WELCOME

Hosts: Chris Turner (BF Coaching & Workforce Development Manager), Giulia Enright (BF Commercial Administrator)

For coaches and those thinking of entering coaching to find out more on what the coaching pathway looks like, what each course involves, as well as the other development opportunities available.

Learning Objectives:

• Find out what the coaching pathway involves.
• Learn more about other coach development opportunities.
• Understand We Are Forging Futures and the opportunities available in this space.

Guest Speakers:

• Nik Diaper (Head of Paralympic Performance Support for UK Sports Institute)
• Piers Gilliver (2024 Paralympic medallist)
• Dimitri Coutya (2024 Double Paralympic Champion)

Host: Rick Rodgers (BF Inclusion Manager (Disability))

Join an expert panel including Nik Diaper, Head of Paralympic Performance Support for UK Sports Institute, and Paralympic medallists Piers Gilliver and Dimitri Coutya. Explore the world of Paralympic sport and particularly wheelchair fencing. Hosted by BF Inclusion Manager (Disability) Rick Rodgers, the session promises to be both informative and thought-provoking.

About the guest speakers:

Nik Diaper:

Nik Diaper is currently Deputy Director for Performance Planning at the UK Sports Institute (UKSI). Prior to this, Nik was Head of Paralympic Performance and has over 18 years experience working in elite Paralympic sport.

Piers Gilliver:

Piers Gilliver is the 2020 Men’s Individual Epee A Paralympic Champion, becoming the first British Paralympic Champion since Carol Walton in 1988. He was also part of the foil team – himself, Dimitri Coutya and Oliver Lam-Watson – that claimed silver. They also won bronze in the team foil event. Before this, he won silver at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. More recently, he claimed double silver in epee and sabre at the 2024 Games in Paris.

Piers tried wheelchair fencing for the first time in 2010 at his local club in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Two years later, he attended ParalympicsGB’s Paralympic Inspiration Programme, allowing him to experience the atmosphere of the London 2012 Games.

In 2022, Piers was awarded an MBE for services to fencing.

Dimitri Coutya:

Dimitri Coutya is the 2024 Double Paralympic Champion, claiming the title in both Individual Foil and Epee B. In doing so, he became the first British fencer to win individual foil gold since Cyril Thomas in 1964. His subsequent epee gold took ParalympicsGB’s overall gold medal tally to surpass Tokyo’s 41 medals. He also won silver in the foil team event alongside Piers Gilliver and Oliver Lam-Watson, as well as bronze in the team epee.

At Paris 2024, Dimitri became the first British Paralympian to be selected to fence in all three weapons. Before this, he won two individual bronze medals at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, as well as silver and bronze in the foil and epee team events. Dimitri was selected to train with the squad attending the London 2012 Paralympic Games, being selected as part of the ParalympicsGB’s Paralympic Inspiration Programme.

In 2024, Dimitri was awarded an MBE for services to fencing.

Host: Harry Brown (BF Head of Licensing)

This is a pre-recorded session.

Join us for a bite-sized introduction to We Are Forging Futures, in association with British Fencing. Harry Brown will give a holistic overview of the programme, discussing the following:

• • What is We Are Forging Futures?
  • Who is We Are Forging Futures for?
  • What are the learning outcomes?
  • Where can We Are Forging Futures be delivered?
  • How are teachers/coaches trained for fencing delivery?
  • What equipment will I need?
  • Are there fencing lesson plans available?
  • How do you track children’s progress?
  • Who is currently partnered?
  • How do I find out more and get involved?

Hosts: Abigail Dicks (BF Events & Membership Manager), Georgina Usher (BF CEO)

In order to have valid insurance, coaches, club administrators and competition organisers need to have risk assessments in place.

This session will cover the basics of creating a risk assessment – how to identify, record and control risks, with the help of a simple template.

We will also update you on the risks that we would expect to see recorded and discuss the options to control and minimise these risks.

