Safety Information - Gloves · British Fencing

Requirements for gloves vary by activity. For details on specific requirements by activity see EQUIPMENT BY ACTIVITY – SAFETY GUIDELINES.

Fencers must wear fencing gloves of appropriate size.
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 or hole in the hand of the glove, even to allow the passage of the body wire; they should be inspected regularly for any holes and tears.
The Rules do not prohibit the wearing of a glove on the unarmed hand.

It is recommended that the fencing glove conforms to at least to the minimum safety standard of CEN Level 1 and bearing the appropriate CEN safety mark.

For (metal) sabre, an FIE 800N glove is required for all activities except:

Public Come and Try
Affiliated club beginner courses
SabreLite sessions
Where both fencers are U10 and both fencing with size 0 – except the BYCs
Where both fencers are U14 and both fencing with size 2 (sabre & epee) /3 (foil) – expect the BYCs

The British Youth Championships (BYCs) require an 800N glove

Buying Recommendation – if you fence sabre and are buying a glove – buy an 800N FIE glove as this will meet the minimum standards in the most common fencing environments. If you are fencing foil and/or epee and buying your own glove, buy one that is marked with a CE/CEN logo.

A final reminder

Everyone participating in fencing is responsible for safety. If you think that a fencer/your opponent is fencing with an unsafe or unsecured mask please alert a club or competition official.

Every incident (accident, injury or near miss) must be recorded using this form.

Click here for information on which glove to wear for each competition/activity type.

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