional and physical rates and their goals change accordingly. There are those who exhibit no talent during their first four or five years of fencing and then become dynamite competitors, while others may show the competitive spark from the first day.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

There are many benefits to participating in youth fencing. Children learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. They learn to compete independently as well as for a team; they learn to enjoy winning and profit from defeats, while becoming physically fit and healthy; and, most importantly, they learn to make complex decisions, analyze problems, and think fast. These ideals help children reach their potential in many areas other than fencing.

Remember that the primary motivating factor for entering sports, particularly among adolescents, is the desire to have fun. The following pages will help you assist them in reaching this goal. Don't forget, Olympic Champions have fun too.

RIGHTS OF YOUNG ATHLETES

We believe youth have the right to:

be treated with dignity by all involved.

fence as a child and not as an adult

fence regardless of skill level

fence in a safe and healthy environment

have proper preparation for fencing

have qualified adult leadership

share in leadership in fencing

have equal opportunity to strive for success

have fun fencing

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ROLE AS A PARENT

As a parent, your primary purpose is to support and encourage your child. Parents greatly contribute to the success experienced by their children as well as other children in the youth program. Parent's attitudes are often adopted by their children, who consult them for advice and approval. Parents, be aware of this and strive to become positive role models. Most importantly, this includes showing good sportsmanship at all times and respecting coaches, officials, and opponents.

Get your child to the club to train regularly. School obligations come first, so utilize school holidays for maximizing training opportunities. Training two months a year at a camp will yield very limited results. A consistent training curriculum is strongly encouraged. Ensure that your child has a small snack before training and competitions and brings a water bottle to the club and tournament. Be careful about weight training before it's appropriate age-wise. Consult with your child's doctor before starting any rigorous training program. Over training for short periods of time followed by long periods of less or no training is certain to result in injury. Have realistic expectations of your child's ability. Don't rush into competition until his training is well under way; then start fencing locally. Until your child is consistently finishing well in local and regional competitions, he is not ready for national tournaments. It is important to let your child establish his own goals and play the game for himself. Help your child establish and achieve the goals he sets for himself. Avoid imposing your own goals or the coach's goals on your child. "Success," sometimes interpreted as "winning," comes at different ages for each fencer. Success in youth fencing is achieved if the program helps the child love fencing. Great achievement will occur when the child loves the sport. The best way to help your child achieve his goals and reduce his fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make mistakes. When your child makes one, remember that he is still learning. Encourage his efforts and highlight the successes and the things your child did well. Your child will have good days and bad ones. Help him through the bad days and celebrate the good days he is fortunate to have. Fencing is a continuous struggle to improve from first-day beginner to Olympic Champion. Be careful not to emphasize winning to the exclusion of your child having fun and learning about himself while enjoying the exciting sport of fencing. Encouraging a healthy environment that emphasizes learning and fun can develop a more positive self-image, an invaluable asset throughout your child's life. At fencing tournaments, take time to meet new people, visit different cities and see what they have to offer. Many lasting friendships have been formed between fierce competitors. Enjoy the visits.

[LPJ/2007]

FENCING – THE GAME

1. THE STRIP (PISTE)

Fencing is played on a metal strip, or piste, which measures approximately 1.5 to 2 meters wide and 14 meters long. Each fencer starts at the on-guard line, 2 meters from the centre line and has a distance of 5 meters for retreating. In addition, the last 2 meters of the piste before these rear limit lines must be clearly distinguished - if possible by a different colour of piste - to make it easy for the fencers to be aware of their position on the piste. Points (or touches) scored in a bout are registered on an electronic scoring machine. The machine receives an electrical impulse when the spring tip of the foil or epee is depressed or, in Sabre when there adequate contact with the opponent by the blade. The strip is grounded to prevent touches being accidentally scored on the playing surface.

