When you are allowed to fence

1. You must be authorised in fencing to participate in any combat event. You need to be able to prove that you are authorised by presenting a current authorisation card or valid temporary paperwork.
2. To be authorised, you have to pass a verbal and practical combat test to show that you:
   • understand the rules;
   • understand the requirements for your protective equipment and weapons; and
   • can fight safely according to these rules.
3. Until you are authorised, you can take part in practice sessions. This includes classes and practice combat to help you learn how to use all weapons.
4. Before you fight, you must get your equipment and weapons inspected by a marshal to make sure it complies with these rules.
5. You are not allowed to fence with impaired judgement, which includes:
   • being impaired by an injury such as a concussion;
   • being impaired by alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter medication, or illegal or controlled substances.

   If you are not legally fit to drive, you are not fit to fight!

6. If you have an injury involving free flowing blood, you must leave the field immediately and may not return until the flow of blood has stopped. Clean affected weapons and equipment before use.
7. If there is an incident where you think you may have been concussed, you must leave the field immediately, and may not return to combat activities of any type until cleared to do so by a healthcare professional. The signs and symptoms of suspected concussion can be found in Concussion in Sport Group's Concussion Recognition Tool 5.
8. You do not have to fight if you don't want to. You can refuse a challenge, decide not to take part in a bout, or decide to withdraw from a fight. If you are in a competition, that might result in you forfeiting the bout.