NEW #BFLEARNINGWEEK 2025 EVENTS: NAVIGATING GBR SELECTION: UNDERSTANDING ELIGIBILITY, RANKINGS & SEASON

Ian Lichfield and Sarah Jones will be hosting several ‘Navigating GBR Selection: Understanding Eligibility, Rankings & Season’ sessions, targeted towards Seniors and U23s, Cadets (U17), Under 14s and Juniors (U20).

Please note that these events take place after the main BF Learning Week 2025 dates.

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

About the sessions:

These sessions are 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.

Tailored to specific age groups, the series comprises four focused sessions. Please click on the links below to register for the sessions:

• Sign up here: 1st September, 5pm – 6.30pm: Seniors & U23s
• Sign up here: 2nd September, 5pm – 6.30pm: Cadets (U17)
• Sign up here: 8th September, 5pm – 6.30pm: Under 14s
• Sign up here: 9th September, 5pm – 6.30pm: Juniors (Under 20)

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.

About BF Learning Week

BF Learning Week is an annual opportunity for our members and wider community to join online developmental and informative sessions in subjects from coaching to community development. Due to the work being made in the para and seated fencing spaces, such as the SwordSeat™, the aim for 2025 is to focus on accessibility and disability inclusion.

The week will take place between the 18th and 22nd August 2025.

A full timetable, updated regularly, can be found here: BF Learning Week 2025

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