CODE OF CONDUCT

1. SAFETY FIRST

Fencing is a safe sport, when weapons are handled properly. No fencing is allowed without participants wearing appropriate protective equipment. Unless all of those nearby are wearing masks, fencing weapons should be held with the blades pointed downward and near the ground. Horseplay with weapons is never appropriate. Under no circumstances should weapons be brandished in the lounge area.

2. BE ON TIME

Classes and lessons have a beginning and an end time. Any minute a person is late is a minute lost. Class members rely on each other to show up and to be on time. If we are running pools in a class, coming late forces us to adjust the pools and wastes everyone’s time. Coming late for lessons sets the schedule behind and inconveniences others. All members are required to provide a minimum of 24-hour notice if they need to reschedule or miss a lesson. This will allow management an opportunity to fill the time slot, if there is demand. No-shows hurt the club and, for repeated infractions, at the discretion of club management, lesson fees paid may be subject to forfeit.

3. RESPECT OTHER FENCERS AND COACHES

There is no tolerance for disrespect between members, or to coaches. OFSC encourages everyone to participate and feel confident. This will only be a result of respect and care. Respect includes listening to each members opinions and comments, fostering inclusion - no bullying, discrimination, or stereotyping - simply be kind to one another. Each bout or lesson begins and ends with a salute, followed by a handshake at the end of the bout. Maintaining good sportsmanship is an essential part of respectful conduct. Play fairly, stay positive and do not be a sore loser or a gloating winner. Refusing to shake your opponent’s hand at the end of a bout is grounds for expulsion from the club.

4. RESPECT THE EQUIPMENT

Whether it is your equipment, or the club’s equipment, proper use and care are vital to keeping the facility functioning well. If any club equipment is not working properly, bring it to the attention of a coach or management, so it can be addressed. We strive to keep club equipment in good working order, but we cannot address maintenance issues that we’re not aware of. If a club weapon doesn’t work, don’t just leave it on the rack and move on to the next one. Take if to the front desk to be properly tagged for repair or replacement. Let management know about strip issues.

5. FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE GAME

Unless it’s for a training exercise, fencers should not create their own rules. Know and follow the rules of the game. Also, don’t quibble over the small stuff. In the absence of a referee, if you and your opponent cannot agree on a tough call, toss the point out and move on. Open fencing is for practice and for integrating newly learned actions into a fencer’s repertoire, not to waste time quibbling. The score is not important in open fencing.

6. NO FENCING SNOBBERY

Fencing has wide appeal to people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. Therefore, fencers often encounter others, who may be much better or much worse fencers than they. Fencing superior fencers is a good way to improve. Likewise, when you fence with inferior fencers, you help them improve. No one should refuse to bout with someone, because they feel the other fencer is too unskilled. That is fencing snobbery and it will not be tolerated. When someone asks you to fence, with only a few exceptions, the request should be honored. The exceptions are as follows:

A) If there is such a large disparity in body size and athleticism as to create an unsafe situation for one or both fencers, that larger fencer should decline to fence.

B) If a fencer is injured, cramping, or too tired to fence, the fencer may decline to fence, but is then also unable to fence with any others. If, after resting, the fencer can now fence again, the fencer whose request to bout was refused should be sought out and offered the next bout.

C) If a fencer has a history of injuring another fencer or fencers, the previously injured fencer or fencers may refuse to fence with the fencer who hurt them. No one should be forced to risk their own wellbeing to fence anyone, or to fence with someone whom they’re afraid of.

7. NO COARSE LANGUAGE

Cursing and taunting have no place in fencing, or at this club, and will not be tolerated. If you slip and curse in a fit of uncontrolled emotion during a stressful bout, apologize immediately to your opponent and to anyone else within earshot. Repeated infractions will result in expulsion. Cursing is also not tolerated by USFA and FIE rules, so it is important to learn self-discipling sufficient to control your tongue.

8. BE APPROPRIATE AMBASSADORS

Remember that every member of this club is now an ambassador for our club and for the sport of fencing. Remember to behave in a way that honors the club and the great tradition of sportsmanship that fencing embodies. Show a good face to those who are unfamiliar with the sport. Never belittle their lack of knowledge, but use it as an opportunity to share what you know about the sport.

9. ONLY COACHES REGISTERED TO, OR INVITED BY, OFSC MAY COACH AT OFSC

To keep our insurance in force, only coaches registered with the USFA as members of the OFSC staff, or those specifically invited as guest coaches, may coach at the club. Unregistered coaches open the club up to several forms of civil liability and are not authorized. Those coaching without authorization will be asked to leave the premises. EXCEPTION: During USFA sanctioned tournaments, USFA registered coaches may coach their own students, if those students are competing.