Members of Scottish fencing and friends of the fencing community – it has been a challenging time for us all, whether you were new to the sport at the start of 2020 or welded to it over decades, the disruption wrought by the pandemic has been unprecedented. Now, after what seemed like a lifetime, club activities have begun to resume and there has been a race to fit competitions into the calendar. This adds to the illusion that the pandemic and its effects on our sport are in the past, and we have returned to normal. This is not the case.
On a positive note, fencers are once more able to train and to compete, even though these competitions may limit entry numbers more than before. Whilst all organisers will attempt to build some resilience into their planning, disruption is much more likely than before. When organisers and those on whom the running of a successful event rely – officials, helpers, coaches – have to cancel at short notice, this could be due to illness, infection or a requirement to isolate, it could also be to protect vulnerable family members. Venues may be forced to close due to a lack of staff or to enable a deep clean, organisers may suddenly have to adapt to changes beyond their control; inevitably, frustration will be felt.
I ask that all of you – fencers, coaches, volunteers, family members – assist by managing fencers’ expectations. In our clubs, and elsewhere within the fencing community, we should celebrate the fact that fencing has been able to resume, indoors. That this has been possible in this context and we can practise the sport we love represents a huge step towards normality, but the coming months will not be normal. When disruption frustrates and upsets some, please be there to support them and those who organise events, whether these are club sessions, training events or competitions.
The enjoyment of fencing has not gone away, but some of what we took for granted has, at least for now. Stay safe, enjoy fencing and I wish you all the best for the coming year.
George Liston
Chair - Scottish Fencing
Event Dates
Scottish Youth Championships - 15/16 January 2022 - St Georges School, Edinburgh
Scottish Open - 26/27 February 2022 - National Sports Centre Inverclyde, Largs
