INTERNATIONAL FENCING CAMPS – ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

last updated 01.02.2024

Attending International Fencing Camps is a great way to supplement your training programme and prepare for International Competitions. It can also be a fun way to spend your summer holidays!

Questions to ask yourself (as a parent or an athlete):

• Does the camp offer what you want/need? Try and speak to people who have been on the camp before – coaches, athletes or parents.
• Who is running the camp? Is it being run by a federation/a club/a school or even a fencing coach. Remember the location doesn’t mean that the camp is being endorsed or overseen by a responsible body, venues can often be hired by anyone.
• Who are the coaches involved? Are these local/national/international?
• What is the accommodation like? Will you be sharing room, toilet facilities etc. Will the accommodation be staffed or are you just using a local hotel?
• What is the safeguarding structure – is there a visible safeguarding policy, is there a named safeguarding/welfare?
• What is the balance of ability and age groups? Is this a camp primarily for people over 18 – in which case how suitable is it for minors?
• Remember most countries do not have the same welfare structure that we do in the UK and laws (eg around alcohol) and cultural norms may vary.
• Is there a programme of activities for when you aren’t fencing? Will these be available to the U18s?
• What does a normal day look like?
• What are the protocols in place in case of illness or injury – will there be medical cover at the camp? How close is the nearest hospital?
• Do you have the right travel insurance – not all policies will cover fencing.

BF Recommends:

• Athletes under the age of 16 should have a parent/guardian with them. This could be a registered BF Coach or Welfare Officer – ideally with Team Manager training.
• Unaccompanied athletes aged 16/17 need to risk assess with their parent/ guardian and coach.

GBR Contact Us
For general support/international competition administration/urgent queries, please email us via GBR Support.

For feedback and questions, use the pathway/ADP queries form.

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