Rules and Code of Conduct

• Boise Fencing Club (BFC) is a fencing club open to anyone with an interest in promoting or engaging in the sport of Olympic fencing.  However, participation at BFC is a privilege, not a right.  Along with this privilege come certain expectations of behavior by the club’s members, guests, students, and coaches, in accordance with these Rules and Code of Conduct.

• No Discrimination.  All participants and guests of BFC are to treat all other participants, guests, and users of the facility at all times and in all respects in a manner free of discrimination or harassment.
  
  
• Sportsmanship and Respect.  Good sportsmanship and respect are some of BFC’s highest priorities.  All fencing encounters are to be conducted in a respectful and courteous manner regardless of whether the encounter takes place during open bouting, at a tournament, or during a class.  All participants are expected to salute their opponent and the referee, if any, before and after each encounter, and to shake hands with their opponent after each bout, in a sportsmanlike manner.

• Safety.  Physical safety is one of the highest priorities of BFC.  All participants are expected to exercise control of their actions and demeanor while fencing or otherwise participating at the Salle.  All participants are expected to exercise good judgment as to the degree of force in fencing reasonably appropriate to the age, size and experience level of their opponents. All participants are expected to keep any equipment owned by them in a safe condition, and are responsible for the suitability and condition of that equipment.  All participants using BFC equipment are expected to not use any equipment which appears damaged or unsafe and to notify a senior club member of the problem.

• Scoring/Referees.  During non-refereed bouts, discussions of priority and valid touches are to be resolved quickly and amicably between the participants, or thrown out.  In non-electric bouting, the fencers are expected to acknowledge touches against them.  In refereed bouts, the decision belongs solely to the referee and that decision is final, unless, at a tournament, it is a question appropriate for a bout committee.  Fencers and guests are expected to treat all referees with respect, regardless of the outcome of any particular call or encounter.

• Tournament Conduct.  Members attending tournaments represent BFC to the wider fencing community.  Members are bound by these Rules, and by the USFA and USOC codes of conduct regardless of whether it is a local, regional, national, or international competition.