Cancellation Policy
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Our classes are planned for a limited number of students. For this reason, we regret that fees are not refundable once the term has started and that no refund can be granted for classes not attended. Knightsbridge Fencing Club cannot accept any responsibility for unforeseen changes that may prevent attendance.
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· All fees are non-refundable.
· Membership must be paid in advance and by making the payment you agree to Knightsbridge Fencing Clubs Cancellation Policy.
· All payments must be made before each term begins.
· If your payments is late there will be a late fee of £50
· Private lessons must be cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the time scheduled. If cancelled later, then full charges applies.
· Once you sign up to the term a full payment applies even if you or your child can't attend the class for any unforeseen reason.
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All memberships are role over to the next term. For any changes we need 6 weeks notice.​
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Code Of Conduct
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This document is a guide for Parents of players and other Spectators attending Junior fencing sessions organised by Knightsbridge Fencing Club, and where parents attend competitions where fencers of Knightsbridge Fencing Club takes part.
Expected Minimum Standards of Behaviour Individuals will, at all times respect:
• the rules and regulations of fencing.
• the rules and regulations of any venue which they are attending.
• and encourage the spirit of fair play.
• referees, officials, coaches, players of all teams and other spectators.
• understand, and appreciate that the purpose of the activities is primarily development and enjoyment, not just competing to win.
Parents and Spectators will:
• realise their responsibilities to be a positive supporter and good example to the young participants. -ensure, where they are responsible, that their child is punctual to meeting times, training and for tournaments.
• conduct themselves in a manner which protects their own safety and the safety of others.
• in the case of a parent or carer, be familiar with and abide by British Fencing antidoping, and equality and safeguarding policies.
• be alert to any issues which may threaten the safety of anyone attending the activities and alert the appropriate persons.
• be aware when attending matches that you are representing Knightsbridge Fencing Club and behave in a manner which preserves its reputation.
Parents and Spectators will never:
• use inappropriate language or gestures, bullying or threatening behaviour.
• act in any way which brings the sport or Knightsbridge Fencing Club into disrepute.
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When Knightsbridge Fencing Club’s fencers fence, they represent not only themselves but also the Knightsbridge Fencing Club. While competition and success are an important component for many fencers, they are expected to conduct themselves with dignity, respect the opposition and the spirit of the sport at all times.
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The following code lays out the standards expected from all Knightsbridge Fencing Club fencer:
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We as coaches maintain the highest professional environment for fencers, parents and colleagues. Under no circumstances should bullying or inappropriate language, behaviour happen towards anyone within the fencing club.
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We all respect each other's opinion and professionalism.
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Parents need to respect the rules of the club and should not communicate with the coaches via personal text or personal email.
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Make every effort to develop their own sporting abilities in terms of skill, timing, tactics, technique and stamina.
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Consistently give their maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during training and competing.
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Set a positive example for others, especially with regards to younger fencers.
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Avoid all forms of gamesmanship.
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Never use inappropriate language.
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Support fellow members of the club during training and competition.
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Protect others involved in the game from verbal or physical abuse and other forms of threatening or intimidating behaviour such as bullying.
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Know and abide by the competition rules and regulations set down by the British Fencing Association (BFA) and, when appropriate, Federation Internationale D’Escrime (F.I.E).
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Accept their success and failures with equal measure of control and dignity.
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Never take banned substances or use banned techniques to improve performance or to gain an unfair advantage.
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Treat all opponents with due respect at all times, irrespective of the result of the match.
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Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play, and help injured opponents.
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Accept official decisions with good grace and avoid words or actions which may mislead a referee or organiser.
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Do not act in a manner that would bring the club or sport into disrepute.
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Abide by the instructions of their coach, referee and competition organisers provided they do not contradict the spirit of the code.
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Show respect to the team officials of the opposition and their supporters.
During training all fencers must wear suitable kit that conforms to the appropriate safety standards for training and tournaments as defined by British Fencing. Please have a look at the equipment guidelines.
