News & Information

28 August 2010

Spring Fencing Camp is Coming Soon

Spring Camp will be for U/13, U/15, & U/17 Fencers.

Venue:
Steel Park Leisure Centre
531 Illawarra Road, Marrickville

Dates:
Sunday 26th of September, 8:30 to 2:00
Monday 27th of Septembe,r 8:30 to 12:00

Costs:
Sunday $50
Monday $40
Both days $80
- fee includes equipment if needed.

For more information, contact alexandra.andre1@three.com.au.

24 August 2010

Entries open for Junior (U20) National Championships

Entries for the Junior National Championships (in Melbourne) have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 17th September 2010.

24 August 2010

Coaching Clinic

NSWFA will be running a Group Class Workshop (Coaching Clinic) on 19 September, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am, at the Steel Park Leisure Centre, Marrickville (upstairs large room).

This workshop is suitable for Coaches working at Schools or Clubs, who run GROUP LESSONS. It will concentrate on structure, planning, group control and basic lessons. It is also suitable for new coaches wanting to prepare to attend Level 1 Coaching Course (in 2011). The clinic is AFF approved for re-accreditation points, for senior coaches. A great opportunity to update skills, refresh and have an informal forum.

Fee : $35 per person. For more information, contact alexandra.andre1@three.com.au.

18 August 2010

Regional Regatta Weekend

On 18th-19th September 2010, NSW Fencing and Sydney University Fencing Club will be hosting a package of workshops and competitions in Sydney for regional Fencers, Coaches and Referees. Participants from all clubs are encouraged to attend.

Saturday :

• Referee clinic 12 noon - 2pm (Stephen Darragh)
• Armoury course 12 noon - 2pm (Peter Witkop)
• Advanced referee clinic 3pm - 4pm (Antonio Signorello and Stephen Darragh, focusing on right-of-way weapons)

Sunday :

• Coaching workshop 7am - 10am (Antonio Signorello, specified for running group classes)
• Novice State Championship or State Club Foil Team Championship 9am – 5pm

All for $60.

For more information and RSVPs, contact Sam Hughes (samuelhu8@gmail.com) and/or look up google.com.au/group/newcastle_fencing/web/regional-regatta-weekend

5 August 2010

Referee clinics cancelled

Please note that the Referee Clinics scheduled for 22nd of August and 24th of October have both been cancelled.

2 August 2010

June 2010 report from NSW Head Coach

The NSW Fencing Head Coach, Antonio Signorello, releases regular progress reports on the NSWFA training and development project.

The report for June 2010 is now available.

14 July 2010

State competition entry now online

Fencers can now enter NSWFA competitions online via our Online Competition Entry System (which was previously only available for AFF entries and NSWFA affiliations/registrations).

Use your normal username and password and select the NSW competitions which are listed by date. You can select a ‘package’ e.g. open and veteran entry. The charges are the same as usual - $25 for the first entry and $15 for subsequent entries.

As with AFF competition entries, you can pay via credit card or take the PayPal option if you have a PayPal account. Please make your entry by the Thursday before the event.

27 June 2010

Entries open for WA International Fencing Tournament (AFF#3)

Entries for the WA International Fencing Tournament (in Perth) have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 16th July 2010.

A proposed competition timetable (subject to confirmation by AFF) is available on the Western Australian Fencing Association website:

27 June 2010

NSW Teams for Cadet and U/15 National Championships

The NSWFA Selection Commission has selected A teams for the Cadet and U/15 National Championships.

The selection commission has decided to chose at least 3 fencers per team, leaving where controversial the fourth spot at the individual results.

We also have confirmed that the selection of the B team will be a consequence of the individual events.

• U15 Men's Foil
  O.Deigan, J.Andrew-Kabilafkas, S.Douglas.
  4th will be the best of the individuals

• U15 Women's Foil
  L.Sung, I.Brush, L.Mangion, D.Mason

• Cadet Men's Foil
  H.Fitzgerald, M.Donald, S.Mooney-Grand, P.Daley

• Cadet Women's Foil
  L.Sung, I.Brush, L.Fordham, R.DeKantzow

• Cadet Men's Sabre
  J.Rowley, A.Kortynski, M.Yang
  4th will be the best of the individuals

• Cadet Women's Sabre
  L.Sung, M.Barnard, A.Clementson, L.Fordham

• Cadet Men's Epee
  R. Clarke
  Rest of team will be the best of the individuals  

• Cadet Women's Epee
  To be selected from individual results 

NSWFA congratulates the fencers and extends best wishes for a successful and enjoyable tournament to all NSW fencers.

27 June 2010

Child Protection Officers Appointed

NSWFA has appointed two Child Protection Officers.

We are delighted that Fiona Budniak and Caroline Mooney-Grand have accepted this role. They will provide a confidential and trusted point of contact for any child within fencing who is physically, sexually or emotionally abused. Any child who believes they are being abused in any way, or any person who believes a child is being abused, should contact Fiona or Caroline.

Their appointment is part of the NSWFA Child Protection Policy approved by the Executive and endorsed by the Committee of NSWFA.

NSWFA will organize a seminar on child protection for clubs, coaches, fencers and parents as soon as possible.

21 June 2010

Winter Junior Development Camp

The Winter Junior Development Camp will be held over three days at the end of June/start of July.

Cost is $40 per day or $110 for three days.  The camp is suitable for all U11, U13, U15 and U17 boys and girls in all weapons.  

Dates are:

• Wednesday 30th June
• Thursday 1st July
• Friday 2nd July 

The camp runs from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Please advise secretary@nswfencing.org.au  or ring 9681 7884 if you would like to attend this course or require more information.

21 June 2010

Refereeing Clinics

NSWFA will be holding two Referee Clinics during 2010 on the following Sundays at Steel Park Leisure Centre (upstairs room):

• 22 AUGUST 10 00am to 12 00pm
• 24 OCTOBER 10 00am to 12 00pm

FIE Referee Stephen Darragh will run the Clinics.

The cost will be $30 per person for the 2 hours.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask: alexandra.andre1@three.com.au.

15 June 2010

Cadet/U15 Nationals entry deadline extension

Due to difficulties with our new payment system, a number of fencers have been unable to complete their entries for the Cadet/U15 Nationals. The deadline for entry has therefore been extended until this Friday, the 18th of June.

Entries can only be made using the online form.

The competition timetable is available on the Aus Fencing Events website:

8 June 2010

REMINDER: Entries for U15 and Cadet National Championships closing soon

A reminder that entries for the U15 and Cadet National Championships are now due. Entries can only be made using the online form.

The competition timetable is available on the Aus Fencing Events website:

6 June 2010

NSWFA Report to AFF

NSWFA’s report to the AFF for 2009 was tabled at the annual general meeting of the AFF on 30 May. The report highlights the key achievements of NSWFA last year.

27 May 2010

Photos from ALG Challenge Australia

A photo album has now been added to the Challenge Australia website.

25 May 2010

Referee course postponed

Due to logistical difficulties, the referee course this Sunday has been postponed. We apologise for the late notice.

The revised course details will be published in the June newsletter.

