Weapon and Equipment Information

National Tournaments

WEAPONS CHECK:

Weapons Control will be open at 7:00 a.m. each day of competition.   Weapons check will test the mask, lamé jacket, gloves, and body cords. Items that have passed inspection will be specially marked.  Masks must pass the 12-kg punch test. Equipment must conform to regulations (see information below). All events are conducted with electric equipment. Equipment that fails when reporting on the strip for a bout or changing weapon will receive a yellow card. (See T.45 of the FIE Rules). Fencers must report to strip immediately after their strip assignments (pool or DE) have been posted. A preliminary check will be conducted to ensure the presence of: Underarm plastron, 2nd weapon and body cord, weapon check control marks. No fencer will be allowed to fence if these conditions are not met.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION: 

Fencers must wear the required clothing — regulation fencing jacket and pants, underarm protector (plastron), knee socks and a fencing glove that covers half the forearm. Women must wear breast protectors. In epée and foil, a full jacket is required (i.e., a jacket with croissard/groin strap). Any attachment to a weapon’s handle must fix the hand in one position such that the top of the thumb is no more than 2 cm. from the inner surface of the guard. Warm-up pants are not allowed. Fencing uniforms must not have any rips, tears, holes, etc. U.S. Fencing allows uniforms of a single pastel color or designs on the rear (unarmed) arm and leg. As the purpose of uniform color or design is for audience interest, such designs should be in good taste.

In all three weapons, each fencer’s last name must be printed legibly from a distance of 15 feet, by hand or machine, in capital letters between 8 and 10 cm high: either (1) on the back of the uniform or lame between the shoulders; (2) on the front or side of the thigh of the “rear” leg; or (3) on a piece of fabric or lame material that is firmly sewn to the uniform in such a way that it will not detach during fencing or catch the opponent’s point. Fabric attached to the uniform must be the same color as the part of the uniform to which it is attached. Conductive materials must be attached in such a way as to not alter the conductivity of the metallic vest or jacket. NAMES PRINTED ON TAPE ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

In sabre, all blades will be checked at weapons control to ensure that the blades conform to the new FIE flexibility requirements. You may need to allow more time for weapons check. Priority for checking weapons will be given to fencers competing that day. 

“0” or “2” blades are required for all Youth-10 competitions but not S2000 for sabre (i.e., flexibility restrictions do not apply for this age group).