News & Information

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.

11 June 2009

Results of 2009 Schools Competition Raffle

• 1ST PRIZE (iPod Shuffle) - Ms Tsekouras, teacher St Andrews Cathedral School
• 2ND PRIZE (Voucher Fencing Equipment Supplies) - Patrick Daley, Sydney Grammar student, UTS club member
• 3RD PRIZE (Silver Fencer Figure pendant and chain) - Nancy Bamber, Grandmother Robert Snell, SACS and Rozelle club
• 4TH PRIZE (Allen & Unwin 4 biography book pack) - Karen Campbell, mother Jordan Campbell, Hills Grammar
• 5TH PRIZE (Adidas Fencing Shoes) - Helen Bradstock, mother in law John Chow, Sydney Uni club
• 6TH PRIZE (Allen & Unwin 6 children's book pack) - Michael Lamont, UTS club
• 7TH PRIZE (Fencing glove) - Marina Milone, Swords Club and mother of St Aloysious fencer

Thank you to all the fencers and their families and friends for buying and selling tickets.

The prize for the most tickets sold went to Michelle Mc Auslan, UTS club,  who sold 10 books, 100 tickets!!! Michelle won "The Complete Guide to Fencing Book".

The Raffle raised $1452 in sales, and as all the prizes were donated, this is a very successful outcome.

The Raffle could not have been a success without the generous donations of the prizes. Thank you to Peter Witkop, Vivienne Watts, Allen & Unwin books and Ms McEwen.

Thank you also to Jo Snell for organising it.

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.

8 May 2009

NSWFA Selection Commission

The Executive has formed a new sub-committee called the “NSWFA Selection Commission”.

The Commission will consist of a Chairperson and three Ordinary Members.

For full details of the Commission members and functions, see the Commissions page of this website.

4 May 2009

Version 3 of NSWFA Calendar

The NSWFA calendar has been updated to include all events for 2009. Please make sure you have a copy of the latest version of the calendar.

29 April 2009

NSWFA Squads

The NSWFA will be incorporating epee into its weekly fencing squad training under Antonio Signorello from Tuesday 5 May at Marrickville PCYC.

Information on squad selection and training sessions is contained in the below document

The current squads are:

29 April 2009

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

Entries for the Robyn Chaplin Memorial Tournament (AFF#2, in Adelaide) have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 16 May 2009.

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

10 April 2009

NSWFA School Holiday Training Camp and Pre-AFF1 camp

A training camp in all three weapons will be held from 14th - 16th April at the Steel Park Leisure Centre, 531 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville. 

This will be an excellent opportunity for a warm up before the Schools Championships in May.

Under 15
14th, 15th & 16th from 9am-1pm
Note: NSW squad will be present on the 16th, an important experience for the kids

Pre AFF1 camp
Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th - epee from 9am-1pm
Thursday 16th  - sabre and foil 9am-1pm

Daily charge is $35.00 or $100.00 for the three days.

For bookings & enquiries, fax or phone – 9681 7884.

6 April 2009

Challenge Australia Entries open

Entries are now open for Challenge Australia 2009 (Men's and Women's World Cup Epee).

For Australian fencers, the preferred entry method is by credit card, via the online process. Before proceeding to enter online, please read carefully the Terms & Conditions of nomination and note the critical requirements and dates.

If you are unable to apply online or do not have a credit card then you must contact the Secretary General AFF Inc, Andrew Ius, to arrange entry and payment method.

For more details, see the official website, or the entry information document:

Note that entries close on 24 April.

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:

9 March 2009

Venue for AGM

Please note that the venue for the NSWFA AGM is 6 Figtree Drive, Olympic Park at 2pm, not Marrickville as was on the timetable. (A corrected timetable is now on the website.)

9 March 2009

Training camp cancelled

Unfortunately the the training camp for the 15th March at Marrickville has been cancelled.

23 February 2009

NSWFA Foil and Sabre Squads

The initial NSW Fencing squad teams for foil and sabre have been selected. Weekly foil and sabre squad training under Antonio Signorello will commence from Tuesday 3 March at Marrickville. Notice regarding epee squads will be given later.