17 May 2010

REMINDER: Entries for Robyn Chaplin Memorial Tournament (AFF#2) close on 21 May

A reminder that entries for the Robyn Chaplin Memorial Tournament (in Adelaide) close on 21 May 2010. Entries can only be made using the online form.

The competition timetable is available on the Aus Fencing Events website:

14 May 2010

Competition timetable for this Sunday, May 16

The timetable and more recent schedule in the newsletter contained errors relating to this weekend's sabre competitions. The correct timetable is below:

16-May-10, Marrickville

President's Cup Foil (ps) 8:45 9:15
Veteran Foil (ps) 13:00 13:00
U15 State Championships Sabre (ps) 10:30 10:30
Allyson Schofield Open Sabre (ps) 13:30 13:15

Apologies for any confusion caused.

12 May 2010

NSW fencers selected for Asian Championships

The AFF has announced the Australian team for the 2010 Fencing Confederation of Asia Senior Championships, which will take place on 7th-13th July in Seoul, Korea.

Congratulations to the following NSW fencers who were selected for the team:

• Matthew Donald (Men's Foil)
• Maxim Peek (Men's Foil)
• Hugh Cotman (Men's Foil)
• Mitchell Fox (Men's Sabre)
• Adam Wilcock (Men's Sabre)
• Alex Andre (Women's Sabre)
• Jess Brooks (Women's Sabre)
• Cheryl Chan (Women's Sabre)

In addition, Sutherlan Scudds and James Walsh, both of whom train in NSW, were selected for Men's Sabre.

A full team list is available on the AFF website.

8 May 2010

“And the winner is”

In Australian Sporting History the words “and the winner is” are usually associated with the Sydney 2000 Games – No longer!

The Great Logo Competition 2010 has been decided. . . . . . . .

“And the Winner is” . . . . . . . . . .

To find out visit http://www.cfc10.org now and see who the winner is, take a look at the striking design, and update yourself on this exciting event.

7 May 2010

Two Australian Sabreurs make top 8 in Thailand World Cup Sabre

Jess Brooks (NSW) placed 7th and Sutherland Scudds (WA, but now training in NSW) placed 8th in the World Cup Sabre event which was held in Pataya City, Thailand on 1st May. Cheryl Chan (NSW) finished 21st and James Walsh (QLD but now training in NSW) finished 23rd in the same events. Details can be viewed on the FIE website.

All these competitors are members of the NSW State Sabre Squad and train under the NSW Head Coach, Antonio Signorello, and assistant coaches, David Hoffman and Michael Howard.  This puts Australia in a good position for the Commonwealth Championships which will be held in Melbourne at the end of the year.

2 May 2010

Entries open for Robyn Chaplin Memorial Tournament (AFF#2)

Entries for the Robyn Chaplin Memorial Tournament (in Adelaide) have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 21 May 2010.

The competition timetable is available on the Aus Fencing Events website:

27 April 2010

Call for Nominations - 2010 Open and Veteran Commonwealth Championships

The Australian Fencing Federation (AFF) calls for nominations from athletes for selection to represent Australia at the 2010 Commonwealth Open and Veteran Fencing Championships. The event will be in Melbourne, Australia, on 29 September - 5 October 2010.

Full details on the nomination process and timelines can be found in the below documents. Nominations are to be received by close of business on Tuesday 15th June 2010.

Information and nomination forms for the OPEN Championships

Information and nomination forms for the VETERAN Championships

27 April 2010

NSWFA Referee Clinic

NSW Fencing has scheduled a Referee Clinic for Sunday 30th of May.

Venue: Steel Park Leisure Centre, 531 Illawarra Road, Marrickville NSW
Presenters: Stephen Darragh and Antonio Signorello
Time : 8 00 to 10 00 am
Cost : $30 per person

To register, or for further information, please contact Alex Andre at alexandra.andre1@three.com.au.

25 April 2010

ALG Challenge Australia - Call for Volunteers

See the world’s best fencers in action – up close! Volunteer to help out at Challenge Australia 2010.

You will need to be 13+ years of age. (Volunteers aged 13-18 must provide permission from Parent or Guardian.)

You will be provided with:

• Training in event scoring and timing, with notes
• An event T-shirt
• Lunches and drinks
• An AFF certificate of completion
• A guest ticket to the finals session on Sunday

How to volunteer

For full details, contact Rita Sokolovskaya, Administration Manager:

Email - ritas111@hotmail.com
Phone - 0412 61 77 69
Fax - (02) 9960 2373

Volunteer registration form can be returned by email or fax. .

9 April 2010

March 2010 report from NSW Head Coach

The NSW Fencing Head Coach, Antonio Signorello, releases regular progress reports on the NSWFA training and development project.

The report for March 2010 is now available.

8 April 2010

Vale John Fethers

We are sad to advise that Maitre John Fethers passed away in March. John has been a foundation stone for Australian and Victorian fencing for the last 60 years, as a noteworthy international fencer in the first instance and then over many decades as a coach, developing elite athletes and coaches alike.  

His contribution to fencing was enormous and his legacy remains strong in the Victorian fencing community through many fencers and coaches, and their students in turn.

NSW Fencing joins with Fencing Victoria in extending its sincere condolences to John's family. A detailed obituary for John will be published on the Fencing Victoria website in the days to come and service for John will be arranged for Friday 16 April. Details will be circulated as they become available.

25 March 2010

Autumn Fencing Camp for U17, U15, U13 fencers

This camp is aimed at the development of junior fencers, boys and girls in the Under 13, 15 and 17 age groups.  All weapons and all skill levels are welcome.  Come along and learn from our Head Coach, Antonio Signorello and his team.  

When:
        Monday 12th & Tuesday 13th April  (rest day on Wednesday)
        Thursday 15th & Friday 16th April

Time:
     8am to 12 noon each day  

Where:
     Steel Park Leisure Centre
     531 Illawarra Road
     Marrickville NSW

Cost: 
     $40 per day or $140 for four days.

NSWFA equipment will be available for use by those fencers who do not have their own gear.   Please wear track pants and covered shoes, and bring a spare Tshirt. Food and drink is available for purchase at the coffee shop, but bring a water bottle.  

RSVP and for further information:
     Phone 96817884
    Email nswfencing@iprimus.com.au

25 March 2010

Paper on the origins of fencing in NSW

Congratulation to Richard Emmerick, who had completed a paper entitiled “Prestige, Privelege and Polite Society: The Origins of Fencing in New South Wales, 1800 to 1939".

The paper is to be published in the May edition of Sporting Traditions, which is the referred publication of the Australian Society for Sports History.

The paper has also been placed on the Mountains Fencing Club website.

15 March 2010

Call for Nominations - 2010 FCA Asian Senior Fencing Championships

The Australian Fencing Federation (AFF) calls for nominations from athletes and officials for selection to represent Australia at the 2010 FCA Asian Senior Fencing Championships. The event will be in Seoul, Korea, on 7th-13th July 2010.

Full details on the nomination process and timelines can be found in the attached documents. Nominations are to be received by close of business on Wednesday 7th April 2010.

11 March 2010

Commonwealth Fencing Championships - contract position and logo design competition

The Commonwealth Fencing Championships, and the Commonwealth Veteran Fencing Championships 2010 will be conducted in Melbourne, Victoria from 29 September to 5 October 2010. The official website, Facebook page and Twitter for the event are all up and running.

