Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Check

Berlin HEMA Cup

Purpose

Ensuring that all participants wear complete, functional, and regulation-compliant protective gear as required by the Berlin HEMA Cup.

Guidelines for Inspectors

Be friendly but firm.
No exceptions allowed (participants with non-compliant gear may face disqualification).
Document any issues and, if needed, mark for reinspection.
If unsure: consult with the safety officer or tournament management.

Inspection Procedure – Step by Step

1. Visual Check of the Overall Outfit

Body fully covered – no visible skin on neck, arms, legs, or torso.
Clothing overlaps at all transitions.
No open zippers or unprotected areas.
No visible metal protectors (metal parts that are fully covered or do not produce a metal sound are permitted).

2. Jewelry, Watches & Piercings

No jewelry or watches.
Piercings must be removed or taped over.

3. Fencing Jacket

Recommended: 800 N puncture resistance.
Allowed: 350 N but chest protector made of a hard material must be worn underneath
Must be in good condition: no tears, frayed areas, or material fatigue.
Must protect the upper body from the neck down past the hips, and arms to the wrists.
Ask fencer to raise arms to check continued coverage.
All closures must be intact.

4. Throat Protector (Gorget)

Must securely cover the larynx.
Snug fit without restricting breathing.
No cracks or damaged plastic/metal parts.
Made from hard material.

5. Hard Chest Protector

mandatory for all women.
mandatory for fencers wearing a 350 N jacket.
It must reliably protect the entire chest area from direct hits.
Should have no sharp edges or protruding parts and must fit snugly without limiting mobility.
Approved materials include hard plastic or similar, as long as they provide full-area protection.

6. Fencing Mask

Must be presented without overlay.
Only very minor dents allowed – no bent bars, cracks, or rust.
Stability test: Inspector shakes and presses on the mask to ensure the mesh cannot touch the forehead – if it fails, do not approve.
Must stay firmly in place during movement, retaining strap required.
Overlay must then be securely and fully attached.

7. Groin Protector

Recommended for everyone.
Mandatory for people male genital
No visual inspection – credible confirmation is sufficient.

8. Gloves

Must protect hands and wrists securely.
Cuffs must fully overlap the forearm.
No soft or damaged areas in exposed zones.
Exception: Rapier
- Padded gloves are allowed if they protect fingers and wrists from light strikes.
- Gloves made from hard material are also allowed if they offer effective protection.

9. Elbow Protection

Mandatory for all disciplines.
Must fit snugly and stay in place during movement.

10. Fencing Pants

Recommended: 800 N puncture resistance.
Allowed: 350 N.
Must be in good condition: no tears, frayed areas, or material fatigue.
Must extend below the knee.
Good condition, no open or damaged spots.
Overlap with jacket – no exposed skin.

11. Knee and Shin Protection

Mandatory, whether separate or integrated.
Must be stable and fit snugly.
No loose straps or brittle parts.

12. Shoes

Closed, non-slip, and suitable for sports.
Must not leave marks on gym floors.
No open shoes.
Ankle protection recommended but not mandatory.

13. Forearm and Elbow Protection

Hard material protection that covers the forearm and elbow joint on both arms.

Finalizing the Check

Approval only if the gear is complete, functional, and compliant with regulations.
Fill in the inspection log: “Passed” or “Improvement required.”
Document any issues, request reinspection if needed.
Fencers with deficiencies are not allowed to participate.