NOTICE of PHYSICAL CONTACT
Fencing is a contact sport involving the use of a metal blade to “touch” an opponent. Occasionally, through attempts to make “touches”, physical body-to-body collisions may accidentally occur. Such touches and collisions in practice or competition may occur to any part of the body. Minor bruises and scratches are commonplace and most students will encounter some type of minor injury in training or competition. More serious injuries are possible and, however infrequent, students need to be aware of this possibility despite the safety precautions taken. Female students are required to wear a rigid chest protector and male students are highly encouraged to wear rigid chest protectors and consider the use of a sports cup.
When male and female students train together, or when adults and minors train together, or in any other training combination, the purpose and intent of the Red Stick School of Fencing and its organizers, agents, officials, coaches, instructors and representatives is to provide a safe environment for all students to learn and practice fencing. Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times. Fencers are expected to shake hands with their instructors and /or opponents following bouts and /or on class completion.
Some contact is necessary when training, for example the use of hands to position arm, wrist, hand, legs, feet, head and body. Should any student feel that a training partner, instructor, coach, or anyone associated with RSSF is engaging in contact beyond the scope of training, the student has the right to withdraw from the exercise or drill and report the incident in private to the Red Stick School of Fencing and its organizers, agents, officials, coaches, instructors and representatives and/or the proper legal authorities if necessary.
I, the undersigned understand the nature of physical contact in fencing training and competition and I understand that I have the right to withdraw from any training or competition in which the conduct of any party seems beyond the scope of said training or competition and/or makes me uncomfortable. I agree to abide by school etiquette in all matters and shall not in any way conduct myself inappropriately or take advantage of the contact fencing training or competition allows.
In signing the foregoing release, the undersigned hereby acknowledges and represents: that he/she has read the foregoing release understands it and signs voluntarily; that he/she is over 18 years of age and of sound mind. If under 18, parent/guardian in the signing this release agrees to all its terms and conditions.