This is not only a great chance to represent Australia at Senior or Vets level, but also an exciting opportunity to work on a major Australian sporting event.

The first two exciting opportunities are the Great Logo Competition 2010 and the opportunity to apply for the contract position of Administration Director at the Championships. See the below documents (held on the CFC10 website)

11 March 2010

Entries open for D H McKenzie Memorial Tournament (AFF#1)

Entries for the D H McKenzie Memorial Tournament (in Melbourne) have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 26 March 2010.

The competition timetable is available on the Aus Fencing Events website:

8 March 2010

World Cup results for NSW fencers

Congratulations to:

• NSW Junior Epeeist John Downes for placing 27th out of 188 at the Coupe Heracles Tournament in Budapest, Hungary on Jan 5. The Coupe Heracles is one of the biggest Junior World Cup events in the world.

• Epeeist, Nick Davies who paced 30th in the FIE World Cup Mens Event in Kish Island (Iran) on 9th January.

• Stephen Dooley and Anthony Gauke from Master's Fencing who participated recently in the World Cup Viana Do Castelo event in Portugal, with Stephen placing 24th and Anthony placing 53rd out of 91 fencers.

Well done boys! 

For more results, please visit the Official FIE website.

8 March 2010

Change of venue for AGM

Due to the unavailability of a suitable venue at Sports House, the NSWFA  AGM will now be held at the Marrickville PCYC, Steel Park at 2pm on Sunday 14th March. 

2 February 2010

2010 NSWFA Competition Timetable available

The 2010 NSWFA Competition Timetable and Information Sheet are now available.

27 January 2010

D H McKenzie timetable available

A competition timetable is now available for the D H McKenzie Memorial Tournament (AFF Circuit Tournament #1). The document also contains venue information and accommodation suggestions.

20 January 2010

Affiliation and registration for 2010 now open

Members of NSWFA can now renew their affiliation/registration for 2010 via the online form.  In the course of preparing the NSWFA budget for 2010, the Executive has reviewed the income and expenses of the association with a view to maintaining improved service to members and achieving a modest profit.  Costs in 2010 are rising in a number of areas including, for example, the rent at Marrickville and AFF capitation fees. In addition, some new costs will be incurred, including  the upgrading of equipment and the management of 3-weapon squads.

Against this background, the Executive has found it necessary to increase NSWFA membership and competition entry fees for 2010. This is the first time that fees have been increased for two years, i.e. since the beginning of the 2008 season.

20 January 2010

Squad/Team Management Arrangements

Head Coach Antonio Signorello has confirmed the following management structure for NSW Squads and Teams.

The arrangements include the appointment of Jeff Gray as Technical Director, Epee to lead epee squad training and team competition to ensure epee is given equal priority to foil and sabre.

Antonio has recuited a number of members and coaches to assist him in conducting squad training and managing teams. NSWFA thanks all of them for their help in maximising the effort put into our squad training program.

Senior squad training will continue to be held at Marrickville on Tuesday evenings, starting 5 February.  Junior squads will be announced in February.   Antonio will advise further squad arangements as needed.

Head Coach - Antonio Signorello
Assistants to Head Coach
Foil (& fitness instructor/nutritional advisor) -  Hugh Cotman
Epee (& foil coach)  -  Oreste Gentile
Sabre -  Alex Andre
Technical Director, Epee - Jeff Gray
Men's Foil  - Richard Emmerick
Women's Foil  -  Angelo Santangelo
Men's Sabre -   David Hoffman
Women's Sabre -  Michael Howard
Epee - Joe Salemi

20 December 2009

December 2009 report from NSW Head Coach

The NSW Fencing Head Coach, Antonio Signorello, releases regular progress reports on the NSWFA training and development project.

The report for December 2009 is now available.

20 December 2009

2010 Asian Junior & Cadet Fencing Championships - Call for Nominations

Below are an initial timetable circular and nomination form for athletes and officials for the Australian Team for the 2010 Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA) Junior & Cadet Championships to be held in Pasig City [Metro Manila] , Philippines, 5th – 14th March 2010.

Nominations are to be received by close of business on Friday 8th January 2010 to:

Alex Donaldson
AFF Director
PO Box 243
BLAXLAND, NSW, 2774 

Phone 02 4751 3459 or 0414 392 895
Fax: 03 9397 8113
Email: secretary@ausfencing.org

20 December 2009

2010 FIE World Junior & Cadet Fencing Championships - Call for Nominations

Below are a timetable circular and nomination form for athletes and officials for the Australian Team for the 2010 FIE Cadet & Junior World Championships to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan (AZE), 2nd – 10th April 2010.

Nominations are to be received by close of business on Friday 8th January 2010 to:

Alex Donaldson
AFF Director
PO Box 243
BLAXLAND, NSW, 2774 

Phone 02 4751 3459 or 0414 392 895
Fax: 03 9397 8113
Email: secretary@ausfencing.org

20 December 2009

Anti-doping information

Find out the latest anti-doping information that affects you by reading the
Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority Update for December 2009 - http://www.asada.gov.au/media/ad_update.htm.

14 December 2009

Want to try yourself out in the cut throat world of Modern Pentathlon single hit fencing?

The New South Wales Modern Pentathlon Championships will take place on Sunday 10th January 2010 at the Sydney International Shooting Centre, Lot 1 off Elizabeth Drive, Cecil Park NSW 2171.  All Athletes must be current financial members of their State Association  

Entry fee: 1 event = $20.00
Fencing Warm up 9:00am
Start around 9:30am

CLOSING DATE:  24TH DECEMBER 2009

Any enquires: Daniel Esposito 0424 383 047.

All entries posted to Lorraine Esposito, 16 B Harpur Place, Casula 2170 with name of entrant and contact details, D.O.B. and name of State Association.

14 December 2009

Harriet wins top AFF award

The highest AFF Excellence Award, the Robyn Chaplin Outstanding Service Award, was this year won by Harriet Jordan, in recognition of the decades of dedicated support she has given voluntarily to the sport at many levels.

In 2000, Harriet designed and built the NSW Fencing web site. From this time she has voluntarily and continuously maintained the site, updating news, results and rankings and information pages. Harriet upgraded the site in 2007, introducing an improved, easy access format, again on a voluntary basis.

The site is now an essential and user friendly information source and communicator for the Association and is recognised as such by the majority of members who use it regularly to keep informed. The NSWFA website has become such a valuable tool, that the Association would now find it difficult to operate without the service.

Harriet also designed and is the webmaster for both the Aus Fencing Events website and the Commonwealth Fencing Federation website.

Harriet’s involvement in fencing covers several other levels in addition to her website support:

• She has been a member of Sydney University Fencing Club since the early 1980s and has served many years as an officer bearer, including President of that club.
• She has both a Sydney Uni Blue (outstanding performance in a sport) and a Sydney Uni Gold (outstanding service to a sports club), and in 2005 was the Sydney Uni Sport Clubwoman of the Year.
• She has been integral in organising and participating in Intervarsity Fencing Competitions for many years.
• She is our reliable “back up” as DT for NSW FA competitions.
• Harriet is always there when asked to support junior and schools competitions as DT or by refereeing.
• Harriet has represented in Women’s Sabre at club, state and national level.