The initial members of the squads have been selected on the basis of:

• The top 4 from the State Rankings
• Antonio's observations at the foil & sabre competitions on 22 February
• The desirability of incorporating a number of Cadet fencers in the squads.

The makeup of all squads will be reviewed on a monthly basis with members coming on & off on the basis of performance.

The initial squads are:

21 February 2009

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

Entries for the D H McKenzie Tournament (AFF#1, in Canberra) have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 27 March 2009.

17 Febrary 2009

Reports from Commonwealth Junior Fencing Championships

Several NSW fencers are currently representing Australia at the Commonwealth Junior Fencing Championships in Penang, Malaysia:

• Stephen Dooley (Foil)
• John Downes (Foil and Epee)
• Ben Talbot-Wright (Foil)
• Lishan Sung (Foil)

Ben Talbot-Wright is posting regular news bulletins from the event on the Mountains Fencing Club blog.

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.

8 Febrary 2009

Version 2 of NSWFA Calendar

There have been some amendments to the Jan-Jun 2009 NSWFA calendar. Please make sure you have a copy of the latest version of the calendar.

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.

14 January 2009

Youth Olympic Festival this week in Sydney!

Sixteen Australia's finest young male and female epeeists will compete this week in the Australian Youth Olympic Festival against athletes from Great Britain, New Zealand Malaysia and India.

This is a great opportunity for you, your friends and family to see this great sport on display in the Olympic precinct and format.

Click to see the fencing program for Friday 16th and Saturday 17th at the Sport Hall, Sydney Olympic Park.

Watching the sporting competition at the 2009 AYOF is FREE and the Australian Olympic Committee encourages everyone to come out and support these outstanding young athletes.

There is  FREE parking at P5 car park and a  FREE Sydney Olympic Park AYOF shuttle bus service running between P5 and the competition venues at 20 minute intervals.

8 January 2009

2009 Online Affiliation/Registration now available

The NSWFA online payment system is now ready for 2009 affiliations/registrations. 

Login details are the same as for 2008. If you cannot remember your details, please use the "Forgotten your username or password" link. If you were not affiliated/registered in 2008 or 2007, please use the "New Individual Sign-up" button.

7 January 2009

New Venue for NSW Fencing competitions and 2009 timetable

NSW Fencing has found a new home for our competitions in the Steele Park  Leisure Centre, Illawarra Rd, Marrickville.

This venue has many advantages for NSW Fencing, including potential for growth, reliability, good parking, location, good canteen and pleasant surroundings. 

Marrickville railway station is a 15 minutes walk from the venue, and the 423 bus, running between Kingsgrove and the city, stops at the door.  It can be conveniently reached from the M5, M4/Parramatta Road and the North Shore.

The NSWFA Calendar for the first half of 2009 has now been finalised, with the first competiton at our new venue being on 8th February.  I hope we will see many of you there to try out our new, exciting venue.

10 December 2008

AYOF website now live

The Australian Youth Olympic Festival now has an official website at http://www.olympics.com.au/.

The Fencing will take place on 16 & 17 January 2009 in the Sports Halls at Sydney Olympic Park.

16 November 2008

NSW entry list for Nationals

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

If you made an online entry, please check the list to make sure you are on it.

If you are not on the list, and only if you made an online entry before the deadline, please contact treasurer@nswfencing.org.au.

All late entries are to be made at the competition.

13 November 2008

Australian Youth Olympic Festival 2009 - Call for Volunteers

The Australian Youth Olympic Festival is an event of The Australian Olympic Committee designed to prepare young talented athletes for a possible Olympic future.

NSWFA and the Australian Fencing Federation will staff and conduct the fencing event at Sydney Olympic Park on 16 & 17 January 2009 in the Sports Halls.

This is an exciting competition that showcases Australia's young fencing talent on a world stage, competing against a host of other fencing nations.

The event team requires volunteers to assist with time-keeping and scoring (as well as supporting Aussie athletes at the same time!) Don’t worry - we will teach you how.

