MUSKETEERS FENCING ALLIANCE
CODE OF CONDUCT

Musketeers Fencing Alliance is open to anyone interested in participating in the sport of fencing. However, participation at Musketeers Fencing Alliance 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.

1. NO DISCRIMINATION. Fencers, guests and staff of Musketeers Fencing Alliance 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 race, color, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Discrimination will not be tolerated in any form. Any fencer who believes he/she has suffered from discrimination should inform an official as soon as possible.
   
   
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 and appropriate clothing, including full-length pants. Fencers shall not, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, raise a weapon toward an unmasked person.
   
   
3. SPORTMANSHIP. Good sportsmanship is expected from all fencers at all times. Fencers are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner. 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. EQUPMENT. 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 to give such equipment to the armourer for repair.
   
   
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.
   
   
6. TOURNAMENT CONDUCT. Club members attending tournaments represent Musketeers Fencing Alliance. 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 Musketeers Fencing Alliance who breaches these rules and/or code of conduct is subject to disciplinary action.
   
   
7. EJECTION. If at any time a fencer 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. REVOCATION OF PRIVILEGES: Musketeers Fencing Alliance reserves the right to suspend or revoke the club membership of any person whom the Head Coach or staff finds has violated this Code of Conduct.
   
   
8. PUNCTUALITY. In tournaments and in elite team training, lateness will not be tolerated. Lateness disrupts the team and is unfair to those members of the club who make the effort to be on time. Exceptional circumstances must be reported to an official, preferably in advance, and the Head or Assistant Coach's decision in such circumstances is final.
   
   
9. BULLYING: Bullying will not be tolerated in any form, whether physical, psychological or verbal. Any fencer who believes he/she has been subjected to bullying should inform an official as soon as possible and in the strictest confidence.
   
   
10. ALCOHOL. Fencers are not permitted to drink or be in possession of alcohol at any point on the premises. Failure to follow this rule will result in the cancellation of the athlete's membership and expulsion from the fencing program.
    
    
11. SMOKING. Athletes are not permitted to smoke at any point on the premises under any circumstances.
    
    
12. MOBILE PHONES. Mobile phones are generally allowed on the premises, however, athletes are expected to turn off mobile phones as directed by an official or when circumstances dictate (eg. in a team meeting and during training or competition). Phones may be confiscated if they are used in an intrusive or inconsiderate way and parents will be informed.
    
    
13. PERSONAL APPEARANCE. All athletes are expected to wear their fencing gear, unless directed or permitted otherwise by the Head/Assistant Coach. Indecent exposure will result in the expulsion from the Fencing Center. All members of Musketeers Fencing Alliance and all those visiting the Fencing Center must use the designated areas to put on their fencing gear or to change their clothes.
    
    
14. ANTI-DOPING. Athletes must comply with the World Anti-Doping-Code as approved by the Board of the United States Fencing Association. All athletes are expected to make themselves aware of current anti-doping regulations.
    

    Fencing Rules. Unted States Fencing Association. Book 2. Organization Rules. Chapter 7. Organization of Official FIE Competitions. (A) Common Conditions. (g) Anti-doping testing. o.63

15. DRUG POLICY. Musketeers Fencing Alliance PROHIBITS the possession, use, consumption, manufacture, sale, or distribution of drugs and drug paraphernalia. Any violations of this drug policy may be subject to sanctions by the Board of Directors and may be reported to all appropriate law enforcement authorities.
    
    
16. WEAPONS, DANGEROUS INSTRUMENTS, AND EXPLOSIVE CHEMICALS ON THE FACILITIES. The possession, use, or threat of use of any object that may reasonably be believed to cause physical injury to another person is prohibited.
    
    
17. GUESTS. We expect all persons using the Musketeers Fencing Alliance facilities to behave in a mature and responsible way and to respect the rights and dignity of others. Our Code of Conduct for Members & Guests prohibits language or any action that can hurt or frighten another person. Specifically, this includes:
    • Angry or vulgar language including swearing, name calling or shouting.
    • Physical contact with another person in any angry or threatening way.
    • Any demonstration of sexual activity or sexual contact with another person.
    • Harrassment or intimidation by words, gestures and body language.
    • Theft or behavior which results in the destruction of property.
    • Carrying or concealing any weapons, devices or objects, which may be used as weapons.
    • Using, possessing or being under the influence of illegal chemicals or alcohol on Musketeers Fencing Alliance property, in Musketeers Fencing Alliance vehicles, or at Musketeers Fencing Alliance sponsored programs.
    • Any other conduct of an inappropriate, threatening or offensive nature.
    • Unauthorized cameras, PDAs & video recording devices are prohibited in all locker room areas.
    • Members and guests are encouraged to be responsible for their personal comfort and safety and to ask any person whose behavior threatens their comfort to refrain. If a member or guest feels uncomfortable in confronting the person directly, they should report the behavior to a staff person immediately.
    • The Board of Directors and/or the Head/Assistant Coach will investigate all reported incidents. Suspension or termination of Musketeers Fencing Alliance membership privileges may result from a determination by the Board of Directors or Head Coach if in his or her judgment a violation of this Code of Conduct has occurred. Musketeers Fencing Alliance's Staff on duty may revoke facility usage privileges until such determination is made.
    
    
18. DISPLAYS OF AFFECTION. Athletes, staff members, and visitors will refrain from any potentially offensive public displays of affection on the Musketeers Fencing Alliance premises. Unacceptable behaviors include (but are not limited to) kissing on the lips, sitting on another's lap, and fondling or groping another person. Repeated offenses will result in parent contact, suspension, or referral to the Board of Trustees for disciplinary action.


19. ITEMS NOT COVERED. The Musketeers Fencing Alliance Board has the right to make additions to this code of conduct and to take decisions on any matters not covered. Fencers will be kept informed of any changes.
    
    

Musketeers Fencing Alliance