Are there any rules on the size of a fencers lame in relation to the person?

[jeff]

Because he's hoping to get a pony for Christmas

[wiwf]

I believe the top of the lame must cross the tops of the humerus.

[annacattiva]

Isn't the humerus in your arm?

It has, as Araznal says, to touch the tops of your hip bones, as well as reach your wrists (aided on the weapon hand by the glove or cuff). If your mate just likes wearing really really tight lames that cut down on his surface area but meet these requirements, he's fine.

I would add one qualification which is that none of these rules applies to Justin Meehan from Long Island because he's too big.

Anna

[rcmatthews]

He is definetly larger than I am.

[KD5MDK]

I believe it has to cover some portion of the tops of the shoulders.

[Araznal]

Alright, here's everything on foil lames:

Whatever the means of fastening used, the conductive material must
cover a sufficient area to ensure that it covers the valid target in all
positions of the fencer. The overlap must always be on the swordarm
side.
The interior of conductive jackets must be electrically insulated by a
lining or by an adequate treatment of the conductive lamé material.
The conductive collar must have a minimum height of 3 cm.
The lamé material used must be of conductive thread in both warp
and weft. As regards electrical conductibility it must conform to the
following requirements.
(a) The electrical resistance measured between any two points of the
lamé material must not be greater than 5 ohms. The resistance
will be measured by using a 500 g copper or brass weight which
has a hemispherical end with a radius of 4 mm. This weight,
placed on this end and moved about on the lamé, must maintain
continuous contact with a maximum resistance of 5 ohms.
(b) In no circumstances must the use of a conductive jacket be
allowed if it has holes in it, or patches of oxidation or other
defects which may prevent the registration of a valid touch.
(c) A conductive jacket which is considered to be unusable will be
so marked with a very visible colored paint by an authorized
armorer.
The conductive jacket must be so made that when it is laid flat there
is a straight line between the point of junction of the lines of the
groin and the two points corresponding to the tops of the hip bones
(ilium).
The band of non-conductive material passing between the legs must
be at least 3 cm wide (see Figure 14, above).

The figure is on page 55 of the USFA rulbook. Here's the link: http://www.fencingofficials.org/Rule...s_09-05_ed.pdf

[kalivor]

In addition, the lame must cover all valid target. This means:
1. That the lamé must cover the hip bones.
2. Across the shoulders, it must "cross the head of the humerus," which is the bone that connects your shoulder to your elbow.

(Edit: This is for foil. Sabre target, of course, goes to the wrist.)

[danarielle]

The rule regarding the lame, deals with the design, not the size....

The issue, at least among younger fencers is a serious one...after the timing rule changes, younger fencers have been wearing extremely small lames, large bibbed masks, extremely large men's chest protectors, fencing crouched, with their body leaning forward at a 45 degree angle (but keeping their heads up, so that they don't get called for covering) etc, etc.

The same problem has arisen in other sports. Those with professional bodies (NHL, PGA etc, deal with them)....the governance structure of fencing, led by the FIE, is at least one of the reasons why these strategies, perhaps legal, but certainly not good for the sport, are continuing to be adopted by younger fencers.

[alewive]

If you have a concern about the size of a lame, when called to the strip for your bout with the opponent, ask the director if it meets USFA regulations. Then the director will make the call. May not make you any friends, but your opponent probably already knows that his lame is marginal, at best.

[D'Artag-NOT]

Then there are those very slender fencers whose lames hang loosely enough that it's difficult to land a touch.

[Purple Fencer]

Then there are those very slender fencers whose lames hang loosely enough that it's difficult to land a touch.

Or male fencers wearing a female lame (although in this particular fencer's defense, he didn't know the differance...and seller made a mistake -- wasn't me -- I kNOW the difference -- it was one of the euro majors...I DID however, sell him a correct lame. His last name sounds like a woman's first, and his wife bought a lame at the same time, so the seller probably assumed he was buying 2 for a woman...oops)

[D'Artag-NOT]

Purple, as your friend, I'm SO glad you know the difference between a man and a woman!

[Purple Fencer]

Purple, as your friend, I'm SO glad you know the difference between a man and a woman!

Yeah....when I hit a woman in the chest I get that hard plastic *THWACK!!* instead of the more meaty *thud* for a guy!!

BTW...you DO know who I was talking about in the prior post, right? I think you were still in the venue at CSULB when we realized the prob...I know Donald was, 'cause we both got a good laugh off it!

[KD5MDK]

Then there are those very slender fencers whose lames hang loosely enough that it's difficult to land a touch.

I've never had that problem as a fencer...