The Big Hit

Scottish Fencing are absolutely delighted to announce an exciting new series from the masterminds behind the award-winning “The Fencing Podcast”.

The Big Hit is a new podcast mini-series launching soon celebrating some of the great stories and people of fencing in Scotland, past and present.

Hosts Sean Walton, Gavin McMenemy and Kate Daykin will be talking to fencers, coaches and personalities across the spectrum of fencing from grassroots heroes to Olympians.

Episode “Zero” of The Big Hit is a short introduction to the miniseries and will be available very soon on all your favourite podcasting channels - please do follow the show on Instagram @thebighitpodcast & twitter @bighitpodcast and of course the main show on all social media @thefencingpodcast.

At-home Fencing Fun with Keith Cook & Salle Holyrood

Hello everyone,

With the restrictions on meet-ups and social gatherings still in place the value of being able to exercise at home and enjoy the sport without actually doing it in the way we normally would is key.

To that end we have a couple of new projects coming up for everyone to access via our social media channels. These will celebrate some amazing athletes, referees and club champions from past and present and also help you stay fit and “tuned in” with your own fencing.

Our first project is a fantastic series of home exercises with Keith Cook who will take you through how to stay fit for Fencing in a fun way using your own body weight and other stuff you will find around the house.

We will put the first of these videos live after 6 pm tonight and more will follow in the coming weeks. Please do keep an eye on the social channels as we publish the videos and feel free to tag friends and family.

For anyone who shares their own video following the exercises from Keith’s workout there may be the opportunity of a special prize from SF HQ…

Stay tuned! #ForgingTheFuture

Government Advice re-COVID19

Good evening everyone.

We received some advice from Scottish Government today regarding next steps for delaying the spread of COVID-19 and minimising the number of cases.
It’s a lengthy text, but particular reference to sporting organisations and events is at the section marked “Sporting Events”.

I realise the advice may change very soon, but please do continue to look out for club mates, friends and family.

Vincent Bryson

FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

COVID-19: ADVICE TO ORGANISERS ON MASS EVENTS

Summary

To protect the capacity of our public services, the Scottish Government advises that organisers should cancel or postpone all mass events of 500 people or more – indoors or outdoors.

This approach should be maintained until such time as further advice is issued.

There is no impact from this advice on other routine activities such as school, travel, shopping and work.

Introduction

1. The impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is already being felt, but will increase in its severity over the next few weeks. Urgent action is now required to protect the capacity of our public services during this time.

1. The First Minister announced on 12 March 2020 that, from 16 March, mass events should not take place, in light of their potential impact on public services. This note provides further advice on this issue.

1. Under current powers the Scottish Government is only able to provide advice, and cannot instruct organisers to cancel events. However, we hope that organisers will follow this advice, to support our public services in responding to COVID-19. It may be that in future instructions are issued for events to be cancelled.

Why we are issuing this advice

1. The purpose of this advice is to relieve pressure on public services, including emergency services, during a time when they will be under extreme pressure as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic.

1. We expect all organisations and bodies in Scotland to operate responsibly in this unprecedented situation, and to take appropriate action in response to this advice.

1. This advice is not expected to have a significant impact on the spread of COVID-19, and this is not its purpose. Individuals should continue to observe the medical advice available at NHS Inform.

Advice to organisers

1. The advice of the Scottish Government is that mass events should not take place, with effect from Monday 16 March 2020. The definition of a mass event, for this purpose, is any event expected to involve more than 500 attendees.

2. This advice applies to mass events across all sectors – including sporting events, cultural events, and religious gatherings.

Sporting events

1. While this advice applies to a range of sectors, we recognise that these measures will have a specific impact on sports events – and in particular on sports like football and rugby, given the large attendances at many games, and the large number of people who participate.

1. On 13 March 2020, all domestic professional and grassroots football under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA was suspended until further notice. The SRU will implement similar restrictions from 15 March 2020 in relation to professional and grassroots rugby. The Scottish Government supports these steps.

1. There will clearly be implications across all organised sport in Scotland. The impact of the advice above is that large-scale events should not take place across a range of sports. Sports may also wish to consider the viability of holding grassroots and club activity, in light of the increased spread of the virusand the impact that may have on both participants, staff and volunteers. Sports may wish to carefully consider cancelling sessions specifically aimed at older adults given the increased risk posed to thoseindividuals.

