JULY 2021 BRC ANNOUNCEMENT

Following a further review of venue plans and risk assessment, additional measures have been confirmed for the July 2021 British Ranking Competitions (BRCs) for Cadet (U17) and Junior (U20). 

Updated 01/07/2021 below in red 

Following the previous update on the July BRC competitions, due to the government announcement of a delay to step 4 of the roadmap (England). BF has been working closely with BRC organisers to ensure that step 3 restrictions can be upheld and the competitions are a meaningful (and developmentally appropriate) competitive experience for those attending.

The initial precautionary steps taken have been reviewed ahead of the proposed entry window closing date, and the following decisions have been made:

• All Junior Events will open up to Cadet age-group athletes from Thursday 1st July until Wednesday 7th July (or earlier if entry limits are reached). Cadets wishing to enter the Junior Event for Manchester Epee or Manchester Foil (Women’s) should click here to complete an entry request form. If your place is confirmed, you will receive an email to the contact email address listed below with instructions on how to secure your place.
• The decision to allow coaches and spectators to attend events has been taken on an individual basis, based on the venue space. Where coaches and spectators are not permitted to attend, limited space will be made available for parents/guardians who are supporting athletes with additional safeguarding needs. These spaces are to be arranged with organisers directly.

The lead welfare officer will support athletes needing to contact parents/guardians who are not able to remain in the venue. Their details will be clearly displayed at the venue at check-in and contact information given to parents/guardians prior to the event.

In light of the recent uncertainty around step 4 we feel it is prudent to subject the events scheduled for after 19th July to the same measures. This will remain under continual review until further information is made available regarding restrictions from 19th July.

For all events, as with the protocol for recent major domestic championships, no coaching is to take place during the poules. Coaches/spectators are to remain within seated areas/outside of the venue whilst the poules are taking place and will be allowed piste-side from the DE stages.

All those attending the events, including coaches and spectators are reminded they are responsible for ensuring a positive atmosphere at the competition. Support should be given equally during the poule stages, with clapping at the end of the bout recommended.

The health and safety of all those attending is paramount, BF and event organisers continue to work closely to provide the best experience possible for all those taking part.

As a reminder, the intention is to have several ‘B’ events around the UK throughout the whole season, providing multiple accessible opportunities for fencers to compete. Furthermore, athletes seeking GBR selection are not expected to attend every ‘B’ event.  The decision to attend a competition needs to be a choice made by the fencers, supported by their parents and coach. Fencers are encouraged to make the right choices for their development and circumstances – just because BF provides a competitive ranking or selection opportunity it does not mean that every eligible fencer should feel they must participate.

Following this announcement, if an athlete wishes to withdraw from an event please contact the event organiser using the contact details provided as part of the entry process.

We would like to extend our thanks to the community for bearing with us during these uncertain times as we make every effort to restart competitive activity as safely as possible.

If you have any further questions about this post, please submit them to us via the form here and a member of the ADP team will come back to you.

Want to stay up to date with BF news? Subscribe to the Fencing Digest, BF’s weekly summary email featuring all the previous week’s latest news and announcements. Sign up here.