bfc student handbook

8/14/2019 BFC Student Handbook

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Student Handbook

Updated September 2006

The current version of this Student Handbook is available in its entirety on the Club

website at www.fencingclub.org.


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Table of Contents

Welcome! 3

Contact Information 4

Birmingham Fencing Club Philosophy 5

Coaching Staff 6

What is a Typical Class Like? 7

Safety Rules 8

The Weapons 9

Competition Rules 10

Code of Conduct 12

United States Fencing Association 13

Fencing Programs & Fees 16

Club Membership and USFA Membership Requirement 19

BFC National Team 20

Equipment Purchases 21

Competition in Tournaments 24

Policy for Payment of Coachs Travel Expenses to Tournaments 26

Projected Costs for Attendance at Tournaments 27

General Guide for Parents Attending Tournaments and What to Expectat a NAC or National Championship Tournament

28


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Qualifying Paths for Junior Olympics & Summer Nationals 35

Team Jackets & Patches 36

Fencing Summer Camps 37

Referee Training 37

Parental Involvement 38

Annual Pictures 39

Glossary of Fencing Terms 40

Our thanks to the United States Fencing Association for assistance in preparing this handbook


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Welcome!

Welcome to the sport of fencing! It is an exciting sport that blends physical fitness and mentalchallenge. Fencing also incorporates timing, speed, endurance and tactics.

This handbook is designed to assist you in the beginning stages of learning the sport. Hopefully,this information will answer many of your questions. The handbook will also explain some ofwhat to expect from the classes, and what we expect from you. This handbook also containsinformation that will be useful to you as you move into the more advanced classes and become aserious competitive fencer.

From the time you start taking classes, you will become a member of the Birmingham FencingClub. As your skills progress, we invite you to join Club Open Fencing practices as well. TheClub offers you many opportunities, including practice with students from other classes and theopportunity to compete with more experienced fencers.

We are happy that you have chosen to experience the sport of fencing, and we hope that youenjoy it as much as we do!


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Contact Information

Birmingham Fencing Club1425 Montgomery HighwaySuite 25Birmingham, Alabama 35216

Phone (205) 824-6635 for all information related to classes and feesFax (205) 824-6682

Club phone (205) 823-4448 for urgent matters during class timeEmail [email protected]

The Birmingham Fencing Club is operated as an Alabama nonprofit corporation. Student andparent volunteers provide leadership in a number of important functions. Most of thecommunication within the Birmingham Fencing Club is conducted by email. Newsletters willalso be available at the Club, generally on a monthly basis. We have found this to be aneffective approach toward handling most of the issues related to Club administration. Meetings,

telephone conversations and various other forms of communication are also used as needed.

The Birmingham Fencing Club maintains a helpful web site that includes current information onclasses, tournament schedules, clinics, the complete text of this handbook, Club newsletters, andinformation related to the Club and fencing in general.

For information or questions regarding the Club or the sport of fencing, contact:

David P. AriasPresident

[email protected]

Coach Wang and Coach SunBFC coaches

[email protected]

www.fencingclub.org
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Birmingham Fencing Club Philosophy

The Birmingham Fencing Club has been given an extraordinary opportunity to build a nationalfencing center in Birmingham. Coaches Sun and Wang have the talent and experience to teach,train and motivate individual students toward their maximum potential based on their individual

abilities.

We are particularly aware of the role young people will have in the growth and development ofthe Birmingham Fencing Club. Likewise, we recognize the opportunity we have in their growthand development. In addition to the mental and physical benefits inherent in the sport of fencing,we also strive to develop self-esteem, personal responsibility, confidence, teamwork and theability to set and achieve goals.

We recognize that people join fencing classes for reasons other than the desire to wear anOlympic gold medal. This includes students whose primary goal is to maintain or develop

physical fitness, while enjoying the unique excitement and challenges offered through the sportof fencing. Fencing is one of the most aerobic sports available, but one that can easilyaccommodate the individual needs. Club programs will remain flexible enough to adapt tochanges in the composition of classes and to the personal goals of each student.


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Coaching Staff

Our coaches will be working closely with club fencers and with any additional instructors so thatthey are well prepared to teach you the sport of fencing. This will involve training sessionsseveral times each week. Their commitment, and the quality of training they receive, will

provide you with the highest level of instruction. The Birmingham Fencing Club will also holdclinics and tournaments throughout the year that will build upon the training received in class.

There is no way to overstate the quality of training you will receive. Hongyun Sun and YuanjingWang are two of the best coaches in the United States. They moved to Birmingham fromTianjin, China in 1998 to develop a national fencing center here. You can see more informationabout our coaches, and how they decided to come to Birmingham, on the Birmingham FencingClub web site.

Prior to joining the Birmingham Fencing Club, CoachHongyun Sun was the Chinese National

Fencing Team women's coach. As a competitor in foil and epee, she has earned a long list ofnational and international medals including a 7th individual and a 5th team place in the 1988Seoul Olympics. She has been a coach for more than 18 years and many of her students havebeen equally successful in international competition.

Coach Yuanjing Wang was the Chinese National Fencing Team sabre coach (also coached allthree weapons as head coach for the Tianjin Fencing Club). As a competitor in foil, he hasearned a long list of national and Asian medals including Chinese National Foil Champion andAsian National Foil Champion. He has been a coach for more than 23 years and many of hisstudents have been equally successful. Coach Wang is also an internationally rated director

(referee in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics). He was also coach for the Hing Kong wheelchairfencing team.


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What is a typical class like?

Str etching and Warm-up: Each class begins with stretching and warm-up exercises. Yourinstructors have the training to make this process great fun, incorporating a wide variety ofgames to promote flexibility and increase aerobic fitness. This is also intended to reduce the risk

of muscle or joint injuries, since fencing involves rapid actions. This lasts about 15 - 30 minutesat the beginning of each class and is organized as a group, led by your instructors. Classesprovide students with a basic understanding of the sport. Drills are generally done as a class orin smaller groups. These include bladework, footwork, and tactics, and generally last 1530minutes. When they are ready, the last half-hour of class will give students a chance to bout withother students or the instructors. Students will learn these fundamental skills:

Bladework: This is one of the most difficult skills to master. Bladework permits a skilledfencer to deceive his opponent and reach the target, even if his opponent tries to defend himself.

Footwork: This is the most physically demanding skill. Footwork permits a fencer to changepositions and distance, and can be combined with blade work to score a point or to allow a fencerto avoid an attack from an opponent.

Tactics: These are the plans and counter plans used by fencers to combine blade and foot work,based on their understanding of actions made by their opponent.

Bouting: Classes will include carefully supervised competition between fencers. This providespractical experience, and it is also the part of class that students enjoy most. They will learn toapply the basic skills developed during class.


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Safety Rules

Students will be instructed in the proper safety procedures regarding weapons and their uniforms.Several of the most important rules are fairly obvious:

1. The tip of weapon must always be pointed downward.2. When performing drills with other students, the coaches, or working with a practice

dummy, fencers must always be in complete uniform.

3. Do not walk across any part of a fencing strip when others are using it. The masks havesignificant blind spots, and the action on the strip is generally very rapid.

4. Fencers cannot remove their masks when bouting until the referee or coach has called"Halt!" and it is acknowledged by both fencers.

5. No running or horse play in the gymnasium.It is possible that a student might incur minor injuries to their legs if shorts are worn, and longpants are suggested for our classes. Fencing knickers can be purchased for approximately $40.A less expensive alternative is baseball pants, which are available at most sporting goods stores(although these cannot be used in competition). With the fencing knickers and baseball pants,long socks must be worn to cover the shins.