2. THE GAME (HOW IT IS PLAYED)

Fencers come on guard when the Referee gives the order „On Guard‟, followed by „Ready” and the command to commence with the word „Play‟ and/or „Fence‟, all with their respective hand sign. (See below)

Fencers are always put on guard, whether at the beginning of the bout or, subsequently, in the centre of the width of the piste. When placed on guard during the bout, the distance between the two fencers with their arms extended straight and the blades in line, the points of the two blades do not make contact.

After the scoring of a valid hit the fencers are put on guard in the middle of the piste. If no hit is awarded they are replaced in the position which they occupied when the bout was interrupted.

The bout stops on the word „Halt‟. Directly the order „Halt‟ has been given, a fencer may not start a new action; only the movement which has begun before the order was given remains valid. Everything which takes place afterwards is entirely non-valid

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In the preliminary rounds, each fencing bout is fenced for five touches, with a time limit of 3 minutes. In the later rounds, for all events except the Youth events, each bout is fenced to a maximum of 15 touches. The bout is separated into three rounds of three minutes, with a one-minute rest period between rounds. In the event that the score is tied when time has elapsed, the referee will randomly determine priority (with a coin toss or equivalent) for one fencer. Fencing will continue for one additional minute. The first touch to score ends the bout. If the score remains tied at the end of the additional minute, the fencer with priority will win.

In Youth events, the later rounds are fenced best two out of three 5-touch bouts, of three minutes each, with a one minute rest period between bouts. In the event of a tie score at the end of time, the bout will proceed as outlined above. After the preliminary rounds, the fencers who are promoted will be seeded into a direct elimination table. In some formats, the winner advances, and the loser is out. In other formats, it requires two losses to be eliminated. In the format that is most common in National competition, the direct elimination continues until 32 fencers remain, and then, two losses are required to be eliminated.

THE WEAPONS Foil, epee, and sabre are the three weapons used in the sport of fencing. Foil and epee are point-thrusting weapons. Sabre is a point thrusting as well as a cutting weapon. The target areas differ for the three weapons, though all three are scored electronically. The foil has a flexible rectangular blade, approximately 35 inches in length, weighing less than one pound. Points are scored with the tip of the blade and must land within the torso of the body. The valid target area in foil is the torso, from the shoulders to the groin, front and back. It does not include the arms, neck, head and legs. The foil fencer's uniform includes a metallic vest (called a lame), which covers the valid target area, so that a valid touch will register on the scoring machine. A small, spring-loaded tip is attached to the point of the foil and is connected to a wire inside the blade. The fencer wears a body cord inside his uniform, which connects the foil to a reel wire, connected to the scoring machine. A touch on the valid surface will register a colored light on the scoring machine. A touch on the non-valid surface will register a white light.

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The epee (pronounced "EPP-pay"), the descendant of the dueling sword, is similar in length to the foil, but is heavier, weighing approximately 27 ounces, with a larger guard (to protect the hand from a valid hit) and a much stiffer blade. Touches are scored only with the point of the blade. The entire body is the valid target area. The blade is wired with a spring-loaded tip at the end that completes an electrical circuit when it is depressed beyond a pressure of 750 grams. This causes the colored bulb on the scoring machine to light. Because the entire body is a valid target area, the epee fencer's uniform does not include a lame. The sabre is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword, and is similar in length and weight to the foil. The major difference is that the sabre is a thrusting weapon as well as a cutting weapon (use of the blade). The target area is from the bend of the hips (both front and back), to the top of the head, simulating the cavalry rider on a horse. The sabre fencer's uniform includes a metallic jacket (lame), which covers the target area to register a valid touch on the scoring machine. The mask is different from foil and epee, with a metallic covering since the head is valid target area. Touches that arrive on the valid surface register a colored light on the scoring machine. Off-target hits do not register on the machine.

