Equipment requirements
Féile na nGaiscíoch 2025
General Safety Principles
Minimum standard, not maximum: Fencers may use more protective gear than required.
Condition: All equipment must be clean, free of structural damage, and fit the wearer properly.
Inspection: Gear will be checked at registration and may be re‑inspected at any time. Tournament officials may disallow any item they consider unsafe.
Compliance: Failure to meet mandatory requirements will result in exclusion from the tournament.
Longsword Tournaments & Teams Mixed Weapons – Full Protective Kit Required
Head: FIE‑rated 350N fencing mask plus 360° back‑of‑head protection
Throat: Gorget
Torso: 350 N‑rated padded fencing jacket (heavyweight recommended) with long sleeves to wrist
Hands: Heavy HEMA longsword gauntlets (lobster or suitable articulated types)
Arms: Hard‑shell forearm and elbow guards
Legs: 350 N fencing breeches or reinforced trousers and hard knee and rigid shin guards. A padded skirt can be accepted if of sufficient length.
Groin: CE‑marked groin protector (cup) for fencers with external genitalia; optional otherwise
Chest: Chest protector (plastron) for fencers with breasts; optional otherwise
Footwear: Closed‑toe athletic shoes or fencing boots
General Sword Guidelines (Mixed Weapons): Purpose‑built steel blades (no sharps, no synthetics), folded or spatulated tip, other tips can be allowed if judged safe at gear check. Weapons must be burr-free to prevent snagging on fabric.
Longsword-specific: Length: 84–107 cm blade; overall ≤150 cm, Weight: 1.1–1.8 kg, up to 15 kg flex, no D-rings
Arming Sword & Buckler Division – Medium Kit Permitted
Head: FIE‑rated 350 N fencing mask plus 360° back‑of‑head protection
Throat: Gorget covering larynx
Torso: 350 N‑rated padded fencing jacket with long sleeves to wrist
Hands: At least Red Dragon® synthetic HEMA gloves or equivalent; heavier gauntlets allowed
Arms: Hard‑shell forearm and elbow guards
Legs: Rigid shin guards and knee protection. Fencing breeches (or skirt) not mandatory if shins + knees are fully protected
Groin: CE‑marked groin protector (cup) for fencers with external genitalia; optional otherwise
Chest: Chest protector (plastron) for fencers with breasts; optional otherwise)
Footwear: Closed‑toe athletic shoes or fencing boots
Sword: Purpose-build steel Arming Sword (no Sideswords, no sharps, no synthetics). Total length ≤ 97 cm, weight 0.8–1.3 kg, under 15 kg flex. Folded or spatulated tip, other tips can be allowed if judged safe at gear check. Weapons must be burr-free to prevent snagging on fabric.
Buckler: ≤ 40 cm diameter (16 in), edge must be rolled or leather‑bound, no sharp corners, steel, wood, or hardened leather. No spikes, blade‑catchers or acute angles. Must be a hand‑gripped shield, no strapping to the arm.