Female fencers are required to use breast protectors with their uniforms. These are provided forall girls taking classes and are made of plastic or steel cups placed inside the jackets. Althoughthe United States Fencing Association does not require that boys wear athletic supporters during

competition, we recommend that they be worn during class.


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The Weapons

Foil, epe and sabre are the three weapons used in the sport of fencing. While it is not unusualfor fencers to compete in all three events, they generally choose to develop their skills in oneweapon. Foil and epe are point-thrusting weapons. Sabre is a point-thrusting as well as a

cutting weapon. The target areas differ for the three weapons, though all three are scoredelectrically.

Object: The main object of a fencing bout (what an individual "game" is called) is to effectivelyscore 15 points (in direct elimination play) or five points (in preliminary pool play) on anopponent before they score that number on you. Each time a fencer scores a touch, they receivea point. Direct elimination matches consist of three three-minute periods; pools consist of onethree-minute period.

Foil: The foil has a flexible rectangular blade, approximately 35 inches in length, weighing lessthan one pound. Points are scored with the tip of the blade and must land within the torso of thebody. The valid target area in foil is the torso, front and back. It does not include the arms,

neck, head and legs. The foil fencer's uniform includes a metallic vest (called a lam) whichcovers the valid target area, so that a valid touch will register on the scoring machine. A small,spring-loaded tip is attached to the point of the foil and is connected to a wire inside the blade.The fencer wears a body cord inside his uniform, that connects the foil to a reel wire, and then tothe scoring machine. There are two scoring lights on the machine. One shows a green lightwhen a fencer is hit, and one shows a red light when her opponent is hit. A touch landing outsidethe valid target area (that which is not covered by the lam) is indicated by a white light. These"off target" hits do not count in the scoring, but they do stop the fencing action temporarily.

Epe: The epe (pronounced "EPP-pay"), the descendant of the dueling sword, is similar inlength to the foil, but is heavier, weighing approximately 27 ounces. It also has a larger guard

(to protect the hand from a valid hit) and a stiffer blade. Touches are scored only with the pointof the blade. The entire body is the valid target area. The blade is wired with a spring-loaded tipat the end that completes an electrical circuit when depressed beyond a pressure of 750 grams.This causes the colored bulb on the scoring machine to light. Because the entire body is a validtarget area, the epe fencer's uniform does not include a lam. Off-target hits do not register onthe machine.

Sabre: The sabre is the modern version of the slashing cavalry sword, and is similar in lengthand weight to the foil. The major difference is that the sabre is a thrusting weapon as well as acutting weapon (use of the blade edge). The target area is from the bend of the hips (both front

and back), to the top of the head, simulating the cavalry rider on a horse. The sabre fencer'suniform includes a metallic jacket (lam) that covers the target area to register a valid touch onthe scoring machine. The mask is different from foil and epe, with a metallic covering since thehead is valid target area. Just as in foil, there are two scoring lights on the machine. One showsa green light when a fencer is hit, and one shows a red light when the opponent is hit. Off-targethits do not register on the machine.


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Right-Of-Way: One of the most difficult concepts to visualize in foil and sabre fencing is therule of right-of-way. This rule was established to eliminate apparently simultaneous attacks bytwo fencers. In essence, right-of-way is the differentiation of offense and defense, as determined

by the referee. The difference is important only when both the red and green lights go on at thesame time in foil and sabre. When this happens, the winner of the point is the one who thereferee determined was on offense at the time the lights went on. Epe does not use the right-of-way in keeping with its dueling origin - he who first gains the touch earns the point. If bothfencers hit within 1/25th of a second of each other, however, both earn a point. It is especiallyimportant to have a sound defense for epe, since the entire body must be protected from a touch.

How to Follow the Action: For those new to fencing, it is difficult to follow the lightning speedof the fencers' actions. To become more comfortable in watching a fencing bout, focus on onefencer. The fencer being attacked defends himself by use of a parry (a motion used to deflect the

opponent's blade). After a parry, the defender can make a riposte (an answering attack). Thus,the two adversaries keep changing between offense and defense. Whenever a hit is made, thereferee will stop the bout, describe the actions, and decide whether or not to award a touch.Fencers seek to maintain a safe distance from each other, one that is out of range of the other'sattack. Each fencer will try to break this distance to gain the advantage for an attack. At times, afencer will make a false attack to gauge the types of reactions by the opponent. This is oneexample of the mental aspects of fencing. As students become accustomed to the speed of thegame, the tactics and strategies become more apparent, and they will gain a better understandingfor the finesse and fascination of fencing!

Competition Rules

The rules governing the sport of fencing are all founded in the need for safety. In addition tospecific rules of the sport, there are rules strictly governing conduct while fencing. These rulesare designed to prevent some of the issues listed below:

Unintentional contact with an opponent Turning your back on an opponent Raising or removing your mask during competition or practice Covering target areas Using your unarmed hand for any reason Deliberately causing contact with an opponent Leaving the fencing strip without permission Any person disturbing order on the strip Unsportsmanlike behavior


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Because these issues have been carefully addressed over the long history of the sport, they rarelybecome an issue during competition. The commitment of our coaches to enforcing these rulesfurther maintains order and safety during all Birmingham Fencing Club activities.

Students will learn more about these rules as their knowledge of the sport increases. They can be

divided into four basic categories:1. Rules dealing with the fencers during competition2. Rules that determine the priority of attack during competition3. Penalties designed to address infractions of the rules, increasing with the seriousness of

the infraction

4. Organization rules related to how competitions are conducted


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Code of Conduct

The Birmingham Fencing Club Code of Conduct is designed to provide an environment thatallows every student and competitor the opportunity to reach their individual goals. Thisassumes an atmosphere of mutual respect during all practices, tournaments, demonstrations or

any other Club activity. Each fencer, coach and parent should also help support the goals of theirteam. In the best interests of everyone in the program, however, we believe that it is important toclearly state the conduct expected of everyone associated with the Birmingham Fencing Club.Students and competitors are expected to:

Represent the Birmingham Fencing Club with team spirit, sportsmanship and respect. Follow the directions of the coaching staff and any chaperones at all times. Use appropriate language and specifically avoid the use of profane or abusive language

or obscene gestures.

Avoid all drinking of alcohol, use of tobacco products, use of illegal drugs, or use of anysubstance banned by any regulatory body associated with the sport of fencing, unlessprescribed by a physician.

Avoid all intentional or inappropriate touching, fighting, striking another fencer with aweapon or in any other manner.

Respect the property of others and specifically avoid vandalism, intentional damage ortheft of their property.

Leave a practice, tournament or other Birmingham Fencing Club activity prior to itsconclusion only with the permission of a coach or other responsible party.

Avoid any disruption of a class, practice or private lesson. Failure to follow the Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary measures assigned at the

discretion of the coaches. This can include suspension or expulsion from Club classes,practices, activities and/or tournaments.


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United States Fencing Association

The United States Fencing Association (USFA) is the national governing body for fencing.They are a non-profit organization based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The USFA coordinatesall competitions and administers programs for thousands of fencers, coaches and officials. It is

also the exclusive representative for the Federation Internationale dEscrime (FIE) and theUnited States Olympic Committee (USOC). The USFA is responsible for selecting andtraining the U.S. National and Olympic Teams for worldwide competition.

The USFA is governed by officers and a board of directors elected by its members. The board ofdirectors establishes the rules, by-laws and regulations. Each state or other geographic area has aDivision that is authorized by the USFA to govern and administer amateur fencing in its territoryin accordance with USFA regulations. Our division includes the state of Alabama. All activitiesare directed by the National Office in accordance with the policies set by the board of directors.