If you would like to assist, please complete the volunteer form now and get it back to us. We will feed and water you and give you an event shirt together with a ticket to the Opening Ceremony at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

For more information:

• AYOF Fencing Website
• Call for volunteers (.pdf)
• Volunteer form (.doc)

21 October 2008

Entries open for AFF Open and Veteran National Championships

Entries for the AFF Open and Veteran National Championships have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 7 November 2008.

6 October 2008

NSW fencers win 8 gold at Junior and Schools Nationals

The Australian Secondary Schools Teams and Junior Championships were held from 1 - 5 October in Brisbane.

NSW fencers achieved gold medals in:

• Schooboy Teams - Oxley College (Nick Davies, John Downes, Max Peek)
• Schoolgirl Teams - Abbotsleigh "A" (Ashleigh Fordham, Lindsay Fordham, Helene Humphery, Katherine Kwa)
• Junior Men's Individual Foil - Joe Slowiaczek
• Junior Women's Individual Foil - Karin Wang
• Junior Men's Individual Epee - Joe Slowiaczek
• Junior Men's Team Foil - John Downes, Anthony Gauke, Joe Slowiaczek, Ben Talbot-Wright
• Junior Women's Team Foil - Ashleigh Fordham, Anna Kovacs, Lishan Sung, Karin Wang
• Junior Men's Team Epee - Nick Davies, John Downes, Maxim Peek, Joe Slowiaczek

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

28 September 2008

Selections for Junior (U20) Nationals

The NSWFA Junior Selectors have announced the teams selected for the Junior (U20) Australian Championships to be held in Brisbane from October 2nd - 5th 2008.

The selections are summarised in this document.

26 September 2008

Mandatory Foil Mask Modifications

The FIE has released an updated circular regarding the mandatory requirement for new foil masks with a conductive bib for all FIE Senior Events from 1 January 2009.

The circular details the requirements of the new masks and bibs and the consequential changes to the FIE Rules.

The 2008 AFF Annual General Meeting agreed to introduce this FIE requirement for fully conductive bibs on foil masks for all National tournaments (for all age groups) in Australia from 1 January 2009.

3 September 2008

AFF Member Protection Policy

At its 2008 Annual General Meeting, the Australian Fencing Federation approved a Member Protection Policy, which is now applicable to all AFF recognised entities and associated individuals, whether they are in a paid or unpaid/voluntary capacity:

• Individuals sitting on boards, councils, commissions, committees and sub-committees;
• Employees and volunteers;
• Support personnel of or for representative teams (e.g. team managers, armourers, physiotherapists, psychologists, masseurs, sport trainers);
• Coaches and assistant coaches;
• Athletes;
• Referees and other officials;
• Members, including life members;
• Registered fencers;
• Parents, guardians, spectators and sponsors to the full extent that is possible.

A copy of the Policy is available from the AFF website:

28 August 2008

Call for raffle prizes

Following the successful raffle run during the recent national junior championships (a big thank you to Josephine Snell and Pam Zopf), we intend to run another raffle at forthcoming competitions.

We need prizes. The better the prizes the more money we can raise for the development of our young fencers. If you have a prize you can donate please let us know. It’s a great way to promote your business. Contact Duncan Fairweather.

23 August 2008

NSW Fencing Wine Offer - Special Sale

Saddler’s Creek Wines (one of Australia’s leading boutique wineries and winner of over 200 medals in the last two years) has been appointed to produce, exclusively for NSW Fencing, a selection of wines uniquely labelled The Fencer.

The wines selected by Saddler’s Creek are:

• a 2004 Shiraz Cabernet blend which has been held back from release to be now enjoyed at any time and with food
• a 2007 Chardonnay which displays lively tropical fruit flavours and which can also be enjoyed with any cuisine.

From every case sold (12 bottles), Saddler’s Creek will make a generous financial donation to NSW Fencing.

Please order a case, or two, of these quality wines at a price specially negotiated for members and friends of NSW Fencing and support the development of fencing. If you are under 18 years of age, please show this offer to your parents.

14 August 2008

Entries open for AFF National Junior Championships

Entries for the AFF National Junior Championships have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 12 September 2008.

7 August 2008

Olympic Fencing

Get ready to follow the Beijing games. Full program and fencing schedule attached.

