GBR LEAD COACH (MAJOR EVENT) ROLE DESCRIPTION

(Draft Published 05/04/2025)

The GBR Lead Coach role is assigned to support major events.

Up to 1 Lead Coach can be appointed per each of the six weapons per major event.

The GBR Lead Coaches report to the GBR Chef de Mission (CdM) at Major Events.

The GBR Lead Coach has overall responsibility and accountability for delivering the weapon-specific competition plan for the event while ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the GBR squad during a Major Event.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall, a coach must possess strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, a deep understanding of the sport and the ability to inspire and motivate athletes to perform at their peak on the world stage.

 

FIE

• Responsible for supporting the Chef de Mission in ensuring that communications and information flow between the Competition DT and members of the squad (see o.15.4).
• Be familiar with the FIE rules, in particular with the organisational rules, the administrative rules and the relevant Handbook for major events. (As any issues will normally be resolved by reference to these)
• Understand the FIE rules in respect of the role of the Team Captain – t.47.2, t.67, t109, t.118, t.132.
• Be very familiar with the rules on how to appeal decisions in a Team Match, (t.130 t172-5).
• Ensure that athletes are properly dressed at all times whilst on Field of Play in accordance with the rules.

 

Ongoing

• Communication – Ensure that all athletes and personal coaches supporting the weapon of are communicated with before*, during and after* the event. (*via the parents/guardian if U18). Foster a positive team dynamic and encourage effective communication among team members. Address conflicts, promote teamwork, and ensure everyone is working towards a common goal.
• Behaviours & Values – Provide a consistent approach to communicating expectations and encouraging and role modelling professional behaviours and a supportive squad ethos in line with BF #CallItAttitude, ‘One Team GB’ and the GBR values (Respect, Honesty, Excellence, Teamwork, Accountability).
• Issue and Risk Management – Escalate risks and issues that arise from athletes and personal coaches to the Chef de Mission
• Welfare and Safeguarding – to support the Chef de Mission in ensuring the welfare of all people involved, recognising the additional duty of care towards young people.
• Security – to support the Chef de Mission in ensuring the safety and security of all participants, in line with BF Security Officer and FCO advice
• Performance – to create the best performance environment possible to allow the squad (athletes, coaches and staff) to work together to the best of their abilities to achieve success
• Policies – to support the Chef de Mission in ensuring ensure that all relevant BF policies are followed by all participants

 

Pre-Event

• Review the Event webpage and request any updates to be actioned by the GBR administrative team.  https://www.britishfencing.com/major-events-zone/
• Review and input into the Event Handbook.
• Attend Pre Major Championship preparation camps.
• Attend pre-championship meetings. Topics will include safeguarding and security. Incorporate advice into planning decisions.
• Organise a weapon-specific briefing for athletes and personal coaches before the event.
• From GBR Support request a copy of the event run sheet containing
  • Athlete entries and exit times
  • Staff meeting times
  • Staff downtimes
• Create the weapon-specific draft run-sheets for the event (using input from TMs/Coaches) to include:
  • Preparation periods – weapon control, venue acclimatisation
  • Downtime activities (including supporting other weapons)
  • Weapon Team Briefings
  • On the day warm-ups schedule to optimise physical readiness
  • Provisional allocation of coaches to fencers (will change depending on draw)
  • Rest and Recovery Protocols
• Check the athlete’s travel and emergency information to understand any sports science and medicine needs
• Analyse potential opponents, both as teams and individuals. Study video footage of opponents to identify strengths and weaknesses and adjust tactics accordingly.
• Based on analysis, undertake weapon-specific team tactical briefings for athletes and coaches to devise game plans.
• Review athlete IADPs, with individual athletes and their personal coaches to better understand individual athlete goals and how these can be supported.

 

During Event

• Assist CdM to distribute accreditations.
• Ensure all weapon arrivals received appropriate induction/attend a welcome meeting(s)
• Maintain and adapt each weapon’s run sheets/plans, with input from the CdM and other personal coaches as appropriate. Ensure updated run sheets are shared with the CdM, staff and fencers in a timely manner.
• Ensure Sport Science and Medicine staff understand any athlete competition support activities (strapping, rehabilitation, etc.)
• Discuss in advance with the CdM any decisions about in-event changes to the plans which impact cross-weapons
• Once team draws are in place, run a tactical planning session for the athletes and personal coaches to agree on team order, analyse opponents, and devise game plans. Use video footage of opponents to identify strengths and weaknesses and agree on tactics accordingly.
• Implement the run sheet to confirm who will be coaching whom, where and when, and when weapon briefings and de-briefs will occur.
• Be the lead in the box for the team event, acting as the team captain (t.173) and making decisions on when to appeal in accordance with the FIE rules.
• Make tactical and strategic decisions during matches, including team order and substitutions.
• Motivate athletes and help maintain their focus and confidence throughout the championship. Provide emotional support, help athletes overcome obstacles, and ensure they are mentally prepared to perform at their best.
• In the event of medals, ensure that athlete and coach quotes are provided as soon as possible, NO LATER than before any medal ceremonies.
• Support efforts to ensure that medal results are suitably recognised/celebrated within the squad at the time.
• Run post-match de-briefing sessions in accordance with BF guidance.
• Ensure that BF policies are implemented, including safety, security, and safeguarding.
• Ensure that the athletes and coaches wear appropriate BF clothing in the venue.
• Enable a performance environment that promotes professional respect, where positive and supportive behaviour is encouraged and modelled.”
• Treat any FIE/EFC delegates, DT members, referees, and local volunteers with respect. Recognise and work within the international fencing operating culture and rules.
• Ensure end-of-competition athlete debriefs are recorded on the appropriate form (Smartsheet)

 

Post Event

• Within 7 days, submit a coaching report to  Pathway Director to include:
  • Performance of GBR athletes at competition
  • Identified trends in international fencing/refereeing
  • Other insights of interest
• Attend an online wash-up meeting.
• Provide feedback to the athlete/personal coach in the context of the athlete’s IADP.

 

Personal Admin

• Ensure that all proposed expenditures are approved before attending.
• Input into the logistic arrangements in a timely manner (choice of flights, hotels)
• Liaise with GBR Support to allow flight and accommodation to be booked as early as possible.
• Ensure that expenses are submitted in a timely manner – no later than 10 days after the event.
• Ensure the profile is up to date on the BF Coaching Register
• Have undergone mandatory training, including Coach Clean and FIE Safeguarding training
• Be familiar with the latest Codes of Conduct (FIE/EFC and BF)
• Have an appropriate BF tracksuit and professional coaching attire that meets BF and FIE rules.
• Have travel insurance suitable for operating as a professional coach in the country being travelled to
• Completed all required forms for accreditation and visa(s).
• Have a valid passport (with 6 months left)
• Have a valid FIE Coaches licence