A. Sword fencing is
a contact activity, the object of which is to score points by
hitting your opponent with a metal blade. It would be astonishing
if the sword fencers engaged in a bout did not collect bruises
and small cuts from time to time. However, the protective equipment
is very effective and the blades of the weapons are flexible,
so injuries more serious than abrasions and bruises are rare.
The rules of etiquette also assist is reducing the risk of injury,
as sword fencing is a respectful and gentlemanly (though vigorous)
pursuit. Likewise, if the sword fencers do not warm up properly,
pulled and strained muscles will result, but the warm up at HPFC
usually prevents such injuries.
Q.
Is the club insured in respect of injuries sustained during a
sword fencing session?
A. Yes, but you are
invited to take out your own insurance with the British Fencing
Association through HPFC.
Q.
Must I have my own insurance?
A. Yes, we encourage
you to take out a minimum of Social Membership of the BFA, which
we can assist you with. This will be at your own cost and is currently
£ 10 per annum.
Q.
Is age (old, young, middle) a disadvantage or advantage?
A. No, unless you intend
to train for the Olympics. There are expert sword fencers of all
ages.
Q.
Do I have to be very fit?
A. No, it is more important
to be agile and flexible (than to be able to run a marathon) in
sword fencing, but general fitness helps.
Q.
If I sign on for a year, can I leave during that year?
A. Yes, but it might
not be possible to give a refund of fees paid. Each case will
be decided on its own facts.
Q.
If I leave the club, can I return?
A. Yes, provided that
the membership list has not been closed due to a large number
of new members having joined, in which case your name can be placed
on a waiting list.
Q.
Do I have to buy my own kit?
A. Initially HPFC will
lend kit to you, so that you can try sword fencing and decide
if it is for you. However, if you join the club, you will be expected
to purchase your own kit, possibly in stages; to spread the cost
HPFC can sometime secure a discount on kit from certain suppliers.
Q.
How much does the kit cost?
A. That depends on
what you buy and from which supplier. As a starting point and
an example, a basic steam foil, under plastron, jacket, mask and
glove will be about £150-£200 in total from a British supplier.
Q.
What will it cost to join HPFC?
A. For adults, fees
for each person are £35 per year payable in advance, and a nightly
charge of £ 3.00 per night. For juniors (under 17) fees for each
person are £17.5 per year payable in advance, and a nightly charge
of £ 1.75 per night. If you attend as a non-member and nightly
fee of £ 4.50 for adults or £ 2.50 for juniors is payable.
Q.
What does the Club do to look after children?
A. The Club has a Child Protection Officer and coaches are all
checked by way of the Criminal Records Bureau. Any one can raise
concerns with trained Club officers named in a pamphlet given
to all people coming to the club. The Club has adopted the BFA
policy .
