Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an extremely dangerous infection transmitted by bodily contact or by contact with equipment that has been used by another fencer.  Since December 2004 the Salle has had in place procedures to reduce the potential for the spread of this and other types of infections among our members.  These procedures have been upgraded due to recent (2007) outbreaks of the infection.  All members are required to abide by these procedures for their protection and to protect our other fencers.

(1)  Do not use any other fencer's mask or glove.  We wash gloves between their assignment to different fencers and we wash and disinfect masks between users.  However, we cannot protect you if you pick up the wrong mask.  If you forget your mask, ask for a loaner, rather than picking a mask off the rack, to ensure that you do not contaminate the mask of another fencer.

(2)  If you use the Salle's plastic breast protectors, leave them with our dirty jackets to be cleaned.

(3)  Always wear a clean T-shirt, clean pants or knickers, clean underwear, and a clean fencing jacket.  We launder all Salle jackets between each use.  Clean your mask bib and internal surfaces after fencing.

(4)  Do not come to fencing personally dirty - bathe or shower regularly.  Wash your hands and shower as soon as possible after fencing.

(5)  Do not share body cords.  If you use a Salle body cord, return it to the desk after use for cleaning.

(6)  If you use the Salle training equipment, please use a towel to avoid sharing your perspiration with others, and tell us so that we can clean the equipment after your use.

(7)  If you have any open wound or sore, do not dress and fence with the wound uncovered.  All wounds, scratches, lesions, sores, or any other break in the skin must be covered.

(8)  If you sustain a cut or scratch or any other minor wound which breaks the skin during fencing, immediately wash the injury with soap and water.  We will provide a bandaid or large dressing as appropriate and antiseptic.

(9)  If you have any wound, sore, scratch, lesion or other break in the skin that is healing slowly or that is unexpectedly painful or about which you are concerned, please immediately seek medical attention from your healthcare provider.