1. Sports Governing Bodies, Clubs, supporters and event organisers will want to give careful consideration asto whether they travel to any scheduled overseas competitions. Restrictions on mass gatherings and travel more generally have been implemented in many countries across the globe, resulting in many cancellations of sporting competitions. For those who may still be planning on travelling to sporting events overseas, the FCO’s travel advice should be followed. Where participants in sporting events would be coming from countries on the FCO list, or with their own travel restrictions, we would advise against the event going ahead.

1. Further measures may be taken as the situation develops. The Scottish Government are continuing to liaise with all sports bodies, in the interest of the health and safety of participants, coaches, support staff and volunteers.

Other settings

1. This advice does not apply to public transport, educational settings, workplaces, shopping centres or publicspaces.

Travel to and from Scotland

1. This advice does not impact on travel to or from Scotland.

Further guidance

1. Further advice for the public is available through NHS Inform. The Scottish Government is also putting out the latest information and advice through social media channels, and on the Scottish Government website.

1. People can reduce the risk of acquiring and spreading respiratory infections by practising good hygiene, such as:

   • avoiding direct hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth

   • maintaining good hand hygiene

   • washing hands with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitiser, after coughing or sneezing, after going to the toilet, and prior to eating and drinking

   • avoiding direct contact with people that have a respiratory illness and not using their personal items such as their mobile phone

   • covering their nose and mouth with disposable tissues when coughing or sneezing and disposing of them in the nearest waste bin after use .

1. The Scottish Government has set up a helpline for Scottish businesses and event organisers to provide them with tailored advice on Coronavirus. The helpline, 0300 303 0660, operates from 08.30 till 17.30 Monday to Friday, and online at

 https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/.

Revisions to this advice

1. This advice remains in force until amended. It will be maintained and revised in light of events.

1. The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with the UK Government, other devolvedadministrations, expert advisers and our Resilience partners on this, and all other aspects of the COVID-19pandemic.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT 15 MARCH 2020

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What kind of events does this announcement cover?

The Scottish Government advises that, with effect from 16 March 2020, mass events should not take place.

The definition of a mass event for the purpose of this advice is any event with more than 500 attendees.

We expect all organisations and bodies in Scotland to operate responsibly in this unprecedented situation, and to take appropriate action in response to this advice.

What about smaller events?

Where an event involves relatively small numbers, but is likely to have a potential impact on emergency services, organisers should consider it on its merits, alongside current health advice.

How does this relate to the clinical advice?

The current clinical advice is that cancelling events will not significantly delay the spread of the virus.

This advice on the cancellation of mass events is being made on the basis of protecting our services’ capacity to deliver essential services.

Why is this being done in Scotland and not in the rest of UK?

The Scottish Government is working closely and in collaboration with the UK Government in our work to contain and manage the Covid-19 outbreak.

Decisions about the resilience of public services in Scotland are a matter for the Scottish Government. We are taking this view to protect Scottish services ability to protect us.

What does this mean for other large gatherings e.g. public transport, educational settings, workplaces, shopping centres and public spaces?

There is no change to the clinical and scientific advice.

What does this mean for Scotland as a tourist destination?

This pandemic affects us all. As a responsible Government, we need to do everything in our power to free up resources to tackle this outbreak.

Visitors are welcome and no doubt will understand that we are doing everything we can to keep them and the people of Scotland safe.

Are events being cancelled entirely, or just postponed?

This will be for organisers to consider on a case by case basis.

What about the cost impact on organisers of cancellations?

This is a matter for individual organisers and insurers. Event organisers with concerns about the immediate impact on their business may find it helpful to contact the Covid-19 business helpline.

Will attendees be able to get refunds for cancelled events?

This is a matter for event organisers.

What does this mean for major events later in the year? Will COP26 be affected?

There is currently no impact on COP26. The work to plan and deliver this event is continuing as planned.

CEO Update - Government advice & event information

Hello everyone

With the updates today from Governments at Westminster & Holyrood around Coronavirus I wanted to re-share the advice from NHS and the key stakeholders.

Before I do that, there are a number of events within the Fencing community which have been postponed, including the World Junior & Cadet Championships and the FIE calendar itself for 30 days. The Foundation for Scottish Fencing Youth Development Series final scheduled for Saturday March 14th has also now been postponed. When anything changes with these or other events we’ll share it and if we haven’t shared it, please let us know or tag us in your own social broadcasts so we can re-share. Our community collaboration is key here and can help maintain a steady flow of information.

