ALPHARETTA HIGH SCHOOL FENCING TEAM
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Alpharetta High School Fencing Club is open to any AHS student interested in participating in the sport of fencing. However, participation at AHS Fencing Club is a privilege, NOT a right. Along with this privilege come expectations of behavior by fencers, guests, volunteers, and staff in accordance with the following published Code of Conduct.
Revocation of Privileges: AHS Fencing Club reserves the right to suspend or revoke the club membership of any person whom the coach or staff finds has violated this Code of Conduct.
1. No Discrimination. Fencers, guests and staff of AHS Fencing Club are expected to treat other fencers, guests and staff at all times and in all respects in a manner free from discrimination or harassment on the basis of color, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. We have zero tolerance for hazing or similar dangerous behavior.
2. Physical Safety. Fencers are expected to exercise control of their actions and demeanor at all times and to exercise good judgment by fencing appropriately for the age, size, and experience level of their opponents. Fencers are expected to wear all safety equipment (including personal athletic supporters and chest plates) and appropriate clothing, including fencing knickers with long sport socks and no leg showing, and fencing friendly sneakers. Fencers shall not, under any circumstances, raise a weapon in anger or retaliation, or toward any unmasked person or take weapons outside of the designated fencing room. Fencers may not remove mask or protective gear till they hear “Halt” at end of bout. Fencers must self-check Masks & Epees before Tournaments.
3. Sportsmanship. Fencers need to arrive and be “ready to fence” on-time for events. Good sportsmanship is expected from all fencers at all times. Fencers are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner. Fencers are to exercise good judgment by fencing appropriately for the age, size and experience level of their opponents. Fencers are expected to salute their opponent and the director before and after each bout and to shake hands with their opponent after each bout in a sportsmanlike manner.
4. Equipment. Fencers are expected to keep all equipment owned by them in safe working order and are responsible for the suitability and condition of that equipment at all times. Fencers using club equipment are expected not to use equipment that appears to be damaged or unsafe and are to notify a coach or instructor of the issue immediately, and turn in the equipment for repair or replacement. Fencers will NOT be allowed to borrow another Fencer’s Epee during tournaments.
5. Club Activities. All club activities must be treated with respect by fencers and guests. Families, friends, and visitors must not interrupt or disrupt any ongoing activity or any coach or instructor. Good-spirited cheering for our fencers during tournaments is allowed. Any disruptively loud, negative comments or mean-spirited jeering will not be tolerated. NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY!
6. Club Dues & Fee Payments. Fencers and guests are expected to promptly pay all club membership fees, equipment costs and all other amounts when due, or risk losing club membership. Annual Dues are $130 paid in the beginning of the school year. (We hope to avoid any student fund raising activities so that they can focus on school work and studies during weekends and evenings.)
7. Tournament Conduct. Club members attending tournaments represent AHS Fencing Club. Members are bound by the rules of fencing and the USFA code of conduct regardless of whether they are participating in a local, regional, national, or international competition. Any fencer representing AHS Fencing Club who breaches these rules and/or code of conduct is subject to dismissal from the club. ( www.usfencing.org Click on: Athletes and Coaches, Athlete Handbook – Section 8.3 )
8. Ejection. If during any AHS Fencing Club event, (ie; practices, tournaments or fundraising events), a fencer, parent or guest threatens the safety of other fencers, guests or staff, any member of the staff may immediately escort the threatening individual from the applicable premises. No children under age 12 are permitted on the fencing floor.
9. Staff Leadership. Only AHS Fencing Club Staff members (Dr. Vail - or presiding fencing coach, Team Sponsor, and/or Team Captains) are allowed to make policy and/or issue instruction. NO ONE ELSE is responsible for creating club regulations or policies. Under NO circumstances should a parent or fencer other than a Team Captain or Assistant Team Captain give any fencing instructions or make club policy. Anyone violating this request will be asked to leave. Repeated violations will result in the fencer’s termination from the club. (Heidi Farsi is the Team Parent and is approved by the administration and Team Sponsors to act on behalf of other staff members when absent.)
10. Parent Meetings – We will occasionally have Parent Meetings, as we need to address the Club’s needs, safety issues and any new policies or requirements. At least one parent or legal guardian for each fencer needs to attend these meetings. We will send emails in advance to announce these meetings. Fencers may attend most of these meetings, unless otherwise requested by Club Staff.
11. FORMS REQUIRED TO FENCE – PARENT’S SIGNATURES NEEDED! In order to participate in any AHS Fencing Club event (including practices) ALL AHS Fencing Club members must have their parents/legal guardians complete and sign the Code of Conduct, Permission/Risk/Liability/Waiver Release, and Emergency Contact Information Forms.
Please SIGN below ONLY after reading this entire document. Thank you.
X_____________________________________________________ _________________
Signature of Member/Fencer Date
Print Fencer’s Full Name : ______________________________________________
X_____________________________________________________ _________________
Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian, (if Fencer is under age 18) Date
Print Parent/Legal Guardian Name: _______________________________________