Learning Objectives:

• • How to identify, describe, measure and control risk.
  • How to document a simple risk assessment.
  • Understand the main risks in fencing environments and options to control and minimise them.

Guest Speaker: Gemma Collis (GBR Para Fencer & Paralympian)

Host: Grace Batey (BF Performance Athlete Support Coordinator)

Join us for a thought-provoking and empowering Q&A with Paralympian Gemma Collis, as we discuss navigating sport as a female athlete and how this intersects with having a disability. Gemma balances life as an athlete and life as a BBC Assistant Producer, so we will be delving into the hows of balancing two great careers.

Learning Objectives:

• Increase understanding and awareness of life as a female athlete.
• Increase awareness of the importance of the athlete voice and lived experiences.
• Directions for the future – how can fencing become more inclusive to female and disabled athletes?

About Gemma Collis:

Gemma Collis has represented Great Britain at every Paralympic Games since her debut at London 2012. She has won 20 World Cup medals, and also made history as the first British woman to win a Wheelchair Fencing World Cup in 2018. Following her World Cup victory in Pisa in 2023, she became world number one in the Women’s Epee Cat A.

In 2022, Gemma was presented a poster on ‘The Power of Disability Sport to Change the Lives of Women with Disabilities’ at the International Working Group on Women and Sport World Conference in Aukland, New Zealand. She also has a career in media, and has worked as an assistant producer for BBC Sport.

Guest Speakers: Brian Brittain and Paul Abrahams

Host: Abigail Dicks (BF Events & Membership Manager)

This will be a ‘how to’ session for users of the platform (www.ukratings.co.uk/). Brian and Paul will discuss running events, and how competition organisers can using rating events to make their events more financially sustainable.

The session will also cover what we’ve learnt from the Ratings projects about people that compete, and how that might factor into what clubs and competition organisers provide.

Host: Giulia Enright (BF Commercial Administrator)

Learn all about We Are Forging Futures and who it’s for. Find out how the programme is delivered, its impact and learning outcomes, the equipment involved, and how you can get involved. Find out more about our newly-launched WOW Fencing Experience Day, as well as how We Are Forging Futures implements the BF Achievement Awards and Core Coach course.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the brand and offering for the education sector and activity providers.
• Learn about how physical literacy and themed swordplay connects with children and young people.
• Learn about the inclusive impact that fencing is having on non-sporty participants and individuals with special educational needs.

Host: Lorraine Rose (BF Project Officer – Workforce Development)

Are you interested in flying abroad, meeting new people and supporting fencers? By getting qualified as an International Team Manager, you can help your club provide opportunities for athletes to compete and train abroad.

You must have completed and received a Domestic Team Manager certificate to attend an International Team Manager course.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe and discuss the roles and responsibilities of a BF Performance Team Manager (PTM) when taking fencing groups or squads to international camps or competitions.
• By building on previous experience, enable the implementation and use of risk assessments for unknown international events.
• Build confidence in planning and managing an international event including squad and officials, plus external groups.
• Be able to complete an international event PTM report.

Host: Grace Batey (BF Performance Athlete Support Coordinator)

Clarify the importance of the coach’s role in supporting athlete IADPs, and understand the benefits towards progress and performance. This session is for coaches.

Learning Objectives:

• Raise awareness of the importance of IADPs.
• Clarify the steps coaches can take to help the implementation of IADPs.
• Understand the purposeful and progressive nature of IADPs.

Guest Speaker: Aimee Aronica (GBR Para Fencer and Coach)

Host: Rick Rodgers (BF Inclusion Manager (Disability))

Aimee Aronica shares her journey from a standing fencer to para fencer and coach. Aimee reminds us that not all standing fencers are non-disabled, and discusses how that can impact coaching and training. She’ll reflect on the process of transitioning from a standing to wheelchair fencer. She’ll also discuss how she’s converted her coaching skills from standing to seated fencing, including the similarities and differences between the disciplines.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the differences and similarities between seated and standing fencing.
• Understand how to transition from standing coaching to seated coaching.