Follow Australians Jo Halls in the Women's Foil on 11th August and Amber Parkinson in the Women's Epee on 13th August.

Links:
- Official web page for fencing at Beijing Fencing 2008
- Photos of world's fencers training in Beijing

7 August 2008

NSW fencers win Gold at 2008 AFF Circuit Tournament #3

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

• Open Men's Foil - Zhen Huang
• Open Women's Sabre - Min Yi Du
• Veteran Women's Epee - Julie Seggie
• Veteran Women's Sabre - Harriet Jordan

Melissa Yeung (Women's Sabre) won a silver medal, and bronze medals were won by Sian Munro (Women's Foil) and Joe Raciborski (Men's Sabre).

In the Club Team events, UTS Women's Sabre team won gold, and their Men's Foil and Women's Epee teams won silver. The UNSW Men's Foil team won bronze.

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

1 August 2008

VALE Tony Dominguez 1935-2008

The NSW fencing community was saddest to hear of the sudden death of one of its most popular members – Tony Dominguez.

Tony was an active fencer right up until recent times, competing in club, state, national and, indeed, international competitions. Whilst his main focus of late was on veteran's events, Tony would "warm up" by entering the open events in national competitions. He was a true stalwart of the sport through the 1960s and 70s when he competed in foil and epee events at the highest level, and was selected for national representation on a number of occasions.

Tony was a crusader for fencing in his home town of Wagga Wagga, and gave back to the sport in the best way by coaching a number of young fencers who are still competing. He more recently made the Central Coast of NSW his home and was an active member of the Central Coast Fencing Club.

Tony had that unique quality of being a keenly competitive fencer when the mask was down but a universally well liked guy at all other times. It can be truly said of Tony that he was respected and liked by all those he touché'ed.

On behalf of the NSWFA, and particularly the veteran fencers of Australia, may we offer our condolences to Tony's family, and our assurance that the memory of the smiling face and amiable disposition of this man in white with a weapon in his hand will always remain with us.

May He Rest in Peace.

15 July 2008

NSW entry list for AFF#3

A list of NSW entries for AFF#3 (Western Australia) is now available.

If you made an online entry, please check the list to make sure you are on it.

If you are not on the list, and only if you made an online entry before the deadline, please contact treasurer@nswfencing.org.au.

All late entries are to be made at the competition.

30 June 2008

Selections for Cadet (U17) and U15 Nationals

The NSWFA Junior Selectors have announced the teams selected for the Cadet (U17) and U15 Australian Championships to be held in Sydney from July 5th - 9th 2008.

The selections are summarised in this document.

25 June 2008

Entries open for AFF#3

Entries for the WA International Tournament (AFF #3) have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 11 July 2008.  Timetable details can be found on the AusFencingEvents website.

22 June 2008

NSW entry list for Cadet and U/15 Nationals

A list of NSW entries for the Cadet and Under 15 National Championships is now available.

If you made an online entry, please check the list to make sure you are on it.

If you are not on the list, and only if you made an online entry before the deadline, please contact treasurer@nswfencing.org.au.

Online entries for this competition are now closed. All late entries are to be made at the competition.

19 June 2008

2008 Veteran World Championships - Nominations

The Australian Fencing Federation has issued a call for nominations (athletes and officials) for the 2008 Veteran World Championships to be held in Limoges, France, from 1 to 5 October 2008.

(Documents held on AFF website)

Nominations for selection for the Australian Team close with the AFF on Monday 30th June 2008.

16 June 2008

Version 3 of NSWFA Calendar

The NSW Competition calendar has been revised due to the Anne Clark Centre being unavailable on 10 and 24 August.

 As a result, there will be no events on 10 August and the venue for 24 August will be the Marconi Club.  In addition, a number of other events for July/August have been rescheduled (and unfortunately two events have been cancelled).

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

12 June 2008

Coaching Accreditation Expiries

The ASC accreditation for a number of coaches expires this month.  It will be necessry for these coaches to update their accreditation.

