How to start competing in
the Salem High School Fencing League

The clubs are always looking for new fencers, so contact them to get involved!

If you already know how to fence...

• Contact your school's club and tell them you want to participate.
• You will need to have had a physical examination from your physician within the last two years. (Details to come soon.)
• Complete the participation agreement (PDF).
• Get your equipment in order. You will need to have (or arrange to borrow) a foil, mask, glove, jacket, knickers, underarm protector, breastplate (for females), and knee-high socks (either white or school colors). A fencing bag is also very helpful, but not required.
• Submit completed participation agreement and activity fee to Salem Classical Fencing.

If you are new to fencing...

Fencing is different from most other sports in that you can't just jump in and start fencing. It takes a pretty heavy duty time investment to get to the point that one is ready to compete, even at the high school level.

Students new to fencing and eager to compete can sign up for SCF's November Introduction to Fencing I class or SCF's Winter Learn-to-Fence day camp (December 18-22). To begin competition, students will also need to take Introduction to Fencing II . About halfway through Intro II, students will know enough to begin competing, at which point they will be released to begin competing for their team. This will be about three months after the student's very first fencing lesson. Financial assistance is available.

Students are responsible for providing their own equipment for competition. It is often possible to borrow equipment from fencers at other clubs, but you are best off to acquire your own as soon as possible. (Note: for the 2007-8 season, we hope to be able to provide equipment as part of the activity fee.)

Learning to fence takes time and money. However, it is an investment that will pay off as you learn a sport that will keep you challenged mentally and physically for the rest of your life. Join us!