About Aimee Aronica:

Aimee is a para fencer and standing and seated coach at Nottingham University Fencing Club. She plays a key role in wheelchair fencing outreach and development. Aimee helps to introduce newcomers to the sport by volunteering at taster events and supporting fencers’ progression into the GBR Pathway programme. This year, she competed at her first Para Fencing World Cup in Eger, Hungary.

In 2024, Aimee won a BF Honours award for services to wheelchair fencing and coaching.

Guest Speaker: Helen Clayton (Sported Partnership Manager)

Host: Chris Turner (BF Coaching & Workforce Development Manager)

Sported is the largest grassroots sport charity in the UK, supporting around 5000 organisations across the country by helping clubs to be more sustainable and to receive grant funding. Join Helen Clayton from the charity to learn more about how they support sports clubs, and how your club could get involved.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn more about Sported.
• Understand the support that clubs could access.
• See where clubs can sign up for support.

About Helen Clayton:

Helen has been involved in the sport sector for over 20 years, previous roles include college lecturer, coach, school sports coordinator and sports development officer.

During her time with Premiership Rugby, Helen developed the Hitz project in all 12 Premiership clubs, the programme used sport and rugby to develop young people, provide them with educational opportunities and find them work. This project was introduced in Argentina and Colombia and continues to grow.

Helen then took a break from working in the sports sector and worked for Business in the Community as part of their Business Connector programme, coordinating volunteers from business to reinvigorate communities through networking and maximising resources and capacity that was already held within those communities.

Host: Heidi Januszewski (BF Media & Communications Officer)

An introduction to making the most of social media, offering tips for clubs and other members of our community. We’ll go over how to create a brand, including advice on graphics and accessibility considerations. You’ll learn about what does and doesn’t perform well on social media, as well as the promotional opportunities available through BF. The session will also include a brief discussion of photo and social media risk management.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn the basics of creating a brand.
• Understand how to make your branding more accessible.
• Identify what performs well on social media.
• Understand promotional opportunities available through BF.
• Learn about photo and social media risk management.

(Note the change in logo from UK Coaching to Buddle. UK Coaching is part of the Buddle team)

Guest Speaker: Buddle

Host: Chris Turner (BF Coaching & Workforce Development Manager)

This workshop explores how clubs and organisations can foster a truly inclusive environment that engages and retains a diverse range of participants and volunteers.

Through reflection and discussion, learners will examine what inclusion looks and feels like in your organisation, identify barriers to belonging, and explore solutions for greater accessibility.

You’ll leave with practical strategies and an action plan to enhance inclusivity and ensure your club or organisation is welcoming to all.

Please note that the registration form for this session will close on the 16th August.

About Buddle:

Buddle is here to provide free learning and support resources, to inspire and strengthen clubs and community organisations offering sport and physical activity, and the professionals that work with them.

We share the latest information, training, and tools to help clubs and organisations overcome challenges and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

We’re passionate about enabling organisations to be safe, inclusive, agile, and resilient enough to secure their long-term future and unlock the advantages of sport and physical activity for everyone.

Host: Grace Batey (BF Performance Athlete Support Coordinator)

A session for athletes and their parents, designed to generate greater understanding of IADPs, the behaviour surrounding them and how they can help to improve performance.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain a greater understanding of IADPs and their importance.
• Understand how to best use IADPs.

Host: Lorraine Rose (BF Project Officer – Workforce Development)

Are you interested in flying abroad, meeting new people and supporting fencers? By getting qualified as an International Team Manager, you can help your club provide opportunities for athletes to compete and train abroad.

You must have completed and received a Domestic Team Manager certificate to attend an International Team Manager course.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe and discuss the roles and responsibilities of a BF Performance Team Manager (PTM) when taking fencing groups or squads to international camps or competitions.
• By building on previous experience, enable the implementation and use of risk assessments for unknown international events.
• Build confidence in planning and managing an international event including squad and officials, plus external groups.
• Be able to complete an international event PTM report.

