Schwertschule Rules

Schwertschule Chur (Schwertschule) is a community association (verein) that is inclusive and welcoming to those wishing to learn historical European martial arts (HEMA).  To ensure we maintain this, we ask all members and visitors to be aware of, and to follow, the rules of the association:

  1. Participants of Schwertschule are expected to treat other participants with respect and in a manner free from discrimination or harassment; this includes discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Discrimination will not be tolerated in any form. Any participant who believes they have suffered from discrimination should inform an instructor or member of the Board as soon as possible.
  2. Bullying will not be tolerated in any form, whether physical, psychological or verbal. Any participant who believes there has been bullying of them or another person should inform an instructor or member of the Board as soon as possible.
  3. Fairplay is expected from all fencers at all times. Fencers are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner. Fencers are expected to salute their opponent before each bout.
  4. Fencers are expected to exercise control of their actions and demeanour at all times. Fencers are to exercise good judgement by fencing appropriately for the age, size and experience level of their opponent; they are also to take into account the protective equipment worn by their opponent. Fencers are expected to wear appropriate safety equipment and clothing for the activity they are participating in.
  5. Fencers are expected to keep all equipment owned by them in safe working order and are responsible for the suitability and condition of that equipment at all times. Fencers using association equipment are expected not to use equipment that appears to be damaged or unsafe and to report all such equipment to a Schwertschule instructor.
  6. All participants are expected to wear their protective HEMA kit and sports clothing during sessions including trainers that won’t mark the floor. Most association members wear black. It is expected that all members of Schwertschule will wear a Schwertschule top to training sessions after being a member of the association for three months. Jewellery should not be worn during training sessions as it can cause injury.
  7. We ask all participants to arrive on time and to be ready to start training at the beginning of the session. Lateness disrupts the session and is unfair to those members of the association who make the effort to be on time.
  8. Members and visitors are not permitted to drink alcohol or consume drugs that could affect their fencing before participating in any HEMA activity.
  9. Please put mobile phones on silent during sessions.
  10. Members attending tournaments and other events represent Schwertschule Chur and should register as being members of Schwertschule Chur unless agreed in advance with the Lead Instructor. Members are bound by Schwertschule Chur rules at all HEMA events.
  11. We invite our participants and instructors to share photographs and stories related to HEMA on social media and via our WhatsApp AND Facebook association group. If you do not wish to be photographed or included in these, please notify the Lead Instructor who will inform all of the participants of your wishes.  All participants are expected to respect the privacy preferences of all members.
  12. Transparency is important to us. We will email you with news and information about important developments, unless you have not given consent when making payment. We comply with the European Data Protection Basic Regulation (GDPR art. 6 para. 1a). This consent can be adjusted or revoked at any time.
  13. If at any time a member or visitor threatens the safety of other members or visitors, any instructor of Schwertschule may immediately escort the threatening individual from the premises.
  14. Schwertschule Chur reserves the right to suspend or revoke the association membership of any person who has violated these rules.
  15. ITEMS NOT COVERED.  These rules are by no means exhaustive and the instructors and Board have the right to make additions to this code of conduct and to take decisions on any matters not covered. Fencers will be kept informed of any changes.

Any questions or queries about the rules should be directed to the association Lead Instructor or the Board via schwertschulechur@gmail.com.