NSW Fencing congratulates Harriet on her award and extends heartfelt thanks for her unstinting support of the sport over so many years.

14 December 2009

Life Membership of NSWFA for Frances Stone

Frances Stone has been awarded life membership of the NSW Fencing Association.  Frances must have the honour of being the longest, continuously involved, fencing personality in NSW fencing today.

She learned to fence prior to the WW2 as part of her course, while studying at Birmingham University.  Her fencing master, Taylor from the Birmingham Rep Theatre, also taught Basil Rathbone and other prominent actors to fence (which will only be relevant today to the romantics among you). 

The war interrupted more that just fencing and Frances spent a few years in the Royal Air Force, which included a significant posting in Singapore.

In 1949, Frances came to Sydney and fell immediately in love with the Bohemian life style of the Cross, and the Sydney weather.  She resumed fencing, associating with the now legends of our sport, Frank Stewart who ran the Swords Club, Tex Clarke, Eddis Linton who started Sydney University Club, Charles Stanmore, the Lasciavo brothers and others and fenced at the International Fencing Club in the Cross and the Foils Club (Radcliff Academy) in Angel Place (now the City Recital Centre).   

In the early 50s, she intervened in some fisticuffs between two fellows on a balcony in the Cross and told one of them that she could show him how to really fight.  This was Dick Stone who Frances taught to fence and who, within two years, represented Australia at the 1956 Olympics.  He also married Frances.

Frances received her coaching training under Charles Stanmore and was accredited in the 1970s.

After completing a degree at Sydney Uni, Frances was asked in 1974 by Tex Clarke to look out for premises for a new fencing club.  By this time she was living in Rozelle and she found a perfect hall in an old shoe factory not far from home.  This became, and still is, the home of the Rozelle Fencing Club. 

Frances has continuously coached at this club from that time and later introduced fencing at Balmain High where she continued to coach until recently. Balmain High was one of the original schools to participate in the NSW Schools Competitions from their inception in the early 1990s.

Over the 60 years of her involvement with fencing in NSW, she has introduced generations of young people to the sport, including among the present generation, Michael Pruscino, Wayne Sage, Robert Snell and Sam Mooney-Grand.

Frances can relate many colourful and amusing stories about the NSW fencing scene in the 50s and 60s, back to the days when floor judges were still called “seconds”.  She has been and remains an inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing her.  NSW Fencing is indebted to her for her lifetime of dedication to the sport.

14 December 2009

Results of the NSWFA Raffle

The NSWFA Raffle was drawn at the Australian Open and Veteran Nationals. Prizewinners were:

• 1st Prize - Antique Fencing Print - Framed from QVB Antique Maps and Prints.  (Donated by Josephine Snell) Won by Ned Fitzgerald

• 2nd Prize - V8 Super Car Race Day (Donated by Mike Alchin) Won by Patrick Daley

• 3rd Prize - Snowgum Jacket (Donated by Snowgum, Chatswood and arranged by Jessica Gauke) Won by Adam Reynolds

• 4th Prize - A Vivienne Tucker Original Handpainted Silk Scarf (Donated by Vivienne) Won by Chris Jones

• 5th Prize - Thai Gold Embroidered Wrap (Anonymous donor) Won by Maz Gray

• 6th Prize - Schweppes Mystery Voucher - $100 voucher to be spent at Coles (Donated by Schweppes and arranged by Steel Park Cafe) Won by Steve Dzodzos

• 7th Prize - Picnic Rug and Hamper (Donated by many) Won by Beverley Chan and redonated.  Won on redraw by David Brooks  

Many thanks to all those who donated so generously to the raffle and those who support the raffle by buying tickets and congratulations to the winners.   

Special thanks go to Alchin & Long Group as the principal sponsor of the event and to Steel Park Cafe for their generous support.

Also special thanks to our DTs, Alex Donaldson, Denise Dapre and Gordon Christie for five days of excellent organisation and hard work to make the event a success.  Thanks again go to the many referees who donated their time to keep the event running smoothly.

7 December 2009

2009 Australian Open National Fencing Championships

Congratulations to all NSW fencers who participated in the recent 2009 Open Nationals.  Many of our individuals and teams in the open categories were quite young compared to the other states.  Considering this, NSW athletes acquitted themselves very well and came a close second in the Cyclone Cup for best overall state.  This is a great sign for the future!

Congratulations also to NSW veteran fencers who showed their usual qualities of skill and determination throughout the championships. 

Once again NSW hosted an excellent competition in which, despite the economic downturn, attendance continues to grow.  Our new venue proved very suitable for the large event and (apart from the very hot days) accommodated the participants comfortably.  Again, Jeff Gray's setup and venue management was excellent and received many favourable comments from casual visitors and from the many fencers from the past who were invited to attend by the Executive.  We also had the NSW Minister for Sport , the AOC's Director for Sport and the General Manager of the NSW Dept of Sport and Recreation in attendance on various days.

The Inner West Courier newspaper attended and an article appeared in their paper dated 3 December. Their photographer took a large number of photographs, and both article and photo album are available online.

Full results can be found at ausfencingevents.

We look forward to the challenge of the 2010 Australian Open Nationals to be held in Brisbane.

7 December 2009

NSWFA Summer Training Camp

The 2010 Summer Training Camp will be held on the week of 18th to 22nd January 2010, at the Steel Park  Leisure Centre in Marrickville.

This camp is aimed at boys and girls in the Under 13, 15 and 17 ages: all skill levels are welcome.

22 November 2009

NSW Teams for Australian National Championships

The NSWFA Selection Commission has selected the following A Teams for the Australian Open Championships.

• Women's Epee
  S. Osvath, A. Nutt, S. Hicks

• Men's Epee
  A. Sutherland, N. Davies, J. Downes, X. Hicks

• Men's Foil
  F.Yeng, B.Talbot, S. Dooley

• Women's Foil
  S. Hicks, G. Wallis, L. Sung

• Women's Sabre
  J. Brooks, M. Du, C. Chan, H. Jordan

• Men's Sabre
  J. Fox, A. Jiang, A.Wilcock  

Selection of B Teams will be finalized after the individual events and fencers should wait to hear whether they have been selected for a B Team.

Team coaching arrangements will be advised soon.

NSWFA congratulates the fencers and extends best wishes for a successful and enjoyable tournament to all NSW fencers.

10 November 2009

NSW entry list for Open and Veteran Nationals

A list of NSW entries for the Open and Veteran National Championships is now available.

Any who made a valid online entry and whose name is not there should contact the Secretary.

Any other fencers intending to compete at these Championships will need to make a late entry to the AFF at the competition. The cost charged by the AFF for a late entry is $120.

10 November 2009

FIE suspends mandatory use of transparent foil masks in FIE competitions

As some fencers may already know, an accident occurred during the Junior/Cadet European Championships in Odense (DEN) in which a foil blade pierced through the transparent visor of a mask.

A full technical investigation of the equipment is taking place, but until the findings of this investigation are known, the FIE has decided to temporarily suspend the mandatory use of the transparent mask in foil in all FIE competitions.

