Oslo Penguin Cup 2026 Equipment Requirements

Protection

Fencers are themselves responsible that the equipment they use on the mat is functional and meets tournament requirements.

The equipment checks that take place during the tournament are only to help the organizer to monitor the compliance to the regulations and aid fencers to comply with the same. Equipment checks may not be invoked to eliminate fencers’ responsibility in the case of a violation of requirements.

All equipment must be whole, clean and adequate for the tournament. Fencers are to dress professionally and in a manner appropriate to a serious tournament. Clothes must overlap so that skin is not exposed at any time. Breeches are therefore highly recommended.

The following equipment is mandatory for all fencers:

Metal protection aside from the mesh of the mask and steel cups is not allowed.

Throat guards, athletic cup and chest protectors are to be worn under the outermost layer of clothing. Use of additional protective gear is allowed as long as it is not in the way during fencing.

Mask

The mask must be in good condition, with no significant or sharp dents. The mask must fit the fencer so that it does not fall off too easily and does not touch the fencer’s face when pushed. The mask must be fitted with a cover and protection for the back of the head.

Gorget / throat protector

The throat protector must be reasonably rigid and must be worn underneath the fencing jacket.

Fencing jacket

The protective jacket must be reasonably padded and have a blade catcher. The jacket must be puncture resistant and have at least a 350N rating by manufacturer. Jackets with armpit holes or jackets with partially open fronts are not allowed.

A SPES AP jacket or similar is required for longsword, sabre and sidesword. For rapier you are allowed to use a lighter jacket such as a sport fencing jacket if you wish, in this case it is highly recommended to wear an additional plastic chest protector or plastron underneath.

Fencing breeches

The breeches must be puncture resistant and have at least a 350N rating by manufacturer.

Gloves

Gloves must protect the entire hand and cover the inside of the palm. If a glove has an open palm, an inner glove must be worn.

Heavy gloves are required for longsword. Sparring gloves, SPES lobster, Black Knight gauntlets etc. are recommended. Red Dragon gloves, lacrosse gloves and similar are forbidden.

For sidesword and sabre you can use lighter gloves if you prefer, such as Red Dragon gloves or similar.

For rapier you can use lightly padded gloves.

Elbow and knee guards

Elbow and knee guards must be rigid and protect the side of the joint as well as the front. They must not be displaced too easily. Elbow guards are optional for rapier, but highly recommended if you use a light jacket.

Shin guards

Shin guards must protect the shin bone from the knee guard to the top of the foot.

Shoes

Shoes must enclose all toes. Hardened soles or caps are not allowed.

Athletic cup

The athletic cup must be reasonably rigid and may be metal.

Chest protector

Plastic chest protectors are not required but highly recommended if you are wearing a light jacket.

Weapons for longsword and sidesword

Weapons for the longsword and sidesword tournaments will be supplied by the organizer.

Rapiers

Rapier fencers must supply their own rapiers. The rapiers must be typical rapiers with a double edged blade. Sidesword, epee-like, triangular or square blades are inappropriate.

The maximum allowed blade length is 114.5cm / 45”. The minimum weight is 1000g. If your rapier is significantly shorter than the maximum allowed or does not have a knuckle bow some allowance can be made, contact the organizers with the exact weight and a link to the model and we will let you know.

The blade must have a safe tip, preferably a rolled tip, a plastic tip, a wide spatulated tip, a bullet casing, rubber tip or similar.

Regenyei, Kvetun, Sigi, Darkwood, Castille and others are recommended makers. If you are unsure whether your sword is suitable, please contact the organizers before the event so we can clarify. We reserve the right to reject any weapons deemed unsuitable on site should they be deemed unsuitable by the tournament manager.

Sabres

Sabre fencers must supply their own sabres. The sabre must be of a type commonly known as a “military sabre” or a “gymnasium sabre”, preferably slightly curved or straight. The blade must not be excessively light or heavy compared with common models such as Kvetun “Easton” or Regenyei “tournament” sabres. They must also have a sturdy guard. Sport fencing sabres, light “duelling sabres” / italian style gymnasium sabres and very curved sabres are inappropriate.

The maximum allowed blade length is 85cm. The minimum weight is 750g and the maximum weight is 900g. It must have a safe rolled, flared or spatulated tip.

Regenyei “tournament”, Kvetun “Easton” or Krieger sabres are recommended, but other brands will be allowed if they are suitable. If you have a sabre that is slightly outside these parameters, but you think is suitable, please contact the organizer for clarification. We reserve the right to reject any weapons deemed unsuitable on site should they be deemed so by the tournament manager, in this case we will do our best to provide an alternative weapon.