9 June 2008

NSW Fencers Win 5 Gold at 2008 Robyn Chaplin Memorial Tournament

Fencers from NSW won 5 gold medals at the recent AFF#2 (Robyn Chaplin) Tournament in Adelaide.

• Open Women's Epee - Sarah Osvath
• Open Women's Sabre - Du Min Yi
• Veteran Men's Foil - Richard Purdie
• Veteran Women's Foil - Anna Slowiaczek
• Veteran Women's Sabre - Harriet Jordan

A silver medal was won by Melissa Yeung (Women's Sabre) and a bronze by Hugh Cotman (Men's Foil).

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

8 April 2008

Entries open for 2008 Under 15 & Cadet National Championships

Entries for the Under 15 & Cadet National Championships have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 20 June 2008 (slight extension from original closing date).  Timetable and venue details can be found on the AusFencingEvents website.

28 May 2008

Olympic Solidarity Coaching Course

The Australian Fencing Federation (AFF) has received funding from the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) Olympic Solidarity Program for a national level Coaching Course. The course will be run on 19-29 September 2008, in Brisbane.

For more information, see the Information Circular, or the Courses page of this website.

22 May 2008

"Shootout" event information

In 2008, NSW Fencing is having its first annual "shootout" event.

Prize Money

All entry fees (after costs of hiring the venue are deducted) go to
the total prize pool.

A Weapon Prize Pool is created based on weapon entries (after rent). It will be distributed as 1st 40%, 2nd 20%, 3rd 10%, 4th – 8th 5%

Based on expected entries it is anticipated that the first prizes will be around:

• Men’s Foil $150
• Women’s Foil $120
• Men’s Epee $150
• Women’s Epee $80
• Men’s Sabre $80
• Women’s Sabre $65

Event Format

The event will be run as a knockout draw - the same format that makes the FA Cup exciting and unpredictable!!

• After the weapon entries are received a public draw will randomly
  draw fencers to the tableau.
• At the conclusion of each D/E round the remaining fencers are
  again randomly drawn to the next stage of the tableau.
• You exit or survive until the last two left standing shoot it out for
  first place and the coveted Shootout title.

Entry Fees

Make a full day of it - enter all three weapons!

1 weapon entry - $20
2 weapon entry - $35
3 weapon entry - $40

Jeff Gray will have equipment available for hire by pre booking. Email your hire
requirement to jeffgray@wix.com.au

Information Sheet

22 May 2008

Coaching Courses/Workshops

NSWFA Level 1 Coaching Course

An information and enrolment form is now available for the NSWFA Level 1 Coaching Course, to be run on 1 June, 24 August and 14 September 2008.

Please note that the application form, complete with credit card payment details, must be returned by Wednesday 28 May 2008.

NSW Sport and Recreation Courses/Workshops

NSW Sport and Recreation will be running an Intermediate General Principles of Coaching Course on consecutive Monday evenings at their Sydney Olympic Park office in June and July.

Times: Monday evenings from 6.00pm until 9.30pm
Dates: June 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28
Venue: NSW Sport and Recreation, 6 Figtree Drive, Sydney Olympic Park
Cost: $275 (including supper each evening)

In conjunction with this course, there will be three workshops which can be attended individually.

For more information, see the Courses page of this website.

18 May 2008

NSW entry list for AFF#2

A list of NSW entries for AFF#2 (Robyn Chaplin Memorial Tournament) is now available.

If you made an online entry, please check the list to make sure you are on it.

If you are not on the list, and only if you made an online entry before the deadline, please contact treasurer@nswfencing.org.au.

All late entries are to be made at the competition.

11 May 2008

Winter Camp enrolment form

Enrolments are now open for the NSWFA Junior Winter Development Camp, which will take place on 21-22 June.

Fencers intending to compete at U15/17 Nationals are encouraged to attend. There will also be a segment for U/11 and U/13 fencers.

11 May 2008

Timetables for AFF tournaments

Timetables have now been released for the following AFF Tournaments (all links are to the AusFencingEvents website):

24 April 2008

Veteran Sabre Competition

NSW Fencing is adding a Veteran Sabre competition to the timetable. The Allyson Schofield Veteran Sabre (men and women) will be held at 10am on 25 May, prior to the Allyson Schofield Open Sabre.

