GBR GUIDE TO WEAPON CHECK

Last Updated: 02.03.26

On this page:

• • What Weapon Check is and why it matters
  • When and where Weapon Check happens
  • What equipment is inspected
  • How to prepare and avoid common issues
  • Checklist and common faults

WHAT IS WEAPON CHECK?

Weapon Check (formerly Weapon Control) is the process where competition officials inspect and test your fencing equipment before you are permitted to fence. This applies not only to weapons but also to a range of protective and electrical gear.

The purpose is to ensure that equipment:

• Is safe
• Meets FIE rules
• Functions correctly

Weapon Check takes place at all World Cups, Grand Prix events, World and European Championships, and some domestic competitions such as the School Games.

Relevant rules:

• FIE Material Rules & FIE Publicity Code: here
• FIE Equipment Rules: here

WHY DOES WEAPON CHECK EXIST?

Weapon Check ensures you can present yourself on the piste with:

• Safe equipment
• Correctly functioning kit
• A reduced chance of receiving penalties

It also protects the integrity of competition by preventing intentional equipment modification for unfair advantage. From an organiser’s perspective, equipment failures can cause significant delays, so Weapon Check helps events run smoothly.

WHEN DOES WEAPON CHECK HAPPEN?

Weapon Check always takes place before fencing begins. At Junior World Cups, it usually occurs the evening before competition starts.

At team events or major championships, team kit is often submitted collectively in labelled bags. Instructions on hand‑in and collection are provided to Team Managers and published in the competition reglements at http://fie.org/competitions.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS CHECKED?

Requirements vary by event, but you should expect at minimum:

• Masks
• Weapons
• Body-wires
• Lames

At major championships, jackets, breeches and plastrons may also be inspected. Event organisers usually publish limits on the number of items you may present at once (e.g., three body-wires, two masks, four weapons).

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY KIT HAS PASSED?

Passing items will receive a dated control mark (label or stamp). A slip of paper may also be included in your returned kit bag listing what passed, failed, and the reasons. You must know where each control mark is located, as referees will ask to see them on the piste.

WORKING WITH WEAPON CHECK OFFICIALS

Weapon Check officials work under pressure for long periods and are supervised by experienced personnel. The BF Code of Conduct requires all BF members to treat event officials with respect.

• Many athletes will have challenged decisions before you.
• Arguing will not gain favour and may delay your kit.
• All failures have a reason.

Most armourers are willing to explain faults when time allows. If the hall is quiet, they may assist with repairs, although this should never be expected. If you believe an error has been made, you may politely refer to the specific FIE rule. At FIE events, armourers can escalate issues to the FIE representative.

HOW TO PREPARE AND AVOID PROBLEMS

A. Check your kit regularly

You should inspect your kit before every event, even if there is no Weapon Check. Clothing checks focus on safety, weapon checks focus on function, and most checks take only seconds once you form the habit.

GBR athletes must be able to diagnose and fix basic equipment issues, including U17 fencers. These skills can be learned in clubs, armoury courses, or online resources such as:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiSetFUdBZ8

B. Be honest about what you find

• A hole in clothing or a glove is still a hole.
• Intermittent weapons or wires must be fixed.
• Faulty zips or Velcro must be replaced.

C. Be considerate to Weapon Checkers

• Do not submit knowingly broken equipment.
• Listen carefully to feedback.
• Ask for written notes if unclear.
• Request assistance only during quiet periods.

APPENDIX A – CHECKLIST

The following can be checked quickly without specialist tools:

• Jackets
• Plastrons
• Breeches
• Gloves
• Masks
• Socks

Lamés require a multimeter for a full test.
Weapons require a visual inspection, a weight, a gauge, and a test box or multimeter (also used for wires).

COMMON FAULTS

Electrical Resistance

• Foil and epee maximum resistance: 2 ohms (up to ~5 ohms may be accepted).
• Body-wires and mask-wires: under 1 ohm (up to ~5 ohms may pass).
• Lamé resistance: less than 5 ohms between any two points.

Thanks to Simon Axon for producing the original document.

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