Terms and Conditions

• Gear sharing – in general we don't share gear, used gear will need to be cleaned before pass to next fencer, therefore extra charge(€30) will apply for once off fencers
• Fencers require to have fencing gears when fence with others on piste, for new fencers has no fencing equipment he/she will need to rent gear from club
• We reserve the right to revise the training fee, gear rental fee and gear replacement fee on this website without notice
• When rent gear from club, it is fencer's responsibility to look after gear. Clothing needs to be kept at reasonable clean level, weapon need to be in working order. Please check Pricing page for replace broken/damaged gear details*
• Once you sign up to the term a full payment applies even if you or your child can't attend the class for any unforeseen reason

Fencing weapons must be carried point down or in a fencing bag.

Junior fencers may not hold blades unless they are wearing masks.

A mask, glove, fencing jacket, plastron, breeches, fencing socks and plimsoles (indoor sport shoes) must be worn while fencing.

No jeans, shorts, sweatpants or casual pants are allowed.

No type of movement with the blade is allowed if any person within 3 meter of the action is unmasked.

When fencing, especially in a group, a student may not under any circumstances remove a mask while another fencer's blade point is raised or when other fencers are making any type of movement with their blades.

Walking or standing close to fencers in a bout or while practicing, when blade points are raised or blades are in motion is prohibited.

Unsportsmanlike behaviour, as diving, or improper rough or strong movements, whether intentional or not, are prohibited and will result in expulsion.

Any illness, injury or the taking of medication must be reported to the instructor before a lesson or practice.

No participation while under the influence of medicines which cause drowsiness or disorientation.

You represent that you are in good physical condition, have no physical or mental health problems that will preclude your participation in fencing activities.

Specifically, you represent that you have no underlying cardiovascular, neurological or any other illness that will prevent or inhibit your participation in fencing classes.

You fully understand and agree that in participating in any fencing program, there is the possibility of accident, injury, disability or death.

You agree to assume these risks and release and discharge the owners of Mr.Child Fencing Club and all other participants in the stated activities of and from all claims, demands, actions, and causes of action of any sort, for injuries sustained to the member's person and/or property during the member's presence on the premises and the member's participation in the stated activities.

You give consent to Mr.Child Fencing Club and its representatives to obtain medical care at your expense from any licensed physician, hospital or clinic for you and/or the above-mentioned student for any injury or illness that may arise during activities associated with Mr.Child Fencing Club.

We believe that a child safety and welfare are always come first. Mr.Child Fencing Club is committed to making sure that young people can enjoy fencing in a safe and fun environment.

We follow the Child policies of Irish Fencing.

https://www.fencingireland.net/wp-content/uploads/Child-Protection-Policy.pdf

Our coaches: insured, first aid trained, GARDA Vetted and child protection trained

All fencers must follow the equipment guideline stated below. When sparring or competing fencers must wear suitable protective clothing – i.e. mask, jacket, chest protector/breeches/trousers, plastron and glove as well as shoes, socks.

Fencers are responsible for ensuring that their personal equipment is in a safe condition.

Masks

• Fencers must wear masks of appropriate size conforming at least to the minimum safety standard of N350 and bearing the appropriate safety mark. Masks must be checked for the following weaknesses and defects:
• Weaknesses in the steel mesh, softness, holes or excessive deformation of the hard shell from the original shape
• The bib not properly attached or revealing gaps between it and the mask, or curling up
• Poor means of retention on the head, making the mask liable to come off. Fencers must wear a mask back-strap or some other approved method of mask retention
• Attempts must not be made to repair the steel mesh of a mask
• If the mask is weak or damaged, it must not be used
• A back-strap consists of elastic at least 35mm wide, secured to the mask side mesh at each end, passing UNDER any mask spring piece at the back, and tensioned to keep the mask firmly in place. It must stay fastened and tensioned during fencing

Jackets & Breeches

• Fencers must wear jackets of appropriate size conforming at least to the minimum safety standard of N350 and bearing the appropriate safety mark
• Where breeches are required, fencers must wear breeches of appropriate size conforming at least to the minimum safety standard of N350 and bearing the appropriate safety mark
• There should be a minimum of 10cms (4 inches) overlap between breeches and jacket when the fencer is on guard
• Jackets should fasten on the opposite side to the sword arm, or at the back
• Breeches should reach and stay below the knee whilst fencing
• Clothing must not be used which is damaged, shows visible tears or weakened by excessive use

