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Hi everyone, 

I am sure I am not alone in dealing with this situation. I have rented stage combat quality swords for my students to use, as this is a sword fight heavy show and the story hinges on this at several moments. Yes they are metal - I hired a board approved professional fight choreographer and submitted the rental information to the board office for payment of the weapons. Three weeks into rehearsals - all going well - apparently a parent has called the superintendent about this, don't know who or even if they are a parent of a cast member, and now it is all in question. My fault, I did not have parents sign a waiver at the beginning - learning here! I stopped using metal swords in practice and met with superintendent after he said no, they are metal, someone can get hurt and we are liable. I explained how I was considering safety, and why these are safest. Gave him a sample of a waiver I could have them sign absolving district from anything if there is an injury. He said to move ahead. But he wants gloves. Ok. That was yesterday - waivers are handed out, I told him that my fight choreographer was not keen on gloves because it actually lessens safety. Swords can fly out, lose their grip on them. Thanks for reading so far. 

Now he wants a plastic tip or some sort of covering on them for rehearsal. Starting to think they should be wearing goggles. They are teenagers, if they make a mistake, you know the rest. I explained why that would not be a good idea - now I have not considered all the possibilities for this. Is there nothing else besides metal? (We know foam - that changes the whole tone of the show, etc.) Now he is saying that the waiver will not hold up in court after I sent it out yesterday. The risk is not worth the reward. 

I am researching grip gloves: Do any of you have any you have used that are adjustable/come in different sizes so they fit well? 

I am asking if any of you have used foam swords that at least looked like swords if the choice is those or nothing. 

I already modified a waiver form from here so that is in place. 

I know parents who support this. Do I ask them or suggest that they call him, as well? I am tenured, lol. 

I appreciate your input and advice. Our show is 5 weeks to tech. 

Thank you, 

Hi everyone, 

I am sure I am not alone in dealing with this situation. I have rented stage combat quality swords for my students to use, as this is a sword fight heavy show and the story hinges on this at several moments. Yes they are metal - I hired a board approved professional fight choreographer and submitted the rental information to the board office for payment of the weapons. Three weeks into rehearsals - all going well - apparently a parent has called the superintendent about this, don't know who or even if they are a parent of a cast member, and now it is all in question. My fault, I did not have parents sign a waiver at the beginning - learning here! I stopped using metal swords in practice and met with superintendent after he said no, they are metal, someone can get hurt and we are liable. I explained how I was considering safety, and why these are safest. Gave him a sample of a waiver I could have them sign absolving district from anything if there is an injury. He said to move ahead. But he wants gloves. Ok. That was yesterday - waivers are handed out, I told him that my fight choreographer was not keen on gloves because it actually lessens safety. Swords can fly out, lose their grip on them. Thanks for reading so far. 

Now he wants a plastic tip or some sort of covering on them for rehearsal. Starting to think they should be wearing goggles. They are teenagers, if they make a mistake, you know the rest. I explained why that would not be a good idea - now I have not considered all the possibilities for this. Is there nothing else besides metal? (We know foam - that changes the whole tone of the show, etc.) Now he is saying that the waiver will not hold up in court after I sent it out yesterday. The risk is not worth the reward. 

I am researching grip gloves: Do any of you have any you have used that are adjustable/come in different sizes so they fit well? 

I am asking if any of you have used foam swords that at least looked like swords if the choice is those or nothing. 

I already modified a waiver form from here so that is in place. 

I know parents who support this. Do I ask them or suggest that they call him, as well? I am tenured, lol. 

I appreciate your input and advice. Our show is 5 weeks to tech. 

Thank you, 

Hi everyone, 

I am sure I am not alone in dealing with this situation. I have rented stage combat quality swords for my students to use, as this is a sword fight heavy show and the story hinges on this at several moments. Yes they are metal - I hired a board approved professional fight choreographer and submitted the rental information to the board office for payment of the weapons. Three weeks into rehearsals - all going well - apparently a parent has called the superintendent about this, don't know who or even if they are a parent of a cast member, and now it is all in question. My fault, I did not have parents sign a waiver at the beginning - learning here! I stopped using metal swords in practice and met with superintendent after he said no, they are metal, someone can get hurt and we are liable. I explained how I was considering safety, and why these are safest. Gave him a sample of a waiver I could have them sign absolving district from anything if there is an injury. He said to move ahead. But he wants gloves. Ok. That was yesterday - waivers are handed out, I told him that my fight choreographer was not keen on gloves because it actually lessens safety. Swords can fly out, lose their grip on them. Thanks for reading so far. 

Now he wants a plastic tip or some sort of covering on them for rehearsal. Starting to think they should be wearing goggles. They are teenagers, if they make a mistake, you know the rest. I explained why that would not be a good idea - now I have not considered all the possibilities for this. Is there nothing else besides metal? (We know foam - that changes the whole tone of the show, etc.) Now he is saying that the waiver will not hold up in court after I sent it out yesterday. The risk is not worth the reward. 

I am researching grip gloves: Do any of you have any you have used that are adjustable/come in different sizes so they fit well? 

I am asking if any of you have used foam swords that at least looked like swords if the choice is those or nothing. 

I already modified a waiver form from here so that is in place. 

I know parents who support this. Do I ask them or suggest that they call him, as well? I am tenured, lol. 

I appreciate your input and advice. Our show is 5 weeks to tech. 

Thank you,