Event Dates - “Open letter to the fencing community”

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

New Independent Directors join the Board

We are delighted to announce that following our recent recruitment, Giles Lomax and Jude Salmon are joining the Board of Scottish Fencing as Independent Directors.

Giles Lomax brings extensive experience from working within other sports and participating at a national level in strategic projects. At Scottish Gymnastics he led the development of performance coaching and he is currently a member of the Scottish Professional Development Board for the Chartered Institute of Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA). He personally achieved high levels of performance within Rugby League and remains part of their UK Coaching Advisory Group. He sees his strongest skill set within Talent and Performance objectives and we will look to use this capability to strengthen SF’s coaching and athlete pathways.

Jude Salmon has a strong understanding of what attracts people into sport and the benefits they gain from being involved.  As an Active Schools Manager in Edinburgh, she has worked with several fencing coaches and sees fencing as offering an alternative to the catching and throwing sports.  Her personal sport is swimming and she has two sporty children.  Her knowledge of sports hubs and how to attract funding to sport will be particularly useful as we look to re-establish our presence in the West as part of the #forgingthefuture strategy.  She has a strong interest in the wider social outcomes sport offers through the opportunities for young people to get active.   As the Scottish Government look to the sporting sector to contribute to a healthier Scotland, Jude’s knowledge and experience will help us target our activities, as will her experience of projects to increase women and girls’ participation.

Both will serve a four-year term on the Board.  By exercising the power in the Articles to appoint an Additional Director the Board now comprises three women and seven men, broadly reflecting the gender balance of the membership and in line with the 30%/70% split which funding bodies regard as the minimum target.

RECRUITMENT - Head of Pathways & Community Change

Scottish Fencing is looking to recruit a motivated individual with excellent leadership skills to support fencing clubs and the wider fencing community. The intention for this role is to increase the impact of the sport of fencing across Scotland as a driving force for inclusion and change within the sporting community.

This is a dynamic period for Scottish Fencing and we are looking for an individual who will lead the growing presence of fencing within Scotland through supporting & encouraging fencing communities to participate in innovative development & inclusion activities.

The above is a snapshot of the role - for the full advert and Job description please click on the links below.

For an informal conversation about the role, please reach out directly to Vincent Bryson, Scottish Fencing CEO on vincent.bryson@scottish-fencing.com

HoPCC Job Description

HoPCC Full Advert

SF Application Form

Equality Monitoring Form

Blair Cremin departs Scottish Fencing

Scottish Fencing can today confirm Pathways Manager Blair Cremin will leave his role at the end of September.

Vincent Bryson, Scottish Fencing CEO had this to say about Blair and his enormous contribution during his time with SF.

“It has been a real pleasure to work with Blair for the last 3.5 years. We are a small staff team so we have got to know each other well and I am absolutely delighted he is moving onto a role which will continue to challenge him professionally. He has done so much in his time which we must continue to drive forwards, including forming the Referee Advisory Group, starting up the #ForgingTheFuture programme, creating new and sustainable relationships with British Fencing and forming the Scottish Fencing Pathway Squad.  

Blair leaves us having made a game-changing contribution towards the sport, particularly as sport moves towards making a significant positive impact on communities and changing lives but more importantly being an authentic leader who put the fencing community’s interest first.  I know the Scottish Fencing community will join me in saying thank-you to Blair”.

Stan Stoodley, SF President said “While everyone at Scottish Fencing is pleased to see Blair’s career develop, we are sad to see him go. Our clubs and members have greatly benefited from the contribution he has made in developing our strategic objectives. Blair’s friendly, enquiring and accommodating professional approach to member consultation and engagement has facilitated many new opportunities for both individuals and clubs within our community. On behalf of the board, staff and members of Scottish Fencing I would like to say thank you and wish him well for the future.”

George Liston, Chair of the SF Board, said “Blair’s contribution has been remarkable.  He has brought a refreshing perspective from beyond the fencing community, built relationships across the sport and earned considerable respect.  Most importantly he has put his heart into his role at SF and he will be a hard act to follow.  I am pleased that his skills and potential have been recognised:  he will be an asset in his new role.  Blair, SF has benefited greatly from your time with us, I am glad to have worked with you and I wish you every success.”

Scottish Fencing will shortly begin a recruitment process with a focus on future requirements for the pathways role. In 2018 we launched our #ForgingTheFuture strategy with a focus on 2025. 

Following the pandemic and a number of shifts in priorities at the government and strategic level, we will share the future plans for fencing in Scotland with members later in the year.

Please keep an eye on our website and social channels for more information.