The Alabama Division is an integral part of the USFA. Its activities are managed under theultimate direction of the board of directors of the USFA. The Alabama Division is not anautonomous legal entity, but an administrative unit. Its primary purpose is to conductcompetitions within the Alabama Division territory including Divisional and SectionalChampionships, and Divisional Qualifying rounds for the National Championships.

Individual clubs can elect to become members of the USFA but are independent entities. Acomprehensive liability insurance policy is available to member clubs. It is the policy of theBirmingham Fencing Club to maintain its active membership status in the USFA, which includesa $2 million liability insurance policy.

The Amateur Sports Act of 1978 specifically named the United States Olympic Committee(USOC) as the coordinating body for amateur athletic activity in the U.S. directly relating tointernational Olympic athletic competition. The Act included provisions for recognizing NationalGoverning Bodies (NGBs) for the sports on the programs of the Olympic and Pan AmericanGames.

The United States Fencing Association (USFA) is the recognized NGB for the sport of fencing inthe United States. The USFA was founded in 1891 as the Amateur Fencers League of America(AFLA) by a group of New York fencers seeking independence from the Amateur Athletic

Union. The AFLA changed its name to the United States Fencing Association in 1981.


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The USFA is affiliated with the Fderation Internati onale d'Escrime (FIE), the internationalfederation for fencing founded in Paris in 1913.

The USFA was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in Pennsylvania in 1964 and in Coloradoin 1993 in compliance with the Amateur Sports Act and opened its national office at the Olympic

Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. in August of 1982. Carla-Mae Richards was hired asthe USFA's first full-time Executive Director in 1983 and served in that capacity until 1994.A Strategic Planning Commission met in 1992 to charter a course for the USFA's future. Aplanning group then met in 1995 and re-examined the organization's mission and goals.

Mission: The mission of the USFA is to develop fencers to achieve international success and toadminister and promote the sport in the USA.

Goals:

earn international medals expand membership increase the number and quality of coaches and integrate them into the USFA increase public interest in fencing make the USFA an effective and efficient organization.

Team Selection

In keeping with its mission, the USFA sends teams to the World Championships, the WorldUnder-20 Championships, the World Under-17 Championships, the Pan American SeniorChampionships and the Pan American Junior Championships. In addition, the USFA developsprograms to assist its top athletes towards achieving international results. The USFA selects

teams to represent the U.S. at the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, and World UniversityGames. Domestically, USFA programs range from grassroots to coaching education.

Junior Olympics

USFA grassroots success in attracting young people is evident at the annual Junior OlympicFencing Championships (JOs). The JOs continue to break records in the number of participantsand the number of entries. The event started in 1972 with 100 fencers in four events. In 1996, theevent attracted 1,240 fencers in 26 events over five age categories - Under-20, Under-17, Under-15, Under-13 and Under-11. The event became so large that it was restructured for 1997 andbeyond. Only Under-20 and Under-17 events will be held.

National Championships

The USFA also conducts the National Championships each year. This event, like the JOs,attracts more than 2,400 fencers annually. The Nationals began in 1892 and were held in NewYork City until 1939, when they were held in San Francisco and began moving to other cities.Today, they are held in locations across the U.S.


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Fencing Programs

All Birmingham Fencing Club practices and classes are held at the Club facility. The original2,600 square foot facility includes a specially-designed floor that accommodates six fencingstrips. As of September 1, 2005, the Club expanded to a total of 6,100 square feet, with a total of

12 fencing strips (7 or 8 strips for competition). Our address is 1425 Montgomery Highway(Highway 31) in Vestavia Hills, in Suite 25 of the Park South shopping plaza where DiplomatDeli and Pier One Imports are located. The Club is located around back of the building using aone-way drive next to Pier One Imports (the right side of the mall if you are facing it).

In addition to being an exciting and challenging sport, fencing provides a great way to get inshape and relieve stress. There are no age (our coaches generally recommend that students be atleast 7 years age before attending classes), gender or weight restrictions for most of these classes.Students can progress at their own pace. No equipment will be needed at first, just wear loosecomfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Try one of these convenient classes and you will soon

see why the sport of fencing has become so popular!

Visitors are always welcome to any BFC class or practice!

Birmingham Fencing Club Advanced classes are designed for experienced fencers in sabre, epeeand foil. The focus in the Advanced classes is on fencing at a competitive level with increasedemphasis on strategy and tactics. Students will advance from Beginning to Intermediate toAdvanced classes at their own pace and when recommended to do so by the Clubs coaches.There are no formal steps as with other sports. We want to be sure students are challenged butnot frustrated.

Requirements: There are no special physical requirements to learn the sport of fencing.Height, weight and gender are not important. Fencing provides a good work-out, but anyone canparticipate. The more you learn, the more demanding the sport becomes.

What to bring: You need to wear loose, comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. You canbring a large bottle of water (not glass) or container of PowerAde type products.

What we provide: We provide all the equipment needed to learn the sport of fencing(Beginning classes only). A vending machine and water fountain are available at the Club.

How to register: You can simply register the first day of class. Registration materials includea Student Handbook (which is available in its entirety on the Club web site), a BirminghamFencing Club registration form which includes a liability waiver and a medical waiver, a fencerinformation form, and a USFA membership application.


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Student Pick-up and Drop-off: Students will be practicing the entire class period and parentsare expected to pick up their children immediately afterwards. You are welcome to come earlyand observe class. If special arrangements must be made for pick up, they must be made inadvance with the coaches.

Advanced Classes: All Advanced classes are designed for advanced youth and adult students.Fencers are required to have their own equipment, and should make every effort to arrive at thebeginning of every class to participate in warm-ups and group training. They are also encouragedto attend Club practices on Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm and other Open Fencing sessions.

Intermediate Class: Fencing is an individual sport and some students will be ready forintermediate-level training sooner than others. These decisions will be made by the coaches onan individual basis. This is done to ensure that students are ready for a higher level of training,with safety being a key consideration. Students wil l be requi red to purchase their ownequipment before participating in the Intermediate Class, or within three months of

starting classes, whichever comes fi rst.

Beginning Classes: Students will attend Beginning classes once or twice each week. Ourcoaches expect that most students will continue in the Beginning Class for a number of monthsbefore moving to the Intermediate Class. All equipment is provided at no additional cost.

Open Fencing: Just like the name implies, Open Fencing is available to Intermediate andAdvanced students wherever it is noted in the Club schedule. This provides an opportunity tofence with students from other classes, and at different skill levels. Students will be required topurchase their own equipment before participating in Open Fencing. Unless otherwise stated,

open fencing times will be held on strips 10, 11 and 12 every weekday afternoon from 3:30 to5:30, on Monday/Wednesday/Friday evenings from 5:30 to 9:30, and on Saturdays from10:00am to 1:00pm.

Finders Fees: Once you join the Birmingham Fencing Club, you can earn a one-time $10finders fee for every new student who signs up for a class after you, and mentions your name, upto $60 each month.

Family Discounts: For each student joining the Birmingham Fencing Club at the regularmonthly fee, each additional member of the same immediate family will receive a 15% discount

on their class fees (does not include private lesson fees) up to a maximum monthly class fee of$210.60 per family.

Private Lessons: Our coaches give private lessons, but these are generally reserved for themore experienced fencers. You will find that most experienced fencers, however, are themselveswilling to spend one-on-one time working with the newer students. Fees for both coaches are$25 per 25 minute lesson.