Guest Speaker: Dr Jonathan Katz

Host: Chris Turner (BF Coaching & Workforce Development Manager)

This seminar is relevant for assisting coaches, non-disabled athletes/fencers and other support folks, as well as athletes with a disability in appreciating some challenges athletes with a disability may typically experience when engaged with sport. The seminar proposes to consider specific challenges athletes with disability may experience within participation and performance settings, in comparison with their non-disabled peers. Thus the conversation will explore disability specific factors, sporting environmental factors, and how the two interact.

Learning Objectives:

• To appreciate that the term non-disabled refers to a range of abilities/disabilities rather than ‘a uniform group’.
• To consider focusing attention onto the activity, sport or performance in preference to ‘the disability’.
• To recognise that environmental, social, physical, technical, tactical, etc. factors are faced by all athletes where attention to the ‘person-environment fit’ is navigated.

About Dr Jonathan Katz:

Dr Jonathan Katz is a consultant psychologist whose experience includes holding a wide variety of senior advisory and coaching positions in high performance sport and business environments:

• National lead for psychology with the British Paralympic Association.
• National Governing Body squad and lead psychologist across Olympic, Paralympic and Professional settings supporting all levels across high performance sport.
• Psychology support and coaching at four Paralympic Games; World, European, Commonwealth Championships; and World Cup tournaments since 1995.
• Coaching and psychology support to Olympians and Paralympians since the Sydney 2000 Games.
• Business coach and trainer from clinicians, project managers to senior managers, executives and directors in corporate and NHS settings.
• The Development and delivery of psychological wellbeing support programmes within corporate environments, performance and professional sport settings.
• Mentoring and supporting coach mental health, wellbeing and self-care strategies.

Jonathan brings considerable knowledge and understanding of organisational, individual and group responses to pressure and stress in high performance sport, clinical and corporate environments.

Jonathan has been involved in fencing since the late 1970’s as a fencer, coach, coach developer and sport psychologist to a range of individual athletes and squads to youth, senior and veteran fencers. His contribution has included support to regional, national and international fencing in both training and competition settings and supporting British Fencing through the GBR Pathway (formerly Athlete Development Pathway) and in Coach Development. Jonathan has been Team England head coach at the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 Fencing Commonwealth Championships.

Jonathan worked for 20 years as a member of a clinical psychology department where he delivered individual and group-based therapeutic interventions to a range of client groups; training sessions and workshops in counselling skills, mentoring and supervision. He has extensive experience in providing professional training and supervision and has a proven track record in supporting young professionals develop their knowledge, skills and confidence.

Jonathan is a visiting lecturer on a range of post-graduate degree courses in counselling psychology, sport and exercise psychology and sport and exercise medicine, along with presenting at a range of workshops and conferences. He contributes to supporting and promoting applied psychology in journal articles and professional books.

Host: Virginia Bailey (BF Participation Director)

Hear about the Wheelchair Fencing European Championships, which will be taking place in Cardiff in 2026. Learn why it matters for our community, our initial plans, and how you can get involved. Plus, hear from a special guest or two.

Learning Objectives:

• Find out about volunteering opportunities.
• Learn how you can get involved.
• Understand what this means for the growth of wheelchair fencing in the UK.

Hosts: Abigail Dicks (BF Events & Membership Manager), Samantha Hepple (BF Membership Officer)

Find out more about the BF event licensing scheme, including competitive and recreational event types. What licence type do I need? How do I apply?

Learning Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of the BF event licensing scheme.
• Identify what event licence type needed for your event.
• Learn how to apply for an event licence.

(Note the change in logo from UK Coaching to Buddle. UK Coaching is part of the Buddle team)

Guest Speaker: Buddle

Host: Chris Turner (BF Coaching & Workforce Development Manager)

This workshop provides practical guidance on fundraising strategies to support your club or organisation’s financial sustainability.

