(see also notice on Rules Changes following the FIE Congress of 7th December 2017) https://www.britishfencing.com/rules-changes-following-the-fie-congress/.
The FIE has approved new specifications for the secondary security strap on masks with a metallic tongue and for the main backstrap on masks without a metallic tongue (ie Paul ‘contour fit’ masks). These will be compulsory for the 2018 cadet, junior and senior world championships and for all FIE competitions from the start of the 2018-19 season onwards.
The BF Safety Committee has decided that based on current information these new mask specifications will not be added to the BF Clothing Rules before 1st January 2020 at the earliest’ – ie BF Clothing Rules on masks will remain unchanged; fencers competing in FIE competitions abroad or in the UK (including Satellites) should however check whether their masks comply with the new regulations or whether they need modifying or replacing.
Nevertheless remember that coming onto the piste with a mask that is not safely secured is already a yellow card offence in non-FIE UK competitions, as is a mask falling off during a bout (see News item of 14th July, 2017, for details including how to report a mask falling off to BF HQ); and from the start of the 2017-18 season the FIE Rules will specify yellow card penalties for fencers presenting themselves before a bout with a mask whose 2ndsecurity device is not securely fixed to the body of the mask or coming on guard during a bout with a mask that is not securely held on his head by the 2nd security device.
Please also note that, although all references to transparent masks have been removed from the FIE Rules and will be deleted from the next edition of the BF Safety Guidelines, transparent masks remain banned.
Sign up to receive regular highlights from the exciting world of fencing - celebrating the best of our unique and inspiring community
