Club Policies

The club aims to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all members of the club and visitors involved in club activities and the safety of club equipment. All members of the club and visitors are expected to take care of their own health and safety while involved in club activities, but the coaching staff have a duty to ensure that club members and visitors are made aware of the particular hazards they are likely to encounter, how to deal with them and that all reasonable precautions are taken.

Health and Safety Guidelines for All Club Members:

Appropriate minimum attire for fencing is trainers, t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms. The attire should be in good condition and free from any openings that could snag. Any pockets should be taped or zipped closed.

Before fencing an opponent, the minimum required protective equipment is a plastron over the shoulder of the sword arm, a jacket (if a front fastening jacket ensure that the zip/buttons are on the non-sword side, women are also required to wear chest protectors inside the jacket), a glove on the sword hand and a mask. Ensure that the mask fits sufficiently tightly so that it cannot fall off and that all the fastenings on the jacket are done up. If you find any piece of equipment that is defective, do not use it, please inform a coach. For any fencing using electrics, breeches are also required.

All appropriate equipment must be suitable and carry the proper certification level (generally 350N CEN1 as a minimum). If you are unsure what is required then ask a coach.

Before using a weapon ensure that it not excessively soft or bent and that it is complete, including the tip. If you find a weapon that is defective or you are unsure if a weapon is defective, do not use it, please inform a coach.

Always obey the instructions of the coach at all times during any training session.

Always be aware of your environment and those around you. Remember that whilst fighting, fencers may not be aware of you. Ensure the piste you are fencing on is clear from obstacles and that there is clear space around the piste to allow for either fencer running off. When spectating, do not stand too close to a piste that is being used. When presiding, be aware of those close to the piste and around it as well as the fencers on it. If there may be a safety issue always call halt.

When not fencing always ensure that weapons are carried vertically, with the point towards the ground. You should never run with a weapon except when fencing or as part of a coaching exercise.

When setting up electrical equipment, make sure that leads run around

the edge of the hall and do not cross any pistes. If a piece of electrical equipment becomes faulty, do not attempt to repair it, inform a coach.

If you have a medical condition that may affect you while fencing (e.g. asthma) then inform the coach at the start of the session.

Ensure that any club equipment that you use is returned to the cage in

good order and stored correctly at the end of the session.

Disciplinary Procedures:

If a club member is found to be in serious breach of the club health and safety guidelines, thereby putting themselves, others or club equipment at risk then this breach should be brought to that club member’s attention by a coach. If serious in the opinion of the coach, a warning may be issued or the member asked to leave the club.

Child protection and Safeguarding

The Club aims to create an enjoyable environment for all juniors who wish to take part in fencing at the club

The club emphasises that young people have the right to be safe, secure and free from threat.

The club acknowledges that young people have the right to be treated with respect and for their concerns to be listed to and acted upon

The club will ensure that junior members have specific programmes and facilities designated for them, with adequate supervision. A register will be kept of juniors attending coaching sessions.

The club has procedures in place to help any young person who requests help and support on a confidential basis, in issues relating to Child Protection.

The club will ensure that coaches and volunteers have undertaken a full CRB check.

The club will ensure that any club members and volunteers working with young people are aware of and apply our child protection policy.

The Child Protection Officer for the club is:-

Gillian Mooney

Registered First Aiders:

Helen Kay

Simon Trevithick