Please read Chevy Chase Fencing Club’s COVID procedures below.
Chevy Chase Fencing Club COVID Procedures
1. All persons should maintain physical distancing in the parking lot and in the Community Center building.
2. All persons, vaccinated and unvaccinated, must wear a face mask at all times while inside the Community Center building including under the fencing mask when bouting or practicing.
3. All persons must attempt to maintain 3 feet social distance while in the fencing room.
4. Only fencing participants will be allowed in the fencing room. Parents and spectators are requested not to enter.
5. Anyone who feels unwell should not come to practice.
6. All persons entering the fencing room must sign in on the contact tracing log when they arrive at the Community Center.
7. Fencers must arrive fully dressed no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled time. Fencing jackets, metallic vests and fencing shoes may be put on after entry to the fencing room.
8. Fencers should place their equipment bags along a perimeter wall at least 6 feet apart from any other fencer’s personal equipment.
9. Face masks covering the nose and mouth are always required for everyone in the room. Fencers must wear a face mask under their fencing mask when bouting, taking a lesson, or participating in a class. It is suggested that you bring more than one face mask in case your mask gets wet. The following is a list of masks that are and are not allowed to be used:
a) Two-layer cloth masks – Acceptable.
b) Surgical masks – Acceptable.
c) Sport facial masks – Acceptable.
d) N95 mask – Should NOT be used during exercise or fencing as it may restrict performance and health inadvertently.
e) Leon Paul Face Shield – NOT allowed.
f) Neck/face sleeves or gaiters – NOT allowed.
g) Masks with one-way valves – NOT allowed.
10. Fencers must bring their own, already filled, water bottle(s) clearly labeled with their name. Disposable water bottles are allowed but should also be labeled with the fencer’s name. Water fountains will not be available.
11. Fencers will not shake hands after a bout. Instead, fencers should salute (opponent, referee, and spectators) from their on-guard line (fencing mask off, face mask on). Fencers may (but are not required to) gently bump elbows with their opponent.
12. Fencers should bring their own hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after touching common equipment.
13. Only one person is to use the restroom at a time.
14. Adult fencing class students without their own fencing gear may rent equipment. The rental fee is $35.00 per month for each month the equipment is kept at home for their personal use. A refundable deposit of $100.00 will be collected at the time of rental. Students will be responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any unserviceable or missing equipment in addition to the monthly rental fee. Students who desire to purchase their own equipment should contact us.
15. After you touch any common equipment (e.g., overhead reel ends) the equipment should be wiped down with disinfectant wipes. Wireless transmitters should be wiped down with disinfectant wipes. Do not hand the transmitters to another fencer. Instead, place them on the scoring table. Remember to use hand sanitizer after touching any common equipment. Fencers should not touch scoring machines (coaches only).
16. All fencing uniforms and masks should be cleaned immediately upon returning home. Masks, body cords, weapon handles, and shoe bottoms can be wiped with disinfectant wipes or sprayed with a disinfectant spray.
17. Fencers should refrain from loud talking or shouting as this would increase the primary infection route.
18. Do not stay beyond the practice time to socialize.
19. If a fencer has been to a fencing tournament or another fencing club, please wait 10 days before coming to Chevy Chase Fencing Club.
20. All participants are to report if they have any COVID symptoms within 10 days after participating in a fencing club activity.
21. If you have had a case of COVID-19, provide a doctor’s note stating that you are cleared to participate in club activities.