THE SKILL There are five lines painted on the strip. Two meters on either side of the centerline are the on guard lines. The fencers begin each touch of the bout behind these lines. Three meters behind the on guard line is the beginning of the warning area. This two-meter area is brightly marked and serves to remind fencers they are approaching the end line of the strip. A fencer passing the end line with both feet is counted as touched. The Three Skills The sport involves three skills: blade work, footwork, and tactics. These skills can be learned at any age and a good fencer is always striving to improve them. Physical size is not considered an important factor due to the nature of the game and the variety of ways in which touches can be scored. Successful fencers come in all shapes and sizes.

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1. Blade work is perhaps the most difficult of the essential skills to maser. It permits a skilled fencer to deceive his opponents and reach the target despite the opponent's attempts to defend himself. 2. Footwork, the most physically demanding of the skills, is the one which permits a fencer to move into appropriate positions and distances to allow him to effectively utilize blade work to touch the opponent and to allow him to "get away" to avoid the opponent's attack. 3. Tactics consist of the plans and counter plans utilized by fencers to coordinate use of blade work and footwork against the fencing style of opponents.

TOURNAMENT / COMPETITION The Individual Competitions: At an individual event, all of the entries are seeded based on past performance, usually the last five (5) competitions. They are divided into pools of five to seven fencers, which are balanced for strength and club separation based on the seed. Each fencer in the pool will fence a bout against each of the other members of the pool. After completion of the pool, a predetermined number of its members will be elevated to the next round. After the pools are concluded, the promoted fencers will be organized from best record to worst into an elimination table of 16, 32, 64 or 128 fencers. This may be fenced in a single or double elimination tableau. In a single elimination, a fencer losing against an opponent is eliminated form the tournament. In double elimination, a fencer is eliminated after two loses. The finals of an event are fenced as a single elimination table of eight fencers. Team Competitions: At a team event, two, three, or four man teams plus one permitted alternate are fielded by clubs, schools, or countries and are seeded based on the strength of the fencers comprising the teams. The preliminary round(s) are fenced under the pool format and the later rounds are usually fenced with a single elimination format. In a team match, each of the fencers on the team fences each of the fencers on the other team. Scoring is "relay" style. In Relay, the first thee minute bout is fenced until one fencer has 5 touches. The second bout is fenced until one fencer has ten touches, and so on, until a final score of 45 is reached. It is possible for one fencer to score more than 5 touches in a single bout. Should the score be tied at the end of the final bout, priority is determined by the referee, and an additional minute is fenced.

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THE RULES The rules are divided into four basic categories: 1. The strip rules dealing with the position of the fencers. All fencing action takes place on the fencing strip, as described earlier. The director will stop the bout each time a fencer crosses the lateral boundaries of the strip with one or both feet, or passes an opponent while remaining on the strip. When a fencer leaves the strip with one or both feet, that fencer is penalized one meter of distance, the opponent advancing one-meter from the point he or she occupied at the moment the infraction occurred. If this distance penalty caused the fencer to retread beyond the end line of the strip, he or she is counted at touched. 2. The rules of right-of-way, which determine priority in foil and sabre if both fencers make a touch during the same action. - The rules of right-of-way in judging the priority of hits made in foil and sabre fencing are based on the generalized theory that an individual being threatened with a real sword will first defend himself before initiating his own offensive action. The following order of priority: -A point in line is a fully extended arm - pointing toward the valid target of the opponent and must be in place prior to initiation of an opponent's attack and has the highest priority. The valid target in foil is the front and back of the torso and in sabre, the body above the hips. An advance or retreat by an individual who has established a point in line has no effect on the priority. - An attack is an offensive action made with the arm extending and the point threatening the valid target of the opponent. The attack continues to have priority until it misses the opponent, the opponent parries, or the weapon arm is retracted. - A parry is the defensive action made by deflecting the blade of the attacker away from the target. After successfully parrying the attack, the defender has the right of way to attempt a touch in turn. - A riposte is an action technically executed in the same manner as an attack, but which must be preceded by a parry. - A defender may also respond to an attack by making a counter attack. Although a counter attack is technically executed in the same way as an attack, the counter attacker does not initiate the action but is merely responding to the attacker. The counter attack does not have priority over the attack. Therefore, if both fencers arrive on the target, only the action of the attacker will be considered. If, however, the attacker fails to hit either valid or invalid target, the action of the counter attacker will be counted, and, if it arrives on the valid target, he will be awarded the touch. [LPJ/2007]

