Supervision

• On-site supervision is recommended during instruction.
• Constant visual supervision is recommended when initially fencing with an opponent, thereafter, on-site supervision.

Instructional Considerations

• Full equipment as listed below should be worn when fencing with an opponent.
• Students should be taught the body areas where a “touch” can be scored for the type of weapon they are using and students should be instructed to aim only for these areas.
• Teacher should emphasize the importance of appropriate aggression and the proper amount of force required to make a touch.
• Body contact to make a touch or avoid being touched should not be allowed.
• Teacher should be familiar with fencing rules, in particular scoring rules, cause of stoppages in bouts, yellow, red and black cards and actions that result in these penalties being awarded, and correct starting distance.

Equipment/Facilities

• Full equipment for fencing with an opponent should include mask, jacket, gloves, shoes with good grip. A plastic chest protector is optional.
• A foil with a rubber tip or button for electric scoring should be used. The end of the sabre blade should be folded over to make a round tip.
• Equipment should be worn to cover body so that no bare skin is exposed between pieces of equipment:
  • Glove on sword hand should overlap cuff of jacket. (No glove is worn on the unarmed hand).
  • Mask should fit snugly so that it does not fall off if the head is thrown forward quickly.
  • Mask bib should cover the jacket neck.
  • Jackets with zippers on the front should be worn so that the zipper is position on the side away from the armed hand.
• Size-appropriate equipment should be used. Equipment made from lighter material is available and suitable for students in Grades K-2.
• Manufacturers/suppliers recommendations should be followed regarding the age range and intensity of fencing for which their equipment is designed.
• Floor surface should be clear of debris, smooth, level and dry.