U.S. SEMI Issues Statement Clarifying Interpretation of Rule m.25.2

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Expert coaching, skilled officials, and safe equipment — these three elements help make fencing one of the safest sports around.

In that spirit, the dedicated armorers of the U.S. SEMI (Electronic Signaling Equipment and Installations Committee) have issued a clarification for fencers regarding the “handedness” of their equipment.

Fencers know that while some pieces of gear, like socks and masks, are the same for left- and right-handed fencers, other items, such as knickers (pants) and jackets, have separate versions based on the athlete’s fencing hand.

In fact, fencers have long seen when buying jackets or pants from gear manufacturers like Absolute Fencing or Leon Paul that handedness is an option right alongside size.

So today's statement from the U.S. SEMI isn't a new rule but merely a clarification. The U.S. SEMI released an official statement addressing the handedness of knickers and jackets, clarifying the interpretation of existing Rule m.25.2 of the USA Fencing Rulebook. 

Rule m.25.2 states that knickers, jackets and lames “must have flaps that cover the fastenings in the direction of the fencer’s armed arm (right handed from right to left — left handed from left to right).” The rule does not apply to jackets or lames that open in the back. 

We must once again reiterate that this isn’t a change to the rule, but rather a clarification on its interpretation — particularly relevant to fencers purchasing gear and referees responsible for enforcing safety standards.

This isn’t a new rule, but there’s never a bad time to double-check your gear. When in full fencing gear, get into en garde position. Now check the following: Is the opening of the flap on your knickers, jacket and lame facing away from your opponent or toward your opponent?

If it’s facing away from your opponent, you’re good to go.

If it’s facing toward your opponent, your gear does not comply with the safety standards of rule m.25.2.

As of Aug. 25, 2024, US SEMI interprets Rule m.25.2, which states:

Safety
It must not be possible for the opponent to be obstructed or injured by the equipment, nor for the opponent’s weapon to be caught up in or deflected by the equipment which, in consequence, must have neither buckles nor openings in which the opponent’s point may be caught up — except accidentally — and thus held or deflected. The jacket and its collar must be completely buttoned or done up."

Statement of Interpretation from U.S. SEMI
The U.S. SEMI interpret the rule to mean that knickers, as well as jackets and lames, must have flaps that are sewn to cover the fastenings in the direction of the fencer's armed arm (right handed from right to left – left handed from left to right). US SEMI interprets the rule to not apply to jackets or lames that open in the back.