Uniforms, Plastrons, Chest Protectors, Masks and Blades:
Uniforms (jackets and pants):
Standard fencing uniforms are acceptable (FIE label not required). Fencers must wear the required
clothing – regulation fencing jacket and pants, underarm protector (plastron), knee socks, and a
fencing glove that covers half the forearm. In epee and foil, a full jacket is required (i.e., a jacket with
croissard/groin strap). In foil and saber; the lame must have croissard/groin strap. In Saber, 800NW
gloves are required at all levels of competition (local, divisional, regional, and national). It is not
permissible to fence in warm-up pants. Fencing uniforms must not have any rips, tears, holes, etc.
USA Fencing allows uniforms of a single color other than black and designs on the rear (unarmed)
arm. As the purpose of uniform color or design is for audience interest, such designs should be in
good taste.
Names on uniforms:
Required only at national level tournaments: NACs, July Challenge, JOs, Division I Championships, USA
Fencing National Championships and Parafencing National Championships [BOD, Sept. 2010]. In all
three weapons, each fencer’s last name must be printed legibly, by hand or machine, in navy blue
capital letters between 8 and 10 cm high, such that the name is legible from a distance of 15 feet,
either on the back of the uniform or lame between the shoulders; or on the front side of the thigh
of the “rear” leg; or on a piece of fabric of lame material that is firmly sewn to the uniform in such
a way that it won’t detach during fencing or catch an opponent’s point. Fabric attached to the uniform
must be the same color as the part of the uniform to which it is attached. Conductive materials
must be attached in such a way as to not alter the conductivity of the metallic vest or jacket. NAMES
PRINTED ON TAPE ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. (USA Fencing | Rules & Compliance)
Plastrons (underarm protectors):
Standard fencing plastron; required with every uniform (FIE label not required)
Chest Protectors:
Women must wear chest or breast protectors. Chest protection is allowed for men but must be
worn under the jacket (Rule Book: m.24.4.c). In foil, this breast /chest protector must be worn below
the protective plastron and have the following characteristics: The entire outside of the chest
protector (the side facing the opponent) must be covered with a soft material such as E.V.A. (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) of four mm thickness and density of 22kg/m3. (The material can be attached to
the current plastic models or incorporated into the manufacture of new chest protectors). The material
must have the SEMI technical mark at the center of the upper edge. We are aware that manufacturers
may not offer older style “hubcap” protectors that conform to the rules. Therefore, fencers who use
this style of protector are allowed to retrofit their existing protectors to bring them into compliance
with the rules-that is, by attaching the required soft material to the protector. These retrofitted
protectors are NOT required to have the manufacturer/FIE mark, but retrofitted protectors must be
inspected at equipment check to ensure that they comply with the rules. Once inspected, the technician will apply the competition’s inspection mark. Mask bibs must be fixed to the exterior of the grille
starting from the reinforcement band onwards and extending as protection for the neck. Must withstand 12K punch test; elastic strap at back of mask is required. Masks that do not pass the 12K punch
test will be impounded and given a visible mark to signify that the mask is “not approved for use” at
any level of competition (local, regional, divisional, or national) [per FIE rule m.257.d]. In foil competitions, the conductive bib is required at all levels (local, divisional, regional and national). Details can be found in the USA Fencing | Rules & Compliance page. Saber and foil masks with electric bib are not allowed for use in epee at any level (local, divisional, regional, or national) (USA Fencing Clarification). The metal on the bib/mask can ground out the
opponent’s tip.
Blades
See table below.
|
Blade Size Number |
0 |
2 |
3 |
|
Blade Length: MM |
|
|
|
|
Foil |
775 |
825 |
850 |
|
Epee |
775 |
825 |
850 |
|
Saber |
765 |
820 |
850 |
For Y10 competitions, maximum blade length of 32.5”, all other competitions, standard blade
length of 70-90cm (~27.5” – 35.4”) for foil/epee and 70-88cm (~27.5” – 34.6”) for Saber. (FIE Material
Rules, Jan. 2011, M.8, M.16, M.23). For all weapons, any attachment to a weapon’s handle (i.e., wrist
strap, orthopedic grip) must fix the hand in one position such that the top of the thumb is no more
than 2cm from the inner surface of the guard. Note: At USA Fencing-sanctioned tournaments, for
safety and insurance purposes, fencers and coaches must wear mask and glove while participating in
drills, lessons, warm-ups, camps or clinics. Failure to comply may results in removal from the venue
USA Fencing | Rules & Compliance.
Note: At USA Fencing local, divisional, and regional competitions, there are no restrictions on colors or
decorations on uniforms, providing that the uniforms still comply with all other requirements.
USA Fencing Note: Masks may feature colored designs, on condition that they are approved by the
Referees’ Commission at least 30 days before being used for the first time in an official USA Fencing
competition OR at the discretion of the head referee at the event.
Fencers must submit pictures to masks@fencingofficials.org that clearly show the entirety of the design.
Accepted designs will be posted on the Referees’ Commission (formerly Fencing Officials Commission)
website.
In epee and foil, a full jacket is required (i.e., a jacket with croissard/groin strap). In foil and saber; the
lame must have croissard/groin strap. Any attachment to a weapon’s handler (i.e., wrist strap, orthopedic grip) must fix the hand in one position such that the top of the thumb is no more than 2 cm. from the
inner surface of the guard. It is not permissible to fence in warm-up pants. Fencing uniforms must not
have any rips, tears, holes, etc. USA Fencing allows uniforms of a single color other than black and designs on the rear (unarmed) arm. As the purpose of uniform color or design is for audience interest, such
designs should be in good taste.
For information on the regulations for Saber 800NW gloves, reference the rulebook. Fencers must wear
the required clothing – regulation fencing jacket and pants, underarm protector (plastron), knee socks,
and a fencing glove that covers half the forearm. Women must wear breast protectors. Chest protection is allowed for men but must be worn under the jacket (rulebook: m.24.4.c). In epee and foil, a
full jacket is required (i.e., a jacket with croissard/groin strap). In foil and saber; the lame must have
croissard/groin strap. Any attachment to a weapon’s handler (i.e., wrist strap, orthopedic grip) must fix the
hand in one position such that the top of the thumb is no more than 2 cm. from the inner surface of the
guard. It is not permissible to fence in warm-up pants.