- In sabre fencing, off-target hits are not registered on the machine and therefore do not stop the bout. - In epee, there is no right-of way or limited target area. The point simply awarded to the first fencer that hits the opponent, anywhere on the body. If both fencers hit simultaneously, a point is awarded to both fencers. - In all three weapons, the bout is over when one fencer reaches 5 or 15 touches, or time expires. 3. The penalty rules list the infractions for which touches may be added to the score of the opponent or annulled from the fencer who scored while committing an infraction. More severe sanctions may be awarded for serious offenses. 4. The organizational rules regulate the manner of conducting a competition.

PENALTIES Penalties are divided into four categories. Category One All Category One penalties are interdependent. Upon the first occurrence of an offense during a bout, the fencer is warned and receives a yellow card. Committing any additional offense during the bout will result in the offender receiving a red card and the opponent receiving a penalty touch. Category Two All Category Two penalties are also interdependent. A fencer is given a red card upon first and any subsequent infraction during a bout. Both Category One and Two infractions result in the annulment of a touch made by the offending fencer while committing the offense. Category Three Category Three penalties may be assessed for infractions against safety or the order of the competition. Such infractions can result in penalty touches (red card) or expulsion (black card) from the competition. Category Four The Category Four penalties involve unsportsmanlike conduct, using fraudulently modified equipment, collusion or brutality. The infractions result in automatic expulsion (black card) from the competition.

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A complete listing of infraction and penalties is found in the FIE Rulebook.

WARNING CARDS

Yellow Card Leaving piste without permission

Simple corps à corps

Corps à corps to avoid being hit

Turning back on opponent

Use of non-sword arm/hand

Covering/substitution of valid target

Leaving the piste to avoid being hit

Interruption of a bout without valid reason

At foil, reversing line of shoulders

Deliberate hit not on opponent

Refusal to obey the Referee

Jostling, falling, disorderly fencing*; taking off mask before the Referee calls

„Halt‟; undressing on the piste

Unjustified appeal

Red Card

Dangerous, violent or vindictive action, blow with guard or pommel

Fencer disturbing order when on piste

Dishonest fencing*; refusal to salute before the beginning of the bout (* Annulment of any hit scored by the fencer at fault.)

Black Card _______ Manifest cheating with equipment Offence against sportsmanship

Deliberate brutality, refusal of both fencers to salute; before the bout; after the final hit scored

Profiting from collusion, favoring an opponent

[LPJ/2007]

THE OFFICIALS

Officials of a competition consist of:

Directoire Technique (DT) President de Jury Jury of Appeal Referees

Directoire Technique (DT) - Shall be responsible for the technical organization of the competition including seeding (ranking) of the participants, establishing the format of the competition and resolving rules disputes accordingly to the FIE Rules Book.

President de Jury / Jury of Appeal – Each State (for National competitions) and/or Country (for International competitions) participating the competition must be accompanied by one (1) jury. The President will be elected during a meeting held before the competition and must be accepted by all representative juries. They will than work under the assignment of the Directorie Technique (DT) through the competition.

Referees - Each participating State and/or Country must be accompanied by a number of referees accordingly as follows:-

National International 1 – 4 fencers 1 – 9 fencers : no referee required 5 – 8 fencers 10 – 19 fencers : 1 referee required 9 or more 20 or more : 2 referees required These referees should be accepted by all participating States and/or Country. They are to be on duty under the assignment of the Directorie Technique (DT) through the competition.

