COMMUNITY AWARDS CRITERIA 2023-24
Last updated 12th November 2024
The British Fencing Community Awards recognises some of the best clubs, coaches, fencers and volunteers for their contribution to fencing.
Nominations opened Monday 11th November 2024 for the for 2023-24 Awards. They will close at midnight on the 12th January 2025.
Due it being an Olympic and Paralympic year, this awards period will cover 1st September 2023 – 7th September 2024 to recognise this.
Please note that all nominees must have held the appropriate valid BF Membership for the Year 2023-24. *In the case of the Viveca Abrahams award no BF membership is required, please detail the project’s name and contact details instead*.
Please read the BF Awards Terms and Conditions before nominating.
PERFORMANCE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
A nominee for ‘Performance Athlete of the Year 2023-24’ will meet some of the following criteria:
- Have achieved significant success at FIE level or World Abilitysport level
- Achieved significant success at International level
- Achieved success at Paralympic, World or Zonal Championships
- Achieved something no other GB fencer has previously achieved in a competitive environment
- Be a positive role model for young fencers
- Portray a positive image of fencing to those outside the sport
YOUNG ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (U20)
A nominee for ‘Young Athlete of the Year (U20) 2023-24 must be aged 20 or below on 1st January 2024, and meet some of the following criteria:
- Achieved significant success at International level
- Achieved something no other GB fencer has previously in a competitive environment
- Be a positive role model for young fencers
- Portray a positive image of fencing to those outside the sport
GBR COACH OF THE YEAR
A nominee for ‘GBR Coach of the Year 2023-24’ must coach GBR athletes, and meet some of the below criteria:
- A coach who has played a role and supported the athlete(s) to gain significant results during the 2023/24 season
- Demonstrates a player-centred approach and are an example of innovative coaching practice
- A role model of best practice to others within the fencing coaching community
- Demonstrates a positive and continuous learning attitude in their development as a coach
COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR
A nominee for ‘Community Coach of the Year 2023-24’ must coach at a community club. They must also meet some of the below criteria:
- A coach who works within a club or specific community, providing suitable and relevant coaching to meet the needs of the fencer(s) at their current stage of development, whilst delivering in their club or community setting
- Actively seeks to grow fencing within their local area, serving the needs of the wider community and has had a positive impact on widening access to fencing, through their role as a coach
- A role model of best practice to others within the fencing coaching community
- Demonstrates a positive and continuous learning attitude in their development as a coach
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION BY A REFEREE
The ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Referee’ category recognises the much-valued contribution and dedication to fencing.
Nominees for this award must also meet some of the below criteria:
- Regularly supports the fencing community through officiation
- Respects all involved within fencing and demonstrates good sportsmanship
- Are a positive role model for other officials within the sport
- Involved in development activities, both for their own professional development, and that of other officials
- Demonstrates commitment to self-improvement, education and training
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION BY A VOLUNTEER
The ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer’ category recognises those who have made a significant contribution of time and effort to their club and/or BF.
Nominees for this award must also meet some of the below criteria:
- Have made a notable commitment of their personal time to volunteering
- Provide invaluable voluntary support to their club and/or BF
- Positively impacted their club/community/event
- Supported a number of competitions- local, regional, national or international and/or fencing within their local community
CLUB OF THE YEAR
Nominees for ‘Club of the Year 2023-24’ must be a BF affiliated club, and meet some of the below criteria:
- Commitment to be an inclusive club and provide opportunities for all to take part in fencing in their local community.
- Are positive role models, particularly in areas such as safeguarding and athlete welfare
- Have a strong coach development structure, with evidence of coach progression
- Support their athletes in every way possible to achieve the best results
VIVECA ABRAHAMS MEMORIAL COMMUNITY AWARD
A nominee for the ‘Viveca Abrahams Memorial community Award 2023-24’ can be any project that provides fun and engaging experiences in fencing, helping people to start and achieve personal success in the sport. The project could have:
- Seen increased participation and enjoyment in the sport
- Demonstrated innovative practice or opportunities
- Had positive impact within their community for underrepresented groups such as ethnically diverse communities, disabled people or women and girls
- Used fencing as a tool to positively impact people’s lives e.g. improve wellbeing or increasing opportunities to be physically active.
*In the case of the Viveca Abrahams award no BF membership is required, please detail the project’s name and contact details instead*.
Or you can return to the BF Community Awards Zone
