Competition Gender Policy Review – How to share your views

Summary of the upcoming opportunities to share your views as BF starts reviewing its Competition Gender Policy.

We recently announced that over the coming months, British Fencing (BF) will be consulting with members and engaging with community groups and other relevant stakeholders as we go through the process of reviewing our Competition Gender Policy to ensure that it is reflective of the current research and other considerations for our sport in this area.

The purpose of this post is to summarise the main opportunities for people (both fencers and potential fencers) to share their views and have their say over the next few months as input into the review:

1. All British Fencing members over the age of 18 will receive a survey (expected early September). This survey is being run by University of Hertfordshire and BF will only received anonymised results.
   Within the survey there will be opportunities for members to make their views known via freeform comment fields and members can also provide links to additional published research if they wish that to be brought to our attention. (If you are a member please check your communication preferences in the BF membership platform – we can only send you an email if you have given us permission)
2. When we open the survey for members, we will also provide an opportunity for individuals not in the fencing community, and other organisations to submit their views direct to us.
3. A sample of members will be identified by researchers for deeper qualitative research/interview. To ensure anonymity, the interviews will be undertaken by independent researchers who will anonymise and share the key findings with BF.
4. We will be reaching out to affiliated clubs, Home Nations and other representative bodies in the fencing community to provide opportunities for engagement and input.
5. BF will also be offering the opportunity for various lobbying groups to meet with us to share their thoughts and hear the diverse views of different groups.

Please note:

1) During this information and views gathering process ,we are not in a position to engage in debate with individuals or organisations on this topic. If we receive unsolicited emails from people we will direct them to this post where they can review the opportunities to input into the process.

2) Whilst we appreciate that this topic can be emotive we will have zero tolerance for any harassment or abuse towards any member of the BF community, including staff and volunteers.