8 April 2008

Entries open for AFF#2

Entries for the Robyn Chaplin Memorial Tournament (AFF #2) have now opened and can only be made using the online form.

Entries close on 16 May 2008.  Timetable and venue details can be found on the AusFencingEvents website.

3 April 2008

Foil and Sabre competitions rescheduled

The President's Cup Open and Veteran Foil, Gilt U/17 Foil and Allyson Schofield Open Sabre competitions, which were unavoidably cancelled on 24th February, have now been rescheduled for 25 May.

The NSWFA Calendar has been updated to show the new dates.

1 April 2008

New Zealand U15 & Cadet Championships

The AFF has invited Australian fencers to enter the 2008 New Zealand U15 and Cadet Championships.
 
These Championships are being held in Wellington from 25th to 27th April.
 
There is no selection requirement for Australian fencers and no limit to the number of entries.
 
Entries are open to affiliated Australian fencers, using only the below entry form which must be emailed no later than 13th April to secretary@ausfencing.org.
 
Note that these are only the New Zealand U15 and Cadet Championships.  The next Oceania Cadet Championships will be held in 2009 in June in Australia.
 
Any queries can be directed to Andrew Ius at 0419 313231 or by email to secretary@ausfencing.org.

1 April 2008

Urgent Advice regarding Travelan and Colostrum

The Australian Oympic Committee (AOC) had recently advised the Australian Fencing Federation (AFF) that, following recent media reports regarding the use of colostrum by an Australian athlete, Dr Olivier Rabin, Director, Science of the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) provided the following advice on 19 March:

WADA would like to take this opportunity to emphasize that colostrum contains Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) a substance prohibited under section S.2 of the 2008 WADA Prohibited List. Even if influence of oral intake of colostrum on plasma concentration of IGF-1 is still a matter of debate within the scientific community, WADA would like to alert that abnormal increase or level of blood circulating IGF-1 would be considered as potentially revealing doping practices (e.g hGH or IGF-1 intake) by athletes.

WADA wishes to draw your utmost care in the use of colostrum by athletes.

Given WADA's cautionary advice, the AOC has recommended, in the strongest possible terms, that athletes and sports officials on the inherent risks of using colostrum as a supplement and counsels them against its use.

With respect of WADA’s advice, it is appropriate to extend the AOC recommendation to all products containing colostrum, including Travelan.  The AOC had initially recommended the use of Travelan by teams traveling to China as a traveller’s diarrhoea prevention agent. However, given this most recent advice the AOC does not now support its use by members of the Australian Olympic Team or AFF athletes.

The AOC will now review other possible preventative measures for traveller’s diarrhoea and provide the AFF with further advice in due course.

This information and recommended action is being drawn to the attention of all athletes on the AFF Weapon Squads and those competing at the upcoming Cadet & Junior World Championships and the Asian Senior Championships.

31 March 2008

NSW fencers win at 2008 D H McKenzie Tournament (AFF#1)

The D H McKenzie Memorial Tournament was first AFF Circuit Tournament for 2008. It was held on 28-30 March in Melbourne.

The following NSW fencers achieved gold medals:

• Jess Brooks (Women's Sabre)
• Richard Purdie (Veteran Men's Foil, Epee and Sabre)
• Harriet Jordan (Veteran Women's Sabre)

Du Min Yi won a silver medal in the Women's Sabre.

Bronze medals were won by Stephen Dooley (Men's Foil), Craig Gourlay (Men's Foil), Lishan Sung (Women's Foil), Sarah Osvath (Women's Epee) and Joe Raciborski (Men's Sabre).

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

27 March 2008

Students of the World - Fencers

Students of the World  specialises in placing French and Italian students with Australian students for a short term school and homestay experience. In return, Australian students may return to France and Italy during their school holidays. 

Some of these French and Italian students have had extensive fencing and pentathalon experience to national competition level. A placement fee of $300.00 per student will be paid to the club which arranges accomodation, plus $200 to the host family.

The French students arrive from the 20th June until the 29th August and Italian students from 1st July until the 23rd September 2008.

