 | FIE
F.I.E. is an acronym for the Federation Internationale D'Escrime. Which translates from French to English as the International Fencing Federation. This governing body oversees all international fencing, including but not limited to World Cups and the Olympics. They are headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland which is the Olympic Capital of the world. Just as the United States Fencing Federation governs all fencing tournaments in the United States the FIE governs all international tournaments.
Their guidelines include minimum saftey requirements for all protective gear and weapons. Any equipment which is FIE rated will have met the FIE's minimum saftey requirements. Manufacturers must submit samples of the equipment to an independent lab which tests the equipment. If the equipment passes it is allowed to carry the FIE stamp or label. If you see a piece of equipment that does not bear an FIE stamp or label it is not FIE approved.
While FIE equipment is not required for any tournament in the United States other than World Cups or the Olympics many fencers choose FIE equipment for the added saftey protection.
You can find out more about the FIE by visiting their website: http://www.fie.ch/Welcome.aspx
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