COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

Updated 5/30/22

Face coverings are now OPTIONAL

Self-Assessment                     

Before going to practice, each fencer must complete a daily health self-assessment: Do I or anyone in my household have any one of the below symptoms in the past 14 days)? 

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

You may not go to training if you answer YES to any of the above questions.

Group class changes 

  • We are limiting the in-person classes per week. Each class has different limits. Please contact us at info@pfafencing.com if you have not been assigned days/times for your classes.
  • We will be adding additional class times on Saturdays (if necessary, depending on the class)
  • Everyone should wait in their cars until the coach invites the class in. Maintain at least 6 feet around you when you enter the center
  • Use hand sanitizer every time you enter the center, and every time you need to while there.

What WE did/will do to help minimize the risk 

  • Staff will wear face coverings at all times
  • Limit the class size to allow at least 200 square feet per person
  • Disinfect all common areas at least once a day
  • Temperature screenings and symptoms checks for all the staff and fencers every day before work/practice/lesson
  • All fencers will be asked for symptoms and logged at the entrance.
  • Keep the back doors open to get fresh air inside.
  • The front and back door are to remain open with a fan placed at the back door to facilitate the flow of fresh air from outside.
  • Delimited the training floor area to help maintain physical distance
  • Placed hand sanitizers throughout the facility 
  • Disinfectant Sprays will be placed in both bathrooms to be used before and after bathroom use.
  • Disinfect door handles, light switches, bathroom doors, bathroom faucets EVERY DAY before fencers arrive, and after fencers leave.
  • Designated the main entry door for entry only, and the other door for exit only, to enforce physical distancing.
  • Modified the class curriculum to avoid the use of common exercise equipment and physical contact 

What YOU need do to help minimize the risk 

  • Fencers and parents are required to wear a face-mask, (or a scarf covering mouth and nose) to and from the academy, as well as training.
  • Wearing a face-mask during training, where frequent adjustments are inevitable between water breaks and fencing mask usage, is at the discretion of the individual, and depends on the ability to maintain physical distance at all times.
  • Cover your mouth while sneezing, coughing
  • Respect the area within the training space designated to keep your bag/equipment to facilitate physical distancing
  • No food or meals to be eaten inside the fencing facility. Reducing the risk of touching the mouth and face while being outside of your home is of the utmost importance
  • Bring your own water bottle. The vending machine will not be available

Fencing equipment

Here are a few options

  • Use your own equipment. All dry equipment should be taken home and machine-washed after every single use. Weapons, electric jackets, and masks should be disinfected after every single use.
  • Buy your own mask, jacket, glove, and saber. We can order them for you.
  • Or rent a set (mask, glove, white jacket) for your own use until restrictions are lifted, for $35 per month. You would need to take the equipment home, and bring it back every time you come to practice.
  • No sharing of equipment will be allowed. 

Personal fencing hygiene 

  • Every fencer should bring their own face towel to prevent wiping sweat off their face with their hands. The towel should be clean every day.
  • Every fencer should bring their own hand-sanitizer and disinfectant for your mask and electric jacket.
  • Do not breathe heavily next to someone, even if they are 6 feet away.
  • Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or disinfect with sanitizers.
  • Keep your bag/equipment in designated club areas only to maintain physical distancing.
  • Keep your belongings close by your bag. Only bring the equipment you require for practice. Leave other belongings at home or in your car.
  • Reels clips and the part of the cable should be disinfected after each bout.
  • Do not shake hands with your opponent after about. Just salute instead
  • If you start to feel unwell while you are fencing, you should stop training immediately and leave the facility. Let your coach know that you are not feeling well

Parents

  • Adhere to proper physical distancing measures at all times.
  • Parents and family members over 60 years old or those with chronic health issues should consider staying at home until further guidance by public health officials.
  • Remind your kids about proper hygiene etiquette
  • Encourage and remind your kids to clean and disinfect their fencing equipment after each use Equipment such as masks and weapons can be wiped down with disinfectant wipes, or spray