NEFA Rules and Policies

Fencing Floor                                                                                                    * The fencing floor is a restricted area: ONLY FENCERS in proper attire may be on it. Non-participants and parents must stay in the designated seating area.

Guests and Spectators
* Parents/guardians/friends who bring non-enrolled children to the fencing session must be sure they are not disruptive to the class or visitors. Disruptions would include, for example, excessive noise or coming onto the fencing floor.
* Cell phones must be turned off or set to vibrate only. If you need to use your cell phone, please do so outside the fencing room.

Venue
* We are guests of the venue where we conduct classes. We may not use any items that belong to the school, senior center, or recreation department.
* When it is wet outdoors due to rain or snow, all fencers must bring a spare pair of (dry) sneakers or fencing shoes to change into for class. Visitors are likewise prohibited from wearing wet shoes into the gym. Please remove your shoes before entering the fencing room.
* Food and beverages other than water are not allowed.

Dress Code
* A complete fencing set of equipment must be worn when bouting or engaging in any contact during a class or lesson.  Wear long socks with knickers. 
* If you don’t have knickers, you must wear sweatpants or long pants of suitably robust material. Thin knits, spandex, etc., are not acceptable. Shorts, dresses, and skirts are not acceptable. Pants must reach the natural waist and be hole-free. Low-rise waistlines are not allowed. If the pants don’t reach the ankles, wear appropriate socks.
*Shorts, skirts, and dresses are not allowed;
*Athletic shoes and socks. (No street shoes, sandals, crocs, or boots).
* Chest protection is required for all female fencers regardless of age. No exceptions!
* Tuck in your T-shirt.

Safety
* Respect the coach and abide by their instructions and rules – this is for your safety.
* No talking or horseplay during instruction or fencing.
* No running with the weapon.
* Never point a weapon at someone who is not wearing a mask. Ever. No exceptions.
* Always keep the point of your weapon below knee level when not actively involved in a drill or bout.
* If you see unsafe activity in a bout or elsewhere, call a halt! If the activity continues or is repeated, notify the coach immediately.
* Respect the equipment. They are called ‘weapons’ for a reason.

Sportsmanship
Your behavior reflects the attitudes and image of the New England Fencing Alliance (NEFA). Therefore, we will NOT permit swearing, displays of temper, pouting, whining, or sulking. Fencers will always show respect to officials, coaches, teammates, parents, and visitors.
The sport of fencing is, by its very nature, competitive. In any given encounter, one person wins and one loses. Learning to accept victory gracefully is as important as knowing that defeat can also teach you something. Thus, fencing teaches sportsmanship, resilience, and mental toughness.
* First and foremost, observe common courtesy.
* Respect each other. We’re all here for the same reason: the love of fencing.
* Always respect your opponent and observe fencing etiquette. Good sportsmanship is crucial to fencing.
* Each fencer will salute their opponent before drilling and salute after drilling.
* Each fencer will salute their opponent, the referee, and the audience before every bout, and salute their opponent after every bout.
* In non-refereed bouts, discussions of priority and valid touches are to be resolved quickly and amicably between the participants or thrown out. In non-electric bouting, the fencers are expected to acknowledge touches against them. In refereed bouts, the decision belongs solely to the referee, and that decision is final unless, at a tournament, a bout committee should address the question.
Fencers and guests are expected to treat all referees with respect, regardless of the outcome of any particular call or encounter.

Borrowing fencing equipment
* Do not touch (let alone borrow) another fencer’s equipment without the owner’s consent. Remember, just because that person said ‘yes’ to loaning you a blade the past three weeks doesn’t mean they can’t say ‘no’ this time. It’s their equipment, so it’s their choice. Exception: When equipment is in danger of being stepped on or is causing some other safety concern, you may move it to the nearest safe place. Notify the fencer that you moved their equipment and why.                                                                                                             * If you borrow another fencer’s weapon and break it, make arrangements with the owner to pay for or replace the broken equipment.

Understanding the rules will lead to a more positive experience for everyone.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let Coach Michael know. We are always interested in improving the Fencing Program, and we will carefully consider every suggestion.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
It is the policy of NEFA to provide equal opportunity for all fencers. We do not and shall not discriminate by race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, or sexual orientation in any of its activities or operations.