All fencers must, when they are not fencing or practicing, carry their weapons either by the pommel with the points towards the floor or by gripping the point, with the weapon hanging down vertically.
Fencers can only fence/exercise if wearing indoor sports shoes, to keep the floor clean.
Fencers and guardians must not leave rubbish behind- water bottles, paper cups, wrappers etc.
Knightsbridge Fencing Club’s trainings are drop off and pick up therefore and parents should collect children 5 minutes before trainings finish but not any earlier.
Dogs are strictly forbidden at Knightsbridge Fencing Club or into St. Luke’s surrounding grounds.
Driving in to drop off or pick up or parking withing St Luke’s parking slot is strictly forbidden.
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Safety Rules
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Fencing weapons must be carried point down or in a fencing bag.
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Minors may not hold blades unless they are wearing masks.
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A mask, glove, fencing jacket, plastron, breeches, fencing socks and plimsoles (indoor sport shoes) must be worn while fencing.
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No jeans, shorts, sweatpants or casual pants are allowed.
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No type of movement with the blade is allowed if any person within 3 meter of the action is unmasked.
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When fencing, especially in a group, a student may not under any circumstances remove a mask while another fencer’s blade point is raised or when other fencers are making any type of movement with their blades.
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Walking or standing close to fencers in a bout or while practicing, when blade points are raised or blades are in motion is prohibited.
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Unsportsmanlike behaviour, as diving, or improper rough or strong movements, whether intentional or not, are prohibited and will result in expulsion.
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Any illness, injury or the taking of medication must be reported to the instructor before a lesson or practice.
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No participation while under the influence of medicines which cause drowsiness or disorientation.
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You represent that you are in good physical condition, have no physical or mental health problems that will preclude your participation in fencing activities. Specifically, you represent that you have no underlying cardiovascular, neurological or any other illness that will prevent or inhibit your participation in fencing classes.
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You fully understand and agree that in participating in any fencing program, there is the possibility of accident, injury.
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You agree to assume these risks and release and discharge the owners of Knightsbridge Fencing Club and all other participants in the stated activities of and from all claims, demands, actions, and causes of action of any sort, for injuries sustained to the member’s person and/or property during the member’s presence on the premises and the member’s participation in the stated activities.
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Important Notice
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All Knightsbridge Fencing Club members must have British Fencing Membership. Only British Fencing members are allowed to participate in tournaments and provide appropriate insurance in case of any accidents. All members must also agree to follow the Safety Rules.
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All participants must wear fencing uniform according to the British Fencing rules and regulations.
Do not attend our fencing classes if you or your child is suffering from a contagious infection of any sort.
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Equipment Policy
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Safety is our main priority. At Knightsbridge Fencing Club we require that all fencers must follow the equipment guideline stated below.
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Personal Protective Equipment
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1.1: General
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BF has laid down standards for personal protective clothing to be worn.
These standards apply to fencing at competitions and everywhere else that fencing is taking place.
When sparring or competing fencers must wear full protective clothing –i.e. mask, jacket, breeches/trousers, plastron and glove as well as shoes, socks and, for women, chest guards.
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Fencers are responsible for ensuring that their personal equipment is in a safe condition.
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1.2: Masks
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Fencers must wear masks of appropriate size conforming at least to the minimum safety standard of CEN Level 1 and bearing the appropriate CEN safety mark. Masks must be checked for the following weaknesses and defects, if necessary by a qualified armourer:
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Weaknesses in the steel mesh, softness, holes or excessive deformation of the hard shell from the original shape.
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ii) The bib not properly attached or revealing gaps between it and the mask, or curling up.
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iii) Poor means of retention on the head, making the mask liable to come off. Fencers must wear a mask back-strap or some other approved method of mask retention.
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Attempts must not be made to repair the steel mesh of a mask.
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If the mask is weak or damaged, it must not be used.
