Fencing Draft notes:When You Are Allowed To Fence

Was: You must be authorised in fencing to participate in any combat event.
Now: 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.
Functional change: None. Reminder that you need to prove that you are authorised.
Reason: Reminder that you need to prove that you are authorised to participate.
For notes section: June 2023 - A reminder that you need to prove that you are authorised to participate by presenting a current authorisation card, or your temporary paperwork until your card arrives.

Was: To be authorised, you have to pass a verbal and practical test to show that you...
Now: To be authorised, you have to pass a verbal and practical combat test to show that you...
Functional change: Addition of the word "combat" to highlight that the practical component must include combat
Reason: The handbook currently has two phrases meaning the same component of the authorising process. This combines them.
For notes section: June 2023 - The practical component of authorisations must include combat.

Additional text: If you are not legally fit to drive, you are not fit to fight.
Functional change: None
Reason: Mirroring language in armoured handbook, doubling down on importance of proper judgement when fighting.
For notes section: None required

Was: If you suffer an injury involving bleeding, you must leave the field immediately. You must have the wound cleaned and dressed before you return to the field. Any weapons, equipment or clothing that have visible blood on them must be cleaned, or not used further.
Now: 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.Clean affected weapons and equipment before use.
Functional change: Wait until bleeding has stopped before returning to the field. Dressing the wound not specifically required, though may be practical to prevent further irritation.
Reason: Matches wording in Armoured Combat rules 4.2.7. Dressing the wound may not be required once bleeding has stopped, and clothing may be permanently stained with blood even after laundering.

Insert new rule, and renumber subsequent rules: 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.
Functional change: Mirroring the requirements for withdrawing if bleeding, and aligning with the injury management procedures. You must leave the field if you suspect you have been concussed.
Reason: We want to highlight the risk of concussion, and help our people learn to recognise it in themselves and other participants.
For notes section: June 2023 - We have added this rule to help you know what to do if you think you might have been concussed, and how to recognise it. Even minor head injuries can have long-term consequences if not treated with due care.

Contents