The Referee describes the actions made by the fencers and awards the touches based on the rules of priority and registration of touches on the scoring machine. The Bout Committee is responsible for

[LPJ/2007]

HOW TO FOLLOW THE ACTION

Fencing is physically and mentally demanding, where speed, strength, footwork, finger-work and psychology are essential to winning. For those new to fencing, it is difficult to follow the lightning speed of the fencers' actions. These following hints should be helpful in giving you an eye of the game:

Do not try to watch both fencers, focus on one fencer only (maybe cheer for them) The fencer who moves forward first with his/her sword arm extended straight is

consider the attacker; this is usually accompanied with the blade point being directed towards the opponent‟s target area.

The opponent‟s defends himself by use of a parry, a motion used to deflect the attacker's blade or push the blade out of the line of attack. He will than make a riposte (attempt to hit the attacker). Thus, the two adversaries keep changing between offense and defense. Whenever a hit is made, the referee will stop the bout, describe the actions, and decide whether or not to award a touch. The referee will also stop the actions if there is an off target attack.

A fencer is defending when taking steps back or when parrying and riposting. Watch the footwork, and notice how fencers try to maintain distance in order to either

launch an attack with a lunge or to assure their defense if the opponent attacks. Fencers seek to maintain a safe distance from each other, that is, out of range of the Other‟s attack. One will try to break this distance to gain the advantage for an attack. At times, a fencer will make a false attack to gauge the types of reactions by the

opponent in the real attack. (Fencers with good footwork have the advantage) Try to recognize the split second in which the fencer you are watching tries to provoke

a counter action or a reaction from the opponent. To follow the actions in Foil and Sabre watch also the referee‟s hand actions. Watch also the small controlled movements of the fencer‟s hand as the tiny

movements they make can take you years to learn

As you become accustomed to the speed of the game, the tactics and strategies become more apparent, and you will gain a better understanding of the finesse and fascination of fencing!

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HAND SIGNS USED IN COMPETITION

Note: All hand signs followed by verbal analyses of the actions in French.

[LPJ/2007]

BE PREPARED TO WAIT

Fencing events generally take all day. Unless your child does not move up from the initial rounds (pools), you can expect to spend a great deal of time in the venue. Be patient. Bring something that will help you pass the time - a book, knitting, a personal computer, etc. Of course, comfortable shoes are a must since you will be "on alert" during the entire competition (or at least until you learn more about the tempo of the competitive day at which point you will read, knit, or doze). Encourage your child to rest, drink water, and perhaps eat something light while waiting between rounds. Bring a cooler of food and water if possible. Most local venues do not offer food service. There are products made for coolers that are in the form of a 'blanket'. This can serve double duty: keeping the food and water cool and, as needed, for placing on an injury. There are usually few seats available to spectators in venues. Bring your own folding chair or stool and use it. DO NOT take chairs meant for athletes. They need somewhere to sit between bouts to keep their legs "fresh". Placing a towel over their legs will help keep the muscles warm. The athlete's anxiety may be high; your job is to provide a calm environment. They will absorb any anxiety you exude. Be supportive of your fencer no matter what the outcome of the tournament. Every tournament is a learning experience. Discuss with your fencer what they have learned and what they will work to improve upon.

WHAT TO BRING TO A TOURNAMENT/COMPETITION

Fencing equipment listed below. Other items to consider:

Medical Insurance Card and emergency contacts Books or other hobby/activity to pass the time while you are waiting Band-Aids; feminine hygiene products; mineral ice; sharpie/permanent marker; ice

packs; water bottle; hair ties; camera with high-speed film; power cord; cell phone; and any other items you feel essential to your child's well being.

[LPJ/2007]

REGIONAL/NATIONAL JUNIOR CIRCUITS

The Regional/National Junior Circuits gives beginners/ junior fencers the opportunity to gain more experience before moving on to higher-level tournaments/competitions. They are excellent opportunity to compete against fencers from varying States. They also qualifying path to participate in as participants are given opportunity to earn points and be placed on the National Rankings.

