Cadet and Junior Selection
Cadet International Programme 2011-2012
There have been a few key changes to the Cadet International Programme for this coming season. The Cadet age group is the first phase of our Talent Development Programme and as such, the National Academy will now deliver the International Cadet programme for the season. The focus is on the "Training to Train" age group of Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and as such the National Academy Programme will include both domestic athlete development sessions and international competitions. This is now delivered as one annual programme, not as a series of training camps, sessions and trips to competitions abroad.
These changes are driving a cultural shift within out talent pathway and as such British Fencing is aware that fencers, parents and coaches may have lots of questions. The IC have produced a Communiqué to explain these changes. Please take the time to read through the scheme itself, the original notes and the Communiqué as it should answer any questions you may have:
Communiqué on the Cadet International Programme - 08.06.11
For further information on LTAD or "Training to Train" click here
If you have any further questions, your British Fencing representative is your Cadet Weapon Captain - or alternatively contact the Academy staff through the contacts in the Communiqué above. FAQs have been copied below for convenience and the IC will happily update if one of your questions has not been answered:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (last updated 09.06.2011)
What is the National Academy and why is it so important?
The National Academy has been established by British Fencing to assist in the development of one strand of their key strategic objectives: winning Senior Olympic Gold medals.
The International Committee (IC) asked the National Academy to make proposals for next season’s cadet policy which were aligned with this strategy and with the long term view of performing on the senior world stage. If the Board of British Fencing had focused on a different strategy, the proposal would have been entirely different. Evidence has shown that by letting fencers develop their own training and competition plans has brought us to about 12-14th in the world. If we want to achieve Olympic gold medals, we need to change our approach.
As such the National Academy has been set up as a continuous programme, running through the season across multiple sites, to put into practice principles for the long term success of the sport and of the individual. The National Academy is NOT a stand-alone 1 week camp.
Why is the focus on Training?
The National Academy is based on Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles, specifically the ‘training to train phase’ of the process with the cadet age group.
Competing is not the focus of this phase, although it will occur as part of the training process for future success. Through research and discussion, the National Academy staff currently feel that many ‘cadet’ aged fencers have programmes which are “rankings driven” and compete against the wrong level of opposition, interrupt regular training to compete and compete just to gain ranking points. This current process may produce short term results as a cadet or junior but limits the potential to win Senior Olympic medals. Success at cadet level at a World, European or Domestic level is great to have but it is not the key focus of The National Academy.
Evidence has shown that fencers and their coaches have benefited from holistic education, for example on strength and conditioning. The outcome of the inaugural National Academy last year highlighted that fencers are not fit enough, with inadequate core strength and balance to undertake the volume of fencing training required to be gold standard.
How does this impact on selection for GBR?
The National Academy will be the “front door” to national representation, to allow us to establish a culture within our cadets which continues throughout the talent pipeline to senior level. Therefore any decisions will be made with the long term performance view in mind. The aim is to enable every fencer whatever their current standard the opportunity to create their own individual short, medium, and long term training and competition plan.
I have been told the National Academy in the summer is mandatory?
The National Academy pre season camp is not mandatory (contrary to interpretation). Due to the timescale of the announcement and publication of the document the IC will allow extenuating circumstances for non attendance at the National Academy pre- season camp, as long as they attend the other sessions throughout the year. To be part of the 2011/12 National Academy programme there are at least 7 opportunities:
- August 7-13th
- Regional training days on Sep 4th, Oct 23rd, Nov 6th, Jan 22nd
- Possible international camp late Dec.
- February 18,19th
- March 17,18th
What are the key changes to the Selection policy for 2011/12?
- reduce the number of overseas competitions from 4 to 3 nominated events
- reduce the selected number of fencers travelling in each weapon to the top 12 ranked fencers
- World Championship team will be the top 3 ranked fencers (+1 nominated non-travelling reserve)
- European Championship team will be the top 4 ranked fencers (+1 nominated non-travelling reserve)
- The National Academy to be the pipeline for the World and European cadet championships
- 0 points will carry over from the previous season ranking points
But I need to attend International events to get better?
The National Academy staff are very aware that quality domestic and international competition is a key area for the future development of every fencer. They are looking at developing programme options to increase the exposure of a wider group of cadet aged fencers, who are part of the National Academy, to relevant, good quality national and international experiences in training and competition. Competing abroad (in appropriate events) should not be limited solely to the highest ranked individuals.
There are also 6 non-nominated European Cadet Circuit events that any cadet can apply to go to, to gain experience. Enquiries to the Weapon Captain.
Won’t this cost more money?
We are working very hard on programmes to reduce the overall cost of the National Academy programme throughout the season, without reducing quality, so reducing the number of unnecessary foreign trips and training camps is one step. We have also pledged to assist any fencer who is in need and we have put significant funding towards the last season’s GBR trips. We will be supporting the National Academy and the GBR team for the Europeans and Worlds in the same way.
We are also aware of the pressures on young fencers and their parents in terms of time, finances, expectations and mainstream education. There is already some help available for those in financial need, however, we are working on a number of plans to reduce the cost of National Academy attendance, without compromising continuous improvements in quality. As soon as these plans are finalised we will publish details; we hope you will understand if we don't release details until they are definite.
I still have further questions, who do I ask?
Whilst the National Academy has made great strides in the relatively short time it has been running, it is not yet as good as we would like it to be and we will endeavour to listen, learn and develop it into the best fencing system in Europe. We are working behind the scenes to develop more quality experiences in a training and competition environment in a funded package for a wider group of talented, motivated and skilful fencers. We would like to take all coaches, clubs, fencers and parents with us on the journey in order to be part of and to own future British Senior International Medal success.
If you have further comments, questions or worries, please contact Alan Rapley, Academy Manager or Clare Halsted.
ARCHIVE:
2010-2011
Cadet Ranking Scheme 2010-2011 (Amended 25/10/2010)
Junior Ranking Scheme 2010-2011 - (Amended 25/10/2011
Cadet and Junior Nominated Events 2010-2011- Sabre
Cadet and Junior Calendar 2010-2011- Epee
Cadet and Junior Calendar 2010-2011- Foil
2009-2010
British Fencing Selection Ranking List Calendar 2009/2010
Junior Ranking Scheme 2009/2010
Cadet Ranking Scheme 2009/2010
Cadet Men's Foil Ranking Scheme 2009/2010
Cadet Women's Foil Ranking Scheme 2009/2010
Junior Men's Foil Ranking Scheme 2009/2010
Junior Women's Foil Ranking Scheme 2009/2010