Vincent Bryson

Chief Executive

2022 Commonwealth Fencing Championships - Selection

Scottish Fencing is pleased to launch the Selection Criteria and Process for the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in 2022. 

The document contains selection criteria and links to eligibility criteria for Cadet, Junior, Senior, Para Fencing and Veteran athletes. Please click here to see the document and FAQs

The recent survey launched by Scottish Fencing gave some interesting feedback on what members thoughts were around the process. We have published the answers to the survey questions but not the individual written responses – please click here to see the summary of responses. 

 I’d like to personally thank all the members, volunteers, board and staff for their input. This has been a long process and not without difficulty as the competition landscape changes ever further and with the possibility of restrictions to sport not yet ruled out by government, Scottish Fencing reserve the right to revisit the selection criteria should there be change to the competitive landscape brought on by any increasing of restrictions. 

With this in mind, the Scottish Open will return early next year at Inverclyde National Sports Centre in Largs on February 26 and 27 2022. Entries will open as soon as practical and in the near future we will look to recruit volunteers for the event. 

As ever, the staff team and I remain available to discuss or answer any queries and I look forward to seeing you on-piste soon. 

Paul Vaughan – Director  

 

Scottish Fencing Updated Guidance 9 August 2021

 On Tuesday 3 August the First Minister provided an update to the Scottish Parliament on pandemic-related restrictions. It was confirmed that the whole of Scotland will move beyond level 0 from Monday 9 August, although the First Minister stressed this did not mean a return to life exactly as it was pre-pandemic with a number of mitigating measures remaining.

 The key points from the statement were:

  • Legal restrictions: Most legal restrictions will be lifted. This includes legal restrictions on physical distancing and the size of social gatherings. No businesses will legally have to remain closed. And while physical distancing is no longer a legal requirement Scottish Fencing recommends clubs maintain social distancing during sessions wherever possible such as when there is a break in activities.

  • Mitigations: A number of mitigating measures will remain in place. These include:

  • Face coverings: The current legal requirements to wear face coverings in some indoor settings will remain in place for some time to come. When not active coaches and participants unless U12 or exempt should wear a face covering.

  • Test & Protect: The Test and Protect system will remain in place to support contact tracing. Clubs should keep maintaining good attendance records.

  • Local outbreak management: Scottish Government will retain the option of putting in place local measures and travel restrictions to manage local outbreaks. Covid Officers will need to keep informed of what is in place in their area.

  • Events: The process for approving large-scale events will remain in place, with approval required from local authorities for events of over 5,000 people outdoor or over 2,000 people indoors.

  • Guidance: Businesses will be offered guidance on areas such as ventilation and hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission. The public are still being advised to keep a safe distance, especially indoors, from people in other households and avoid crowded places to minimise risk. Clubs should maintain good hygiene including following British Fencing’s equipment cleaning protocols which you can find here. 

Scottish Fencing guidance is available here

Scottish Fencing adaptive fencing guidance is here

In the coming days there are likely to be further changes to the Scottish Government website from Monday 9 August.   Once these changes are published sportscotland will review and update the following detailed guidance on their website covering:

  • Getting Your Facilities Fit for Sport

  • Competition & Events

  • Getting Coaches Ready for Sport

  • Resumption of Performance Sport

 So if these are relevant to your club please check these next week to see what changes will impact your club.

Beyond level 0 what is permitted, all U18 and adult fencing; maintain social distancing if possible wear face coverings when not engaged in activities; keep cleaning hands and equipment and keep records for sessions attendance

Beyond level 0 what is permitted, all U18 and adult fencing; maintain social distancing if possible wear face coverings when not engaged in activities; keep cleaning hands and equipment and keep records for sessions attendance

2021-22 Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad

 

2021-22 Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad

 

Applications will soon be opening to join the 2021-22 Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad!

 

What is the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad?

 

The Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad brings together the most committed young fencers from across Scotland to practice together regularly through the 2021-22 season (September - May), as well as providing online educational opportunities for the athletes and their parents.

 

What is the purpose of the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad?

 

We support the fantastic work being done by fencing coaches and clubs across Scotland, by providing additional practice opportunities for the most committed young fencers.

 

The focus of the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad is on fun, learning through games / play, developing curiosity, and connecting with others. We believe this focus is vital to fostering a long-term, positive engagement with our sport.

 

Who is the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad for?

 

For U15 athletes (born in 2007 and after) who are committed to the sport and want to be competitive fencers.

 

Age categories:

  • Under-15: born 2007–08

  • Under-13: born 2009–10

  • Under-11: born 2011 and after

 

Reasons to join the Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad

  • Additional opportunities to practice fencing, with other like-minded and committed athletes.

