The 2022-23 season saw two GBR referees awarded their FIE Licenses, six reaching EFC C License standard, and two selected for the EFC and FIE Master Lists, as well as the European and World Championships.
EFC and FIE Master Lists
Two GBR referees, Adrian Speakman and Daniel Hazelwood, were re-appointed (by the EFC) for the 2022-23 EFC Master Lists, and Adrian Speakman was re-appointed (by the FIE) to the FIE Master List.
European and World Championships
Adrian Speakman was selected for the Senior European Championships held in Milan, Italy (22-30th July 2023).
Daniel Hazelwood was selected to referee at the Cadet and Junior European Championships held in Tallin, Estonia (21-28th February 2023), and the U23 European Championships being held in Budapest, Hungary (23-27th May 2023).
On hearing the news of his selection for both events, Daniel said,
“I am delighted to represent GBR again on the fencing world stage, and am grateful for the support I have received as part of my international referee development via the BF Referee Pathway Programme.”
Adrian added,
“I am proud to represent GBR at the Senior European Championships, the support of BF via its referee pathway has enhanced my international career, which is in turn enabling me to help develop the next generation of GBR international referees.”
New FIE Licenses
The 2022-23 international season saw Sam McLellan (Sabre) and Euan Deamer (Foil) gain their first FIE licenses, after passing the FIE exams held in at the beginning of September 2022 in Budapest, Hungary.
New EFC C Licenses
The following GBR referees were provisionally awarded their EFC C License after observations throughout the EFC Cadet Circuit season:
Following the FIE announcement in the spring of 2023 that the FIE would no longer be requiring the EFC C license to be entered into the FIE exam, the EFC has not issued any further C licenses. We await further information from the EFC with regards to the future of this initiative.
Level 4 (Mock FIE) exams
The 2022-23 season also saw two Level 4 (mock FIE) exams held at the Eden Cup (Foil) and Senior Nationals (Epee), with Vilem Madr (Czech) of the EFC Referee Commission invited to lead the examinations. These exams play a vital role in preparing candidates for the FIE exams. Three of the candidates from these exams will be undertaking their FIE exams in September 2023.
Commenting on the season, Georgina Usher, BF CEO, said,
“I’d like to congratulate Adrian and Daniel for their major Championships selections, Sam and Euan for their FIE Licenses, all the referees achieving a consistent high observation score in EFC events and those that have passed their Level 4. All the GBR referees have worked extremely hard and these achievements are fantastic recognition of this. Our thanks must also go to the referee educators and mentors who play such a vital role in helping our referees perform to their best.
We are also grateful for the support of the EFC Refereeing Commission members who continue to guide and support our development programme. This progress is further recognition that the development pathway we are creating for GBR referees is enabling our referees to perform at the highest international levels, supporting the sport of fencing in the UK and across the world.”
BF’s Referee Pathway Programme is supported by funding from UK Sport and Sport England.
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