You’ll explore various ways to raise money, including grant funding, and learn the key ‘dos and don’ts’ for securing financial support.

Through interactive discussions, you’ll assess your organisation’s funding needs, compare different fundraising approaches, and develop a tailored plan to meet both short-term and long-term financial goals.

You’ll leave with actionable strategies to strengthen your organisation’s financial future.

Please note that the registration form for this session will close on the 17th August.

About Buddle:

Buddle is here to provide free learning and support resources, to inspire and strengthen clubs and community organisations offering sport and physical activity, and the professionals that work with them.

We share the latest information, training, and tools to help clubs and organisations overcome challenges and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

We’re passionate about enabling organisations to be safe, inclusive, agile, and resilient enough to secure their long-term future and unlock the advantages of sport and physical activity for everyone.

Hosts: Abigail Dicks (BF Events & Membership Manager), Samantha Hepple (BF Membership Officer)

This session will cover how to use Sport:80, FAQs, and help new members to navigate Sport:80 so they are more confident in using the platform and managing their accounts.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to manage memberships.
• Be able to navigate support functions.
• Be able to renew memberships without Customer Support help.

Guest Speaker: Joshua Morgan (Athlete Services Manager (Classification) at ParalympicsGB)

Host: Rick Rodgers (BF Inclusion Manager (Disability))

An introduction to the Paralympic classification process by ParalympicsGB Athlete Services Manager, Joshua Morgan. This session will cover the fundamentals of classification, what, why, how the process happens, sport classes and designations. We’ll also open questions regarding Wheelchair fencing domestic classification and discuss how we support athletes through that process.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand classification fundamentals.
• Understand how to get athletes classified.
• Learn what not to do.
• Understand how to collect documents.

Read more about classification here.

Guest Speaker: Chris Farren (World Para Fencing referee)

Host: Chris Turner (BF Coaching & Workforce Development Manager)

This session will cover the basics of wheelchair fencing refereeing, including how the wheelchair frame works, how the fencing distance is set, and how the referee starts/stops the bout and judges hits (which is the area that is most similar to standing fencing). It will cover all three weapons, but will not be particularly weapon-focused, and will also cover the most common ‘issues’ in refereeing wheelchair fencing. It will also briefly touch on athlete ‘classification’ which is how the fencers are grouped according to their level of impairment, as this has an impact on some aspects of the referee’s job. A brief discussion on how wheelchair events are generally run may be included.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the basics of wheelchair fencing refereeing.
• Understand how the wheelchair frame works.
• Understand how the fencing distance is set.
• Understand how the referee starts/stops the bout, and judges hits.
• Receive a brief introduction to classification and how this impacts some aspects of the referee’s job.

About Chris Farren:

Chris was previously the head of the World Para Fencing (formerly IWAS) Referee Commission, and in that role was responsible for global wheelchair fencing referee development. An ex-GBR sabre fencer, Chris has won both individual and team national champion titles. Since retiring from competitive fencing, he has refereed both standing and wheelchair fencing events all over the world, including at four consecutive Paralympic Games.

Guest Speaker: Dr Ellie Gennings (Senior lecturer at Bournemouth University)

Host: Chris Turner (BF Coaching & Workforce Development Manager)

What does it really mean to create a safe and positive environment for athletes – and how do we know if we’re getting it right?

This workshop creates space for coaches to reflect on what a positive and safe environment looks like in practice – and how this might differ from what athletes themselves want and need. Together, we’ll explore how ideas around safe sport connect to well-being and performance, and share ways of listening to and involving athletes in shaping their own sport experiences.

