Becoming an Armourer
The Guild of Armourers is responsible for the protection and development of Armourers within British Fencing. It is ultimately answerable to the BFA Board, via its committee. There are four grades of membership, open to members of the BFA, NIAFU, SF or WF:
Apprentice Armourer
On recommendation from a Club Committee, Armourer or a Master Armourer. Learning the trade, applicants must be seriously interested in acquiring the requisite skills and must aspire to eventually qualify as an Armourer. The minimum age is 12, though apprentices under 18 may not work unless under the supervision of a Journeyman or above. (Yellow Badge)
Journeyman Armourer
Having had at least one year's experience and on the personal recommendation of a Master Armourer, or by examination. Must be able to cope with the ordinary tasks of a club armourer and assist at Opens, minimum age 18. (Green Badge)
Armourer
After suitable experience, by examination. Must be able to fully run the armoury at a Club and a UK Open event. Must be fully aware of all the requirements of weapon control and such skills within the armoury as could be reasonably expected. (Blue Badge)
Master Armourer
By invitation from the Master Armourers. In addition to the skills required of an armourer, a Master Armourer should be fully capable of running an Armoury, or a Weapon Control, at a Full International Event (World Cup, European or World Championship). (Red Badge)
The Committee and Membership:
The committee consists of the Officers, who must be either Armourers or Masters, together with other co-opted members.
For a printable version of the application for please click here.
