CEO Update - no change to restrictions

Good morning everyone

I hope you, your friends and family are safe and healthy as we move into the third month of the current restrictions. 

We know it’s not easy.

Last week, the UK government announced some changes and easement on restrictions to movement. On 8thMay Scottish Fencing made clear our position on such restrictions which is to maintain guidance issued by the Scottish Governement. Link to this article is here and we’ve also made mention of our position several times on our social media channels.

CEO Vincent Bryson is part of the home nations group discussions in how to “return to fencing” and sport in general but the position in Scotland will remain “as is” although we understand the UK government has changed the restrictions in England.

Whilst it may be frustrating to see different guidance in England to the rest of the Home Nations our own position has always been to follow the Scottish Government guidance which is currently “no change” to the lockdown except for a change in the amount of time you may spend exercising outdoors.

Scottish Fencing are also part of a wider group with sportscotland and our other partners in Scotland discussing the collaborative approach as to how sport can return. This is a constantly changing landscape and we expect to publish a roadmap later this month on how fencing can return however the expectation is this will be very slowly and sadly not soon.

The need to introduce new processes on hygiene, kit sharing and storage alongside maintaining physical distancing is not yet fully borne out. With over 90% of our clubs in Scotland reliant on public sector and community venues such as schools we will likely see these venues return to their core use before they return to club or sport provision. This will take time.

Currently, there are still far more questions than answers and I understand it is a frustrating period as we are keen to get back to Fencing. When our position is updated in line with Scottish Government we will of course let you know ASAP but for the moment, please do stay safe and look after yourself and loved ones.

Our staff are still here and working remotely so please drop us a line if you have any queries.

Liz.Anderson@scottish-fencing.com

Blair.Cremin@scottish-fencing.com

Vincent.Bryson@scottish-fencing.com

SF Update - Restrictions continue

Good evening everyone

As ever, everyone here at Scottish Fencing hopes you and your loved ones are safe, well and healthy as the restrictions on what we class as “normal” working life remain. For those keyworkers and those families of keyworkers we extend our warmest thanks for all your efforts.

In terms of our position relating to the recent coverage of potential and actual changes to lockdown measures in England & Wales, we take our lead from the Scottish Government position which is to retain the status quo for the next 3 weeks or until any announcement is made detailing what any easing of restrictions looks like. As per the First Minister’s statement earlier on Friday May 8th, the status quo – difficult as it is – will remain in place in Scotland.

There has already been minor alterations to restrictions announced in Wales and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will detail the position within England on Sunday. The differing approaches across devolved governments may seem confusing, but in terms of the sport of Fencing it means we don’t conduct any sporting activity in Scotland until advised otherwise except of course conducting one period of exercise per day on your own or with those people whom you share a household.

Once again, we will take our guidance from the Scottish Government position as and when it changes. When it happens we will of course share the updates.

Internally, CEO Vincent Bryson is part of an industry-wide group working with sportscotland and every other Scottish governing body to share collaborative best practice and this continues to be a healthy example of how a unified approach to restarting sport will best serve the public interest.

Whilst the “restart” of fencing as we know it remains both unknown and likely some time away, I hope you can continue to share and tag us with your home workouts and all the fantastic innovative ways households, families and clubs are still celebrating fencers and fencing.

Thank you for sticking with us and with each other - and on this day of all days rest assured, “we’ll meet again”.

#WeAreHere

#ForgingTheFuture

Vincent Bryson

Update on Scottish Fencing events activity

Hello everyone

All of us here at Scottish Fencing hope you are able to #StaySafe and look after yourself and your loved ones at this time. It is of course - to use the popular word - unprecedented with so many facets of what we consider “normal” life paused or changed for the foreseeable future. We know there are many key workers amongst the fencing community here in Scotland and we extend our warmest thanks to you for all your efforts.

We first mentioned some events we had to postpone when this period of safety measures to combat COVID-19 began. These included Scottish Youth Championships and externally we were affected by the necessary cancellation of Challenge Wratislavia 2020. As you may have seen, CW2020 was initially moved to the end of June but has now been taken off the calendar completely for 2020 and will return in 2021.