The messages from Westminster & Holyrood today informed us all of the next phase of the plan to defend against the impact of coronavirus minimising the peak number of cases. The advice to help central and devolved government remains the same as we shared over a week ago which is – 

·       Pay scrupulous attention to personal hygiene particularly frequency and intensity of hand washing

·       Maintain social distancing of up to 2 meters from other people when appropriate.

New advice from UK Chief Medical Officer and UK Chief Scientific Officer is summarised as

·       If you have a new, continuous cough please self-isolate for 7 days

·       If you have an increased temperature (above 37.8 Celsius) please self-isolate for 7 days

With the cancellation of Challenge Wratislavia 2020 and postponement until the end of June this has also had a knock-on effect on the stated Youth Home Nations which has now been postponed and is moving to a new date – which is yet to be confirmed.

The entire sporting calendar is in flux and you will see football, rugby and lots of other sports affected – particularly those with large spectator attendances within stadia.  The Scottish First Minister has stated gatherings of 500 people and above will be cancelled from Monday 16th March 2020.

Currently, the only Scottish Fencing event still within the calendar for the foreseeable future is the Scottish Schools Championships on June 13 & 14 at Bathgate Academy. If this event is affected we will let you know immediately. 

With the First Minister & Prime Minister stating schools, colleges and universities will remain open for now, our reliance on the school and education sector for facility provision means any closures will impact clubs and events for a period of time. We’ll make sure support is available should this happen but as ever, the best solutions in these times are those found collaboratively.

To summarise, please maintain scrupulous personal hygiene – particularly hand washing – and keep an eye on club mates, friends and family. Tag us in your social media if you have any event, club or athlete information to share and we’ll help get the message out there.

Vincent Bryson

Chief Executive

Scottish Fencing

2020 Youth 5-Nations

Scottish Fencing planning for the Youth Five Nations which are scheduled to be held in Manchester on the weekend of the 27 and 28 June 2020.

We have sent invites to all Scottish fencers who are currently on the British Fencing junior and cadet rankings. Our plan is to build a squad with the final team being selected from this group. If you are on the junior and cadet rankings and not got an invite, please get in touch to let us know if you are available and interested in selection. Email -  admin@scottish-fencing.com  by 12 March

We are also looking to build squad numbers so are asking coaches to nominate fencers who are close to competing at British cadet level but haven't got a ranking yet. 

We are aiming to run training sessions similar to the Pathways training for Challenge Wratislavia and want to open this up to all fencers who are looking to broaden their fencing experience. So squad members don't have to be available to compete at the Youth Five Nations, they just need to have a desire to widen their knowledge. Again get in touch if you would like to take part in some extra training. (minimum age 13).

We aim to keep costs of the training sessions to a minimum but we will need to cover hall hire and other costs.

Please note that any fencer selected for the Youth Five Nations will need to pay travel and accommodation, as well as a contribution to staff and event costs. We don’t have an estimate of what these are yet.

When we first made these plans the dates for Challenge Wratislavia were not the same weekend as the Youth Five Nations. As of yet we don't know how this will affect the Youth Five Nations but please get in touch if you are interested in either selection or the squad training.

POSTPONEMENTS - CW2020 & Scottish Youth Championships

Scottish Fencing are disappointed to hear of the postponement of Challenge Wratislavia 2020. We do of course empathise with the organisers decision to accept the risk of spreading COVID-19 is beyond the acceptable level and we will stay engaged with the organisers should the event have an alternative date presented for later in 2020.

There are lots of athletes worldwide keen to take part and of course we in Scotland are no different with more than 30 aiming for this event as a key part of their development. Our staff team are working with all the Pathways Squad athletes and their families as the event was due to be the sporting pinnacle of the programme. If a viable alternative is offered for athletes from the tournament organisers we will discuss it within the Pathways Group.

Our own Scottish Youth Championships were also coming up on 25/26 April. We have also taken the decision to postpone this event until later in 2020. I realise this isn’t perfect either but there are so many unknowns regarding the spread of COVID-19 and potential affected areas and impacts. We feel it is easier now to make this call and give clarity to our admittedly disappointed athletes but we aim to reschedule the SYC’s for a later date in the year.

In the meantime, we ask that the Fencing community in Scotland does what it continuously does best – come together and support each other. Our advice offered yesterday on social channels via the Deputy Chief Medical Officer still stands which is maintain a high degree of personal hygiene with particular emphasis on hand washing and please do pay attention to the relevant websites such as Foreign & Commonwealth Office for travel (FCO here) and your Local Authority & Scottish Government comms channels for any updates closer to home.

