FIS WARNING: temporary suspension in the use of visor masks in foil

[gladius]

From the FIS web site

http://www.federscherma.it/news.asp?i=77339&s=7

9/11/2009 - 17:46
ROMA - Su avviso della Commissione SEMI in conseguenza dei pareri di altre commissioni internazionali, è temporaneamente sospeso l’utilizzo delle maschere con visiera trasparente per il fioretto nelle competizioni e nel normale uso di sala su tutto il territorio nazionale con effetto immediato, fino a nuove disposizioni in merito.

Si precisa al riguardo che la sospensione è temporanea in attesa di una definitiva valutazione da parte della Commissione SEMI della Federazione Internazionale a seguito di un nuovo ciclo di studi e sperimentazioni, che la FIE ha deciso di intraprendere.

11/09/2009 - 5:46 pm
A warning is hereby issued by the [Italian] SEMI Commission following consultations with other international commissions to temporarily suspend the use of masks with a transparent visor in foil both in competition and during regular practice at the salle. This warning is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

Please note that this is a temporary suspension until the definitive evaluation from the FIE SEMI Commission after a new cycle of studies and tests the FIE has decided to undertake.


Note (from the FIE Urgent Letter):

The incident occurred at the European Junior Championships in Odense, November 1, during a DE bout in the tableau of 64 between Tommaso Lari (ITA) and Davids Gasilovskis (LAT). The bout was stopped by the referee Krzysztof Borowski (DEN), a physician was called and when Gasilovskis’s injury was judged as minor, the bout resumed 5 minutes after the incident.

The foil and mask were immediately picked up for examination. The report by the delegate of the SEMI Commission in Odense, Mr Gianandrea Nicolai (ITA), states:

• that the hit had been made normally, without violence or brutality
• the foil blade did not break
• no irregularity was detected either on the foil or on the mask, which had both been inspected during the checking of material.
• when the blade was withdrawn, a piece of Lexan broke causing a cut under the athlete’s nose.

The mask involved in the incident was therefore handed over to Mr Eduardo Dos Santos, the President of the SEMI Commission, in order for him to carry out all the technical investigations necessary.

[downunder]

do we really need another thread?

[Mihail]

We probably don't, but it's different enough not to be overkill:

other thread: FIE suspends requirement of masks in question
this thread: FIS suspends use of masks in question

[TooLoftheDeviL]

I actually find it interesting that the FIS specifically bans them from use in practice as well. How well would it go over here if the USFA was making requirements for what's permissible in practice in private clubs.

If anything, I think it supports motions that the USFA should be implementing tougher standards on what's acceptable in local and national competitions. We've come a long way since 'sufficiently rugged or durable' or however the poor wording for uniform requirements goes.

[Mihail]

Well, the USFA does that. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think whatever benefits your club receives for being a USFA member (mainly insurance) require members to fence in full attire (knickers, plasteron, etc. ... maybe even long socks?). Obviously that's only enforced as much as it can be.

[KD5MDK]

I actually find it interesting that the FIS specifically bans them from use in practice as well. How well would it go over here if the USFA was making requirements for what's permissible in practice in private clubs.

If anything, I think it supports motions that the USFA should be implementing tougher standards on what's acceptable in local and national competitions. We've come a long way since 'sufficiently rugged or durable' or however the poor wording for uniform requirements goes.

The problem as I understand it is that the USFA does not think requiring FIE gear would be economically feasible. However, if they specify anything less than full FIE gear and an injury occurs where the protective equipment fails, they would be vulnerable to liability for not adopting the international standard. The current warning, by not setting a standard that is measurably less than something else, is apparently less vulnerable to that charge.

[AndrewH]

Well, the USFA does that. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think whatever benefits your club receives for being a USFA member (mainly insurance) require members to fence in full attire (knickers, plasteron, etc. ... maybe even long socks?). Obviously that's only enforced as much as it can be.

Actually... I thought so too but was corrected a short while ago: http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread41751-12.html#post785859

So we don't actually HAVE to wear knickers at practice. Not that I ever do, for that matter.