NATIONAL OPEN TOURNAMENTS/COMPETITIONS Once your child is performing locally at a consistent level and improvements are solid, your athlete may be ready to consider competing at a national tournament. The Malaysian Fencing Federation (MFF) and the National Sports Council of Malaysia runs several national tournaments. Your child's first start at a national tournament should be in his/her age category. Don't push your child(ren) to compete in every age event for which he/she qualify; the same guidelines should apply as for local events. You and the coach should discuss what events would fit best in the overall training scheme. Upon being selected by the coach and confirmation by the Penang Fencing Association to participate in the competition, permission/ consent must be given by parents. Consent letter must be submitted to the Penang Fencing Association as early as possible. Penang Fencing Association will than submit in the names of participants and participating events to the organizers. Tournament confirmation materials sent to parents by the Penang Fencing Association have important information such as date, time of the event and directions to the venue and host hotel. These informations are for parents who want to witness and support their child (red) during competition and to make arrangement on their accommodation, traveling plan etc. Transportation and accommodation for the team are arranged by Penang Fencing Association, the Sports Council and/or the host. For local competitions, the team will leave one day before competition date. And leave the next day after competitions ends. For major Games, like Malaysian Games (SUKMA) the team will leave three (3) days (subject to traveling time) before competition date and return two (2) days after the final competition date.

[LPJ/2007]

EQUIPMENTS FENCERS NEED (FOR COMPETITIONS)

Selection of fencing equipment is a key issue among coaches, parents and fencers. When purchasing and fitting fencing equipment, the fencer should be adequately protected and the uniform should allow freedom of movement to properly perform the necessary skills. A full set of fencing equipment can be purchased for a relatively reasonable cost. You need not buy the most expensive equipment for your child to be protected and enjoy the sport. Properly maintained equipment can normally be resold. Your child does NOT need to own FIE equipment. FIE equipment is only required for international events. Following is a list of minimum required equipment. Make sure your child has the necessary equipment. Check weapons to make sure they are working before you leave for the tournament. Don't go to any event with non-working weapons. While it may seem compulsive, your child should check them again upon arrival; equipment can be affected by travel.

- Mask (sewn-in bib, must pass 12K punch test) - Breast Protector (mandatory for women) - Jacket (no holes, must close in back or opposite weapon arm) - Lame - Knickers /Breeches, must close in back or opposite weapon arm, must be overlapped by jacket by at least four inches) - Glove (no holes except for body cord. Must cover approximately half the -Long socks (white, must reach bottom of your knickers- soccer socks work well) - Fencing shoes or sneakers - Minimum two working weapons (epees must pass weight and shim test) - Minimum two working body cords - Fencing Bag (to carry your equipment in) - Water Bottle - Towel and plastic bag to hold wet equipment - Tool Kit (screwdrivers for tip and pommel, spare screws, springs, Allen wenches, small white cloth to use as base, small magnet, flashlight) - Test Box and weight and shims will help avoid penalties on the strip for

nonworking equipment

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Put identification on all your equipment

STANDARD FENCING KIT – FOR TRAINING 1. Weapon Foil, Epee and/or Sabre 2. Mask 3-weapon mask 3. Glove 5. Fencing Uniform comprises of jacket, inner plastron & breech 6. Weapon Bag 7. Chest Protector for girls/women fencers 8. Lame (Electric Vest) 9. Body Wire Foil Epee Sabre Mask Chest Protector (for Girls/Women) Glove Jacket Fencing Bag Foil Foil Lame Body Wire (Electrical Vest) Epee Body Wire

[LPJ/2007]

SAFETY RULES

1. Mask, jacket, long pants, and glove must always be worn when fencing. 2. The weapons are to be treated with respect and awareness at all times. Weapons must be carried point down at all times. They are not toys. A weapon is only pointed at another person when that person is fully masked and ready to fence or drill. 3. Fencers must always be masked when weapons are raised, point forward. This means on all occasions, including discussion of actions and during drills.