Thank you

Vincent Bryson

Chief Executive

Scottish Fencing

Mental Health Awareness Workshop - October 3rd 2019

Scottish Fencing are delighted to be working in partnership with Just Fun Activities to deliver Mental Health Awareness Workshops for our members. 

The physical, mental and emotional well-being of all our members is deeply important to us, and to our clubs. To supplement the great work being done in First Aid and Child Protection courses, we are delighted to be offering these new workshops.

Mental Health Awareness Workshops last approximately three hours and are a fantastic first step for people of all ages to deepen their understanding of mental health, mental health issues and emotional well-being. The workshop will discuss issues such as Stress Management, Emotional Well-being and Understanding Anxiety & Depression, which can affect anyone at any time. 

By attending this workshop, members will be able to discuss mental health more confidently, understand the common misconceptions around mental health, better understand the impact of stigma and discrimination and identify the positive impact that being active has on physical AND mental health.

We all have a role to play in gaining a better understanding of our own mental health and recognising the mental health of others.

This workshop is aimed at coaches, parents, volunteers and fencers, aged 15+.

Mental Health Awareness Workshop

Welwood Primary School

Dunfermline

KY12 0NP

Cost - £10pp

TO BOOK CLICK HERE!

For more information, contact Blair Cremin - Pathways Manager - on blair.cremin@scottish-fencing.com.

2019 Highland Open Report.

The Highland Open Fencing Tournament 2019 and Scottish Team Selection for  

Elgin Duellist Callum Sutherland

Elgin High School was the venue for the UK’s most northerly open fencing tournament last weekend (28 & 29 September) when over 100 competitors from fencing clubs as far afield as Shetland, Orkney and Hamburg competed for the Highland Open Men’s & Women’s Foil, Epee and Sabre titles.

Robin Paterson, Head Coach at Elgin Duellist Fencing Club and organiser of the annual fencing tournament, said “this was the seventh year in a row that we have held the Highland Open in Elgin and, on so many different levels, it has been our best competition yet. The standard of fencing across the 3 weapons in both the Men’s and Women’s events was exceptionally high with many members of the Scottish Team competing. We also attracted the largest number of European fencers to date with 10 members of ETV Hamburg Fencing Club making the trip to Elgin especially to take part in this year’s tournament. Overall, entries were 20% higher compared to last year.

My fellow club coaches were also extremely gratified that 13 members of Elgin Duellist Fencing Club grasped the opportunity to test themselves against the best fencers in the country by entering the competition. For our Club, this is the biggest entry in any competition we have ever achieved.

Ranging in age from 13 to 49, the following Elgin Duellist Club members competed over the 2 days in the following weapons:-

Callum Sutherland (21, Elgin Men’s Foil & Epee), Alex Keddie (32,Elgin, Men’s Sabre), Robin Paterson (49, Elgin Men’s Foil), Casper Hawkins (17, Forres, Men’s Foil), Jon Goulding (49, Forres, Men’s Foil & Epee), Skyler Rainbird (17, Cullen, Men’s Foil), Oran McKenna (17, Hopeman, Men’s Epee), Fleur Hamelin-Stewart (37, Hopeman, Women’s Foil), Hebe Mucke (13, Garmouth, Women’s Foil), Rebecca Gilchrist (16, Grantown on Spey), Ellis Jiggins MacKenzie,(14, Rothes, Men’s Sabre), Irena Waszyrowska (14, Roseisle, Women’s Epee)  and Nathan Goureau (14, Forres, Men’s Sabre).

Robin added, “another reason why this was the best ever Highland Open is that on the Saturday, fellow Club Coach, Callum Sutherland won the Men’s Epee title.  In a hard fought final against Todd Kozlowski from ETV Hamburg, Callum eventually edged ahead of the American born student to win 15-13. This was the icing on the cake of a brilliant month for Callum after he received confirmation 2 weeks earlier that he had been selected as a member of the Senior Scottish Men’s Epee Team to represent Scotland in the Home International in Dublin later on this year.

