| Work in Progress: A Guide to Contacting Schools Interested in Fencing Programs
A Guide to Contacting Schools Interested in Fencing Programs
When contacting high schools to set up a fencing programs, here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Never refer to “weapons.” Ever. Many schools have a zero-tolerance no weapon policy. In addition to this, the primary concern that non-fencing administrators have with fencing is the perceived safety risk. The word weapon can immediately cause an administrator to shut down before you even begin. Instead, refer to the foils, epees, and sabers by their specific names and the equipment as sports equipment. The act of using these should be referred to as disciplines (taking a page from many news reports from around the 2008 Olympics where they were referred to as such). Thus, you teach all three disciplines, not all three weapons.
2. Address safety concerns only when asked, as bringing it up at an inappropriate time will make it seem like you are trying too hard to sell that fencing is a safe sport. When the administrator asks if it is dangerous, explain that the injury rate is lower than many sports that the school already engages in (track and field events and cheerleading have very high injury rates). Find specific statistics and come prepared.
3. If the administrator expresses concern about having the equipment on campus because he/she feels that it could potentially be used to harm another student, explain that it is specifically designed to reduce the risk of harm when used (the blades are not sharp, are flexible, etc.). If there is still concern, have a plan laid out to ensure that the equipment will only be used under the supervision of the instructor. An example would be to have school equipment kept with the instructor or locked up and to have student’s personal equipment checked at the security desk before and after practice (as many schools do with baseball and tennis equipment).
4. Use fencing’s unique properties as a sport to highlight why adding it to the school’s program will be beneficial and not redundant. Ideas are how it is a sport that appeals to those not necessarily athletically inclined thus promoting health and physical activity. It also encourages critical thinking.
Any comments, suggestions, or critiques? I'm trying to get this together as my division is considering making an effort to reach out to high school programs and I'd like to have something to bring to the next meeting. Also, if anyone has safety statistics, that'd be appreciated. | 
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