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Class Fees

The Birmingham Fencing Club provides instruction within a class setting. Open Fencing,Private Lessons, Competitions, Clinics and other training opportunities are available to fencers inorder to help them reach their individual fencing goals. The basic fees for membership in theBFC are $78 per month. A discount of 5% is available if class fees are paid six months in

advance, 10% if paid one year in advance.

Payment of FeesFees are due by the 1st of the month, with a grace period until the 10th of the month. A $10 latefee will be added to any class fees not paid by the 10 th of the month. If a fencer does not pay forscheduled private lessons by the 10th of the month, they may be given to other fencers. Therewill be no credit for a fencers monthly fees if the club is closed for a holiday or for the coachesto attend an out-of-town tournament with a large number of fencers from the Club. Violations ofthis policy may result in a student being barred from class until fees are paid.

There is a lock box in the Club for payment of fees. Checks for monthly fees should be placed inan envelope with the fencers name (this is particularly important if the fencers last name is

different from the name on the check) and dropped in the slot in the lock box. Checks for allother payments to the Club, such as camp fees, Coachs travel expenses to tournaments, fencing

score pads, club patches, division patches, and car window decals, should also be placed in anenvelope and dropped in the slot in the lock box. Please be sure to write your name on theenvelope and specify what the payment is for.

Floor FeesFloor fee for Occasional Visiting Fencers - $20 per visit

Fencing Season

Fencing instruction is provided throughout the year. Tournaments are generally held beginningin September and ending with the Summer National Championships in early July


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Club M embership and USFA M embership Requirement

Any person who participates in any fencing activities at the Club must complete a BirminghamFencing Club Membership Form & Medical Release, and that form must remain on file at theClub. If the fencer is less than 18 years old, a parent or guardian must sign the form. Blank

copies of these forms are available in the Club mail box labeled BFC Reg. Forms. Thecompleted forms should be placed back in this same mail box. We hope that our Club memberswill help us by reminding new fencers and visitors of the need to complete one of these formsbefore fencing. These forms are required under the terms of our insurance coverage.

An active Club member is a person who pays monthly Club fees and fences at their appropriateclass times on a regular basis. An inactive Club member may reactivate their Club membershipat any time by resuming the payment of monthly Club fees. A fencer who pays floor fees isconsidered a visitor and not a member of the Club.

In order to compete in a tournament, fencers must be members of the United States FencingAssociation. USFA membership is $50 per season for an individual or $100 per season for afamily (the family membership will cover 2 competitive members and 2 non-competitive orassociate members). The fencing season runs from August 1 until July 31.

All USFA members will be permitted to vote in the Alabama Division elections.

It is recommended that you renew your USFA membership at the beginning of the fencingseason, in early August. If you plan to compete in a tournament before you receive your USFAmembership card in the mail, you can request a fax showing your good standing as a USFA

member, and this will be accepted by the tournament organizer as proof of your USFAmembership.

Since you will be required to show your USFA membership card every time you sign in at afencing tournament, we recommend keeping it in a safe place in your fencing bag. If the fenceris a child, the parent may also want to keep a copy of the current USFA membership card in theparents wallet.

USFA membership forms are available at the Club.


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BFC National Team

As noted earlier in this handbook, attending national level tournaments represents a seriouscommitment by fencers and their families. The BFC created the National Team to provide thesefencers with additional training and other benefits in order to help fencers reach their individual

goals. Fencers who plan to attend any of the national tournaments during the year will need todo two things:

1. Indicate that you plan to do so by adding your name to the National Team list postedon the Club bulletin board. If possible, indicate which national tournaments you plan toattend. This for planning purposes only and you will not be held responsible forattending that tournament.

2. Pay a fee of $125, $100 of which will apply to your fi rst national tournament . Thisfee should be paid by October 15, but can be paid later during the year as well. There are

significant benefits to joining the National Team and making that decision early in theseason. Benefits include the following:

A special uniform patch for National Team members Special clinics held throughout the year 10% discount on all BFC camps and clinics Free equipment repairs (not including replacement of broken blades or cords) Additional information throughout the year on topics such as training and nutrician


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Equipment Purchases

Fencers are required to purchase their own equipment after they have been fencing for threemonths (unless equipment is rented from the Club as noted below). Fencers will also want theirown equipment, since it will be a better fit, which is safer, and because they will be more

confident of their own abilities when they are using their own equipment. Most of the fencers inthe Club order their equipment through Coach Wang. Neither Coach Wang nor the BirminghamFencing Club earn any profit from the sale of equipment to fencers.

If you are a new fencer and you are thinking about purchasing fencing equipment, here are someideas you may want to consider. The basic equipment that Coach Wang usually recommends forbeginners is shown below. This is good serviceable entry level equipment. He generally ordersfrom Blue Gauntlet or Absolute Fencing Gear, and he can usually arrange for you to receive a10% discount off the prices shown below. Women will need to add the breast or chest protector.You dont need to buy all of your equipment at once, if you are not ready to do that. You could

start with just a glove and a mask and one weapon and one body cord, or any other combinationof pieces.

You will need all of the items listed for your weapon in order to participate in a USFAtournament, including a minimum of 2 working weapons and 2 body cords, but you can usuallyarrange to borrow a few pieces from the club to use for competitions until you have accumulatedall of your own equipment. You might want to check which pieces the club has available forloan in your size before deciding which pieces to include in your initial purchase. The itemslisted in the table below are shown in the Blue Gauntlet catalog. Similar items are available fromAbsolute Fencing Gear. Product lines and prices change frequently, and Coach Wang will order

from the company currently offering the best product at the best price.

After you have been fencing for some time, you may decide to upgrade certain pieces of yourequipment. As with all sports, equipment is available in many different levels of quality andprice.

Fencers who choose not to purchase their equipment after three months, have the option ofrenting it from the Club for a cost of $30 per month.


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I tem Foil Epee Sabre

Glove (1) $20 $20 $20Mask (2)(3) $55 $55 $82

Weapon (4)(5)(6) $47 $55 $53second weapon $47 $55 $53Body Cord (7)(8) $13 $13 $13 second body cord $13 $13 $13Mask Cord (9) N/A N/A $7Lame (10)(11) $65 N/A $89Cuff (12) N/A N/A $13Jacket (13)(14) $50 $50 $69Knickers (15) $39 $39 $39Plastron (16) $16 $16 $16Fencing Bag (17) $38 $38 $38TOTAL $403.00 $354.00 $505.00 TOTAL $362.70 $318.60 $454.50Plus shipping costs +21.76 +19.12 +27.27TOTAL $384.46 $337.72 $481.77WomenBreast Protectors* $7 $7 $7WomenChest Protector* $27 $27 $27

*All women and girls are required to wear either breast protectors or a full chest protector.(1) Glove [SG Purple Washable 3 weapon glove] [Epee, Foil or Sabre] [$20](2) Mask [BG 1000nw Olympic mask] [Epee or Foil only] [$55](3) Mask [BG 800nw Electric Sabre Mask] [Sabre only] [$82](4) Epee [BG Electric Epee with German tip & pistol grip] [$55](5) Foil [BG Super Electric Foil with German tip & pistol grip] [$47](6) Sabre [BG Electric Sabre] [$53](7) Body Cord [BG 2 prong foil & sabre body cord] [Foil or Sabre only] [$13](8) Body Cord [BG epee body cord] [Epee only] [$13](9) Mask Cord [BG sabre connection wire] [Sabre only] [$7](10) Lame [BG Foil Lame] [Foil only] [$65](11) Lame [BG Sabre Lame] [Sabre only] [$89]

