You can’t always tell someone’s gender based on their appearance or their voice. Until someone tells you how they would like to be spoken about, use gender-neutral terms when talking about them.

For example, instead of saying “There is a gentleman who wants to ask you some questions about joining the fencing club,” instead say “There is someone who wants to ask you some questions about joining the fencing club.”

Make no judgement on gender or pronouns based on a name or appearance. Take your lead from the information they may, or may not offer you.

Many transgender as well as non-binary people prefer to be described as ‘they’ rather than ‘he’ or ‘she’ and some use the title ‘Mx’ instead of ‘Mr/Ms’. This can be pronounced M’ix’ or ‘Mux’.

By sharing our own pronouns on email signatures, name badges, social media and even when introducing ourselves, this can support fencers who are trans and non-binary by reducing some of the burden that they experience by consistently needing to explain their identities.

Every member on Sport:80 has the option to choose their pronouns if they wish to. We would recommend you familiarise yourself with this information so you can refer to the individual in the way they have chosen, e.g. a non-binary person may preferred to be referred to as ‘they’ rather than ‘he’ or ‘she’.

Don’t be uncomfortable in the language you use, everybody will talk about their identities in different ways, so listen to the language that others use to describe themselves and use that when communicating with, or about them. The transgender and non-binary persons should be referred to as the sex that they tell you they are, i.e., use ‘he’ or ‘she’ as you would with anyone else.

If you are struggling with using their chosen pronouns, we would recommend always using their name instead, for example rather than saying “she would like to have a lesson”, say “Amy would like to have a lesson”.

If you think that someone may be transgender, but they choose not to tell you, you should not ask about their private life or medical history.

Everyone is entitled to be treated as a member of their self-identified gender and to have their confidentiality respected.

If a transgender person tells you they are transgender, you should only share that information with their consent.

Agree with them how and what information is to be shared with others if this is necessary; this may include a change of name and title, and this should be accommodated without prejudice or aggravation.

If you are coaching in a school, we recommend you speak with a teacher and check the school policies.

Recognise that it’s OK to get things wrong. People will feel more awkward if you make a big deal out of an honest mistake. Just say sorry, correct yourself and carry on with the conversation. We all make mistakes.

Adopt a zero-tolerance stance to transphobic language or jokes, whether the transgender person is present or not. Language that degrades transgender people creates a hostile environment and must be stopped. Sometimes these behaviours appear trivial and are overlooked.

If this is allowed to continue such behaviours become the norm, not only towards transgender people, but towards other minority groups too, and it is also more likely to escalate.

British Fencing urges any person involved with fencing who has experienced sexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, harassment or discrimination of any kind to report it immediately to: [email protected]

If someone transitions whilst part of your club, ask how they would like to be supported and plan any changes with them, not for them.

Consider whether information about gender is critically important. It is important to ask yourself why you are asking for this information.

If you do require this information, communicate the purpose, respect and abide by each person’s right to self-define their gender and maintain confidentiality.

The vast majority of fencing clubs don’t own their own facilities and will operate out of public facilities. Clubs should be led by the policy of their facility provider and we would recommend clearly communicating the facilities policies to everyone, including parents of U18’s.