If you are interested in hosting a student or, if you have any students interested in attending schools in France or Italy, either for two months or a semester, contact secretary@nswfencing.org.au for more details.

Students of the World will provide 24-hour support to the student, host family and school.

27 March 2008

NSW Fencers at 2008 Asian Senior Championships

The 2008 Asian Senior Championships will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 24th - 29th April 2008. The Australian team includes NSW fencers Frank Bartolillo (Men's Foil), Joe Slowiaczek (Men's Foil), Alistair Sutherland (Men's Epee) and Jess Brooks (Women's Epee and Women's Sabre).

Our best wishes got to all team members for the Championships.

13 March 2008

Draft timetable for AFF#2

The Australian Fencing Federation has released a draft timetable for AFF Circuit Tournament #2, the Robyn Chaplin Memorial Tournament. This event will be held in Adelaide on 7-9 June.

13 March 2008

NSW entry list for AFF#1

A list of NSW entries for AFF#1 (D H McKenzie Memorial Tournament) is now available.

If you made an online entry, please check the list to make sure you are on it.

If you are not on the list, and only if you made an online entry before the deadline, please contact treasurer@nswfencing.org.au.

All late entries are to be made at the competition.

6 March 2008

Entries due for AFF#1

Fencers are reminded that NSW entries to AFF #1 close this weekend. After then anyone wishing to compete will have to make a late entry at the competition. The list of entries received will be put on the site in the following week.

25 February 2008

Apology for competition day cancellation

NSW Fencing apologises to all those who were inconvenienced by the cancellation of the competitions at the Ann Clarke Centre on 24th February. The hall had been double booked and, with no advanced notice of the situation to make alternative arrangements, there was no other option but to cancel the day. We will ensure this situation does not occur again.

25 February 2008

NSW Fencing Annual General Meeting

The New South Wales Fencing Association will  hold its Annual General Meeting on Sunday 16 March at 2pm. The AGM will be in the Ken Brown Room, in the Sports House, Figtree Drive, Homebush (enter from car park at back of building.)

The Executive is seeking four members to join in various positions this year - we are seeking a Vice President, Treasurer, and two ordinary executive members. If you are interested, please fill out the below nomination form. If you have any questions regarding these positions, please contact any of the current executive members or email the Secretary at secretary@nswfencing.org.au.  Nomination forms must be received by the Secretary Eszter Kovacs by 2 March.

If you cannot make it to the meeting, the executive would appreciate you completing the below proxy form, so that we can meet our quorum.

17 February 2008

NSW Fencer Selected for 2008 Junior & Cadet World Championships

NSW fencer Joe Slowiaczek has been selected as a member of the Australian team at the 2008 Junior and Cadet World Championships in Acireale, Italy, on 5-14 April, 2008.

Joe will be competing in Junior Men's Foil and Junior Men's Epee. We wish him the best of luck at these championships.

17 February 2008

2008 Asian Senior Championships - Nominations

The Australian Fencing Federation has issued a call for nominations for the 2008 Asian Senior Fencing Championships to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 23-29 April 2008.

(Documents held on AFF website)

Nominations for selection for the Australian Team close with the AFF on Monday 3rd March 2008.

17 February 2008

Timetable for AFF#1

The Australian Fencing Federation has released the official timetable for AFF Circuit Tournament #1, to be held in Melbourne on 28 - 30 March.

Note that the AFF has decided to rename AFF#1 as the DH McKenzie Tournament, in light of the FencingSA request to name the AFF#2 Tournament the Robyn Chaplin Memorial Tournament.

22 January 2008

Second Hand Equipment

The second hand equipment sales page of the NSWFA website is now open.

This page is intended as a service to fencers. Please note that NSWFA takes no responsibility for the quality and safety of the equipment advertised on this page.

Initial listing includes a foil, mask, clothing and equipment bag.

If you have equipment you wish to sell, please email webmaster@nswfencing.org.au, advising the items you have for sale, the price, and your contact details. Photos can also be included if provided.

22 January 2008

NSWFA Insurance

Annually, the NSWFA takes out a number of insurance policies to cover its operations and those of its affiliated clubs.