This information is not only relevant to those people going in FIE Competitions, but to people using transparent masks - they may choose to use alternatives in the light of this accident.

A copy of the FIE urgent letter on this matter is available for download, along with the English portion of Maintenance of Masks document.

10 November 2009

Under-15 Sabre State Championships

An additional sabre competition has been scheduled in the NSW Fencing calendar for Sunday 6th of December, due to popular demand. The U15 Sabre State Championships will take place at Marrickville PCYC, with rollcall at 9 am for both boys and girls.

Electric equipment will be available for hire, but will be limited.  Pre - registration is advised to gauge numbers and demand for hire equipment.

Please RSVP to Alex Andre at email : alexandra.andre1@three.com.au or ring Secretary on 9681 7884.

10 November 2009

Call for Expressions of Interest – Member Protection Officer

NSWFA invites expressions of interest from the fencing community in performing the role of Member Protection Officer (MPO).

This is an important appointment of a trusted person to whom members, particularly junior members, can speak in confidence if they feel discriminated against, harassed or threatened while they are participating in the sport.

It will suit a mature person ideally with experience in dealing with these matters.

The MPO does not need to be a member of NSWFA but should be from within the fencing community and able to be contacted at any time by members of NSWFA.

The MPO will be expected to be familiar with the NSW law regarding protection of children and young people. Information can be found on the websites of the NSW Commission for Children & Young People www.kids.nsw.gov.au and the Department of Sport & Recreation www.dsr.nsw.gov.au. The MPO will also need to be familiar with the Australian Fencing Federation’s Member Protection Policy which can be found at www.ausfencing.org.au

The MPO will be expected to attend a Child Protection Seminar offered free by the NSW Department of Sport & Recreation.

The MPO will also advise the Executive Committee of NSWFA on member protection policy and procedures.

NSWFA may appoint more than one Member Protection Officer to provide additional points of contact for members.

If you are interested in taking on this role, or know of someone who would be suitable, please contact the Secretary at secretary@nswfencing.org.au before 30th November.

5 November 2009

Ultimate Fencing Camp 2009 - December 4-21

An intensive training camp will be held in Geelong for fencers of all three weapons from around Australia and New Zealand.

The camp will include video analysis, mentors, lectures in sports nutrition, sports psychology and being an elite athlete, physical training and fencing specific training. Places are limited to 60 - don't miss out!.

26 October 2009

New Selectors Appointed

NSWFA has made two new appointments to the Selection Commission. Jeff Gray and Richard Emmerick will join the Commission to replace Sian Hicks and Anna Slowiazcek who have stepped down. Jeff and Richard will join David Hoffman and Antonio Signorello to make up the Selection Commission. Their first task is to select the strongest NSW teams for the Open Nationals Championships which they will do on the basis of their best judgement of performance and merit.

NSWFA will need to have a Selection Policy in place as soon as practicable. As there are differing views within the membership on selection criteria, the Executive Committee intends to release a discussion paper and invite comments from members. A Selection Policy will then be prepared by the Executive taking into account views from members and the advice of the Head Coach and members of the Selection Commission.

25 October 2009

Asian Fencing Championships - Qatar

Congratulations to the fencers and officials selected to the team representing Australia at the 2009 Asian Fencing Championships to be held in Doha, Qatar from 13 to 19 November 2009, including NSW fencers Alistair Sutherland (Men's Epee) and Jess Brooks (Women's Sabre) and official, Antonio Signorello (Assistant Team Manager/Coach - Foil and Sabre). 

We trust that the athletes have an enjoyable and successful time at these Zone Championships.  

Full details are available on the AFF website at: www.ausfencing.org

25 October 2009

NSW Fencing Association Ranking Points System

The NSW points system chart has been updated with advice from Alex Donaldson to include points for Asian Zone Championships and Commonwealth Championships.

A copy of the revised chart with these points scales has been posted to the website: 

23 October 2009

AFF Sabre Camp

An AFF Sabre training camp will be held from Friday 23rd October to Sunday 25th October.

FRIDAY 23 OCT at Marrickville PCYC
8.00 to 11.00   
Warm up/foot work/drills/lessons/free bouts[5 hits] /tactical bouts/cool down/Olympic videos
16.00 to 20.00
Warm up/game/controlled bouts[15 hits]/cool down/Olympic videos  

SATURDAY 24 OCT at UNSW FC
10.30 to 12.30
Lessons by appointment
12.00 to 16.00  Warm up/foot work/pool 15 hits/cool down/game  

SUNDAY 25 OCT at Marrickville PCYC
12.00 to 17.00
Team videos/warm up/foot work/drills/lessons/team bouts/cool down/game

FENCERS SELECTED  
Men's Sabre -    M.Hartcourt, J.Walsh, S.Scudd, J.Fox, S.Leich, A.Jiang, M.Fox, A. Wilcock, J.Pullen. Women's Sabre - J.Brooks, A.Carroll, S.Auty ,C.Chan, Z.Tranter

COACHES - A.Signorello, D.Hoffman, M.Howard

15 October 2009

Entries open for National Championships

Entries for the Open and Veteran National Championships (in Sydney) have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 6 November 2009.

Please note that a $20 surcharge per fencer is payable.

The competition timetable is available on the Aus Fencing Events website:

15 October 2009

Refereeing Course - Change of Date

Please Note:  The referee course has been moved to Sunday 1st November at 11am to be held at the Marrickville PCYC, Steel Park, Illawarra Rd, Marrickville. 

The cost of the course will be $10.  Please advise Alex Andre if you would like to attend the course at secretary@nswfencing.org.au  or ring 9681 7884.

8 October 2009

NSW medallists at Junior (U20) Nationals and National Schools Teams Championships

NSW fencers again fared well in the  Junior (U20) and School Teams National Championships held recently in Melbourne, with many placed in the top eight.

Abbotsleigh College (Lindsay Fordham, Eunice Fung, Katherine Kwa, Stephanie Cheung) completed a brilliant year by winning the gold medal in the National Girls Schools Teams event, concluding an outstanding season where the "A" team won every event - The State Schools, RoseAnne White, NSW Schools League and Australian Schools Teams Championships.

Oxley College (John Downes, Nathan Jensen, Ossian Deigan) placed third in the Australian Schools Championships after an equally brilliant year, winning the NSW State Schools Teams Championships, the A J Rae Teams Shield and the NSW Schools League.

U20 Individual gold medal winners were Lishan Sung (women’s foil), Luke Mansfield (men’s epee) and Andy Jiang (men’s sabre).

Silver medal individual winners were Ben Talbot-Wright (men’s foil), John Downes (men’s epee) and Zoe Tranter (women’s sabre).

Bronze medal winners were Max Peek (men’s foil), Adam Wilcock (men’s sabre) and Cheryl Chan (women’s sabre).

