EFC & FIE EQUIPMENT RULES

Last updated: 25.11.2023

For official FIE competitions and EFC Competitions (Championships and Circuit events):

• FIE 800 Newton (CEN level 2) jacket
• FIE 800 Newton (CEN level 2) breeches
• FIE 800 Newton plastron under your jacket
• An FIE CEN level 2 mask (i.e. with 1600 Newton bib), two approved systems of fastening, in good condition and fitting securely. On ‘contour’ masks a separate safety back strap is compulsory. Foil and Sabre masks (which are by design covered in conductive material) cannot be used in epee events
• At sabre, a FIE CEN level 2 glove.
• FIE-homologated Maraging steel blades must be used. In the case of sabre, blades stamped ‘M’ are permitted until September 2022, thereafter blades must carry the full FIE marking.
• At foil, chest guards (Men and Women) must be covered with an FIE approved soft layer (and be worn under your plastron)
• Bodywires with transparent connecting plugs (at both ends) are compulsory

For EFC Cadet Circuit events:

• the athlete name is not required on the back of the jacket.
• the national logos (GBR Patches) on the breeches are not required

Useful Links:

EFC Cadet  – here – item 11)

FIE Material Rules – here

FIE Publicity Code – here. Note that the rules recently changed. Other than National logos (the ‘GBR patch’) NO other publicity/sponsor patches can be located on the breeches for foil and epee. For sabre there can be a sponsorship logo at the top of the thigh of the non-sword side of the fencing breeches, clearly separated from the national logo

Further notes:

• It is advisable to name all your equipment (including body wires).
• Check jackets, breeches and gloves to make sure there are no holes and that seams are in good condition. Gloves with holes repaired will fail weapon checks.
• For all FIE and EFC Major Championships, it is a requirement to have national logos on the legs. It is optional on the arms however if fencing in a team, all team members must be identical.
• It is important to ensure your socks stay up as you are fencing and cover your legs completely.
• Breeches must overlap jackets adequately.
• Long hair must be tied up – in foil and sabre in such a way that it does not cover the back of the lame.
• Ensure your kit is in full working order, with all weapons and body-wires tested for continuity, resistance, and weight. You must do this before leaving the UK as there may not be an armory service or an equipment stall at the event.
• There will be a weapon control. Different competitions check different items – so be prepared for everything to have to pass weapons control.

If you have any questions relating to this page, please submit them to us via the form here and a member of the Pathway team will come back to you.