Whether you work with children, youth, or adults, this session is an opportunity to reflect, learn from others, and consider how we can support positive and inclusive coaching environments.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore how safe sport principles relate to athlete well-being and performance across all levels.
• Reflect on current coaching practices and how they align with athletes’ experiences and expectations of a safe environment.
• Identify ways to actively engage athlete voice in creating positive and inclusive sport environments

About Dr Ellie Gennings:

Dr Ellie Gennings is a senior lecturer in sports coaching at Bournemouth University, specialising in children’s and young people’s experiences of sport. She has a growing body of publications in this area, including articles in the International Journal of Wellbeing and International Journal of Adolescence and Youth.

Guest Speaker: Daniel Mynott (The Change Foundation Impact and Insight Manager)

Host: Rick Rodgers (BF Inclusion Manager (Disability))

The course is designed to give candidates an understanding of neurodiversity and how to run coaching sessions specific to fencers’ needs. It will cover specific challenges to those who identify as neurodiverse, different methods of inclusion, examples of situations, and tips for coaching.

The course will also discuss the results from the pilot of Fencing For Change, an ongoing project between BF and The Change Foundation. The findings from the initial pilot concluded that the fencing interventions delivered by coaches from The Change Foundation resulted in improvements within core physiological aspects of children with autism and positively impacted their everyday physical literacy skills.

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate an understanding of Neurodiversity.
• Run sessions specific to the participant needs.
• Plan player-centred coaching sessions for neurodiverse participants.

About Daniel Mynott:

Daniel Mynott works for The Change Foundation as their Impact and Insight Manager. He has autism and came though their disability programmes as a young person when he was 14 years old and has developed his career though the power of sport. Daniel is now works on developing The Change Foundation’s impact, and has been instrumental in the Fencing For Change programme.

Host: Rick Rodgers (BF Inclusion Manager (Disability))

Take a tour of the SwordSeat with Rick Rodgers. Learn how this game-changing new piece of equipment can transform your delivery and bring vital funding and new participation to your club.

Completing the SwordSeat CPD course on the Learning Zone before the session is recommended, although not required.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the SwordSeat construction and set-up.
• Discussion on how the SwordSeat can support participants with and without disabilities.
• Understand where you can find more information on the SwordSeat and wheelchair fencing, and how you can get hold of this incredible innovation yourself.

Hosts: Ian Lichfield (BF Head of GBR Operations), Sarah Jones (BF Head of Talent)

This session is for GBR Pathway athletes, coaches, development coaches and performance coaches.

BF invites athletes, coaches, and parents to a series of 90-minute presentations designed to demystify the GBR Pathway. Led by Ian Lichfield (Head of GBR Operations) and Sarah Jones (Head of Talent), each session will explore key elements of athlete progression, including selection policies, ranking systems, eligibility criteria, performance data and structured season planning.

Each session provides practical insight into navigating the GBR system, interpreting ranking data and aligning competition calendars with selection timelines. The presentations will also outline proposed updates to the ranking scheme and selection policies, offering attendees a clear understanding of what’s changing and why.

Whether you’re new to the pathway or preparing for international representation, these sessions offer clarity, strategic direction, and actionable guidance. Designed for development and performance coaches, competitive athletes, and engaged parents, Navigating GBR Selection is your opportunity to understand the journey from grassroots to elite fencing, and how to plan for success at every stage.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the GBR Selection framework – participants will gain a clear understanding of the selection policies, eligibility criteria, and ranking systems that underpin GBR representation across age groups.
• Apply season planning strategies – attendees will learn how to strategically plan a competition calendar that aligns with selection timelines and maximises ranking opportunities.
• Interpret and respond to policy updates – participants will be equipped to interpret proposed changes to the ranking scheme and selection policies, and understand their implications for athlete development and progression.

Hosts: Ian Lichfield (BF Head of GBR Operations), Sarah Jones (BF Head of Talent)

This session is for GBR Pathway athletes, coaches, development coaches and performance coaches.

BF invites athletes, coaches, and parents to a series of 90-minute presentations designed to demystify the GBR Pathway. Led by Ian Lichfield (Head of GBR Operations) and Sarah Jones (Head of Talent), each session will explore key elements of athlete progression, including selection policies, ranking systems, eligibility criteria, performance data and structured season planning.

