The Armory Guy Failed My Mask!

At every tournament certain equipment is tested. It always varies, depending on the tournament, but one thing that is ALWAYS checked is the fencer's mask. That's because the mask is the MOST important piece of equipment that you have.

Injuries from blades are almost nonexistent in fencing. The potential is always there, though, and so the FIE and the USFA have mandated certain tests to make sure that those potential injuries remain potential and not actual. If any mask fails any of these tests, it can no longer be used. This is to protect the fencer.

The Armorer has two functions. First and foremost is SAFETY. It is our job to make fencing as safe as it can be for the fencers. Second is to insure a level playing field.

On those rare occasions when a mask is failed, it is failed to protect the fencer from injury. When this happens, the mask will be confiscated. Whether you know it or not, when you submit your USFA membership and sign that form, you are agreeing to this. Depending on what the particular failure is, the mask might be returned without control marks, it might be returned after being marked "failed", or it may be destroyed by the Armorer. This is in accordance with the rules and is done in your best interest. An unsafe mask is an unsafe mask. And, the disposition of the mask is at the discretion of the Armorer.

None of us WANTS to fail your mask. We all know that they cost money. What we want is to prevent you from getting hurt.

I work tournaments all over the US from club tournaments to Nationals. And, once in a while I have to fail a mask. The one thing that I hear almost universally from fencers, and MORE OFTEN from parents, is, "OK, we'll just use this mask for practice".

Think about this.

When you tell me this, what you are saying is, "I don't want my child to lose an eye in a tournament, but it's all right for him to lose an eye during practice". An unsafe mask is unsafe ALL of the time.

Agreed, if I confiscate your mask, it costs you money. I've been there myself. But ask yourself this. How much will you spend to protect your child's face?

So, remember, when that Armorer says no, he's saying no to help you, not to hurt you.