You've Had Your Physical, Right?
Fencing was an activity originally designed to
KEEP SWORDSMEN SAFE. Back in the old days, one needed to practice
with a sword if one intended to defend their lives with it. Practicing
with a SHARP sword could get your partner (or even you) killed, so eventually
less dangerous methods for learning swordsmanship were developed. After
many, many years of changes in warfare, alterations of rules, and technological
developments, the modern sport of fencing was developed.
With that legacy in mind, it is easy to say that SAFETY IS OUR PRIMARY CONCERN.
However, there are many dangers our group can not see - dangers INSIDE YOU.
You may have an injury that you don't even know about but that your doctor
can detect. Things like irregular heartbeats and hernias can be LIFE THREATENING,
so please consult a doctor before participating in Fencing Club!
*YOU* Are the Best Judge of if
You are Injured.
Be aware of your body. Are you tired? Do you feel
dizzy? Is something sore? You may stop at any time if you do not feel well.
Thirsty? Take a water break - heat exhaustion and dehydration can be dangerous.
Please mention any problems to a coach or Fencing Club officer so that
we can better help you.
Fencing is a Contact Sport
The whole point of fencing is to "touch"
your opponent with your sword and score a point. Any other contact with
your opponent is generally illegal, but does occasionally happen. Trips,
scrapes, falls, collisions, muscle aches, and the occasional forceful blow
DO sometimes occur, and participants should be prepared for them. Bruises
are not uncommon.
Blade Breaks - A Unique Risk
One of the rare ways that fencers can be injured
involves blade breaks - when the metal blade of the sword breaks during
a "clash" and is no longer blunted. The heavy material of the
fencing "jacket" and the leather gloves worn help to minimize
any damage, but injuries can still occur. For example: during the 2004
Olympics, a member of the French saber team had his hand punctured by the
broken blade of an American fencer. Participants accept the potential risk
for these types of injuries.
The danger of blade breaks can be minimized in two ways: first, by running
a finger over a blade and checking for cracks before fencing; second, by
wearing additional protective gear such as a plastron. Plastrons are not
supplied by UC Fencing Club, but are highly recommended - especially for
regular club members.
As of this writing, there have been no major injures during any activities
involving UCC Fencing Club. As well, there have been no blade breaks during
any practices.
Why Is Everyone Wearing Jeans?
While denim jeans are not required, many UC Clermont
fencers wear them during practices. Jeans do not provide the same level
of flexibility and mobility as sweatpants, but they do tend to provide
more protection.
Additional Protection
As mentioned earlier, plastrons are not provided
by Fencing Club but do provide additional protection during bouts. They
can be purchased from any fencing equipment supplier for $15.00 - $25.00.
It is highly recommended that all fencers purchase and wear this piece
of equipment - they are required for all major tournaments.
Further, "gender specific" protection is also recommended. Men's
groin protectors (cups) are not provided but are highly recommended. Women's
chest protectors are available in limited numbers in the form of metal
inserts that can be placed into the fencing jacket - full chest protectors,
however, are recommended.
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