Each session provides practical insight into navigating the GBR system, interpreting ranking data and aligning competition calendars with selection timelines. The presentations will also outline proposed updates to the ranking scheme and selection policies, offering attendees a clear understanding of what’s changing and why.

Whether you’re new to the pathway or preparing for international representation, these sessions offer clarity, strategic direction, and actionable guidance. Designed for development and performance coaches, competitive athletes, and engaged parents, Navigating GBR Selection is your opportunity to understand the journey from grassroots to elite fencing, and how to plan for success at every stage.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the GBR Selection framework – participants will gain a clear understanding of the selection policies, eligibility criteria, and ranking systems that underpin GBR representation across age groups.
• Apply season planning strategies – attendees will learn how to strategically plan a competition calendar that aligns with selection timelines and maximises ranking opportunities.
• Interpret and respond to policy updates – participants will be equipped to interpret proposed changes to the ranking scheme and selection policies, and understand their implications for athlete development and progression.

Hosts: Ian Lichfield (BF Head of GBR Operations), Sarah Jones (BF Head of Talent)

This session is for GBR Pathway athletes, coaches, development coaches and performance coaches.

BF invites athletes, coaches, and parents to a series of 90-minute presentations designed to demystify the GBR Pathway. Led by Ian Lichfield (Head of GBR Operations) and Sarah Jones (Head of Talent), each session will explore key elements of athlete progression, including selection policies, ranking systems, eligibility criteria, performance data and structured season planning.

Each session provides practical insight into navigating the GBR system, interpreting ranking data and aligning competition calendars with selection timelines. The presentations will also outline proposed updates to the ranking scheme and selection policies, offering attendees a clear understanding of what’s changing and why.

Whether you’re new to the pathway or preparing for international representation, these sessions offer clarity, strategic direction, and actionable guidance. Designed for development and performance coaches, competitive athletes, and engaged parents, Navigating GBR Selection is your opportunity to understand the journey from grassroots to elite fencing, and how to plan for success at every stage.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the GBR Selection framework – participants will gain a clear understanding of the selection policies, eligibility criteria, and ranking systems that underpin GBR representation across age groups.
• Apply season planning strategies – attendees will learn how to strategically plan a competition calendar that aligns with selection timelines and maximises ranking opportunities.
• Interpret and respond to policy updates – participants will be equipped to interpret proposed changes to the ranking scheme and selection policies, and understand their implications for athlete development and progression.

Hosts: Ian Lichfield (BF Head of GBR Operations), Sarah Jones (BF Head of Talent)

This session is for GBR Pathway athletes, coaches, development coaches and performance coaches.

BF invites athletes, coaches, and parents to a series of 90-minute presentations designed to demystify the GBR Pathway. Led by Ian Lichfield (Head of GBR Operations) and Sarah Jones (Head of Talent), each session will explore key elements of athlete progression, including selection policies, ranking systems, eligibility criteria, performance data and structured season planning.

Each session provides practical insight into navigating the GBR system, interpreting ranking data and aligning competition calendars with selection timelines. The presentations will also outline proposed updates to the ranking scheme and selection policies, offering attendees a clear understanding of what’s changing and why.

Whether you’re new to the pathway or preparing for international representation, these sessions offer clarity, strategic direction, and actionable guidance. Designed for development and performance coaches, competitive athletes, and engaged parents, Navigating GBR Selection is your opportunity to understand the journey from grassroots to elite fencing, and how to plan for success at every stage.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the GBR Selection framework – participants will gain a clear understanding of the selection policies, eligibility criteria, and ranking systems that underpin GBR representation across age groups.
• Apply season planning strategies – attendees will learn how to strategically plan a competition calendar that aligns with selection timelines and maximises ranking opportunities.
• Interpret and respond to policy updates – participants will be equipped to interpret proposed changes to the ranking scheme and selection policies, and understand their implications for athlete development and progression.