Now that you have garnered enough interest to even consider fencing competitively (or you are not but you would like to learn more about this mysterious yet intriguing sport we like to call “fencing”), here are some useful information and links you should check out.
So you want to learn more about refereeing, do you? To be a good referee, you must understand the rules and be familiar with the terminology associated with fencing.
Gestures and words used in refereeing (Fencing gestures and jargon, oh my! From the FIE website, it is also useful although it is in French): http://www.fie.ch/download/arbitrage/fr/GESTES%20ET%20MOTS%20ARBITRAGE.pdf
This is the FIE website, it is worth checking out: http://www.fie.ch
Here are all FIE rules and announcements: http://www.fie.ch/Fencing/Rules.aspx
The Holy Bible of Fencing: FIE Competition Rulebook. The British Fencing Association always have an updated downloadable copy of the FIE Rulebook (with the latest changes). Originally, the FIE Rulebook is in French (and can be found in the FIE website) but you can find the translated copy in the BFA website. You can either download the entire FIE Rulebook or if you have a printed copy of it already but some parts are outdated, you could download the updated sections and add that to your printed copy of the FIE Rulebook.
http://www.britishfencing.com/governance/rules/fie-rules/
It’s good to learn more about refereeing and the FIE Rulebook but you’re not finished just yet. You still need to purchase a CFF competitive passport! For $62.50 CAD total (as of the 2013-2014 season), you can purchase your passport from the CFF website. Apparently, the passport allows you to fence and enter tournaments anywhere; either locally, nationally or in the United States, if you choose to do so, that is. Your passport would last until the end of the fencing season (one full year), from September 1 to August 31.
You go here to purchase your CFF fencing passport (for BC residents): http://www.fencing.ca/content/purchase-cff-licence
If you’re curious about FIE-approved fencing equipment, look no further. The information can be found in the FIE website and it lists homologated blades and masks. It’s in French so it’s important to click on the “EN” at the top right corner of the screen to read the English version.
FIE-approved blades and masks: http://www.fie.ch/Fencing/Rules.aspx
Not sure which fencing equipment brand is FIE-approved? Here is a list of manufacturers: http://www.fie.ch/Addresses/AddrFed.aspx?Fab=1
So you’re interested in switching to a pistol grip, huh? Here is some information you might want to take a look at before doing so. Also, speak with your instructor on whether it is a good idea (or if you are ready) to switch to a pistol grip. This site shows most existing fencing grips and how to choose the right grip size: http://www.amfence.com/html/foil_grips.html
Before you go on buying everything you think you need for a tournament, you should find out what requirements the tournament has with regards to fencing equipment. You may not even need to purchase a FIE jacket, breeches or mask. Depending on the tournament, it is usually recommended that you invest in a FIE mask. A 350 N uniform (jacket and breeches) are okay. Some may require that you wear a FIE plastron if you have a non-FIE jacket. It all depends on the tournament. A 350 N plastron should be enough. If you are not sure, just ask. It is best to bring at least 2 extra weapons as back-up in addition to 2 extra body wires. For foil and sabre, you will need your own lamé jacket.
Equipment Care:
It is important for every fencer to know how their weapon works and how to fix most equipment-related problems. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case. Most do not know how to fix their own weapons or body wires. Luckily, there are books and DVDs out there that can help you. There are also helpful websites which show viewers how to fix their weapons.
I recommend The Big Book of Fencing – It has sections on history, pedagogy, tactics, directing, and most of all, a section on repairing equipment! http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/products_id/430/cPath/56_57
How to repair or re-wire your weapons:
If you're planning on rewiring your own weapon, you might want to invest in a rewiring rig from Absolute Fencing. It is handy for keeping your weapons bent while you apply the glue:
http://www.absolutefencinggear.com/shopping/product_info.php/products_id/785/cPath/
Electric Foil Repair – Very informative, works best if you own Leon Paul electric foils. http://www.busybwebdesign.com/saskfencing/foil_repair.htm
Leon Paul Fencing Equipment (Armoury) – Very detailed diagrams and 3D images of equipment parts, video, and step-by-step explanations on how to repair: foil, epee, sabre, body wires, scoring apparatus, equipment rules and regulations, conductivity tests, etc. Both websites are from Leon Paul but they are both slightly different (one is an older version than the other) however both are still useful.
http://www.leonpaul.com/acatalog/Armoury.html
We even have a few armoury repair manuals you could take a look at or buy from us.