(12) Cuff [BG Electric Sabre Cuff] [Sabre only] [$13](13) Jacket [BG C/N Jacketfront zip] [Epee or Foil only] [$50}(14) Jacket [BG front zip Stretch Jacket] [Sabre only; could use for Foil or Epee] [$69](15) Knickers [BG Stretch Pants] [Epee, Foil or Sabre] [$39](16) Plastron [BG Cotton Plastron or under protector] [Epee, Foil or Sabre] [$16](17) Bag [SG deluxe bag] [Epee, Foil or Sabre] [$38]


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(18) Breast Protectors [BG Breast Protector] [Epee, Foil or Sabre] [$7/pair](19) Chest Protector [BG Full Chest Protector] [Epee, Foil or Sabre; women only] [$27]

Equipment ordersThere is a mail box in the Club office labeled Equipment Orders. That box contains blank

Equipment Order Request forms and also a list of suggested entry level equipment for eachweapon and the approximate price for each such piece of equipment. Your completedEquipment Order Request forms should be placed back in that same mail box labeledEquipment Orders. It is often helpful to try on another fencers jacket, lame, etc. to confirm

the size before the order is placed. When the new equipment arrives, Coach Wang will notifyyou, and you will write a check to Yuanjing Wang for the total amount of the purchase.


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Competi tion in Tournaments

Students can generally learn the basics of the sport of fencing in two or three months. Thecoaches will determine when a fencer is ready to compete in tournaments. This is str ictlyoptional for the students. Students competing in tournaments will be required to purchase their

own equipment, although the Club does have a few practice uniforms and weapons that can beused until a fencer purchases his own. The primary benefit to competing in tournaments, asidefrom the fact that it is really a lot of fun, is the opportunity to learn more advanced strategy andtactics and to fence more experienced fencers.

After several months of experience, depending on the number of practices each week and basedon the coachs recommendation, students may want to compete in local or regional fencing

tournaments. The Birmingham Fencing Club holds a number of tournaments throughout theyear, several of which are specifically designed for new students. Competitors must be membersof the USFA.

Fencers between the ages of 8 and 12 wil l be required to compete in youth events (fencersmust be 13 years old to compete in Open tournaments). The Birmingham Fencing Clubgenerally hosts a Regional Youth Circuit event for the USFA in the fall of each year. Inaddition, all BFC tournaments will include youth events.

Fencers ages 13 and up will have more tournaments available to them. They should consider themonthly tournaments at the Club, the Clubs annual Bestimmtag tournament in the fall, the

Clubs annual Wright Memorial tournament in the spring, and the Clubs Vulcan Opentournament in June of each year (all three tournaments in youth events as well). These fencers

should also consider the tournaments hosted by other clubs in the surrounding area, such asthe Atlanta Fencers Club, the Vanderbilt University Fencing Club, the Ole Miss or OxfordFencing Club, etc.

by nearby clubs, will be listed on AskFred.net. Pre-registration for these tournaments ishandled online on AskFred.net. It is important to pre-register, because most tournaments chargea late fee if you fail to pre-register, which sometimes results in double or even triple registrationfees. When you pre-register, print out a registration form and bring it with you to thetournament. Most tournaments will require a waiver signed by a parent in order for a youth

fencer to be permitted to fence in the tournament.

Notice of the Clubs tournaments and those of clubs in nearby states will be given on the Clubs

monthly calendars and in the monthly newsletters. Additional information is generally availableon AskFred.net or on the host clubs website.


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After a fencer has some experience in Club or local tournaments, he may want to compete in aNational American Championship tournament, referred to as a NAC. Information on thesetournaments is also included in this Student Handbook.

It is the responsibility of the fencer (and the fencers parents, if the fencer is under 18 years of

age) to ensure that all tournament entry forms are completed and submitted in a timely manner,and that all qualification procedures are satisfied in accordance with the requirements for eachtournament.

Tournament entriesEntry forms for upcoming tournaments hosted by the Club are available in the holder on the wallby the bulletin boards. Entry forms may also be printed from the More Info page for thattournament on AskFred.net. Even though you pre-register for a tournament on AskFred.net, youmust still complete an entry form with the appropriate signatures on the waivers and turn it in,along with your payment, before you may fence in the tournament. This can be done at

registration on the day of the tournament or at the Club prior to the tournament.

Tournament ReportsAfter each tournament in which a fencer competes, the fencer is encouraged to provide to CoachWang a Tournament Report which specifies the name of the tournament, the host and venue ofthe tournament, the events in which the fencer competed, the fencers final placement in each of

those events, the total number of competitors in each of those events, and the rating of each ofthose events. This information will be added to the fencers record at the Club. This report

should be given to Coach Wang on the first day the fencer comes to the Club after thetournament. The fencer should complete one Tournament Report for each event in which he

competes. Blank Tournament Report forms are available in the Tournament Reports mail boxat the Club. Completed Tournament Reports should be placed in that same TournamentReports mail box on the fencers first day back at the Club after the tournament.


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1. Each Club fencer who attends a tournament which has been designated by Coach Wang as anout-of-town tournament where coaching will be available (which will generally consist ofSummer Nationals and NACs and Sectional tournaments and other large regional events attended

by a number of fencers from the Club) will pay a flat fee of $100 for each such tournament.There is a 15% discount for each family member from the same immediate family attending thesame tournament.

2. The flat fee is to cover travel expenses for the coach attending the tournament and is notrelated to any decision by a fencer to pay for coaching at the tournament.

3. All such money shall be paid to the Birmingham Fencing Club.

4. All such money shall be deposited into a separate reserve to be used only for payment of

coach's travel costs for tournaments.

5. Any fencer who wants coaching at the tournament shall pay a coaching fee directly toYuanjing Wang. The coaching fee shall be determined after it is known how many fencers willbe attending a specific tournament, but before the application deadline for the tournament.Experience has shown that this expense will generally not be more than $30 for the first event,and $20 for each additional event at the tournament. Coach Wang will provide coaching to allfencers who want coaching at the tournament to the best of his ability. He shall have completediscretion to determine how to allocate his coaching time. His decision will be based on whatwill be in the best interest of the fencers and the club as a whole.

7. Payment of the $100 flat fee is mandatory. Any fencer who attends such a tournamentwithout paying the flat fee will not be permitted to participate in classes at the BirminghamFencing Club until such fees are paid. No member of the club shall be exempt from payment ofthe flat fee.

9. Coach Wang will look at the tournament schedule at the beginning of the year in order todetermine which tournaments he is likely to attend during the course of that year. A schedule ofthose tournaments shall be posted. Coach Wang shall have complete discretion to determinewhich tournaments he will attend during the fencing year. His decision will be based on his

assessment of what will be in the best interest of the fencers and the club as a whole. CoachWangs discretion shall include the right to choose to use funds from the escrow account in orderto attend any national or international competition with one or more fencers from the club if, inhis judgment, his attendance at that tournament is in the best interest of the club.


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Projected Costs for At tendance at Tournaments

Participation in a national level tournament can be expensive. Most tournaments are asignificant distance from the Club, so travel related expenses can be the biggest part of thisexpense. This represents a significant commitment on the part of a fencer and his family. Coach

Wang can provide guidance regarding when participation in a national level tournament isappropriate.

