While NI Fencing ltd, in its current iteration, has no connection with the previous entity’s which existed in its place, the board, the coaches and clubs take all allegations of abuse very seriously. In light of the recent revelations in football around historical abuse claims NIF would like to re-iterate its commitment to the safeguarding of all children and vulnerable young people who participate in our sport.
To that end, we would like to draw attention to the child protection policies and disclosure procedures available on the NIF website.
Any disclosures which may predate the existence of NI Fencing Ltd can still be made via these procedures, and will be handled in line with policy, and in connection with the PSNI, as allegations of abuse are an operational police matter.
We advise all clubs to ensure that there are no outstanding/unexamined disclosures and to seek assistance from NIF, Sport NI, or the NSPCC to complete all necessary due diligence on any outstanding case. It is the duty of every club, and the right of every disclosing child, to have their claims taken seriously and duly examined.
The NSPCC has set up a hotline, which anyone can call if they want to talk to someone in confidence. The number is 0800 023 2642.
Quick Summary of 3 Safety Changes
1. Leon Paul Contour Masks
British Fencing would like to draw your attention to a letter received from the FIE, also available on the FIE website here.
It states “We wish to inform you that starting from September 1st, 2014, only masks with two independent security devices will be allowed for use at all FIE competitions”.
Update – The European Fencing Confederation will be applying the requirement for the additional back strap on contour masks at European events ie, cadet and under-23 circuits.
Update – This will be required for The Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
Update – Irish Fencing will be enforcing this ruling for all Irish Competitions from 29th November
This instruction only relates to the Leon Paul Contour Masks.
“British Fencing will not for the moment be extending this requirement beyond FIE competitions, there being no recorded accident in Britain, at least in recent years, arising from a dislodged mask”.
2. Sabre Gloves
The FIE made a new specification Sabre Glove mandatory for all its competitions from 1st September 2013. The new glove provides protection up to 800 Newtons using the specified testing regime, on all parts of the hand from the wrist forward except the front of the fingers and half the front of the thumb.
British Fencing has approved the introduction of these gloves for fencers using full size sabres as follows:-
– all BF run competitions (senior, junior, cadet, age-group) – from 1st September 2014.
– Universal UK application – from 1st September 2016.
When both fencers are using size 0, 2 or 3 blades these gloves will be optional.
3. Plastrons when fencing with Size 0-3 Blades (All Weapons) or Non Electric Foil Blades
Presently fencers using these weapons do not need to wear a plastron if they are wearing an 800 Newton jacket.
From 1st September 2014 this will no longer be approved and this category will be removed from the Clothing Rules.
The reason for this change is because of some reports of the under-arm seams of 800N jackets coming apart, putting at risk this vulnerable area of the body – the area that a plastron is designed to protect.
So from 1st September 2014 the minimum level approved for those fencing with size 0–3 blades or with non-electric foil blades will be:
– either a 350 Newton jacket plus a 350 Newton plastron
– or a 350 Newton jacket which includes an integrated 350 Newtons plastron.