In line with current thinking around events, we have now cancelled the Scottish Fencing Schools Championships previously in the calendar for June 13/14 2020. The only event we still have in the calendar for 2020 is the Scottish Open scheduled for 28/29 November at Inverclyde National Sports Training Centre in Largs - however we of course haven’t opened any entries as it may be postponed or removed in the coming months. To say the Scottish Open is definitely happening would be a naive move sadly - but we of course hope it does happen as scheduled.

Obviously the lack of sport and activity is disappointing. However, it has been hugely inspiring to see the activity online from our clubs, sharing their home workouts and other activity to keep members and onlookers in good humour. Several clubs such as Salle Holyrood, West Lothian, Dunblane and Salle Ossian have been conducting online activity and we hope the videos we have been producing in partnership with Keith Cook here have been hitting that “workout spot” to keep us all active.

West Lothian Fencing Club are also opening up their club training sessions on Zoom for anyone to join - please do have a look at their facebook page here for more info.

Also, we have now reached Episode 5 of The Big Hit podcast and there are plenty more to come from the team of Sean, Gavin and Kate as they talk to various characters from around the Scottish scene, past and present. Please do catch up with the episodes here or anywhere you get your podcast fix.

Lastly, our Pathways Manager Blair Cremin is contacting all our clubs directly and we will continue to touch base via whatever means are prefereable. All our staff are still working (remotely at home of course) and contactable with any fencing queries you may have.

Whilst it’s strange times, we are still here for you and will help as much as we can. Please keep us tagged in your social media posts so we can share them to the wider community and of course, look after yourself and your loved ones.

#WeAreHere

#ForgingTheFuture

An update from HQ

Hello everyone

I wont lie – it’s been a strange few weeks…

There is a significant element of the unknown in our current situation. We thrive on sport - spectating, playing, participating, coaching and educating are all part of the Fencing experience here at home and of course amongst the international community. To not take part in these activities as part of our “normal” life is a truly strange time.

With so many of the indicators pointing to a significant period of time before accessing the sport in any organised form, we have tried to be creative in our offering over the next few weeks alongside helping and supporting those reliant upon the sport for their income.

There is an abundance of information available now and changing on a daily basis for clubs and coaches in particular around support mechanisms along with grants and interest free loans which can be accessed by those meeting criteria. A number of these grants and funds can be found at the bottom of this page or on the SF social channels.

Over the next couple of weeks Blair Cremin (Pathways Manager) and Liz Anderson (Operations Manager) will be in touch with every club directly and our offer remains at it has always been - we are here for you, whenever and for whatever you need us.

Like so many of you, the staff are working from home but we are available and ready for any members queries. One thing we don’t have is the normal office landline so please reach out via email or social channels (contact details are available at the bottom of this page)

However we also realise this may be a time when Fencing needs to take a back seat due to other circumstances around work situations and childcare. We understand that completely and here at SF HQ we have partnered with a few people in the fencing community to provide some accessible fitness classes and home workouts from Keith Cook and the new podcast from The Fencing Podcast which is called “The Big Hit”.

We will have more coming up for people to enjoy at their leisure and if there is something you would like us to do which we haven’t done – please reach out!

We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

There are a number of funds available to access - here’s a list of those we are currently aware of and if new ones become available we will add them and publish on the social channels.

Third Sector Resilience Fund – administered by SCVO here

Business Support Scotland fund - here

Support for Clubs and Communities - from sportscotland Here

Charities Aid Foundation – for any club or organisation registered as a charity - Here

GOV.uk site with Q&A on furloughing staff if appropriate - Here

Scottish Government homepage with all advice on COVID-19 situation - Here

Scottish Fencing Staff details

Blair Cremin (Pathways Manager) Blair.Cremin@scottish-fencing.com

Liz Anderson (Operations Manager) Liz.Anderson@scottish-fencing.com

Vincent Bryson (CEO) Vincent.Bryson@scottish-fencing.com

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