The NSW Men’s Epee “A” Team took the gold medal (D.Alchin, L.Mansfield, N.Davies, J.Downes).  The NSW Men’s “A” Foil Team (B.Talbot- Wright, D.Osvath, A.Gauke, M.Andrew Kabilafkas) and Women’s “A” Foil team (M.Sokolovskaja, L.Sung, A.Fordham, E.Fung), both placed 2nd.  In sabre, the Men’s Team placed 1st (A.Jiang, J.Pullen, A.Wilcock, M.Fox) and the Women’s Team placed 2nd (Z.Tranter, C.Chan, L.Fordham)

Congratulations to all of the above and to those who placed in the top eight in their competition and to all the coaches who work so hard behind the scenes.  Full results can be found at ausfencingevents.

29 September 2009

Level 1 Coaching Course

NSW Head Coach, Antonio Signorello, will be running a Level 1 Coaching Course at the Steel Park Leisure Centre in Marrickville.

It will be starting on Sunday, 18th of October and will be run over 6 sessions, finishing on 15th December. Note that participants must attend all 6 sessions. A full program is available for download: 

The cost of the course is $50.00. Please indicate your interest in joining this course by emailing Alex Andre at alexandra.andre1@three.com or phoning 9681 7884.

27 September 2009

NSW Teams for Australian Junior National Championships

NSWFA is pleased to announce that the following fencers have been selected to represent NSW in the teams events of the Junior (U20) National Fencing Championships to be held in Melbourne from 30th September.  

• Men's Sabre
  A.Jiang, J.Pullen, A.Wilcock, M.Fox

• Women's Sabre
  Z.Tranter, C.Chan, L.Fordham

• Women's Epee
  No team

• Men's Epee -  A Team
  D.Alchin, L.Mansfield, N.Davies, J.Downes

• Men's Epee - B Team
  R.Clarke, A Cook, R. Snell, O.Hargreaves

• Men's Foil -   A Team
  B.Talbot- Wright, D.Osvath, A.Gauke, M.Andrew Kabilafkas                           

• Men's Foil - B Team
  O Hargreaves, R.Snell, S. Mooney Grand, O.Deigan

• Women's Foil -  A Team
  M.Sokolovskaja, L.Sung, A.Fordham, E.Fung                                      

• Women's Foil - B Team
  T.Murray, K.Kwa, L. Fordham    

After the individual events, all team fencers must wait at the venue for the team DE tableau to be officially declared and for the NSW Head Coach to communicate the teams’ events starting times.  

Teams will be under the management of the Head Coach or his delegated assistant coaches from one hour before, and during, team events.

The Head Coach and his assistants (see below list) will be available for any NSW athlete requiring coaching services for their individual events (though they will not coach during any bout involving two NSW fencers).  

• Head Coach  - A. Signorello
• Vice Head Coach  - R. Emmerick
• Assistant (foil) - H. Cotman
• Assistant (epee) - M. Alchin

27 September 2009

2009 Asian Championships - Call for Nominations

The Australian Fencing Federation (AFF) invites nominations from athletes and officials for the Australian Team for the 2009 Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA) Fencing Championships, to be held in Doha, Qatar, from 13th to 19th November, 2009.

Nominations are to be made on the Nomination Form, and must be received by close of business on Friday 3rd October 2009. Full details of event, nomination and selection process are included in the Information Sheet.

Nominations are to be sent to:

AFF
PO  Box 243
BLAXLAND NSW 2774 

Phone 0414 392895
Fax: 03 9397 8113
Email: secretary@ausfencing.org

17 September 2009

NSW entry list for Junior Nationals

A list of NSW entries for the Australian National Junior (U/20) Championships is now available.

Any other fencers intending to compete at these Championships will need to make a late entry to the AFF at the competition. The cost charged by the AFF for a late entry is $120.

6 September 2009

Outcomes of NSWFA Special General Meeting

Members of NSWFA attended a Special General Meeting on the evening of Thursday 3 September, following a requisition from members.  Papers pertaining to this meeting, including the requisition, had been previously circulated to members. 

After presentation of papers and a lengthy discussion in which members expressed a range of views, a number of motions were considered.  

• A motion of confidence and support for the actions of the Executive, including the appointment of Antonio Signorello as Head Coach, was carried by 54 votes to 22, including proxies, with three abstentions. 
• A motion that the key performance indicators (KPIs) of the Head Coach should be published was approved. 
• A motion that NSWFA should use a common template for minutes of meetings was also approved. 
• Other motions were either withdrawn or not carried.  

Minutes of the meeting will be distributed as soon as possible.

25 August 2009

Special General Meeting of the NSWFA

The NSWFA will be holding a Special General Meeting on Thursday 3rd September 2009 at 7pm.  This is in response to a requisition of the members in accordance with Paragraph 31 of the NSWFA Rules.

The meeting will be held in the Ken Brown Room, Sports House, 6 Figtree Drive, Olympic Park.  There is ample parking at the rear of the building and the room is accessed from the rear car park. Access to the car park is from the left hand side of the building and remember to validate your car parking ticket before leaving the building.

25 August 2009

Entries open for Junior National Championships

Entries for the Junior National Championships (in Melbourne) have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 12 September 2009.

The competition timetable is available on the Aus Fencing Events website:

23 August 2008

Tour - Japanese Fencing Association Veteran Competition

The Japanese Fencing Association is holding their Annual Veteran Competition on 3 November, in Tokyo. In Japan, the classification for male veterans is 40+ (born in 1968 or earlier), and female veterans is 35+ (born in 1973 or earlier). Australian fencers who fit these age categories are invited to come to the event, and to train in local clubs beforehand.

An Australian tour to take in this event is being organised (some fencers may also take in the New Zealand Nationals, which are in Auckland from 24-26 October).

For more information see the below document. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Adam Reynolds at adam@proficio.com.au or 0413 487 640.

Note that this is not an official AFF Tour.

20 August 2008

NSW committee meeting #2 2009

The next Committee meeting of NSWFA for 2009 will be held at Marrickville PCYC, Steel Park, Illawarra Rd, Marrickville on Sunday 23rd August at 9.30am. 

Club delegates and other NSWFA members are invited to attend.

4 August 2008

NSW medallists at 2009 AFF Circuit Tournament #3

NSW fencers won three gold medals in individual events at the recent AFF#3 Tournament in Perth:

• Open Men's Foil - Joe Slowiaczek
• Open Women's Sabre - Jess Brooks
• Veteran Women's Sabre - Harriet Jordan

Chris Markey (Men's Foil) won a silver medal, and bronze medals were won by John Downes (Men's Foil), Timothy Stephens (Men's Foil), Anna Kovacs (Women's Foil), Sarah Osvath (Women's Epee) and Min Yi Du (Women's Sabre).

In the Veteran events, age categories were won by Richard Purdie (60+ Men's Foil and Men's Sabre), Anna Slowiaczek (50-59 Women's Foil), Duncan Fairweather (60+ Men's Epee).

A full list of results is available on the ausfencingevents website.

