Guernsey Fencing Championship 2020/2021

In 2020 the steady increase of interest, and those participating in fencing, in Guernsey has led the Guernsey based fencing clubs to believe that there is a real need for a series of local competitions to help nurture the local talent, help introduce less experienced fencers to competition fencing and, most importantly, have fun.

The 2020/21 Championship is open to all fencers in Guernsey who are members of British Fencing and hold a valid BF membership number of the appropriate category.

Championship Structure

The 2020/2021 Championship will consist of several events over the academic year (subject to available dates and venues).

Each of the 2020/2021 Championship events will have 3 age-groups for each of the three weapons. For this event the Age-Groups will be Under 10, Under 12 and Senior, however, additional age categories may be introduced depending on demand. Age datelines will be the fencer’s age as of 1st January 2020.

Event Formats

We try to run the events in as a professional manner as possible. The initial events will usually run with two rounds of poules, followed by Direct Elimination down to the winner, however the organisers reserve the right to adapt this format if it is thought that the entry number requires a different format.

Check-in and start times will be published approximately 2 weeks before the initial events

Weapon Sizes

Fencers in Under 10 and Under 12 events must use size 2 épées and sabres and size 3 foils.

Fencers in Senior events must use size 5 weapons in all disciplines.

Fencers should also be prepared for weapon tests. Foil bibs are not required in U10 and U12 Foil.

Fight times / durations

Foil and Epee

Will be confirmed on the day.

Sabre

Will be confirmed on the day.

Equipment regulations

All kit must conform to the British Fencing regulations (see www.britishfencing.com).

Weapons may be tested at the event; however due to the use of communal weapons cards will not be issued for failed weapons (in this regard).

All fencers should ensure that the equipment they are wearing fits correctly, with suitable overlap, especially between jackets & breeches. Long socks must be worn.

Referees will be specifically requested to ensure this is the case. Fencers in Girls events are required to wear chest-protectors.

Prizes

Medals will be awarded to the top 4 in each individual event for the initial competitions of the series.

Finances

The 2020/21 Championship runs on the entry fees received from fencers attending the events, however, we are looking for sponsors to assist. These funds pay for the running of the events including venue costs, referees, other staff (armourers, DT etc), hire charges for kit and every other imaginable cost. Funds that are excess to the running of the events will go towards the time and expense of running the events by the competition organisers.

Refunds for withdrawals

Generally refunds are not given for fencers who do withdraw from events, however in exceptional circumstances refunds maybe offered but subject to a ₤5.00 administration fee, which would be taken off any returned funds.

Referees/Event Officials

These events are only possible due to the huge efforts put in by the team of referees and other officials who attend the event. We do not have a huge range of referees and therefore welcome any who are suitably qualified or have relevant experience.

If you are a referee, or a competent fencer who wishes to gain experience from refereeing at our events, please feel free to get in touch.

Photography

The organisers will be arranging for some photography/videoing to occur during the event within the fencing hall. These photos may be used for publicity and may be posted on the internet. If you do have any issues with your child being included in these photos please contact the organiser and ensure that the entry form is appropriately marked.

Refreshments

We cannot guarantee that we will have refreshments at all the events, however it is planned to have water and snacks available for a nominal fee.

Behaviour

All Fencers are expected to follow the British Fencing Code of Conduct for young people. Key to the code is respecting others:

• Referees, officials, coaches, opponents and spectators should be valued

• Respect the decisions of umpires and officials

• Protect others involved in the game from verbal or physical abuse and other forms of threatening or intimidating behaviour such as bullying

Fencers are requested to respect the sport:

• Be on time for training and competitions

• Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance

• Always thank your opposition, coaches, referees and officials after every competition or training session

• Accept success and failure, victory and defeat, with dignity and set a positive example to others

The full code can be found here.

All parents/carers are expected to follow the Britsih Fencing code of conduct for parents/carers:

• Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them.

• Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.

• Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.

• Never force your child to take part in sport.

• Set a good example by recognizing fair play and applauding good performance of all.

• Publicly accept officials’ judgments.

• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.

• Use correct and proper language at all times.

• Encourage and guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.

• Always recognise when your child has done their best

• Never verbally or physically abuse your child for failure

Parents/carers are also not permitted into the Badminton Halls as we have to avoid damaging the floor. There is ample space to watch the fencing from the viewing gallery.

Data retention, Publishing of Entry lists and Results online

By entering these competitions you agree for entry lists and results to be published on our Facebook page, website, local media and linked results page. You will be asked to confirm that data (including contact data) can be held by the event organisers to assist in future competition arrangements (including contacting you to inform you of future events).

Please see our Data Privacy Policy which is available here.      

Sponsorship

If you are interested in sponsoring the 2020/2021 Championship or any part of it please contact us.