COACH ACCREDITATION

Last Updated: 02.03.26

On this page:

• • BF’s commitment to safe, supportive coaching environments
  • Field of Play rules at national events
  • Domestic coach accreditation requirements
  • GBR international accreditation requirements
  • How to apply for accreditations and who to contact

COACHING STANDARDS AT BF EVENTS

BF is committed to creating safe, supportive, athlete‑centred environments where fencers can express themselves, feel respected, and perform at their best. A key part of this commitment is ensuring that coaches supporting athletes at events are appropriately qualified, adhere to high professional standards, and uphold BF’s core values.

Coaches are expected to act with integrity, honesty, and respect at all times, maintaining high standards of behaviour towards athletes, parents, coaches, and officials. These expectations reflect recognised professional standards across the sports coaching sector and underpin the BF Coach Register.

FIELD OF PLAY & ACCREDITATIONS FOR NATIONAL EVENTS

BF has adopted Field of Play rules for major events, following the principles used at Cadet, Junior, and Senior World Championships.

• During poules, only referees and fencers are permitted inside the Field of Play.
• During direct elimination rounds, only one accredited coach may be present piste‑side with an athlete.
• Event‑specific accreditation links will be published in the details for each event.
• To be eligible for domestic coach accreditation, coaches must be on the BF Coach Register.

GBR COACH ACCREDITATION

BF also runs an accreditation system for GBR coaches supporting athletes at FIE and EFC international events in a personal coach capacity. Coaches attending these events are expected to uphold the professional standards set by the BF Coach Register.

Requirements for International Events

• All EFC and FIE events: Coaches must have completed the UKAD online anti‑doping course Coach Clean within the last three years. More information: announcement.
• All EFC and FIE events: Coaches must hold a valid EFC or FIE coaching licence respectively. BF is required to confirm that accredited coaches are suitably qualified and appropriately checked.

Application Forms

• Accreditation Request Form for International Events 
• Coaches based overseas: application form (submit to [email protected])

Information for coaches attending major events can be found here.

BF reserves the right to remove coach accreditations without prejudice if a coach is under investigation through BF safeguarding, disciplinary, or complaints procedures.

Questions about this page or process should be sent to [email protected].

Click the links below to go to your GBR Zone:

Para Fencing | Under 14 | Cadet | Junior | U23 & Senior