1.    One designated club organiser will be responsible for organising coaching for the whole club for each of the following competition categories (including without limitation):

●    LPJS – Jane Turner
 

●    Newham Swords Junior Series – Jane Turner
 

●    BYC - Mike Keogh
 

●    EYC – Mike Keogh
 

●    Cadet Ranking Events – Cherie Daniel
 

●    Junior Ranking Events – Becky Donaghue
 

●    International:

○    EFC Cadet Events – Cherie Daniel (other than GB-selection events)
○    Challenge Wratislavia – Reedah El -Saie
○    CEP Paris Marathon – William Tsang

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2.    All of the above competitions located in London will be supported with coaches, unless extenuating circumstances dictate otherwise.  Other competitions further afield may be supported with coaches, providing the number of fencers entered can cover the necessary costs.  Where the costs are met, ZFW will make every effort to facilitate a coach attending every competition listed in the above group, wherever located.  Where the costs are not met, the organiser will contact each entrant/parent to confirm whether or not they wish to have coaching and are willing contribute to the associated higher cost.

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3.    Those designated events for which ZFW will provide coaching support will be listed on a password-protected page on the main ZFW website accessible by all ZFW full members.

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4.    In order for the single club ethos to be maintained, no personal coaches will be allowed at those competitions where designated ZFW coaching support will be provided. The only exception to this rule is where a ZFW affiliated fencer resides and attends school outside of the UK and is being provided with coaching support from their primary club. Obviously should the fencer be drawn against another ZFW fencer the ‘no coaching’ rule will still apply.
 
5.    The most senior coach (often Ziemek) will designate, for each coach, a list of fencers to look after at the outset of the competition.  If no designation has been prepared, coaches in attendance will designate on the day; coaches will also coach on the basis of availability at any particular time.  Clearly, as the competition develops, the fencer/coach designation will be subject to change as natural elimination occurs. The coaches will remain until the last ZFW fencer is eliminated.
 
6.    When ZFW provides coaching support at a competition, the coaches will use their experience to maximise the coaching support provided to all ZFW club fencers (who have opted to avail themselves of club coaching). All designated coaches will remain at the competition to support all ZFW fencers (who have opted to avail themselves of club coaching) until the last ZFW fencer is eliminated.

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7.    It should be expected and acceptable that in some cases a ZFW fencer will not have coaching support due to all coaches being busy with other ongoing fights. It is important to develop in our fencers a growing level of self-reliance and independent thinking. Being without a coach at some bouts should be perceived as a positive situation as it is a perfect opportunity for the fencer to develop a higher level of maturity and independence.

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8.    When two ZFW fencers are fencing each other it is imperative that no coaching, talking, cheering will take place from coaches, parent-coaches, parents and fellow fencers. All ZFW coaches, fencers are expected to remain neutral whilst the bout is taking place. This is to benefit not only their own fencer, but the other fellow ZFW opponent recognizing that this is an awkward situation for both. At the conclusion of the bout, it is common practice within the fencing community to clap for both fencers’ performances.

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9.    There will be one set of fees for all ZFW coaching staff for competition support. The fee category is as follows:
●    Qualified Coaches (Member of British Fencing Coaching register): £120/day
●    Senior Coaches: £100/day
●    Junior Coaches (U20): £90/day
●    Cadet Coaches (U17): £50/day

 

10.    To ensure the correct support can be provided to all ZFW fencers, for those competitions where ZFW has committed to provide coaching support, there will be a published deadline by which a fencer must indicate their desire, via an email to the designated event organiser, to receive ZFW coaching support. Missing that deadline may result in no coaching support.

 

11.    Once the ZFW published deadline for coaching support has passed, all fencers who have requested coaching support via email will be considered to have committed to the associated coaching cost.  In the event that a fencer, regardless of the reason, withdraws from the competition, it should be noted that there will be no refunds. 

 

12.    Annually, ZFW coaching staff will work with those ZFW fencers, who regularly compete in tournaments, to map out a training and competition programme for them. In lessons, during club sessions, the fencers and the lesson coach may  spend a few minutes discussing progress as it relates to the individual fencer’s development.

 

13.    Coaches are expected to be at the venue at least one hour before the first event starts. Should there be a considerable number of fencers attending, the coach/es are then expected to be at the venue relatively earlier. The attending senior coach/es is/are expected to prepare a warm-up lessons list at least a day in advance and send the list  to all fencers/parents involved. Lessons should be no longer than 15 minutes for each fencer. If there is more than one coach in attendance, Ziemek will assign seniority status. Lateness is unacceptable as it unprofessional.

 

14.    Coaches are expected to wear ZFW t-shirts and/or ZFW hoodies at the recognised competitions.

 

15.    In the event that the ZFW coaching procedures, outlined above, are not adhered to, the consequence of this behaviour may result in a request by ZFW to leave the club.

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