List of the minor updates to the BF Safety Guidelines, along with a reminder to report all accidents, injuries, medical incidents and near-misses and most importantly that all fencers have a duty of care to each of their opponents to ensure that we keep everyone safe.
The updated Safety Guidelines 22nd Edition have been published.
The changes to the 2025 edition from the 2024 edition are highlighted below in bold:
Re gloves, addition of – “The Rules do not prohibit the wearing of a glove on the unarmed hand”.
2.1: Weapons – General
Addition of reference to Para fencing:
Note: The FIE and World Para Fencing (WPF) has have laid down equipment standards that fencers must observe in order to compete in the Olympic Games, in the Paralympic Games, in World Championships and in all ‘A’ grade/ World Cup/Satellite and Zonal events. Other competition organisers may also demand these standards.
2.3: Weapons – Blades for children
Clarification of blade sizes for children under the age of 14:
“Children under the age of ten should fence with weapon blades of size 0; children under the age of 14 should normally fence with weapon blades of size 3 (Foil) and 2 (épée and sabre) or less, …. “
Clothing Rules, re all non – FIE events
Inclusion of reference to the permission to wear tracksuit trousers over breeches for competitions other than official FIE ones:
6) Note The wearing of tracksuit trousers over 350/800N breeches is currently allowed (competition and training), on condition that the trousers are tapered/straight cut (i.e. not baggy), with all openings and pockets zipped or sewn or taped closed. Implementation of this addition to the Safety Guidelines will be monitored by the Safety Committee and subject to regular review.
– End of Changes –
Further Reminders
As always the Safety Committee reminds
a) All fencers that they have a duty of care to each of their opponents.
b) Everyone involved in fencing that all accidents, injuries, medical incidents and near-misses should be reported using the BF online report form available here.
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