4 August 2008

NSW medallists at 2009 Cadet and U/15 Nationals

Congratulations to all NSW individual fencers and teams for their great results at the 2009 Australian Under 15 and Australian & Oceania Cadet Championships, and especially to the following place getters:

Under 15 Foil  – Boys' Individual

• 2nd – Matthew Donald
• =3rd – Ossian Deigan

Under 15 Foil  – Girls' Individual

• =3rd - Lishan Sung

Under 15 Epee  – Boys' Individual

• =3rd – Reagan Clarke

Cadet (U17) - Men's Individual Foil (Oceania & Australian)

• 1st - Max Peek
• =3rd – Anthony Gauke

Cadet (U17) - Women's Individual Foil (Oceania & Australian)

• 1st - Lishan Sung

Cadet (U17) - Men's Individual Epee (Oceania & Australian)

• 2nd – Daniel Alchin
• =3rd – Max Peek

Cadet (U17) - Men's Individual Sabre (Oceania & Australian)

• 1st - Andy Jiang

Teams

• 1st  - New South Wales ‘A’ U/15 Boys' Foil (Reagan Clarke, Patrick Daley, Ossian Deigan, Matthew Donald)
• 2nd -  New South Wales ‘A’ U/15 Girls' Foil (Imogen Brush, Rose De Kantzow, Lishan Sung)
• 1st - New South Wales ‘A’ Cadet Men's Foil (Matthew Donald, Hayden Fitzgerald, Anthony Gauke, Max Peek)
• 2nd - New South Wales Cadet Women's Foil (Imogen Brush, Eunice Fung, Katherine Kwa, Lishan Sung)
• 1st - New South Wales ‘A’ Cadet Men's Epee (Daniel Alchin, Reagan Clarke, Max Peek, Robert Snell)
• 1st - New South Wales ‘A’ Cadet Men's Sabre (Andy Jiang, Adam Kortynski, Adrian Musel, Sebastian Van Der Eyk)
• 2nd - New South Wales Women's Sabre (Lindsay Fordham, Eunice Fung, Lishan Sung)

On overall points towards the Janet Haswell Cup, New South Wales came second to Victoria by a mere 2 points.

A full list of results is available on the ausfencingevents website.

8 July 2009

NSW Teams for Australian Cadet and U/15 National Championships

NSW Fencing is pleased to announce the following selections for the Cadet and U15 National Fencing Championships to be held in Brisbane from 9th to 13th July.

Cadets (U17) Teams

• Men’s Foil A Team
  Matthew Donald, Max Peek, Anthony Gauke, Hayden Fitzgerald.

• Men’s Foil B Team
  Reagan Clarke, Patrick Daley, Max Moratelli, Robert Snell.

• Women’s Foil A Team
  Lishan Sung, Eunice Fung, Imogen Brush, Katherine Kwa.

• Women’s Foil B Team
  Will be chosen after individual event.

• Men’s Sabre
  Andy Jiang, Sebastian Van Der Eyk, Adam Kortynski, Adrian Musel.

• Women’s Sabre
  Lindsay Fordham, Lishan Sung, Eunice Fung.

• Men’s Epee A Team
  Max Peek, Daniel Alchin, Reagan Clarke, Robert Snell.

• Men’s Epee B Team
  Nat Jensen, Matthew McEwen, Sam Mooney-Grand

U15 Teams

• Men’s Foil A Team
  Matthew Donald, Reagan Clarke, Patrick Daley, Ossian Deigan.

• Men’s Foil B Team
  Jack Andrew-Kabilafkas, Lachlan Humphrey, Haydon Rabone, Richardson.

• Women’s Foil
  Lishan Sung, Imogen Brush, Rose De Kantzow

27 June 2009

Squad, Camp and Course Announcements for July, 2009

U17 and U15 Foil and Sabre Squads

The NSWFA is pleased to announce that U17 and U15 foil and sabre squads will be commencing in the first week of July.

• U17/U15 Sabre squads will be held from 5pm-7pm at Marrickville PCYC on Friday evenings. The first session will be Friday 3rd July.
• U17/U15 Foil squads will be held at swords club at North Sydney Girls High School from 3pm-4.30pm. The first session will be Saturday 4th July.

Participation is open to ALL fencers falling within this age group, until a time comes when excessive numbers might deem selection necessary. A nominal fee of $5 will be charged for venue hire and equipment maintenance. Coaches of participants are more than welcome to attend

Camps and clinics

The NSWFA is pleased to announce the following camps/clinics on Sunday 5 July:

• 'Super 4' Camp
  The first of the 'Super 4' camps for cadet (U17) and U15 fencers to be held at Marrickville PCYC on Sunday 5th July from 9am-1pm under the direction of head coach Antonio Signorello.
  Fencers will participate in a competition held at each of the four camps throughout the year with the goal of achieving the top four of the overall ranking. These top four will then be invited to the first four months of the NSWFA senior squad for the next season. This first camp will involve a warm-up, some footwork and competition bouting. Fencers will receive strategic instruction during bouting.
  This will allow for fencers travelling to Brisbane for Cadet and U15 championships to get an extra training session of good bouting and strategy.
  It is also an excellent opportunity for school fencers to get competition-like bouting experience in a fun and friendly environment.
  The camp will be immediately followed by a meet and greet BBQ in Steel Park behind the PCYC. All parents and coaches of participants are encouraged to come along.
  The camp fee is $25, (inclusive of the BBQ). Entries for the camp close on Monday 30th June. Money will be collected on the day.
• Referee Clinic
  Following the 'Super 4' camp a referee clinic will be held upstairs at Marrickville PCYC from 2-3pm. This clinic is open to all and the NSWFA encourages fencers intending to referee at schools league to participate.
  The referee clininc is free of charge to all NSWFA members.  However, we ask that you express interest in attending by Monday 30th June so that we have an idea of the numbers of participants.
• Coaching Clinic
  A coaching clinic will be held upstairs at Marrickville PCYC from 3-5pm following the referee clinic. This will be run by Antonio Signorello and coaches of all levels are encouraged to participate. The focus will be on some basic techniques, historical changes in technique, and club and training structure.
  There is a nominal fee of $10 for the coaching clinic. Entries close on Monday 30th June.

Entries/expressions of interest must be submitted on the below form, and close on Monday 30 June.

For enquiries on any of the above activities, contact the secretary by return email or phone 9681 7884.

18 June 2009

Version 4 of NSWFA Calendar

The NSWFA calendar has been updated.

Key changes are:

• Super 4 Camp and Clinics on 5 July
• Change of date/venue for A J Rae and Roseanne White: now Saturday 5 September, at St Ignatius College Riverview, at the Gartlan Centre.

Please make sure you have a copy of the latest version of the calendar.

17 June 2009

Quarterly report from NSW Head Coach

The NSW Fencing Head Coach, Antonio Signorello, will be releaseing quarterly progress reports on the NSWFA training and development project.

The first report, for June 2009, is now available.

9 June 2009

Prohibited employment declarations

Every sporting organisation that works with children and young people has an obligation to provide a safe environment for them. Under NSW Legislation, NSWFA is required to be supplied with a Prohibited Employment Declaration from you if you are a volunteer or are paid for your services by NSWFA.

This legislation affects all coaches, whether or not they directly work for NSWFA. An information sheet has been put together outlining the different requirements.

2 June 2009

Entries open for Cadet and Under 15 National Championships

Entries for the Under 15 National Championships, and the Cadet Oceania and National Championships (in Brisbane) have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 20 June 2009.