Having joined Elgin Duellist Fencing Club at the age of 10, Callum is an inspiration for our young Duellists. Over the years, Callum has grown as a fencer, winning the Scottish School Under 16 Boys’ Epee title in 2013/14 and then competing at the highest level in the UK to come 3rd in the Elite Epee in Newcastle this summer. Along with Alex Keddie and myself, Callum is also a Club Coach specialising in Epee. Winning the Men’s Epee title is a poignant moment for me, in that I won the same title in 2004 when I was 34 and Callum was then only 6 years old! We are all very proud of what Callum has achieved.”

In the Men’s Epee, Scottish Cadet Team member Oran McKenna had a tough draw and was knocked out at the direct elimination stage and came in 23rd and Jon Goulding was 27 overall.

In the third year in a row, the Women’s Epee final was won by Mimi Figge (Wallace Fencing Club) who beat Nenah Verkaik (University of Stirling Fencing Club), 15-11. Irena Waszyrowski from Elgin Duellist Fencing Club also fenced very well in only her second senior competition to secure 13th place.

In the Men’s Sabre, Scottish Internationalist Toby Carter beat fellow Scottish Team and Club member Ethan Llewellyn (Salle Ossian), 15-10.  Elgin Duellist Sabre Club Coach, Alex Keddie secured a very respectable 8th place and Nathan Goureau and Ellis Jiggins-MacKenzie gained excellent experience of what fencing at this level is all about by securing 14th and 15th places respectively.

 In the Women’s Sabre event, Elsie Llewellyn (Sancroft Blades) beat Charlotte Wilson-Smith (Salle Ossian, (15-8).

On the Sunday, last year’s runner up Charlie Broughton (Salle Holyrood) could sympathise with Calum De-Sainte-Croix (Wallace Fencing Club) when Calum lost 15-13 after leading most of the way in Men’s Foil final.

Elgin Duellist Club Champion, Casper Hawkins fenced brilliantly in a direct elimination fight against ETV Hamburg veteran, Karl Becher, losing 15-10.  Skyler Rainbird also fenced very well in his first competition securing 18th place and Jon Goulding fought another hard DE fight to come in 17th overall.

In the Women’s Foil competition, there were 3 Elgin Duellists competing.

Hopeman’s Fleur Hamelin-Stewart competed in her third Highland Open, came in 12. Hebe Muckle from Garmouth demonstrated why she is the Club’s Women’s Elgin Duellist Club Champion by securing 10thplace and only losing her direct elimination fight by 1 hit to secure 10th place. This ranking is even more outstanding since this is Hebe’s first ever Fencing Tournament.

Also competing for the first time, Rebecca Gilchrist from Grantown-on-Spey did very well to secure 14th place.

If you are interested in the Highland Open Fencing Tournament, long-term Elgin Duellist Fencing Club member, and University of the Highlands and Island’s Media Studies & Film student, Sean Saul has produced a short film on north of Scotland fencing. Shot at last year’s tournament and at Culloden and Elgin Duellist Fencing Clubs the film show cases the intense level of competition involved in this sport. Search for ‘Fight Perfection’ on youtube.

Men’s Epee

1. Callum Sutherland, Elgin Duellist FC

2. Todd Kozlowski, ETV Hamburg

3T. Tom Hoffmann, Dingwall FC

3T. Robert Blackburne, Dunblane FC

Women’s Epee

1. Mimi Figge, Wallace FC

2. Nenah Verkaik, University of Stirling FC

3T. Elisa Sedat, Aberdeen City FC

3T. Olivia Connolly, Wallace FC

Men’s Sabre

1. Toby Carter, Salle Ossian

2. Ethan Llewellyn, Salle Ossian

3T. Calum De-Sainte-Croix, Wallace FC

3T. Richard Wilbraham, Dundee City FC

Women’s Sabre

1. Elsie Llewellyn, Sancroft Blades

2. Charlotte Wilson-Smith, Salle Ossian

3T. Taylor Manson, University of Aberdeen FC

3T. Joana Pielsticker, ETV Hamburg

Men’s Foil

1. Charlie Broughton, Salle Holyrood

2. Calum De-Sainte-Croix, Wallace FC

3T. Rolf-Peter Kassner, ETV Hamburg

3T. Jonathan Woollard, Wallace FC

Women’s Foil

1. Nenah Verkaik, University of Stirling FC

2. Kirsty Urquhart, Culloden FC

3T. Chloe Campbell, University of Stirling FC

3T.  Fiona Coyle, Salle Holyrood

Elgin Duellist Fencing Club was established in 2007 and meets every Thursday during term time at Elgin High from 6.30 to 9.00pm.