Welfare & Safety
Keeping everyone in fencing safe: safeguarding, how to raise a concern, DBS checks and safety guidance for kit and conditions.
Safety
Kit and conditions
Safety Information - Masks
Masks must be fitted securely. Clubs loaning kit out for competition must make sure that the mask loaned is of the correct size and that…
Safety - Jackets & Breeches
Requirements for Jackets and Breeches vary by activity. For details on specific requirements by activity see EQUIPMENT BY ACTIVITY –…
Safety Information - Gloves
Requirements for gloves vary by activity. For details on specific requirements by activity see EQUIPMENT BY ACTIVITY – SAFETY GUIDELINES.
Safety Information - Weapons
General Weapons should be regularly inspected and checked to ensure they are in a safe, usable condition.
-
Guidance on Fencing in Hot Weather
Information for our clubs, coaches, competition organisers, members and fencing community on how to cope with hot weather/rising…
-
Fencing in Pregnancy and Post Partum
Consensus Statement from British Fencing Medical Committee
A–Z
Everything in Welfare & Safety
- A Quick Guide on DBS Checks A quick guide for Wales and England-based members who are on BF workforce registers on keeping DBS checks up-to-date
- Breach of Trust - Adult Safeguarding A breach of position of trust occurs when a person misuses their position of authority, influence, or responsibility over another person. It makes no difference whether this is done intentionally or through poor practice.
- DBS Check Information for Clubs From November 6th 2023, all DBS checks on affiliated club officials (e.g. coaches, welfare officers, referees) in England and Wales must be undertaken via the Know Your People (KYP) online platform. All applications for new checks will be initiated by British Fencing.
- Equipment by Activity - Safety Guidelines Coaches: Coaches giving 1:1 lessons must wear masks
- Fencing in Pregnancy and Post Partum Consensus Statement from British Fencing Medical Committee
- Guidance on Fencing in Cold Temperatures Information for our clubs, coaches, competition organisers, members and fencing community on dealing with cold weather/falling temperatures, with a recommendation of a minimum of 16 degrees for the comfort and performance of all participants.
- Guidance on Fencing in Hot Weather Information for our clubs, coaches, competition organisers, members and fencing community on how to cope with hot weather/rising temperatures.
- Safeguard Explained The information on this page is only relevant to coaches in England and Wales. Coaches based in Scotland or NI should look at Becoming a Registered Coach for their training requirements.
- Safety Information - Gloves Requirements for gloves vary by activity. For details on specific requirements by activity see EQUIPMENT BY ACTIVITY – SAFETY GUIDELINES.
- Safety Information - Masks Masks must be fitted securely. Clubs loaning kit out for competition must make sure that the mask loaned is of the correct size and that the individual using the equipment (or their parent/guardian) is trained to ensure it is worn properly. It is not solely the responsibility…
- Safety Information - Weapons General Weapons should be regularly inspected and checked to ensure they are in a safe, usable condition.
- Safety - Jackets & Breeches Requirements for Jackets and Breeches vary by activity. For details on specific requirements by activity see EQUIPMENT BY ACTIVITY – SAFETY GUIDELINES.
- Safety - Under Plastrons Requirements for plastrons vary by activity. For details on specific requirements by activity see EQUIPMENT BY ACTIVITY – SAFETY GUIDELINES.
- Safety Zone Fencing is one of the safest sports, thanks to the regulations in place around safety, equipment and accident reporting.
- Staff Abuse Notice British Fencing welcomes any comments you have on all aspects of its activities and has a formal procedure for dealing with complaints. Our expectation is that people will engage in this procedure in a professional and respectful manner.
- Welfare Zone We believe that the welfare of children and adults at risk is everyone’s responsibility, particularly when it comes to protecting children from abuse. Everyone in fencing – administrator, club official, coach, parent, friend, children themselves, everyone – can help.
Last updated 29 Sept 2026