The competition timetable and accommodation listing is available on the Aus Fencing Events website:

2 June 2009

“Friends of Fencing” Pledge Support

NSWFA is pleased to announce an exciting new fundraising initiative.

“Friends of Fencing” will raise money to help NSWFA grow our young fencers into contenders for Olympic and world medals in the future. We’ve established the base for that objective with the appointment of our inspirational head coach Antonio Signorello who has re-invigorated squads training.

Now “Friends of Fencing” will work with Antonio and the Executive in shaping the future of fencing in NSW and giving our young fencers a better chance to reach their full potential.

Already we have pledges of future support amounting to at least $35,000. NSWFA thanks Mike Alchin, Volker Hrovat, Marcus Pesman and Leslie & Peter Witkop for their generous commitment as the founding members of “Friends of Fencing”.

This money will go into a dedicated account and be spent only on projects agreed by “Friends of Fencing” and the NSW Executive. These projects will benefit not only our best young fencers but also assist the general development of fencing and attract more participants to our sport.

“Friends of Fencing” will be open to any member or supporter of NSWFA who wishes to make a financial contribution. We invite all members, their families and supporters who wish to make a financial commitment to the development of fencing to consider joining “Friends of Fencing”. If you are interested in becoming a member, you are invited to contact Duncan Fairweather at vice-pres@nswfencing.org.au.

2 June 2009

Travel advice to sporting bodies

The NSW Department of Sport and Recreation has circulated an information document from the Minister for Foreign Affairs about safe travel for athletes competing overseas.

26 March 2009

NSWFA Annual General Meeting report

The Annual General Meeting of the Association was held on Sunday 15 March.  20 members were present to receive reports for 2008 and elect the new executive.  

The financial performance of the Association was excellent with the audited financial statement showing a profit of $31,590 for the year.  

The following executive members were elected:  

• President Graham Markey
• Vice President Duncan Fairweather
• Ordinary Committee Members Jessica Brooks, Anna Fitzgerald and Josephine Snell  

These added to the existing carry over positions of Secretary Pam Zopf and Treasurer Michael Pruscino.  

Some issues were raised during the meeting which need to be brought to the attention of the wider membership, specifically with respect to the Rules of the NSWFA (also referred to as the Constitution).  

• Nominations/elections for executive positions must follow the procedure outlined in Section 19 of the Rules.  The Secretary followed those procedures precisely including providing club contacts with a notification of nominations received.  Club contacts need to ensure they have a means of disseminating such information within their ranks.  

• The NSWFA is required to hold 4 council meetings (ie with the executive and club delegates) per year.  Notice for three of these meetings, together with a request for agenda items, was sent to club contacts in 2008.  One meeting was cancelled owing to the lack of a quorum, and one was cancelled since a suitable date towards the end of the year could not be found.  Council meetings are a valuable forum for club delegates to advise the executive of club views and issues, and engage in discussion on current issues, which the executive will then take into account in making decisions affecting the operations of the Association.  Again club contacts need to ensure that they keep their members informed about upcoming Council meetings.  

• Under the Rules (Section 17), delegated positions such as the AFF delegate, selectors, commissions etc are appointed by the executive.  They are not elected by the members as was the case under the old Rules.  

• It was necessary at one stage for the Chairman to decline to accept  a motion that came up in Other Business because it was a significant motion for which the required notice (so that members could be made aware of the motion in advance) had not been given. The mover of the motion then moved dissent against the Chairman’s ruling and this motion was lost on a vote.  The procedures for holding an AGM are defined in Part 4 of the Rules and align the NSWFA with Regulations pertaining to Incorporated Associations.  Further information on this can be obtained from the NSW Department of Fair Trading website.    Briefly, the reason for having such a provision is to ensure that members receive due notice of important issues so that they can consider them before a meeting.  If such motions are raised without notic e at meetings where the members are expecting to consider issues only pertaining to that meeting, then this is contrary to the purpose of the meeting.  Of course such motions can be raised by other means, such as requesting a general meeting of members, and the procedures for that are outlined in paragraphs 31.1 & 31.2 of the Rules.    

The meeting expressed the concern that communications with clubs does not seem to be working effectively and the executive has undertaken to address this issue.

26 March 2009

AFF Anti-Doping Policy

The December 2008 AFF General Meeting adopted a new Anti-doping Policy, developed in close consultation with the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority (ASADA).  This new policy came into effect from 1 January 2009.

The new policy contains a number of significant changes covering such matters as:

• sanctions
• whereabouts management
• upgrading of the prohibited list abolition of ATUEs, though some have been upgraded to TUEs
• future TUEs to go to ASDMAC and not to FIE, unless a fencer is in the FIE registered testing pool (ie top 16 in FIE rankings)

It should be noted that ASADA remains the sole point of advice in relation to the matters concerning the prohibited list.  The AFF expects that athletes, and their parents in the case of junior fencers, will be fully responsible for ensuring that they have read and understand the requirements of the new AFF Anti-doping Policy.

16 March 2009

AFF National Tournaments - Foil Mask (Conductive Bib) & Referee Appointment

The Australian Fencing Federation has recently made two important announcements regarding National Tournaments:

• Foil masks
  The AFF Executive has decided to suspend the AFF's previous decision to require the conductive bib on foil masks for national open and veteran tournaments, pending further consideration of this matter at the upcoming AFF General Meeting in May.

• Policy for Appointment of Referees
  The 2008 policy for the appointment of referees has undergone minor changes. Fencers are required to notify at the time of roll call for their event if they wish to be excluded from the referee pool, and make the premium payment for not refeering.
  The red card penalty for initial refusal to participate and a black card penalty for subsequent refusal will apply from the first national tournament in 2009.  From 2010, the refusal will incur a black card penalty.

For full details on both announcements (including a copy of the updated Policy for Appointment of Referees) see the AFF website.

14 March 2009

Report on coaches' meeting

On 1 March 2009, NSWFA hosted a meeting of coaches to discuss the appointment of Antonio Signorello to the Head Coach position, and to hear Antonio's vision for the development of fencing in NSW. A report of this meeting is available:

16 Febrary 2009

AYOF DVD

A fantastic souvenir of the 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival is available for purchase on DVD!

Cost is just $10 and includes: DVD, cover, and postage & handling within Australia
(AUD15 for overseas orders).

To order, email the DVD Project Manager, Tom Christodoulou at tomch@ozemail.com.au. Tom will advise payment options on receipt of the order.

24 January 2009

NSW Fencing Video Footage

SBS Television

On Friday 23 January, SBS World News did a piece on the arrival of Antonio Signorello, including footage taken at the NSW Fencing Summer Camp.

This item is available on the SBS website at http://player.sbs.com.au/naca/#/naca/wna/Latest/playlist/Australia-to-sign-fencing-great .

Australian Youth Olympic Festival

A number of video montages have been put together of the fencing at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival:

16 January - Epee Individual

Women's Semi-Final 1	Men's Semi-Final 1
Women's Semi-Final 2	Men's Semi-Final 2
Women's Final	Men's Final

17 January - Epee Teams

Women's Bronze Medal Match	Men's Bronze Medal Match
Women's Gold Medal Match	Men's Gold Medal Match

Thank you to Tom Christodoulou, who filmed and edited these pieces.