Fencing Requirements

Fencing is a popular sport with many rules.careta image by Horche from Fotolia.com

Fencing is still as popular as it was when it was invented in the late 16th century. It is even a part of the Olympic games. A sport with this amount of credibility does not come without many rules and regulations, though. There are quite a few regulations to follow, including the weight and length of equipment, and how big the letters of a competitor's name should be on a uniform.

General Guidelines

As with any sport, there is a proper way to perform safely. First of all, fencing should only be performed in a controlled environment. This means that it should be done under supervision and in a safe environment, free from hazards. There is also no room for horseplay or goofing around, as it could cause harm to oneself or ones opponent. It is also advisable to condition and stretch before practicing fencing.

Some of the equipment required for safe practice of fencing includes a mask that fits well with a strap across the back, a jacket with completely sealing fasteners in the back, gloves that cover the jacket sleeves, fencing pants for leg protection, and protection for the underarm called plastrons. It is also smart for beginners to use easily-bending blades and for women fencers to wear breast plate protection. The requirements for equipment can be broken down further into weight and measurement. For example, the maximum blade length can be no longer than 35.433 inches. The max weight for foil and saber can be no more than 17.637 ounces, and 26.17 ounces for the epee.

It depends on the location where the fencing is being practiced, but in some competition settings, it is required to have the competitor's name somewhere on the uniform. It should be either on the back or between the shoulders of the uniform, on the front of thigh or the side of it, or on fabric which is sewn in an undetachable way on the uniform. The name must be on all three weapons and printed so that it is readable from 15 feet away, preferably in letters between 8 and 10 centimeters high. However, this is only required at NAC Tournaments, Junior Olympics, Div. 1 National Championships, Summer Nationals and Wheelchair National Championships.