Last Updated 08.09.2022

The Referee Pathway Programme’s (RPP) main purpose is to identify GBR’s top-level domestic referees (L3) and support them to achieve international success as FIE referees. The goal is to create more GBR referees capable of refereeing internationally as a FIE referee at future Olympics and Senior World Championships.

The RPP supports these future FIE candidates through a provision of training, mentoring and competition experiences.

By investing in up-skilling our top referees the intention is that this will help increase the standard of refereeing domestically within BF events with the aim to better support our current and future GBR fencers in their performance goals.

A full description of the RPP as it was originally set out can be found  here.

Objectives

1. Increase the influence and reputation that GB have at international level. We will do this by increasing the number of qualified referees active at FIE level who are able to support our international aims and objectives
2. Increase the standard of refereeing at the highest level of competition in the UK. We will do this by providing active UK based referees the opportunity to further develop their skills.

Responsibilities

The RPP is responsible for allocating and providing opportunities for BF international referees to gain the necessary training, international experience and qualifications.

As such those on the Pathway will be allocated opportunities to

• officiate at EFC level tournaments (to gain EFC ‘C’ level qualifications)
• officiate on the Junior World Cup circuit (FIE qualifications required)
• participate in CPD seminars and training days aimed at international level referees organised by BF
• enter FIE exams

Joining the RPP

It is important to note that once qualified the FIE require a 10 year commitment to refereeing at this level, but enforce retirement the season after your 60th birthday. Referees who are within 10 years of this date are therefore very unlikely to be accepted onto this pathway.

BF runs an open application for those referees who wish to develop their refereeing abilities further.

Additional Considerations

As a member of the RPP, it is worth considering your current life style commitments when planning for your first FIE exam, especially if aiming for selection onto the FIE Master List. The FIE will expect newly qualified FIE referees to be refereeing the mid- latter stages of JWC DE’s  within two years, and preparing for their second weapon FIE exam. Therefore the timing of sitting the first FIE exam is critical so you can dedicate appropriate time in the following 2-4 years to reach the level required to be submitted for the FIE Master List.

Please complete the application form and enclose a brief summary of your recent relevant refereeing experience.

Applications should be made via [email protected]
Once accepted onto the pathway please complete and return the acceptance form to [email protected]

Referee Pathway Register

The Referee Pathway Register is updated annually as part of the annual GBR pathway review to reflect the updated status of each individual referee and can be seen here 

Annual GBR Pathway Review

As part of the annual process for allocating and selecting referees for nominated Internationals BF will conduct a review of the Referee Pathway Programme. This  takes into account the individual referees commitment to British Fencing run competitions and to their international progression towards the FIE qualification.

This review will include

• Review of the aims and objectives
• Review the progress of the activities
• Review of the/any budget and expenditure
• Assessment of individual applications and expressed CPD requests
• Current membership of the pathway – re-categorising referees using the internally held Referee Reviewing activities of current members and adjusting Activity log, feedback from and from any British Fencing run FIE mock exams and/or seminars.

As a result of the annual review this page will be updated and republished alongside the current Referee Pathway Programme membership list.

Points also considered ;

• Purpose of Pathway
• Planning of seminars
• Annual review of member’s activity both BF domestic events and Nominated international comps.
• Prioritising FIE candidates and implementation of intermediate level prior to exam – focused mentoring to enable success at FIE exam
• Removal of those not complying with pathway conditions

Prioritisation of C Candidates for FIE Exams

In order to sit an FIE exam a referee must have a C level EFC refereeing qualification. These are only valid for two seasons from the award date.

BF will prioritise these FIE candidates with mentoring, preparation and mock FIE exams to support the goal of passing the exam. Candidates unwilling to participate in these training opportunities may be withdrawn from the exam.

Pathway Levels

BF have redefined the pathway levels based on the new C level requirement. These levels are per weapon (ie you can be Candidate C in sabre and Candidate FIE in another)

• Candidate Senior A (Weapon) – FIE looking for A listing
• Candidate FIE (Weapon) – candidates for FIE exams in next 3 years (must have C grade)
• Candidate C (Weapon) – C grade Candidates
• Candidate D – looking to regularly achieve Domestic Nationals Final
• Inactive – ie those who temporarily cannot commit due to lifestyle reasons

(Associate members are a separate level and will be used to support GB Team needs whilst also recognising their support for BF competitions)

The selection for and attendance at International nominated competitions should prioritise those within the promotable level.

Pathway Development Categories

In addition referees are given the opportunity to further self categorise to better inform the processed around training, development prioritisation of international allocation & selection.

Minimum Criteria to join/remain on the Referee Pathway Programme