USFA Membership - $50 per year

Full equipment requiredcost varies with weapongenerally ranges from $350 to $500 for acomplete set of equipment, but most fencers will have already accumulated at least some of theirequipment before their first tournament

Registration and/or entry feescan range from $10 for a small tournament at the Club to $30

registration fee plus $50 for each event for a national level tournament or an internationaltournament

Coachs travel cost - generally, each fencer pays a $100 flat fee for each tournament Coachattends for the Club

Coaching fees - generally $30 for the first event plus $20 for additional events

Hotel, airfare, gas, etc.will vary depending on the location of the tournament


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General Guide for Parents Attending Tournaments and What to Expect at a NAC or

National Championship Tournament

Your child may or may not want you next to the fencing strip. Some youngsters find itreassuring; most find that they put added pressure upon themselves when performing in front of

parents. Some fencers may change their minds about wanting parents around during the courseof the tournament; they may or may not remember to be polite when requesting that you leave.Please don't take it personally - let them know you understand and then disappear. Talk withyour fencer about what he/she would like before you go to the tournament, but be prepared forchanges of mind.

The North American Cup (NAC) events are a series of national competitions organized by theUnited States Fencing Association (USFA). These are much larger than the typical local orregional tournament, sometimes with 40 fencing strips and thousands of competitors. Competingin a NAC is a privilege, and your coaches take them very seriously. The Birmingham Fencing

Club is on the way toward building one of the strongest youth programs in the country. Whilethat is not our primary goal as a club, it is the obvious result when great coaches and dedicatedathletes share a love for the sport of fencing. The fact that the USFA recently asked us to hostone of only three Regional Youth Circuit tournaments in the Southeast is a recognition of thecommitment shared by fencer, parent, coach and teammates.

We also know that not every fencer can win the gold medal or go to the Olympics. Nationalcompetitions are an arena for helping fencers reach for the limits of their ability, not just to winmedals. Just being invited to go means that a fencer has already shown their dedication and skill.National competitions provide a chance to compete against the best in the country, which often

brings out the best in a fencer, regardless of where they finish. The Southeast is a relatively weaksection of the country, so national competition is even more important to the BirminghamFencing Club. Competing becomes an important component of their training.

There are seven different age groups for competition. The rules regarding qualification in certaincatagories is too involved to list here, but the Club and the USFA can help you. Age isdetermined as of January 1st of the competitive season (August 1st through July 31st).Veteran (over 40)Open (13 and over)Junior (under 20 over 13)

Cadet (under 17 over 13)Youth-14 (under 15 over 11)Youth-12 (under 13 over 9)Youth-10 (under 11 over 7)


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Once you arrive at the tournament, the fencer must check in. Not a parent, not a sibling, butthe fencer. Preferably an hour before the close of registration. The fencer should have ready atcheck-in his/her confirmation letter which he/she will receive from USFA and their USFAmembership card.

Read the Confirmation Letter careful ly. The confirmation letter is a separate letter pertainingto the event(s) your child has entered. If you have a receipt of entry, bring this also. If there is aproblem with your registration you will have the proper documentation necessary to fix theproblem immediately.

Once the fencer has checked in, he/she may not leave the venue. If the fencer is not at the strip at the start of his/her event, they will be scratched!!! Thismeans they will not be allowed to fence in that event. What this would mean to you, the parent,is that you have just spent money for nothing.

After they have registered for their events, all competitors must get their equipment checkedat the armorer table.

Equipment Required for Competitive Events:MASK (sewn-in bib, must pass 12K punch test)UNDERARM PROTECTORJACKET (no holes, must close in back or opposite weapon arm) with last name on the back forepee (or on the back leg of the pants)LAME (if foil or sabre) with last name on the back (or on the back leg of the pants)

KNICKERS (no holes, must close in back or opposite weapon arm, must be overlapped by jacketby at least 4 inches)GLOVE (no holes, except for body cord. Must cover approximately half your forearm)LONG SOCKS (white, must reach bottom of your knickers)OVERGLOVES (for sabre fencers)MINIMUM two working weaponsMINIMUM two working body cords (and head cords for sabre fencers)FENCING BAG (to carry equipment)WATER BOTTLETOOL KIT (screwdriver for tip and pommel, spare screws, springs, allen wrench)

BREAST PROTECTOR (for girls)


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AT NAC AND CHAMPIONSHIPS EVENTS, fencers must have their name printed on the backof lames (jackets in the case of epee fencers) or the back leg of your knickers. Some NACevents have vendors that provide this service but not all. The events that usually have vendorsthat do this are Junior Olmpics, Summer Nationals and some opens or youth events. This may

vary depending on the size and location of the NAC.

What to Expect from an Equipment Check:

Mask will be checked for holes, breaks in the mesh, tears in the bib, and bib must be sewn in andconform to regulation size, punch test, and sabre masks will be continuity checkedEpees must pass weight and shim test. Foils must pass weight test. Sabres must pass flexibilitytest.

Two body cords will be tested to make sure they do not exceed 1 ohm. Body cords should beunraveled before presentation to armorer for inspection (check throughout competition to ensureyour armory inspection tag stays attached to your body cord. If your inspection tag becomesdetached you will have to have it reinspected at armory

Lameswill be checked for continuity, tears and bad fasteners. Sabre fencers overgloves andhead cords will also be checked for continuity.

You need only get your equipment checked once at a tournament (unless tags becomedetached from body cords). Equipment is tested for safety and to make sure it is in proper

working order. Your equipment will be stamped with a special stamp. Equipment purchasedfrom vendors must also be checked by the armorers. You may be able to get your equipmentchecked before the day you fence. Check your confirmation materials for times.

The director wil l check all equipment that was subject to inspection by the armorers for thespecific tournament's identifying mark at the beginning of each pool or direct elimination bout.


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Registration has Closed - Now What Happens?

When it says "close of registration at 9 AM", why aren't the kids fencing at 9:02 AM?A competition must be run to assure fairness and accuracy at every step. When registration isclosed a beehive of activity is moving at the bout committee (BC). They must announce the

names of those who did not check-in should the athlete be present. You may have heard theannouncement, "Fencer XYZ please come to the BC table immediately or you will be scratched".On rare occasion a frantic parent runs up and says they didn't know they had to check in. (Error:READ THE CONFIRMATION MATERIAL).

Then the initial seeding (minus the withdrawals) gets re-calculated and posted. Fencers have fiveminutes to check that it is accurate (YOU AND YOUR ATHLETE SHOULD DOUBLECHECK IMMEDIATELY). If no problem is found then pools are created. This process takesseveral variables into consideration: seeding, club, and division affiliation. Every effort is madeto minimize conflicts and at least two people check the accuracy of the pools before they are

posted. (DOUBLE CHECK THE POOL SHEET IMMEDIATELY). Errors can be rectified mosteasily BEFORE the competition begins. BE PATIENT: you and your child want fencing to beginbut ONLY if there are no problems which may cause fencing to be halted later due to a protest.Now that the pool sheets are posted and reviewed by the fencers the BC is still humming withstrip and director assignments. The problems that occur at this stage may include: amachine/reel/strip is "down", a director has a "club/division conflict" and must be changed, allthe fencers don't report to the strip. That is why strips are changed or a fencer's name isannounced. (BEWARE THE DREAD BLACK CARD: SHOW UP AT A STRIP PROMPTLYAND DON'T STRAY BETWEEN BOUTS...AND BE SURE TO CAREFULLY CHECKYOUR POOL SHEET BEFORE YOU SIGN) Once all the pools are in the data is entered. There

may be considerable differences in how quickly one pool gets finished before another dependingon size of pool, quickness of the director, mechanical problems of one sort or another. BEPATIENT.

