National Framework for fencing competitions in schools

Guidance for Schools

Who is involved?

England Fencing has conducted a review of school competition in association with the Youth Sport Trust and in response an innovative and holistic national competition framework has been produced.

National contacts

England Fencing, St Margaret's Green, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 2BN
Tel. 0147 321 4554
email link

Benefits

The competition framework provides opportunities for all young people to participate in fencing starting with Mini Fence competitions in primary school. Competitions transition through the Midi Fence format for school competitions with abridged rules, progressing to metal weapons with school competitions using the full rules and links with fencing clubs, both on and off site.

The new framework offers an alternative introduction to the sport of fencing and a way to encourage young people who would not normally be engaged with school sport. ‘Non fencing’ teachers can introduce Mini and Midi fencing, to young people, with support from the fencing community. The framework provides an age and stage appropriate competitive opportunity for all young people.

Key messages

The programme is designed to take young people through all the developmental stages involved in learning to fence that is progressive in content, preparing individuals for a life-long involvement in Fencing.

• A programme that works in partnership with the club sector, actively ensuring that long-term development within the community is sustainable.
• A programme that can be delivered within a school or sports hall environments at key stages 2 through 4, combining with links to local clubs or leisure centre facilities.
• A programme that ensures the holistic development of all players as a whole and encompasses technical, tactical, physical and lifestyle development with the emphasis being placed on enjoyment at the centre of all activity.

Supporting Resources

The competition framework fits into the England fencing Whole Sport Plan and interfaces directly with the England Fencing competition structure. England Fencing also run a number of training courses targeting teachers, coaches and referees. Regional and County Officials and local coaches will be points of contact to offer additional advice in the planning of school competitions whilst facilitating the essential exit routes from school competition into fencing clubs and competitions through the continued development of school club links.

The Framework