The UK Sport Performance Matrix is a performance monitoring and evaluation tool used by BF.
The UK Sport Performance Matrix is designed to assess and track the performance of sports and the athletes, with the goal of optimising medal-winning potential at major international competitions such as the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
The Performance Matrix allows UK Sport and Sports to monitor the progress and performance of individual athletes and the sport. It provides a structured framework for assessing and comparing performance over time, identifying areas of improvement, and making data-informed decisions.
The BF Performance Matrix comprises a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that are specific to fencing. These KPIs are typically based on a range of factors, including physical attributes, technical skills, psychological factors, and competition results.
The exact KPIs used were developed in conjunction with Pathway coaches, and staff from BF, UK Sport, and the English Institute for Sport. These KPIs in the BF Performance Matrix provide the requirements for each stage of the BF Pathway Standards and to the UK Sport High Performance Pathway from Academy to Future Medal Winning Standard.
The 6 defined areas in the BF Performance Matrix are:
Performance Matrix – Academy Standards
| INDIVIDUAL MATRIX | ACADEMY STANDARD |
| Adaptability and Decision Making (to deliver fight strategy & select and execute successful actions) | Ability to understand & prepare to deliver 4 match plans inc. Opponent Analysis, Own Strengths/Weakness against opponent inc. Defensive plan, Attacking plan. |
| Consistency of Performance – Senior World Ranking or % finishing position across season at FIE Competitions (Excluding Satellite events) | Top 120 WR or Top 40% finishing place across season |
| Commitment and Mental Resilience | Adherence to adequate training load 2 x quality training per day (10-12 sessions per week, 25-35 hours per week) |
| Technical Excellence | Able to Control & Dominate distance, and execute a successful action at the right time (tempo), plus able to score with 1-2 Super Strengths |
| Physical & Psychological capacity to tolerate training load and achieve target at competition | Developing the skills to become psychologically self-reliant and physically robust, with sound motor function and baseline fitness to tolerate increasing load in training and competition (i.e., ability to maintain performance over 120-180 mins of fencing) |
| % wins against World Ranked Fencers at FIE Competitions (Excluding Satellites) | 33% wins against World Ranked Top 64 fencers in the DE stages |
The Performance Matrix is used in conjunction with other performance management tools, such as the Individual Athlete Development Plans (IADP) plans, trajectory modelling and performance reviews, to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to talent development, and performance optimisation.
Percentage Finishes Used in the Senior Qualification Standards
The longitudinal data being collected at this time is indicating that across all weapons that 35% finish data is more relevant to the current competition situation and a target to be aimed for in the future selection policies.
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