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Transparent masks are banned when fencing with steel blades.
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Note that some competition organisers may demand standards that are more stringent than those laid down in this document.
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A back-strap consists of elastic at least 35mm wide, secured to the mask side mesh at each end, passing UNDER any mask spring piece at the back, and tensioned to keep the mask firmly in place. It must stay fastened and tensioned during fencing.
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1.3: Jackets & Breeches
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i) Fencers must wear jackets of appropriate size conforming at least to the minimum safety standard of CEN Level 1 and bearing the appropriate CEN safety mark.
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ii) Where breeches are required, fencers must wear breeches of appropriate size conforming at least to the minimum safety standard of CEN Level 1 and bearing the appropriate CEN safety mark
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There should be a minimum of 10cms (4 inches) overlap between breeches and jacket when the fencer is on guard.
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Jackets should fasten on the opposite side to the sword arm, or at the back.
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Breeches should reach and stay below the knee whilst fencing.
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If both fencers are using non-electric foil blades or, at all three weapons size 3 or smaller blades, breeches may be replaced by full-length trousers or tracksuit trousers of sufficiently strong material, provided all openings/pockets are zipped/ sewn/taped closed – see chart.
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Clothing must not be used which is damaged, shows visible tears or weakened by excessive use.
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1.4: Plastrons
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Fencers must wear plastrons of appropriate size conforming at least to the minimum safety standard and bearing the appropriate CEN safety mark.
1.5: Chest Guards
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It is compulsory for women to wear rigid chest protection. It is recommended that girls wear rigid chest protection (shaped or flat) from the age of ten or from the onset of puberty if earlier.
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1.6: Gloves
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The gauntlet must be long enough to cover approximately half the forearm and remain over the sleeve of the jacket whilst fencing. Gloves must not have any opening other than the one for the body wire; they should be inspected regularly for any holes and tears. Gloves must comply with the minimum standards set out in the chart.
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1.7: Socks and shoes
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Socks should always be covered by the bottom of the breeches, so that no bare skin is showing. Suitable indoor trainer type shoes should be worn.
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1.8: Fencing with foam or plastic weapons
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1.8.1 For all fencing with foam or plastic weapons a plastic face-mask specifically designed for this purpose or a regulation fencing mask should be worn.
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1.8.2 For fencing with plastic weapons a sleeved top should be worn and the legs should be covered at least down to knee level.
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2.Weapons
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2.1 General Note
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Weapons should be regularly inspected and checked to ensure they are in a safe, usable condition.
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Blades should be observed and tested to ascertain if any portion displays obvious kinks or excessive plasticity that may lead to a break e.g., irregular or uneven curve or inability to correct such a bend by the usual straightening methods.
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If blades develop sharp edges or splinters, these should be smoothed off with an emery cloth.
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The end of the blade must be folded over onto itself or fashioned in one piece to form a button which, in the case of sabre blades, when viewed end on, must have a square or rectangular section of 4 mm. x 4 mm
2.2: Weapons - Blades
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To reduce the risk of broken blades, never use a blade (or fence with someone who is using such a blade) if any portion displays obvious kinks or excessive plasticity that may lead to a break - e.g., irregular or uneven curve or inability to correct such a bend.
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2.3: Weapons - Blades for children
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Children under the age of ten should fence with weapon blades of size 0; children under the age of 14 should normally fence with weapon blades of size 3 or less, as required in competitions for their age. This will enhance their safety, comfort, technique and enjoyment of our sport.
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2.4: Weapons - Tips
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Weapon tips should conform to the FIE requirements. The point of a non-electric foil or épée (including a dummy electric foil blade) must be covered with a commercially produced plastic button in good condition or an integrated button.
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2.5 Weapons – Guards
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Continuous use of a weapon can leave sharp edges round the guard circumference, which are a potential hazard. Such guards must not be used. Guards which are dented enough to risk trapping a point must not be used.
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Insurance Policy
Please download it here.
