Code of
Conduct

Safety First

Fencing is a safe sport when weapons are handled properly. No fencing is allowed without appropriate protective equipment. Unless everyone nearby is wearing masks, weapons should be held with blades pointed downward and near the ground. Horseplay with weapons is never appropriate, and weapons should never be brandished in the lounge area.

Be On Time

Classes and lessons have a beginning and an end. Every minute a person is late is a minute lost, and class members rely on one another to show up on time. All members must give at least 24 hours' notice to reschedule or miss a lesson, so management can fill the slot if there's demand. No-shows hurt the club, and for repeated infractions, at management's discretion, lesson fees paid may be subject to forfeit.

Respect Other Fencers and Coaches

There is no tolerance for disrespect between members or toward coaches. OFSC encourages everyone to participate and feel confident, which only comes from respect and care — listening to each other, fostering inclusion, and refusing to tolerate bullying, discrimination or stereotyping. Each bout or lesson begins and ends with a salute, and every bout ends with a handshake. Refusing to shake your opponent's hand is grounds for expulsion from the club.

Respect the Equipment

Whether it's your gear or the club's, proper use and care keep the facility functioning well. If any club equipment isn't working, bring it to a coach or management so it can be addressed — don't just leave a broken weapon on the rack. Take it to the front desk to be tagged for repair or replacement, and let management know about any strip issues.

Follow the Rules of the Game

Unless it's a training exercise, fencers shouldn't invent their own rules — know and follow the rules of the game, and don't quibble over the small stuff. In the absence of a referee, if you and your opponent can't agree on a tough call, toss the point and move on. Open fencing is for practice and integrating newly learned actions, not for wasting time; the score is not important in open fencing.

No Fencing Snobbery

Fencing appeals to people of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels, so you'll meet fencers far better and far worse than you. Fencing stronger opponents helps you improve; fencing weaker ones helps them. No one should refuse to bout someone for being too unskilled — that is snobbery and won't be tolerated. When asked to fence, honor the request, with only these exceptions:

• If there is such a disparity in body size and athleticism as to create an unsafe situation, the larger fencer should decline.
• If a fencer is injured, cramping or too tired, they may decline — but then can't fence anyone until rested, after which they should seek out the fencer they turned down.
• If a fencer has a history of injuring others, the previously injured fencer may refuse to bout them. No one should be forced to risk their wellbeing or fence someone they fear.

No Coarse Language

Cursing and taunting have no place in fencing or at this club and will not be tolerated. If you slip in a fit of emotion during a stressful bout, apologize immediately to your opponent and anyone within earshot. Repeated infractions result in expulsion. Cursing is also against USFA and FIE rules, so it's important to develop the self-discipline to control your tongue.

Be Appropriate Ambassadors

Every member is an ambassador for our club and for the sport of fencing. Behave in a way that honors the club and the great tradition of sportsmanship fencing embodies. Show a good face to those unfamiliar with the sport — never belittle their lack of knowledge, but use it as a chance to share what you know.

Only Registered or Invited Coaches May Coach at OFSC

To keep our insurance in force, only coaches registered with the USFA as OFSC staff, or those specifically invited as guest coaches, may coach at the club. Unregistered coaches expose the club to civil liability and are not authorized; those coaching without authorization will be asked to leave. Exception: during USFA-sanctioned tournaments, USFA-registered coaches may coach their own competing students.