Fencing mask

A fencing mask for accommodating a user's ponytail comprising:

• a front metal mesh portion having a top portion and a lower portion and a vertical axis of symmetry;
• a bib portion extending from the lower portion of said front metal mesh portion;
• and
• a bendable securing portion including a main portion and at least two extension elements extending from a main portion, wherein the main portion is mounted to the top portion of the front metal mesh portion by a plurality of rivets, and extending downward from said upper top portion of said front metal mesh portion for securing the mask on a user;
• wherein at least two extension elements bend to any downward position to abut and secure the mask to the back of the user's head, each element having a proximate end adjacent said top portion and a distal, free, end furthest from said top portion, said at least two extension elements defining an unobstructed gap at said vertical axis that extends from said proximate ends metal mesh portion through said distal, free, ends, and said distal, free ends of said at least two extension elements defining an opening for access to said gap,
• wherein said opening is adapted to receive the user's ponytail through said opening to access said gap and said gap is adapted to accommodate the user's ponytail at said gap from said proximate ends to said opening.