4. Violent fencing actions are not permitted. Fencers must control parries and attacks so that the opponent is not injured by whipping or hard stabbing actions of the blade. If you cannot execute a flick properly, don't do it. Do not cause body contact nor use the unarmed hand against your opponent. Do not turn your back on your opponent. 5. 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. 6. If you think a weapon is broken, stop fencing instantly. 7. If you counterattack, you are responsible for preventing body contact, injury, and weapons breakage. 8. If you feel a fencer is behaving in a dangerous or uncontrolled fashion, report it to an instructor immediately. They will speak to the fencer without disclosing your identity. 9. Inspect your weapons and mask each time you use them. If you are using club gear and find any problem please report it to an instructor. Do not put the item in question back into club storage without reporting it. Club fees cover routine breakage and maintenance. You will not be penalized for reporting broken gear. 10. Wear proper shoes for fencing (court or fencing shoes). Please be sure that shoes are clean when entering the fencing floor to avoid dust and moisture buildup which make the floor slippery. 11. Fencers on the floor have right of way. Persons not fencing are obligated to keep themselves and their gear clear of fencers on the floor. 12. Report injuries immediately to an instructor.

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TRUISMS OF FENCING

1. Never underestimate ANYONE!!

2. Never give up - even if you're down 14-0.

3. Have fun...not many people can stab a total stranger with a sword and get rewarded for it!

4. Don't let yourself get psyched out by a higher rated opponent; you

never know when you're going to be hot.

5. Don't look at anything (even the scoring apparatus) when fencing other than your opponent. Stay FOCUS

6. Be gracious when you lose …. More importantly, be gracious when you

win.

7. You may be big, tall and strong, but remember the power means nothing without control.

8. Finish the attack!

9. Retreat, don't just run away...there's a difference

10. Don't stop until the director calls "halt!"

11. There is NO FRIEND ON THE PISTE

12. Do not get upset and lose your self control

13. Respect your opponent's skill….. Even though you do not like him

14. Show support to your salle mate. Encourage them by your cheers

and not jeers.

[LPJ/2007]

SOME COMMON TERMS USED

Advance (Marche) : Step forward with a fencer's front leg

Attack (Attaque) : Movement or series of movements by which a fencer tries to score a point against his opponent.

Beat (Battement) : Sharp tap on the opponent's blade to initiate attack or threat of attack.

Counter Attack (Contre-attaque) : An attack made against the right-of-way, or in response to the opponent‟s attack.

Corps-a-Corps (Corps á Corps) : meaning “body –to-body”, physical contact between the two fencers during a bout. This is illegal in foil and sabre.

Counter-parry (Contra-parade) : A defensive movement by which the fencer makes a small circle with the tip of the blade, around the opponent's blade and moves the opponent's blade away.

Counter- Riposte ( Contre –riposte) : An attack that follows a parry of the opponent‟s riposte.

Disengage (Degagement) : A circular movement of the blade that deceives the opponent's parry, removes the blades from engagement, or changes the line of engagement. (by moving the blade under the opponent‟s bladed)

Engagement (Engagement) : Contact of blades. eg. during a parry, attack au fer, prise de fer, or coule'

En garde (En Garde) : Position taken before a bout begins.

Feint (Feinte) : A false attack intended to get a reaction from the opposing fencer which will open them up to a genuine attack.

Fleche (Fleche) : meaning “arrow”. A running attack.

Lunge (Fente): Most common attack in which the fencer closes the distance by moving the front leg forward while the back leg remains stationary and straightens out.

Parry (Parade): Defensive action in which a fencer blocks his opponent's blade.

Recover: Return to the en garde position after lunging.

Remise (Remise): Attacking again immediately after the opponent's parry of an initial attack.

Riposte (Riposte): Defender's counterattack after parrying an attack.