Fencing is a relatively safe sport. A significant contribution to this safety comes from the protective clothing and the quality of the weapons. The club ensures that reliable equipment is used during training and competitions. Strict requirements apply for participation in official competitions.
For introductory courses, the club provides proper protective clothing and non-electric (mechanical) weapons. This equipment is of sufficient quality to participate in training sessions and internal club matches.
However, members must purchase their own competition-grade equipment upon joining the club. New members are expected to acquire all necessary equipment within six months. A limited amount of competition-appropriate gear is available for borrowing during this period. The fencer, or their legal guardian, is responsible for the proper condition of the equipment. In case of damage or necessary repairs, they will be required to cover the costs.
Initially, within the first two months, the following items must be purchased: weapon, body wire (fil de corps), glove, mask, plastron (underarm protector), and for female fencers, chest protection. Other required items may be borrowed from the club until they are replaced with personally owned gear.
Equipment Requirements
The equipment requirements are different for different age groups. The safety level of the equipment is expressed in Newton (N) as the force that can be withstood per cm². The table below shows the current requirements for the official matches.
| Category | Mask | Under Vest | Vest/ Pants | Floret/ Epée | Sabre |
| Kuikens | 350 N | 800 N | 350 N | Normal (mt. 0) | Normal (mt. 0) |
| Benjamins | 350 N | 800 N | 350 N | Normal (mt. 0) | Normal (mt. 0) |
| Pupils | 1600 N | 800 N | 800 N | Normal (mt 5) | S2000+ |
| Cadets | 1600 N | 800 N | 800 N | FIE Maraging | S2000+ |
| Juniors | 1600 N | 800 N | 800 N | FIE Maraging | S2000+ |
| Seniors | 1600 N | 800 N | 800 N | FIE Maraging | S2000+ |
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(Source tabel: KNAS, state May 9, 2008) |
Buying equipment
If you decide to purchase your own equipment you can ask the committee members or the maître for advice. The A.E.W. armourer can also9 purchase the equipment for you at a favourablre rate. Additionally they are shop at bigger tournaments. When you purchase the equipment yourself, please take the KNAS requirements into account.