Grievances

BF works through competition, club and area welfare officers to support clubs and competition organisers to create environments where everyone can enjoy themselves in fencing.

We understand that sometimes relationships between members of our community break down. Sometimes this can lead to people trying to seek resolution of personal grievances and disputes through a number of channels including complaints, safeguarding and disciplinary procedures.

British Fencing will review every report raised through our channels. However it is not always possible for BF to resolve personal disputes to the satisfaction of both parties through our procedures, nor is it possible for BF to mediate every one off, low level incident.

We also know that adults don’t always interact professionally and respectfully towards each other and this can sometimes create upset or feelings of discomfort. Where there is no imbalance of power between the adults (eg both are parents, both are coaches or both are referees), these one off incidents are expected to be handled by adult to adult conversation, perhaps with third party support (eg Club or Event Welfare Officers). Adults are still encouraged to report incidents which allows BF to identify any patterns of behaviour which could lead to BF taking action.

Examples of where BF may not take further action include where:

• There has been a one off instance of low level of unprofessional behaviour in adult to adult interactions (with no imbalance of power) which are better handled by the adults concerned, potentially with the support of the local welfare structure.
• Welfare support offered through the welfare structure  (schools, clubs, area welfare officers) is not able to do anything more to resolve a situation amicably for both parties.
• An organisation other than BF (eg club, holiday camp provider) is employing someone and the relationship breaks down between employer and employee.
• Complaint, Safeguarding or Disciplinary investigations may prove inconclusive and there is insufficient evidence to merit any further action.
• In BF’s opinion it is not a good use of BF’s limited resources to investigate or pursue formal disciplinary action.

Where the relationship between two parties has significantly broken down, BF can occasionally (depending on availability) offer enhanced mediation with support from one of our Disciplinary Panel.

There will be occasions where issues cannot be resolved to the mutual satisfaction of all parties and it is no longer possible for BF to allocate resources to supporting the individuals involved. The BF executive team is not trained to offer ongoing support to the mental health of our members involved in these situations. The executive team will, where possible, signpost other avenues for people to take the matter forward and receive expert support.