Plastrons

• Fencers will need to wear plastrons of appropriate size conforming (N800) and bearing the appropriate safety mark

Chest Protector

• It is compulsory for women to wear rigid chest protection. It is recommended that girls wear rigid chest protection (shaped or flat) from the age of ten or from the onset of puberty if earlier

Gloves

• The gauntlet must be long enough to cover approximately half the forearm and remain over the sleeve of the jacket whilst fencing. They should be inspected regularly for any holes and tears

Socks and Shoes

• Socks should always be covered by the bottom of the breeches, so that no bare skin is showing. Suitable indoor trainer type shoes should be worn

Weapons

• Weapons should be regularly inspected and checked to ensure they are in a safe, usable condition
• Blades should be observed and tested to ascertain if any portion displays obvious kinks or excessive plasticity that may lead to a break e.g., irregular or uneven curve or inability to correct such a bend by the usual straightening methods
• If blades develop sharp edges or splinters, these should be smoothed off with an emery cloth
• Blades: To reduce the risk of broken blades, never use a blade (or fence with someone who is using such a blade) if any portion displays obvious kinks or excessive plasticity that may lead to a break - e.g., irregular or uneven curve or inability to correct such a bend
• Blades for children: Children under the age of ten should fence with weapon blades of size 0; children under the age of 14 should normally fence with weapon blades of size 3 or less, as required in competitions for their age. This will enhance their safety, comfort, technique and enjoyment of our sport
• Tips: Weapon tips should conform to the FIE requirements. The point of a non-electric épée must be covered with a commercially produced plastic button in good condition or an integrated button
• Guards: Continuous use of a weapon can leave sharp edges round the guard circumference, which are a potential hazard. Such guards must not be used. Guards which are dented enough to risk trapping a point must not be used

Fencing Ireland is fully committed to providing a safe and fair environment for all young fencers.

We strive to provide an environment which will allow fencers to perform to their best ability, free from bullying and intimidation.

You can help and support the implementation of best practice policies in your child's/children's Club by following the code below.

Parents should:

• understand and ensure their child abides by The Code of Conduct for Young Fencers
• maintain the highest standards of conduct when interacting with children, other parents and with officials or organisers
• encourage their child to play by the rules
• teach their child that giving their best is as important as winning
• do all they can to encourage good sportsmanship by acknowledging good play on both sides
• always behave responsibly and do not seek to unfairly affect the outcome
• always recognise the value and importance of the volunteers and consider contributing their time and effort when volunteers are required
• respect referees, coaches, organisers and other participants
• not publicly question the judgment or honesty of referees, coaches or organisers
• encourage mutual respect for team-mates and opponents
• support all efforts to remove abusive behaviour and bullying behaviour in all its forms
• be familiar with and follow all Fencing Ireland policies, in particular the travelling policy, the Social Media policy and the Photography Policy

Fencing should be a place for you to be happy, have fun, and enjoy being a part of the community. When you participate in a sport, you have rights and responsibilities. These rules help you understand these. You should always follow this code to the best of your ability, and encourage others to do so, too.

You are entitled to:

• Be treated fairly by everyone
• Feel safe and secure
• Have a voice in the decisions that affect you
• Be listened to
• Be believed
• Be treated with dignity and respect
• Train and compete at a level that is suitable for your age and ability
• Say no to something which makes you feel uncomfortable
• Make complaints and have them dealt with
• Get help when you need it
• Confidentiality

You should always:

• Treat Sports Leaders with respect, e.g. coaches, officials, etc.
• Play fairly at all times and do your best
• Respect team members, even when things go wrong
• Respect opponents and be gracious in defeat
• Abide by the rules set down by your coach
• Respect the rules when travelling to away events
• Listen to and respect decisions made by others
• Talk to the designated person or children's officer if you have any problems

You must never:

• Cheat
• Use violence or bad language
• Shout or argue with Sports leaders, team mates or opponents
• Harm any other person, or their property
• Bully or use bullying tactics to isolate another fencer
• Use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage
• Take banned substances or advise others to take banned substances
• Keep secrets, especially if they have caused harm
• Tell lies about adults or other young fencer