OXFORD SWORD AND STAFF

As part of being a welcoming club all members are expected to adhere to the following code of conduct.

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Be safe

The club approach to training is that HEMA is a combative martial art against other humans. This has an innate risk but it should be done as safely as possible. 

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Good Practice

We’re all here to practise and get better at fencing with swords and sticks

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try things. Experimentation is a key part of training and it’s encourage to explore and inquire.

• You know yourself best. Work at an intensity and manner that you and your training partner can manage. You can always take a break, sit out for a time or get water. Likewise you can always ask a coach on how to modify a drill if needed for your capability.

• Be a good training partner. Drills do not have a winner. If it is focused on technique, the aim is to learn so be cooperative with your partner. 

• Sparring is not competition. It’s practice.

• If using club kit remember it’s there for everyone. Treat it with respect and if there’s any issues tell a coach or committee member.

• Support each other - we will all progress differently and have different ways of/reasons for practising HEMA. Some might want to compete at tournaments, some might be history buffs, some just love swords. A supportive environment is the best way for us to become better fencers.

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Inclusivity

We believe HEMA is an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone that wants to practise it, and want to remove as many barriers as we can to anyone that wants to try it.

 

We take a firm stance against bigotry and discrimination including ableism, sexism, misogyny, racism, homophobia, transphobia. These have no place here. We’re proud to have people from a cross-section of society at our club.

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Respect

Everyone at the club has the right to be treated with respect.

• Treat other club members with kindness and courtesy. Act considerately, listen and be willing to make adjustments during practice. This applies to both coaches and other members.

• Talk to each other. Communication is important for a safe and enthusiastic training environment and part of that is communicating clearly and respectfully. Listen to others, and approach things with an open mind.

• Please arrive in time to start the session. Coaches give their time to plan and run sessions so please do them courtesy of being ready to start when the session does.

• Please wear suitable kit for training, and maintain a hygienic kit.

• Respect your partner’s space. We are training a contact martial art which may involve getting close to or in contact with others and we all have different comfort limits. Discuss this with your training partners before and during exercises.

• Do not give unsolicited advice to your training partner. Feel free to ask if they want it, and remember our coaching team is here to help.

• Ask before using other people’s kit.

• If changing, do it in the changing rooms at the venue.

 

A particular note on coaches. Coaches give their time to plan and deliver sessions and provide 1-to-1 coaching. Each will have their own approach, their own interpretations and their own interests. Please respect their time, ask questions and offer feedback if you have it.

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Harassment and Bullying

Neither of these is compatible with safety, respect or inclusivity. If you are experiencing either, even if you’re unsure please raise it with someone you trust at the club, ideally a committee member or coach, but ultimately anyone you feel comfortable talking to. The best resolution to it is to address it early and we promise to handle this confidentially and professionally.

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Inclusive Practise

Part of being inclusive is being able to alter our sessions to account for the needs of those attending the club. The following isn’t comprehensive but should act as a guide as to ways practice and sessions can be adapted to meet the needs of members.

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People with a disabilities, injuries or other needs

Exercises can be modified and equipment adjusted to adapt to the people carrying them out. Our coaches are able and willing to work with participants to find a way to practise fencing that works for them. This could mean adaptations for seated fencing, altering intensity, different teaching approaches or altering techniques to achieve the same fencing goal.

 

We appreciate disabilities can be both visible and non-visible; and in a variety of forms. We are always willing to discuss how we can change to adapt to members’ needs.

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Gender Identity

Everyone has the right to be referred to as they wish, including their chosen name and pronouns.

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Member Run

The club is run by members, for members. All of the committee are volunteers, as are all the coaches. They are accountable to members, and will listen and take decisions based on the members wishes. We commit to being transparent and are open to communication throughout the year. We’re also almost always supportive of member-led initiatives to organise social events, trips, new ideas or events.