Last Updated: 01.06.2023
This is a new British Championships for all Compete licensed members of British Fencing, including those not eligible to compete for GBR and international visitors. Wheelchair Fencing Events are open events (not restricted to only classified athletes)
The GB Cup also takes place over this weekend.
Dates: 3rd and 4th June 2023
Venue: EIS Sheffield, Coleridge Road, Sheffield, S9 5DA
Schedule:
Start times listed are the earliest an event may start. The start times for individual events may be moved later in the day based on entry numbers nearer the event date. Entrants will receive information via Sport80 if this happens.
The delayed start time will not effect the estimated finishing times of the competition. With all weapons expected to finish by approximately 18:30 each day.
Saturday 3rd June – Men’s Foil, Men’s Sabre, Women’s Epee, Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Fencing Epee
| Weapon | Present on Piste Time | Start Time |
| Men’s Foil | 08:45 | 09:00 |
| Women’s Epee | 08:45 | 09:00 |
| Men’s Sabre | 08:45 | 09:00 |
| Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Fencing Epee | 12:00 | 12:15 |
Sunday 4th June – Men’s Epee, Women’s Foil, Women’s Sabre and Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Fencing Foil and Sabre
| Weapon | Present on Piste Time | Start Time |
| Men’s Epee | 08:45 | 09:00 |
| Women’s Foil | 08:45 | 09:00 |
| Women’s Sabre | 11:15 | 11:30 |
| Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Fencing Foil | 09:00 | 09:15 |
| Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Fencing Sabre | *14:00 | *14:15 |
Updated 11.05.2023- Wheelchair Fencing Event Schedule Update
Updated 01/06/2023 – WS start time moved 15 mins later
*Wheelchair Fencing Sabre events will start at the earliest 14:15. There will be a minimum of 1hr break between Foil and Sabre Events.
Where ‘Start Time’ is listed the event, there is no check-in at this event. Fencers must report to the referee on their piste, ready to fence, 15 mins before the scheduled start time (Present on Piste Time) . Poules will be drawn and displayed online at 6pm the day before the competition. Information will also be displayed at the venue.
Fencing can start a maximum of 10 mins before the official start time if all fencers for the competition are present at their piste.
Event Format:
FIE Rules Fencing Events
One round of poules with 20-30% cut followed by direct elimination.
Fencers eliminated from poules will be promoted to a secondary tableau and compete for the British Open B-Championships.
IWAS Rules Fencing Events
It is anticipated, based on predicted entry numbers, that the following format will be used for all weapons:
This format may be adapted depending on entry numbers, the format used will be published after entries have closed.
Withdrawals:
For individual events where a start time is listed, Fencers can withdraw up to 12noon the day before their competition using the online form here
Any fencer who has entered and does not present themselves to fence, except in a case of properly authenticated ‘force majeure’, will be penalised with a £250 fine with their British Fencing membership suspended until the payment of fine is received.
On the day withdrawals can be done via phone using Event team contact number – 07738107026
Referee Provision:
The British Open Championships will pilot the following model for referee provision
Each Club provides a referee based on the number of Fencers they enter:
Note that is quota is based on per weapon per day. For example, a club entering four fencers into Men’s Epee and four into Women’s Foil are not required to provide a referee, however, if a club is entering five fencers into Men’s Epee and three into Women’s Foil, the club are required to provide one referee.
As this is the first event where this provision is in place, BF wants to work with clubs where they are required to provide referees in accordance with their club entries, in a collaborative manner.
Click here for more information on Referee Provision at this event and how the process will work
Membership Level Required: Compete
Check your BF membership and log into the platform here
If you are a member of an international federation looking to travel to enter this event, you will require a temporary membership. Find out how to apply here
Entry Fee: £75 – FIE Rules Events
£25 – IWAS Rules Events
Entry Opening Date: Monday 3rd April 2023, 10am
Entry Closing Date: Friday 19th May, mid day
Enter via the BF Events Platform
Entry Fee Support Scheme:
The BF Entry Fee Support Scheme will be in place for this event.
BF is mindful of the rising costs of attending fencing events and the potential barrier to participation this creates for some members of our community.
As a result, BF is offering a limited number of free entries to qualified fencers to attend the 2023 British Open Championships. These will be offered based on financial need, not on ability. This scheme will cover 100% of the entry fee cost.
Applications must be completed per athlete. For multiple athletes from one household, please complete separate application forms.
Applications close Wednesday 17th May 2023 at 5pm.
All applicants will be told the outcome of their application by close of play on Friday 19th May 2023 .
Ranking Points and Multipliers: Information for Senior and Junior points and multipliers can be found here
Event Welfare Officer: Liz Behnke – Contact Number: 07717740125
Please note this number is for event safeguarding matters only.
Equipment: All fencers must wear the correct kit as per British Fencing rules. This will include FIE chest protectors (m.25 4(c) ) and 800N sabre gloves (as per the rule at https://www.britishfencing.com/urgent-safety-notice-sabre-gloves/)
Masks with 2 rear safety systems are required -see further information here
Rule Changes: The new passivity rule introduced on the 1st January 2023 by the FIE will be implemented at the event.
Refreshments: Cafe and vending machines available.
Parking: Parking is available at the venue. This is run by the venue.
Referee at this event! If you would like to referee at this event, please complete the referee sign up for here
Volunteering: If you are interested in signing up to volunteer at this event, please complete the sign up form here
Media: Please note there will be filming and photography including live streaming at this event for BF purposes. If you do not give photography/filming permission for yourself or your athlete, please contact [email protected] before the event
Sustainability: As part of BFs commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our sport, no single-use plastic bottles will be permitted on the field of play. We hope that the community will support efforts in this area and ensure that everyone brings re-useable bottles to the event.
Accreditation: Accreditation will be in place for access to the Field of Play (FoP) at the event. There will be no access to the Field of Play without a Coach/Parent/Carer Accreditation.
The application process will close at 5pm on Tuesday the 30th May 2023, at which point no further applications will be accepted.
Prayer Room: There will be a prayer room available at the venue throughout the event. Please ask at reception or speak to a member of the team and they will direct you.
Disabilities: BF recognises that many disabilities are hidden and participants in competitions may need additional support throughout the event. Any disability information that you provide in your membership profile (provided that you have given permission to share) will be passed to the organising team and a member of the event welfare team will get in touch to discuss how we can help. Alternatively you can contact us in advance either by emailing the events team directly [email protected], or the BF safeguarding lead ([email protected]). Finally, you can ask speak to a member of the onsite team at check-in. Please note the earlier you raise any additional support needs the better able we are to make reasonable accommodations.
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