This weekend saw two members of the GBR Referee Pathway Programme successfully pass their FIE epee exams held in Tauber. Chiara McDermott and Kola Ayanwale were amongst a cohort of referees who recently attended a mock FIE exam held during the Cadet and Junior National Championships in London. This practice exam was delivered by world class international FIE referees Vilem Madr (CHZ & EFC referee commission) and Daniel Vasquez (ESP), supported by Adrian Speakman (GBR).
Since the initiation of the mock FIE exams in 2016, there has been a 100% pass rate.
Both referees expressed their delight at passing the FIE exams, thanking British Fencing and everyone who has supported them on their refereeing journey.
Kola Ayanwale added, “The commitment BF has shown over recent years to having top level referees at a local level and on the international stage is laudable”.
Georgina Usher, CEO said “On behalf of BF I’d like to extend my congratulations to the Pathway referees who gained their FIE licences. This result demonstrates that our referee training and development programme is producing high quality referees that meet the professional standards set by the FIE”.
Nickie Bailey, Referee Manager said, “It has been a pleasure supporting the referees on their development journey. With the GBR Referee Pathway Programme growing, and a programme of Level 3 assessments being put in place to increase numbers of referees qualified to join the Pathway Programme, this is a great time for referees to upskill and support fencing both on a domestic and international level”.
Associate Pathway member Ester Balint from Finland also passed the exam.
The work of the GBR Referee Programme is supported by UK Sport International Relation funding.
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