The European Fencing Confederation (EFC) has confirmed its decision to create a U14 circuit of international competitions.
Competitions such as the Paris Marathon, Challenge Wratislavia and other competition allows young fencers to gain experience in competing against fencers from other countries. The EFC was piloting Under 14 competitions to complement these opportunities for fencers and provide a competition structure beneath the Cadet age group (Under 17). A number of BF fencers took these opportunities to gain their first international fencing experience to support their development.
Details of the new circuit are explained in this letter: EFC Letter
BF, along with our Home Countries, are currently reviewing how we can best support this with a focus on the long-term development of fencers with appropriate and competition-supported opportunities.
The U14 events will be added to the GBR Calendars in due course. For now, fencers can find details about the competitions using the following link: EFC Calendar and by selecting the U14 category.
Where applicable in the competition information, it may be that BF has to enter fencers wishing to take part in the competition. To enter these events, fencers must complete the following form: BF Entry Form
Current entry timescales to enter these events still remain to allow BF time to process the entry and any required EFC licenses.
Submission of the form must be received by midnight 18 days prior to the date of the event. It will take up to 2 working days to process your form and take payment.
The final cut-off for all payments will be no later than midnight 13 days (normally a Thursday) prior to the event.
As an example, if the EFC event is on Sunday 24th of October, the deadlines are:
Please note the contact hours for BF Head Office here. Typical working hours are 9 am-5 pm so anything received after this time will not be actioned until the next working day.
Equipment levels required for these events are at a higher standard than the current domestic equipment requirements so it is important that athletes/coaches and parents have read the competition reglements before completing the entry form.
Currently, these events will not be eligible for BF ranking points and this will form part of the wider discussion between BF and the Home Countries. As a principle, the entry must be for the purposes of learning and enjoyment, to support the athlete’s overall development whilst building up positive experiences.
The EFC is looking to hold a final Championship with each weapon having its final event held in a different city. Details or whether athletes will be considered for this event will be determined once the Home Countries have met.
More details about these events will follow and will be updated via our news posts. As the circuit is still in its early implementation, some of the procedures for managing entries may change.
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