  • Build on the great work already being done with your coach within your club.

  • Improve your understanding of how best to prepare for the challenges of competition.

  • Get to know and make new friends with other fencers from all around Scotland.

Training Information

12 x training sessions; 8 x in-person training days, 4 x virtual education evenings.

 

  • Sunday 26th September (Salle Ossian - Perth)

  • Sunday 31st October (Forth Valley FC - Stirling and West Fife FC - Dunfermline)

  • Monday 1st November (Online Session)

  • Sunday 28th November (Forth Valley FC - Stirling and West Fife FC - Dunfermline)

  • Sunday 23rd January (Salle Ossian – Perth)

  • Monday 24th January (Online Session)

  • Sunday 20th February (Forth Valley FC - Stirling and West Fife FC - Dunfermline)

  • Sunday 13th March (Salle Ossian – Perth)

  • Monday 14th March (Online Session)

  • Sunday 24th April(Forth Valley FC - Stirling and West Fife FC - Dunfermline)

  • Sunday 29th May (Salle Ossian – Perth)

  • Monday 30th May (Online Session)

Sessions at Salle Ossian – Perth will include all weapons.

Sessions at Forth Valley FC – Stirling and West Fife FC – Dunfermline will be split sessions, depending on numbers per weapon. We will let you know which weapons are at which venue before Sunday 26th September.

 

In-person training days will be 10am - 3pm (approx); Online sessions will be 7-8.30pm (approx).

Scottish Fencing Pathways Squad Staff

  • Team Manager – Liz Anderson

  • Lead Weapon Coach (Epee) – Rob Blackburne

  • Lead Weapon Coach (Foil) – Stan Stoodley

  • Lead Weapon Coach (Sabre) – Naomi Farmer

  • Pathways Manager – Blair Cremin

Cost

£200 for the 2021–22 Pathways season.

 

Payment Methods:

a)      In full on sign up to squad, or

b)      9 x monthly instalments of £22.50 by Direct Debit.

COVID-19 Guidelines

We are committed to keeping our fencers and staff as safe as possible. We will adhere to the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidelines for sport and physical activity as set by SportScotland and the Scottish Government. This may require us to alter training schedules or stagger the training times for weapon groups and/or age groups. We will inform you of any changes as quickly as we can.   If a fencer or anyone in their household is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend in-person training. Follow the guidelines from NHS Inform to keep yourself and others safe:   https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-general-advice.

Information Evening

We are running a free, online Information Evening to answer any questions or queries you may have regarding the Pathways programme.

Wednesday 18th August

6.30 – 7.30pm

To sign up, please follow this link – CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO INFO EVENING

SIGN UP FOR THE 2021 SCOTTISH FENCING PATHWAYS SQUAD

Sign up link will appear here between Monday 23rd August and Sunday 19th September.

 

We have maximum 30 spaces available due to COVID restrictions.

 

If you have any questions, contact Blair Cremin, Pathways Manager at blair.cremin@scottish-fencing.com.

 

 

 

#TrySomethingNew

Hello everyone

All of us here at Scottish Fencing hope you are enjoying the opportunities to get back fencing indoor and connecting with friends and club-mates, old and new. It’s been great to see so many clubs getting back up and running, not to mention seeing some Olympic action on TV and other media. 

Over the month of August, we will  participate in a common theme with other governing bodies and sportscotland, encouraging people to #TrySomethingNew. We obviously want to encourage more people to come along to their local (and awesome) fencing club to get an introduction to this amazing sport. We are keen to hear or be tagged in to any and all activity you or your club may be doing to encourage existing members or new members to #TrySomethingNew.

It doesn’t need to be a large project designed to attract lots of new members or anything burdensome. It could even be existing members trying a different weapon – perhaps the regular Epeeist fancies becoming a new Sabreur or Foilist… and of course we would love to see any pictures you are willing to share with us.

If your club is keen to participate, please keep an eye on the SF social media channels and use the hashtag #TrySomethingNew. – We will share some updates of new and innovative things clubs and tournament organisers in the Scottish Fencing world are already up to, but we know there is more out there and we want to help showcase your hard work. 

We’d love to hear from you as you encourage members new and old to #TrySomethingNew.

Please get in touch with us on admin@scottish-fencing.com or check out the contacts page on the website www.scottish-fencing.com - if sharing a project or activity with us it would be great to understand the following -

Can you tell us the name of your #New activity?

Who is it targeted at?

What made you decide to offer this?

How long will it run for?

Can anyone join in?

How do fencers/potential fencers find out more?

Vincent Bryson

Chief Executive

Scottish Fencing

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