The results are entered into the computer and the seeding into direct eliminations (DE) is posted.CAREFULLY CHECK the posted pool results to ensure that they are accurate to yourrecollection of your indicators (victories, touches scored versus touches received). If there is aproblem the athlete must present himself IMMEDIATELY to the BC where the appropriate poolsheet will be inspected.

After a few minutes have elapsed to allow fencers to have inspected the pool results a DE table isgenerated and posted. The strip numbers may be posted or announced. (BE ALERT TO ANYANNOUNCEMENT).


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Directors are assigned, called to the BC and sent out to strips where the fencer should presenthimself. Upon completion of the bout the victor takes the signed score sheet to the BC,POLITELY WAITS TO HAND THE SLIP TO THE BC AND ANNOUNCES HIS NAMEAND SCORE. This allows an extra check on accuracy. Also the athlete may be asked to take thenext bout slip back to his strip. The athlete who tosses the slip at the BC runs the risk of a mis-

placed slip or inaccurately entered victor. (It is very hectic at the BC and while the athlete knowshis own name the BC may not). This system of having the victor announce his name and scorerepeats itself all the way through until the gold medal is won. At that time, you and your youngathlete will return home with a wonderful memory of a fine day of fencing!!!

Other Things to Keep in Mind

1. Make sure your fencer drinks enough water - refill his/her water bottle whenever necessary.They should be drinking 6-8 oz. after each bout.

2. Repair equipment when necessary if you are able, or bring it to someone who can (teammanager, knowledgeable parent, etc.).

3. If things are going badly, find your youngster's coach. Remember the coach is often trying towatch several students at once.

4. Use encouraging words and only between actions, not after the director says "fence".

5. If you are not sure who scored the touch, keep quiet or say something generic.

6. Reconnoiter the site and know where to find the bathrooms, water fountains, armory andtrainer.

7. Be Positive!! Remember that no matter how well your fencer is competing, he/she is a terrificyoungster.

8. Never offer your youngster rewards for competing well. This only adds pressure in an alreadytough situation.

9. Let your fencers have quiet time to prepare themselves without distractions. If you don'tunderstand what is going on, ask someone who isn't fencing that day.

10. Don't aggravate the officials or other coaches, fencers or spectators. If you think there is aproblem, quietly find the coach.

11. Avoid doing or saying anything that will put pressure on your fencer to win. Remember thatwe are here to have fun.

12. Let the coach be the coach. They give advice and point out problems. The coach is better

experienced to handle problems that may arise on the strip. Your role is more important!!! Youare there to give unconditional love and support.

13. Remember to remove all your equipment from the strip once you have finished fencing. Thisincludes any confiscated weapons.

14. Do not leave any valuables lying around. Make sure all money is kept in a safe secure placeand not in the fencing bag.


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Travel Tips for National Tournaments

SEND IN YOUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRY FORM IM MEDIATELY

AFTER QUAL IFYI NG OR, IF AN AUTOMATIC QUALI FIER, IMMEDIATELY UPON

RECEIPT

Your division should have entry forms at the qualifying tournament, or if not, an entry form willbe in the next USFA newsletter. If you qualify for more than one event and plan to fence allqualified events, submit one form with all events listed that you are eligible to compete in. Also,send a self-addressed stamped postcard with your entry form with your child's name and eventsentered. USFA will send this back to you with an official stamp. This is a backup confirmation incase you don't get an official one from USFA.

RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOMS EARLYAs soon as the venue and hotel become known, make your reservations. You can always cancelor make changes, but once the block of rooms is gone, it is very difficult to stay at the host hotel.

If your child is traveling alone, check the hotel policy regarding minors checking in with noadult. Try to ensure they stay at the host hotel as travel to and from airport and venue will bemuch easier for him/her as most transportation is arranged around these venues.

AIRFARESContinuously monitor airfares; many offer brief sales to certain destinations. For JOs, airfaresoften go down directly after New Year. However, this is a guideline only. Use your ownjudgement when purchasing airfares. As soon as a fare appears that is within your budget,BOOK IT! Call the Olympic Desk for travel help if necessary. The telephone number is on theback of your child's USFA membership card.

ALWAYS TRAVEL THE DAY BEFORE AND THE DAY AFTER ALL YOUR EVENTSDo not try and arrive the day you fence or leave the last day you fence. It is very difficult toanticipate the end time of a tournament so plan your departure for the day after your last event.Don't add stress to the fencer by worrying throughout an event if you will catch your plane.

JOIN AIRLI NE AND HOTEL FREQUENT FLYER/STAY PLANSIf you are not already a member of frequent flyer and hotel stay programs, JOIN. These milesand points add up and can eventually get you a free ticket and/or hotel stay. It s worth theinvestment and most are free to join.

CARRY ON ALL EQUIPMENT THAT YOU WEAR


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What You Need for a Tournament

Foil, Epee and/or Sabre (at least 2 working weapons)Fencing pants or knickersFencing JacketUnder Arm Protector

Lame (for foil)Chest Protector (women only)Long fencing socksFencing shoes (can be any court shoes with a flat sole; not running shoes)MaskGloveAt least 2 working body cordsUSFA cardConfirmation letter


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Qualifying Paths for Junior Olympics

This information is available on the USFA websitego to www.usfencing.orgon the left,click on Athletes & Coaches and then click on Forms and Documents and then click onUSFA Athletes Handbook (2005-2006 Edition).

The Athletes Handbook gives the qualifying paths for J.O. Championship Tournaments.

Qualifying Paths for Summer Nationals

This information is available on the USFA websitego to www.usfencing.orgon the left,click on Athletes and Coaches and then click on Forms and Documents and then click onUSFA Athletes Handbook (2005-2006 Edition).

The Athletes Handbook give the specific requirements for qualifying for particular events forSummer Nationals.
http://www.usfencing.org/http://www.usfencing.org/http://www.usfencing.org/http://www.usfencing.org/


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Team Jackets

If you would like to order a Birmingham Fencing Club Team jacket, the cost is $106.50 for sizesadult XS to XL. Prices differ slightly for child sizes and larger adult sizes. To place an order, e-mail [email protected] and tell Niki that you want to order a Birmingham Fencing Club jacket,

with the logo on the back and your name on the front, and give her the size and the name to beembroidered on the front of the jacket. Give her your home address for shipping, and arrange tocall her or have her call you for your credit card number. Plan for a 5 week turnaround. Formore information, visit the website at www.jammin.com

Club team jackets are not required, but many fencers find that they want to purchase a teamjacket when they begin competing at the national level.

Club and Division Patches

After you purchase your equipment, and before you begin competing in tournaments at thenational level, you will want to purchase a Birmingham Fencing Club patch and an AlabamaDivision patch for your fencing jacket. The patches are available at the Club at a cost of $3 each.The patches should be sewn on the non-weapon arm between the shoulder and the elbow.(National Team patches are handled as noted above)
mailto:[email protected]://www.jammin.com/http://www.jammin.com/mailto:[email protected]


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Fencing Summer Camps

The BFC provides beginning, intermediate and advanced level camps during the summer.Advanced level camps are generally held prior to the Summer National Championships in earlyJuly. Details are generally provided several months prior to the start of the camps. These camps

involve intensive training, eight hours each day, from eight to ten days in length. Guest coachesare often added to the coaching staff during these camps. Fencers from other clubs often attendthese camps as well. It is an excellent opportunity to gain in-depth experience and training.

