New Check-In Rules for BF Cadet & Junior National  Championships

BF will not be running a check-in desk system at the 2019 Cadet and Junior National Championships. This is being brought in to:

• increase the efficiency of the event organisation
• better deploy volunteer resources
• replicate the experience of competing at international level which includes time to analyse likely first round opponents
• allow athletes to focus on preparing for their first round poules (rather than queuing).

Fencers are expected to report to their piste, ready to fence, 15mins before the scheduled start time.

In the event that a fencer wishes to withdraw it is important that BF are notified as early as possible as per the process outlined below. Failure to follow the process will result in fines.

Poules will be drawn and displayed online at 6pm the day before the competition.  Information will also be displayed at the venue.

Withdrawal Process:

Up to 12 noon the day before: Fencers can withdraw without explanation or penalty up to 12 noon the day before their competition.  This must be done via email to [email protected] with the subject line FENCER WITHDRAWAL – C&J NATIONALS 2019. All withdrawals will be confirmed via email and a fencer should only consider the withdrawal accepted on receipt of confirmation.

Between 12 noon and 6pm: Withdrawals received via email after 12 noon until 6pm with failure to subsequently provide authenticated ‘force majeure’ (which also explains why the withdrawal was not made before 12 noon) will result in a £125 fine with their British Fencing membership suspended until payment of the fine is received. 

After 6pm the day before: Withdrawals after 6pm the day before and on the day must be done via phone and followed up with an email as per the above – number will be confirmed nearer the time. Failure to subsequently provide authenticated ‘force majeure’ (which also explains why the withdrawal was not made before 12 noon) will result in a £250 fine with their British Fencing membership suspended until payment of the fine is received. 

Thus, any fencer who has entered, not followed the withdrawal process and does not present themselves to fence on the published piste 15 minutes before the start time except in a case of properly authenticated ‘force majeure’, will be penalised with a £250 fine with their British Fencing membership suspended until payment of the fine is received.  

Footnote: this withdrawal process is very similar to the one that is followed at FIE and some EFC circuit events, although the deadlines are typically much earlier and the fines considerably higher.