Frequently Asked Questions:

 

fencing match

Answers for prospective and new members





What is Fencing?

Fencing is a way in which to restrict or prevent movement across a boundary, or to enclose fields or smallholdings.

It's also the name of a sport. It involves swords. This video for the Olympics does a better job than I could of explaining.



How do I join?

At the Sports Expo in September (the second week of college). It takes place in the Sports' Centre - you can't miss it. Well.. if you do happen to miss it you can just turn up to training at any time, pay the annual membership fee (just €10) and we'll sign you up on the spot!

Who can join?

Any student of UCD (under-graduate or post-graduate), staff member of UCD or recent graduate.

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What do I need to take part?

Initially, at least, all you have to do is join and turn up (preferably with runners and tracksuit bottoms/ shorts). Back to top

But is there any skill to fencing? Is it just wild stabbing?

Wild stabbing might get you places against other beginners, but against more seasoned players, who will just block your attacks, it is likely to be more of a liability. Although the learning curve is gradual, it is nonetheless significant.

If you think that the first time you fence someone, that it is too hard to work out who got what point; you're probably right. That's why when you get more experienced, or go to any competition, you fence with electrics (like the two fencers in the photo at the top of this page). Back to top

Will I be out of my depth?

Virtually all members of UCDFC join without ever having held a sword before. Being fit is helpful - but is only really a limiting factor when you become more experienced and expect to get further in competitions. Back to top

I've missed the first couple of weeks of training. Am I too far behind?

Nope. The training is quite cyclical where, in the beginners' training, you will always be able to find others who have recently started. Because there is a specific training slot for beginners, novices can focus on the fundamental aspects of the sport without having to worry about being asked to perform way beyond their capacity. Even if you join a couple of months late you will be given a crash course to bring you, and any other late beginners, up to speed. Back to top

What should I expect to happen at training?

Tons of other beginners, and lots of footwork. Like lectures, the most difficult part is turning up, and also like lectures at first it will be difficult to get to know everyone due to the large number of people involved (one of the reasons for the social events).

The training itself will initially involve quite dull and methodical lessons on how to advance and retreat in matches, intersperced with more entertaining side-games the scope of which is quite flexible. As time goes by, ideas concerning defence and different methods of attack will be introduced, including spot matches. Training in the early months is done with the aim of allowing beginners to compete in the Schull Novice Competition (more of which, below) Back to top

When & where is Training?

For beginners it's Thursday 8-9.30 in Hall A of the Sports' Centre (situated just inside the front door of the Sports Centre). Members just wait in the hallway prior to it becomming free. For more info about training see the training page. - Back to top

I have some experience with fencing - which training should I go to?

If you have expereince with electrics you should probably go to the senior training. If you have no idea what electrics are you should definately come along to the beginner training. Back to top

What does my ten euro cover?

It covers your membership of UCDFC for the year, the use of all communal kit, training etc. inclusion on the mailing list and facebook page. Oh, and your first fencing licence. Back to top

What are the differences between the three weapons?

See the wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fencing Beginners are initially taught foil fencing

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Can guys and girls compete together?

In training, yes. However in competitions they are almost always segregated. Back to top

What, when and where are competitions?

Competitions are tournaments that involve a multiple of short ranking matches (or poules). These rank the players for the following DE matches. In DE matches (Direct Elimination), when someone is beaten they are knocked out of the tournament.

Competitions occour throughout the year in various locations throughout the country; with the majority of the most important taking place between December and mid April (and mostly in Dublin). The most important comp for beginners is undoubtedly the Schull Novice tournament that takes place in Cork (UCC to be exact) in early November. The UCD novice, which will probably take place early next spring, will also be worth paying attention to. For more information about Schull click here - Back to top


What do I need to take part in competitions?

To begin with, not much more than you need to take part in training! The club will supply the necessary gear for you to take part in beginner comps. As the Schull comp is itself a trip, you will have to pay a small amount towards accomadation - but don't worry, it's massively subsidised! Back to top

Are there social events attached to the club?

Yes - lots. Some are pretty much guaranteed like the occasional piss-up... most are organised ad-hoc on the Facebook page 'Fencebook'. The first such event of the academic term will most likely be freshers' drinks in Messrs Maguires (an ice-breaker for all new members to meet with the committee and some returning members). Once the Centre Club is re-opened in May this will act as a retreat after training. Back to top

How do I join Fencebook?

Invitations will be sent out to beginners who stick with the club after the first few weeks. Up until that point all information concerning training and events will be e-mailed out to all new members. Back to top

Who/What/Are the committee?

They are other students (or ex-students) and members of the club who are dedicating their time purely with the aim of improving the club and supporting the growth of the sport in Ireland. No, seriously. Back to top

Will I have to buy my own kit eventually?

If you stick with the club you might want to start going to some of the senior competitions. Senior competitions are more strict about what gear you need: meaning it's harder for the club to facilitate everyone who wants to play. By getting your own gear, in the long run, you can always guarantee that will be able to compete. Back to top

Is fencing dangerous?

No more than any other contact sport (how long is a piece of string?...) but no - there is a reason for the safety gear and masks after all. Also, the swords are only ever sharp if they are physically broken (i.e. snapped in two). Back to top

Who are UCDFC's main opponents?

In terms of college fencing, without doubt Trinity (DUFC). UCC and NUI Maymooth are not to be taken lightly either, however. Back to top

What is Schull?

It's the main novice competition. People can only fence in it if they have less than two years experience. Most people who compete have been fencing for less than 6 weeks! Okay, someone who is just starting out is unlikely to win; but that is why there is the highly coveted beginner trophy eligible only for those who have just started fencing.

The trip goes like this: group coach from Dublin to Cork on Friday afternoon some time in early November. Saturday morning - competition begins early and ends late. Lots of drinking (hopefully celebrations) and the boat race (drinking competition). Return on Sunday. Back to top

WTF is priority?

Priority is relevant only in foil and sabre (so very important for beginners!). When someone attacks they are granted priority. When a player has priority (provided that they hit their opponent) their opponent's action will be discounted. However, priority switches around when an attack is blocked, granting the defender priority instead! See: not confusing at all! Back to top

Garrett Sykes, yes or no?

Only you, dear reader, can answer this.