Refereeing Workshop

We are delighted to be running an L2 Foil Referee Workshop on Saturday 19 September, led by Mike Ellis.

This practical, interactive workshop is designed for fencers who are ready to work towards their British Fencing Level 2 Foil Referee qualification. Whether you have refereed a little already or are just beginning your refereeing journey, the day will provide a clear understanding of what is required and help you prepare for both the theory and practical assessments.

The workshop is foil-specific and will focus on the rules, conventions and refereeing techniques required for foil competitions.

In addition to Mike, we will have several highly qualified and experienced foil referees supporting the workshop throughout the day. They will be on hand to provide individual guidance, answer questions, observe practical refereeing, offer constructive feedback, and help participants develop the confidence and skills needed to referee successfully.

To ensure everyone has plenty of opportunities for practical refereeing and individual feedback, places are intentionally limited.

British Fencing have largely abandoned Level one and it’s no longer recognised as a referee qualification. So you do NOT need to have done level 1 to attend. This course can lead to level 2 but it is very very useful for all our competitive fencers and their keen fencer parents! You dont need to take either the theory or the practical exams to reap huge benefit form understanding the rules and refereeing decisions!

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the knowledge required to pass the British Fencing L2 Foil Theory Examination.

• Understand exactly what is expected during the practical assessment.

• Understand and confidently apply the principles of right of way, correctly interpret the fencing phrase, and make accurate, consistent refereeing decisions.

• Make accurate and consistent refereeing decisions in accordance with the foil rules.

• Manage the piste, fencers, coaches and spectators in a calm, fair and professional manner.

• Use the correct refereeing hand signals and commands clearly, confidently and consistently.

• Apply the rules confidently in a competition environment.

• Identify any gaps in their knowledge and know where to find the relevant rules and guidance to strengthen their understanding.

• Gain practical refereeing experience with feedback and mentoring from experienced referees.

• Feel confident and ready to sit the L2 Theory Examination before one of our forthcoming competitions.

• Be well prepared to complete the practical assessment at either our competitions on 24 October or 5 December.

Throughout the day there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions, discuss refereeing scenarios, and practise making decisions in a supportive environment. Our experienced referees will share their knowledge, offer practical tips, and provide individual coaching to help each participant progress towards their Level 2 qualification.

As well as preparing you for the qualification, becoming a qualified referee is a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of foil, improve your tactical awareness as a fencer, develop leadership, communication and decision-making skills, and play an important role in supporting competitions and the wider fencing community.

Our aim is for everyone who attends to leave with a clear understanding of the qualification process, the confidence to referee foil bouts effectively, and a realistic plan for achieving their British Fencing Level 2 Foil Referee Award.

Whether your ambition is to support Cambridge Sword competitions, referee at regional and national events, or simply gain a deeper understanding of the sport, this workshop will provide an excellent foundation.

Referees are an essential part of our sport, and we are committed to supporting the next generation of confident, knowledgeable officials. We hope this workshop will be the first step in that journey.

We hope many of you will take advantage of this opportunity and begin your journey towards becoming an L2 Foil Referee.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sarah

Head Coach and Club Manager