CANCELLATION OF SENIOR NATIONALS 2020

In light of ongoing and varying COVID-19 restrictions across the UK, BF announces the cancellation of the Senior Nationals 2020.

The Senior Nationals were originally postponed from April 2020 due to national lockdown restrictions. In June 2020, BF announced a new provisional date  (December 2020), giving as much time as possible for the situation to improve.

Since that announcement, BF has been exploring the options for running a Senior National Championships which adheres to government guidance.

In light of the recent and ever changing situation related to ongoing and heightening COVID-19 restrictions across the UK, we have taken the decision to cancel the 2020 Senior Nationals.

Athletes who had entered the competition will be automatically refunded through the Sport80 platform. No action will be required. Refunds may take several working days to come through. Athletes who have still not received their refund by Monday 9th November should contact [email protected].

We understand that this will cause disappointment to all those due to take part, including fencers, coaches and volunteers.

We are currently working on plans to restart to small scale, localised competitions, with a flexible format to adapt to ongoing restrictions. Our plans will be submitted to DCMS and Sport England for their consideration.  As always, the health and safety of all our athletes, coaches and volunteers must remain our priority.

Georgina Usher said, “With large indoor sporting events unlikely in the short to medium term, we must now redouble our efforts, supporting our volunteers and coaches to rebuild our clubs at local levels. We are extremely grateful for all the efforts being made by our community to get fencing restarted in line with the approved BF guidelines and changing local restrictions.

The ongoing support of our members at this time is crucial. Simply by staying a member you are helping to restart and rebuild fencing across the UK, for current and future generations of fencers.”

BF will continue to update our COVID-19 advice here. You can also subscribe to our new weekly summary email featuring the previous week’s latest news and announcements. Sign up here.