Public Liability Insurance

This provides $10 million of coverage for NSWFA events and affiliated clubs.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

This provides $1 million of coverage for affiliated coaches, referees and other officials working at NSWFA events and in affiliated clubs.

Sports Injury Insurance

This provides coverage for fencers injured at NSWFA events and in affiliated clubs.

The Sports Injury policy affects fencers directly so it’s important that members know exactly what is covered and what conditions apply.  This is detailed in the Personal Accident Insurance - Summary of Benefits document.

15 January 2008

Online Affiliation/Registration and AFF Entry System

The NSWFA has now launched its online Affiliation/Registration system. This system should also be used for entry to AFF competitions. 

The system will allow you to check/enter your details, complete your affilation/registration or AFF entry, and make a secure credit card payment.

Login process:

• Members from 2007 will shortly receive a letter advising of their login username and password for the system. If you do not receive your username and password by Friday 18 January, and you were affiliated/registered in 2007, please use the "forgotten your username or password?" link on the online form, or email treasurer@nswfencing.org.au.

• If you were not affiliated/registered in 2007 please use the "new individual signup" option on the online form.

This system has been introduced for the convenience of members (no more forms!), and to reduce the amount of administrative time and effort by the NSWFA.  Any manual affiliation/registration will therefore attract an additional fee, so please make early use the on-line system.

A permanent link to the online payment system has been placed on the homepage of this website (as the first item under "Quick links", on the right of the screen).

14 January 2008

2008 Competition Timetable & Information Sheet

The 2008 NSWFA Timetable (version 1) and the Information Sheet containing entry, equipment etc requirements are now available.

A copy of the Timetable will also be mailed to all 2007 affiliated & registered members. Members are advised to check the website regularly for revisions throughout the year.

14 January 2008

2008 Fees

The NSWFA has had to increase its fees and charges for 2008.

This is the first time increases have been made in 5 years even though costs (and AFF charges) have been increasing over that time.  However a number of improvements in equipment, competitions and administration have been made over that time and the cost of these needs to be covered.

Please note that in 2008, the Association is introducing online payment of membership (using secure credit card payment). Manual payment will continue to be available, but will attract a $10 surcharge.

Members from 2007 will shortly receive a letter advising of their login username and password, and a link to the registration page will be added to this website.

A full list of 2008 fees is available in the attached document:

30 December 2007

AFF Call for Nominations - 2008 Junior & Cadet World Championships

The Australian Fencing Federation has issued a Call for Nominations for athletes and officials for the Australian Team for the 2008 Junior and Cadet World Championships, to be held in Acireale, Sicily, Italy on 5-14 April 2008.

(Documents held on AFF website)

Nominations are to be received by close of business on Monday 28 January 2008. Selection of athletes will be in accordance with the AFF Selection Policy (updated November 2007).

9 December 2007

NSW wins Cyclone Cup at Nationals

NSW has won the Overall State High Performance Award once again at the recent 2007 Australian Fencing Championships and retains the Cyclone Cup. Additionally, NSW took out the Overall Foil State High Performance Award, Overall Epee State High Performance Award and Overall Sabre State High Performance Award, a great way to finish a very active year.

Congratulations to all those involved in this great effort.

At the National Championships, NSW fencers achieved gold medals in:

• Men's Individual Foil - Frank Bartolillo
• Women's Individual Sabre - Jess Brooks
• Men's Team Foil - Frank Bartolillo, Stephen Dooley, Joe Slowiaczek, Ashley Yue
• Women's Team Foil - Elise Budniak, Hilary Byrne, Sarah Dean, Eszter Kovacs
• Women's Team Epee - Elise Budniak, Adele Haswell, Abby Nutt, Sarah Osvath
• Women's Team Sabre - Jess Brooks, Min Yi Du, Harriet Jordan, Melissa Yeung
• Veteran Women's Epee - Julie Seggie

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

26 November 2007

Selections for Australian National Team Championships

The NSWFA Selectors have announced the teams selected for the Australian Championships to be held in Sydney from November 30 - December 4 2007.

The selections are summarised in this document.