Our core principles
Our number one priority is to provide our members with a safe, inclusive and friendly environment in which to develop their fencing skills. We expect all of our members and visitors to help us achieve that goal, and remember our three core principles:
1. Haverstock fencers are always kind and respectful.
2. Haverstock fencers help each other to get better.
3. Havestock fencers understand that improving is more important than winning.
1. Haverstock fencers are always kind and respectful.
2. Haverstock fencers help each other to get better.
3. Havestock fencers understand that improving is more important than winning.
On the piste: etiquette & equipment
- When sparring, take your opponent's abilities into account. Do not use size, power or experience in an off-putting or irresponsible way. Pay attention to whether they are having fun.
- If you are unhappy with a partner's level of aggression or power, tell them, and confirm with them that they are willing to change their behaviour. If you aren't feeling safe or happy, stop fencing them immediately, and talk to a coach.
- During our free fencing and competition sessions you may ask anyone to fence with you, and can expect that anyone might ask you. You should feel no pressure or obligation to accept; feel free to say "no thank you," and do not be offended if someone says "no thanks" to you.
- Haverstock operates a "spool buddy" system. Keep the spool you plug into at the start of the session for the entire session, and carry it around with you. This significantly reduces the number of spool breakages we experience, and significantly reduces wasted time between bouts.
- Please help with setting up spools at the start of the fencing exercises, and packing them away at the end of the session.
Our policies
We expect all of our Members, Visitors, staff, and guests to abide by the Club's and British Fencing's policies at all times. Any person found in breach of any of these policies may be asked to leave the venue immediately and may also be subject to our Disciplinary Procedure.
Terms of Membership
- Membership is only valid in conjunction with an active British Fencing license. Members without an active British Fencing license may not participate in club sessions.
- Membership contributions are due on the first day of each month.
- Members whose contributions are overdue are not entitled to participate in club activities.
- After two whole months of non-payment, Members will automatically be disaffiliated from the club and their membership will be changed to "Visitor" status.
- Persons whose membership is terminated due to non-payment of contributions may not rejoin within a 12 month period.
- Members who wish to terminate their membership should inform the club in advance of the month end.
- Members who leave the club without notice or good cause may not rejoin within a 12 month period.
- Senior and Cadet members are entitled a maximum of one monthly membership "break" per year, requiring 14 days' advance notice.
- Members who are unable to attend due to injury should inform the club as soon as is practicable.
- Once registered as injured, members will be exempt their membership fee until they can return to fencing.
- Injured members cannot return to fencing until having informed the Club and received confirmation of their reinstatement.
- Members who have reported themselves as injured may not fence elsewhere.
- Members who have reported themselves as injured who are observed fencing outside of the club will be subject to a Disciplinary Procedure.
- Members may apply to the Committee to take a sabbatical, however these must be justified by personal circumstances and may require evidence to be provided.
Terms of Visitation
- Only registered visitors may fence as a Visitor at Haverstock Fencing Club.
- Registration must be applied for through Sportmember, and is not completed until the applicant has received a written confirmation from the Club.
- Visitors must purchase a Visitor Pass from the club's webstore in advance of each visit.
- Visitor passes are only valid in conjunction with an active British Fencing license or equivalent overseas license which has been pre-approved by the club.
- Any visiting fencer observed participating at the club without having purchased a Visitor Pass in advance, or without having a valid fencing license, must immediately cease fencing and will receive a formal written warning.
- Any fencer found to be in breach of these rules after having received a previous written warning will be banned from attending the club for a minimum of twelve months.