Safety and Rules

Our safety standards and conduct requirements for students / event participants.

Expectations

We take safety very seriously at Black Boar, and to promote a safe and enjoyable environment for all, all students / event participants must respect and follow our rules and all directions given by our instructors / event facilitators. In addition, all students / event participants must take responsibility for their own actions and behaviour, and conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner at all times.

Disclaimer

Whilst we mandate the use of safety equipment, only fence with appropriate training weapons, and require all students / event participants to follow the directions of our instructors / event facilitators, it must be noted that historical fencing, as with many types of sports activities, carries inherent risks. We mitigate these risks as far as reasonably possible, but anyone who chooses to participate in historical fencing at our school does so on the understanding that they voluntarily accept these risks and that they may incur injuries.

Historical fencing is an interactive physical activity, focused on defence and offence with weaponry. Students / event participants must therefore assess and understand their own level of health, fitness, risk tolerance and comfort in order to make an informed decision about the activity’s suitability in relation to their personal circumstances.

Inclusivity, Dignity and Respect

We welcome all students / event participants in accordance with the principles set out in anti-discrimination law. No discriminatory behaviour on the grounds of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability or other protected characteristics will be tolerated. All students and event participants are required to treat others with dignity and respect at all times.

Age Restrictions

You must be aged 18 years or over to participate in our classes and events. We reserve the right to request proof of age. Anyone under the age of 18 will not be allowed to attend and / or take part in our classes or events, without exception.

Behaviour and Responsibilities

  • Students / event participants must treat each other and our instructors / event facilitators with respect at all times

  • Students / event participants must always make the welfare and safety of others their primary concern

  • Students / event participants must never fence whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs

  • Students / event participants must always follow the directions of our instructors / event facilitators

  • When our instructors / event facilitators wish to address the class or event, all other conversations must end

  • Students / event participants must not improvise or move on to the ‘next thing’ during lessons until directed to do so by our instructors / event facilitators

  • Sharp weapons must never be used

  • All training weapons must be blunt and in good working order

  • Students / event participants must always ask before borrowing equipment and return it in the same condition

  • On hearing the word “halt” all swordplay must immediately stop

  • Students / event participants must never engage in free play unless they have been permitted to do so under the direct supervision of our instructors / event facilitators

  • Students / event participants must not teach other students, during or outwith classes, unless permitted to do so by our instructors / event facilitators

  • All sword attacks must be made responsibly and with control, and never in a way that endangers the recipient

  • Overly aggressive, bullying and / or anti-social behaviour is strictly forbidden

  • Masks, along with other safety equipment suitable for the weapon style being practiced, must always be worn when engaging in swordplay

  • All areas used for swordplay must always be kept tidy and free from obstructions

  • We do not accept any responsibility for the loss, theft or damage of personal property

Misconduct

Any students / event participants who breach our rules, disobey the guidance of our instructors / event facilitators, conduct themselves disrespectfully and / or unsafely, or who put the welfare and safety of other students / event participants at risk will, at our sole discretion, be immediately removed from the class or event. Such students / event participants may also be banned from attending future classes and events and / or have their Black Boar membership cancelled, as appropriate.