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Child Protection Policy
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Protecting children from abuse is a responsibility of all those who come into contact with them.
Knightsbridge Fencing Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members. Every individual in the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of others, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the club’s Code of Conduct and British Fencing’s Pledge of Honour.
Knightsbridge Fencing Club is committed to practices which protect children from harm. This policy will help staff, officials, coaches, volunteers, members, parents, children and young people involved in fencing to understand and follow correct and respectful practice.
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1. Policy Statement
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Knightsbridge Fencing Club is committed to ensuring that the safety, welfare and well-being of children are maintained at all times during their participation in activities run by Knightsbridge Fencing Club.
Knightsbridge Fencing Club aims to promote a safe environment for all children and to assist all staff, officials, coaches, members and volunteers to recognise child abuse and neglect and follow the appropriate notification procedures when reporting alleged abuse.
Knightsbridge Fencing Club aims to protect all those involved in the game from verbal or physical abuse and other forms of threatening or intimidating behaviour such as bullying, and to act where necessary to address any evidence of such behaviour.
Rationale - The focus of the policy and guidelines is the prevention of child abuse and poor practice in the sporting environment.
This policy and guidelines will assist Knightsbridge Fencing Club in establishing co-ordinated strategies for dealing with any problems of child abuse and neglect in a responsible, effective and consistent manner.
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2. Objectives
Through the development of this Knightsbridge Fencing Club objectives are to:
Adopt child protection guidelines through a code of conduct for all staff/volunteers
Provide information to assist staff and volunteers in recognising and responding to all forms of child abuse
Provide direction to all staff and volunteers regarding their legal responsibilities under child protection legislation
Follow correct procedures for recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers
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3. Scope of Policy
The Child Protection Policy of Knightsbridge Fencing Club is applicable to all management and staff (paid, voluntary, permanent or casual).
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4. Implementation of Legislation
In order to implement the child protection policy Knightsbridge Fencing Club will undertake to:
Implement strategies and procedures that focus on the best interests of children and meet the requirements of child protection legislation.
Promote a safe and supportive environment for all children and young people participating in activities which come under our umbrella.
Increase awareness and emphasise the importance of child protection issues in a sporting environment to all those involved with the activities of Knightsbridge Fencing Club. This includes administrators, coaches, officials, fencers, parents and their children.
Ensure that all staff/volunteers of Knightsbridge Fencing Club are aware of their responsibilities arising from
this policy.
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5. Expectations
Knightsbridge Fencing Club expects that all administrators, coaches and officials whether paid or unpaid, who participate in organised sport under the banner of this club will commit to the above.
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6. Policy Review
Knightsbridge Fencing Club Child Protection and Intervention Policy and Guidelines will be reviewed and updated in line with any legislative changes that have significant impact on the manner in which child protection and intervention issues are to be dealt with.
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7. Child Protection Practices
Knightsbridge Fencing Club is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for children and young people to practice fencing.
We do this by:
Recognising that all children have the right to freedom from abuse.
Ensuring that all our staff and volunteers are carefully selected and accept responsibility for helping to prevent the abuse of children in their care.
All staff and volunteers working at Knightsbridge Fencing Club are subject to a Barring & Disclosure/Criminal Records Bureau check through British Fencing before working with children. All coaches and club officials are also required to attend regular Safeguarding training, updated every three years.
All fencers, coaches, club officials, parents and carers are required to follow Knightsbridge Fencing Club codes of conduct.
Responding swiftly and appropriately to all suspicions or allegations of abuse and providing parents and children with the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have.
Appointing a Welfare Officer who will take specific responsibility for child safety and act as the main point of contact for parents, children and outside agencies.
Ensuring access to confidential information is restricted to the Welfare Officer or the appropriate external authorities.
Reviewing the effectiveness of our Child Protection Policy and activities.
Lead Welfare Officer: jean_lelion@hotmail.com 07969 583301
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Risk Assessment