The following rules apply to all participants in any Boston Academie d’Armes class, practice, event, private lesson, or organized activity.
Additional code of conduct info for our online classes, equipment info, and our school Discord are are in the following links.
In-Person Classes, Practices & Events
Last Updated: 03/18/23
1. Inclusive & Inviting.
We want the Academie to be an inclusive and inviting space. Be kind to one another, use proper pronouns and preferred names (i.e., SCA vs. Mundane), and be welcoming to those in marginalized groups. Learn from one another where you can. If you are unsure of someone’s pronouns, ask them.
2. Discrimination, Bullying & Harassment is Prohibited.
Discriminatory behavior, harassment, and bullying is prohibited, and will result in disciplinary action. This includes—but is not limited to—discrimination based on race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or religious background, and ability; as well as verbal, physical, and sexual harassment.
3. Consent Culture.
We all love swords and have a lot of working knowledge and passion between us all, and it’s natural to want to share what we know. With that said, please ask for consent before giving feedback or advice on a given topic, unless the OP explicitly asked for it.
General questions and feedback with your training partner is permissible, but leave the active coaching/instructing to the Academie staff. The best way you can help your training partner improve is by giving them good cues in the drills, and ample opportunities to learn, fail, and figure things out for themselves. If you are not interested in getting any feedback from your partner during an exercise, you are welcome to ask them to stop.
Students shouldn’t make any more physical contact with other students than what the drill/game/exercise calls for. Coaches & instructors should ask the student for permission before physically touching them or moving them.
4. Your Mind, Your Body.
You know your mind and body best. The Academie encourages students to talk with their coaches and/or training partners about any injuries, disabilities, health issues, or other risk factors that may affect training.
While the coaching staff will give regular breaks during practice, students should also feel empowered to take additional breaks as necessary to let their mind and body recoup.
5. Set Your Own Boundaries.
Drills, games, exercises, and sparring activities are opt-in. If you do not feel safe or physically/mentally able to participate in a given activity, you are encouraged to step back as need be.
6. Drill Calibration.
The Academie’s default force calibration for thrusts when drilling & sparring is positive pressure (if you’re not sure what that is, ask your coach or instructor for a demonstration). Cuts should be controlled and land gently (i.e., to the body, not through the body). We encourage students to talk with their partners about what level of force they are comfortable with on that given day.
7. Learn From Mistakes.
Mistakes are part of the learning process and we all make them—both in the fencing salle and social interactions. If your actions or words hurt someone, you may have to apologize and change your future behavior in order to continue participation with the Academie.
Make room for others to make mistakes. Hold each other accountable if those mistakes hurt someone, but leave room for growth & grace.
8. A Multi-Group School.
The Academie and all its classes & events are for fencers of various groups (SCA, HEMA, WMA, and just for fun). Some of us are highly competitive, some are here to live out childhood fantasies, some of us are academics, and some of us are just looking for some fun, light exercise. All these things affect how we approach historical fencing, and have different things to offer to the conversation. Please keep this in mind and learn what you can.
9. Your Gear, Your Responsibility.
You are responsible for the caring, feeding, and maintenance of your offensive & defensive fencing gear. Offensive arms (swords, daggers, buckler, etc.) should remain blunted, unsharpened, burr-free, and clear of rust. Defensive arms (armor, masks, gloves, etc.) should be clean and free of large holes or other issues that endanger their wearer.
If an Academie coach deems a piece of equipment unsafe, students may not use it until the issue is fixed and cleared by staff.
See Gear Requirements for additional equipment rules & information.
10. Loaner Gear Responsibility.
Students are responsible for any loaner equipment they borrow from the Academie and must return it at the predetermined time/place in the condition it was borrowed. Students must disclose any issues or major damage the gear received upon return. Normal wear & tear of equipment (such as minor nicks & scratches) do not need to be disclosed.
Students may be held financially responsible for any missing, stolen, or heavily damaged equipment belonging to the Academie that was left in the student’s care.
11. No Drugs or Alcohol.
You may not participate in training or sparring while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
12. Social Media is IRL.
The Academie does not differentiate between in-person and online behavior (such as social media). Comments, imagery, and behavior that occurs online and breaks our Code of Conduct will be treated as if it happened in-person at class or one of our events, and is subject to the same disciplinary actions.
13. Disciplinary Action.
Behaving in a way that breaks this Code of Conduct (including attempts to exploit loopholes) or otherwise harms & endangers others is subject to disciplinary action. This might mean, but is not limited to, being asked to stop the behavior, being asked to leave class, or expulsion from the Academie.
If you see someone violating the above rules, or something happens during an Academie activity that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please let Justin know as soon as possible (either in person or online).
See Reporting & Disciplinary Action for more details. (Coming Soon!)
14. Celebrate & Encourage.
We are all on different parts of our fencing journey. Be encouraging of those who seek to expand their abilities, knowledge, and skill regardless of where they’re at. Celebrate their successes but also celebrate their journey. Be encouraging, supportive, and a resource for others.
This is our cool little salle and social place. Let’s keep it clean, fun, creative, and encouraging