This zone and the pages linked are under construction

Last edited 8th June 2026

Fencing is one of the safest sports, thanks to the regulations in place around safety, equipment and accident reporting.

In this zone you can access the Safety Guidelines in full, or use the boxes or quicklinks to find information on specific items of equipment, specific fencing activities and other safety related information

The BF Safety Committee are responsible for reviewing and updating the official BF Safety Guidelines, which set out minimum standards for fencing, wherever it may occur. Organisers of fencing activities may demand more stringent standards.

These BF Guidelines have been drawn up in cognisance of contemporary FIE Rules for FIE Competitions. In the event of the FIE Rules changing and laying down more rigorous safety requirements, BF will if appropriate update these Safety Guidelines, announcing the degree and timing of the application of the revised Rules in the UK.

Personal Responsibility Reminder

Every fencer is responsible for ensuring that their personal equipment is in a safe condition (cf. Rules for Competitions t.20.1).

Every fencer also has a duty of care to each of their opponents. For a safe, enjoyable sporting experience every fencer is expected to fence in a way that is safe and avoids hurtful, violent and dangerous actions (cf. also Rules for Competitions t.121.2), taking action if they see any potentially dangerous situation.

Undue aggression or bad temper can cause harm and is not part of our fencing repertoire/culture. Coaches are expected to instil this duty in all their pupils and clubs should include this in their Codes of Conduct.