CONSULTATION OPENS ON 2026-27 SELECTION POLICIES

An opportunity for the community to provide feedback on the GBR Selection Policy by June 23rd before it is sent to the BF Board for approval.

• Draft GBR Selection Policy For Consultation 
• Consultation Form
• Closing Date – 23rd June 2026, 5pm

Annually, the GBR Selection and BF Ranking Policies are updated and provided to the community for consultation and subsequent finalisation and approval by the Board.

Throughout the season, BF collates feedback about the policies and this is considered when next season’s policies are drafted.

Below is a list of the proposed changes to the Selection Policy. The anticipated changes to the Ranking Policies are also listed in advance of the full Ranking Policy document being made available for consultation.

GBR Selection Policy Change Summary

Key changes in the draft for the 2026–27 season (highlighted in yellow) include:

• • Clearer definition of events included within the selection policy
  • Refined wording of the general selection principles (section 5.3.1)
  • Coaches may be required to provide evidence of readiness to compete (section 6.1.8)
  • Additional post-selection safeguarding and sport integrity measures (items 41 and 42)
  • Improved clarity on qualification criteria for final placing percentages (section 53.e)
  • Revised minimum points thresholds to align with proposed changes to the BF Ranking Scheme (section 53.f)
  • Adjustment of EFC Festival selection numbers to six places, in line with 2026 availability

The updated draft 2026-27 Selection Policy is now available for member feedback using this form here. The deadline for comment is 23rd June 5pm.

Anticipated Ranking Policy Change Summary

For Seniors and U23s only, the number of counting results will increase from six to seven, while the maximum number of international results counting will remain at four.

Pilot project to introduce a new BF Para Fencing ranking, adopting the existing BF ranking points tables for placings.

European Games Nomination Policy

As the European Championships form part of the European Olympic Games, selection authority sits with the National Olympic Committee. Consequently, BF’s role differs, with performance standards and the Nomination Policy requiring review and approval by a wider group of stakeholders. BF’s intention is to propose the same qualification performance standards currently used for the World Championships, which were also applied for the 2026 European Championships.

Any athlete wishing to compete is strongly advised to re-read the October 2025 announcement – INCLUSION OF 2027 EURO CHAMPS IN EURO GAMES – SELECTION PROCESS UPDATE.

Disclaimer: This news post is for information only and does not replace the official approved Selection Policy document. Athletes, coaches and parents must read the full policy when approved. Appeals cannot be based on content in this post.

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