Referee Training

The BFC periodically provides training for fencers interested in becoming certified referees. Weencourage our fencers to do this, since an understanding of the rules of fencing is very beneficial

to competitive fencers. This training program has been very successful in the past, and the BFCleads the way in the Southeast in training new certified referees. The list of current certifiedreferees is posted on the Club bulletin board. The Club will periodically pay a certified FencingOfficials Committee (part of the USFA) trainer/examiner to present seminars, and conducttesting, so that members of the Club can obtain an FOC rating in one or more weapons. A feewill generally be paid by members attending this seminar. Subsequent to passing the writtentest, members can increase their FOC rating through additional experience, primarily duringnational tournaments.


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Parental Involvement

The Birmingham Fencing Club is a non-profit corporation. Like many other sportsorganizations, parents play an important role in the organization of various class activities. Weask that one parent from every family volunteer for at least one tournament or other Club

activit ies during the year. A list is posted on the Club bulletin board.

Parents are welcome to observe class. Parents and students are also welcome to visit anyBirmingham Fencing Club class or activity. We welcome your questions and your interest in thesport of fencing.

The following is a partial list of ways in which parents may volunteer to help the Club:

Food Table for a Tournament - arrange to have food at tournament, arrange to have thenecessary tables, serving dishes, knives, etc. for food preparation, determine whether to chargefor food and pricing, if any, etc.

Acting as a timer or scorekeeper during a tournament

Learning to operating the tournament computer scoring program

Coordinate with publicity chairman to prepare and distribute club posters, sporting goodsstore flyers, press releases, email notices, mailings, etc., and then arrange for publication ofresults by newspaper, email to participants, posting on website, write an article about thetournament for the club newsletter, etc.

Armorer obtain training from Coach Wang in order to set up equipment testing table fortournaments and perform equipment testing, help fencers with equipment problems during the

tournament, e.g., stretch springs so weapons will pass weapon check on strip, etc.T-shirts - select a design, prepare a budget, arrange to have T-shirts printed, pick up T-shirts and have them at the tournament, arrange for T-shirt sales at the tournament, etc.

Photography - take pictures at the tournament of all medal ceremonies and appropriate candidshots, post pictures at the club after the tournament, arrange for posting on website, archive forclub scrapbook, etc.

Demonstrations - schedule and staff fencing demonstrations at various schools, clubs, etc.

Laundry - wash and dry club jackets and plastrons on a regular schedule


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Annual Pictures

Each year, usually in October, the Club has a photographer come take a group picture of all ofthe Club members on a Saturday during Club practice. The photographer is also available totake pictures of individual fencers in their gear for any fencer who is interested. The pictures are

offered in packages at a set price.

For the last 2 years, the pictures have been made by Time Framers Photography, Inc., 808Chestnut Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35216, telephone 822-4279.

Last year, the prices were as follows:

8x10 Group Picture and 5x7 Individual Picture - $18.00Additional 2 5x7 Individual Pictures - $10.00Additional 8 wallet size Individual Pictures - $10.00

Individual photos were only packaged with a group photo.


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Glossary of Fencing Terms

Absence of blade: when the blades are not touching; the opposite of engagement.Advance: a movement forward by step, cross, or balestra.Attack: the initial offensive action made by extending the sword arm and continuouslythreatening the valid target of the opponent.

Balestra: forward hop or jump, typically followed by an attack such as a lunge or fleche.Beat: an attempt to knock the opponent's blade aside or out of line by using one's foible ormiddle against the opponent foible.Bind: an action in which the opponent's blade is forced into the diagonally opposite line.Black Card: used to indicate the most serious offenses in a fencing competition. The offendingfencer is usually expelled from the event or tournament.Bout: an assault at which the score is kept.Broken time: a sudden change in the tempo of one fencer's actions, used to fool the opponentinto responding at the wrong time.Compound: an action executed in two or more movements; an attack or riposte incorporating

one or more feints.Counter-attack: an offensive action made against the right-of-way, or in response to theopponent's attack.Corps-a-corps: literally, body-to-body, physical contact between the two fencers during about.Crossover : an advance or retreat by crossing one leg over the other.Cut: an attack made with a chopping motion of the blade, normally landing with the edge.Direct At tack: a simple attack or riposte that finishes in the same line in which it was formed,with no feints out of that line.Disengage: a circular movement of the blade that deceives the opponent's parry, removes the

blades from engagement, or changes the line of engagement.Double: in epee, two attacks that arrive within 40-50 ms of each other.En Garde: also On Guard; a fencing position; the stance that fencers assume when preparing tofence.False: an action that is intended to fail, but draw a predicted reaction from the opponent.Feint: an attack into one line with the intention of switching to another line before the attack iscompleted.FIE: Federation International d'Escrime, the world governing body of fencing.Fleche: literally "arrow"; an attack in which the aggressor leaps off his leading foot, attempts tomake the hit, and then passes the opponent at a run.

Flick: a cut-like action that lands with the point often involving some whip of the foible of theblade to 'throw" the point around a block or other obstruction.French Gr ip: a traditional hilt with a slightly curved grip and a large pommel.Guard: the metal cup or bow that protects the hand from being hit. Also, the defensive positionassumed when not attacking.Invitation: a line that is intentionally left open to encourage the opponent to attack.Lame' : a metallic vest/jacket used to detect valid touches in foil and sabre.


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Line: the main direction of an attack (e.g. high/low, inside/outside), often equated to the parrythat must be made to deflect the attack; also, point in line.Lunge: an attack made by extending the rear leg and landing on the bent front leg.Opposition: holding the opponent s blade in a non-threatening line; a time-hit; any attack orcounter-attack with opposition.

Parry: a block of the attack, made with the forte of one's own bladePasse' : an attack that passes the target without hitting; as a cross-step (see cross)Piste: the linear strip on which a fencing bout is fought; approximately 2 meters wide and 14meters long.Pistol Gr ip: a modern orthopedic grip, shaped vaguely like a small pistol; varieties are known bynames such as Belgian, German, Russian and Visconti (the grip our coaches prefer).Plastron: a partial jacket worn for extra protection; typically a half-jacket worn under the mainjacket on the weapon arm side of the body.Point: a valid touch; the tip of the sword; the mechanical assembly that makes up the point of anelectric weapon; an attack made with the point (i.e. a thrust).

Point in Line: also line; an extended arm and blade that threatens the opponent.Preparation: a non-threatening action intended to create the opening for an attack; the initialphase of an attack, before right-of-way is established.Presentation: offering one's blade for engagement by the opponent.Press: an attempt to push the opponent's blade aside or out of line; depending on the opponent'sresponse, the press is followed by a direct or indirect attack.Priority: in sabre, the now-superceded rules that decide which fencer will be awarded the touchin the event that they both attack simultaneously; also used synonymously with right-of-way.Red Card: used to indicate repeated minor rule infractions or a major rule infraction by one ofthe fencers; results in a point being given to the other fencer.

Referee: also director, president; the mediator of the fencing bout.Remise: immediate replacement of an attack that missed or was parried without withdrawing thearm.Retreat: step back; opposite of advance.Right-of-Way: rules for awarding the point in the event of a double touch in foil or sabre.Riposte: an offensive action made immediately after a parry of the opponent's attack.Second Intention: a false action used to draw a response from the opponent, which will open theopportunity for the intended action that follows, typically a counter-riposte.Simple Attack: attack executed in one movement; an attack or riposte that involves no feints.Simultaneous: in foil and sabre two attacks for which the right-of-way is too close to determine.

Stop Hit : a counter-attack that hits; also a counter-attack whose touch is valid by virtue of itstiming.Thrust: an attack made by moving the sword parallel to its length and landing with the point.Yellow Card: also advertisement, warning; used to indicate a minor rule infraction by one of thefencers.