Foil Refereeing for Foil Fencers

You are invited to the Foil Refereeing for Foil Fencers clinic, part of the Mid-South Regional Foil Clinics of the 2013-2014 season. The clinic is open to all foil fencers and their coaches who want to gain a deeper understanding of how foil is called at and how the savvy foilist can find success at all levels of competition. This clinic held at the new Mid-South Fencers Club location which houses 12 electric strips on our new sprung-wood floor. Stephen Pashby will be the primary instructor for this clinic. Stephen will draw from his experiences as a foil fencer, coach, and referee to explore how refereeing effects the game of foil. It can be said that a foil bout is contested between three people: the two fencers and the referee. The conventions applied by the referee in foil change as coaches and fencers evolve foil technique and tactics. Unfortunately, the conventions applied by referees are often not uniform between regions or at different levels of competition. Often foil fencers and their coaches can find themselves frustrated and challenged by the foil convention as applied by referees. As with many things in fencing, knowledge is power. We will explore foil convention in detail, focusing on how referees make calls and apply the rules with the aim of helping fencers gain understanding and agency to empower the fencer to fence effectively in a given bout for a given referee. Additionally, we will discuss several common variances in convention and how the smart fencer can use these to her advantage. Specific topics will be based upon group interest, but potential topics include: - Attacks vs. Counter-attacks - The 4 meter situation in foil - Attacks over distance and defense over distance - Point in Line - Attacks on Preparation - Counter-attacks - Foil penalties as they are applied - Using convention to fence in your area of strength To maintain a strong coach-student ratio, camp will be limited to the first 20 registrants. A waitlist will be maintained. Coaches are welcome to attend, observe, and discuss. We believe that a vibrant exchange of ideas will only strengthen fencing in the Southeast. Cost: $85 per person Camp Schedule: Sat, 4/19 9am-5pm: 9:00-12:30 - Discussion / Situational Bouting 12:30-2:00 - Lunch 2:00-5:00 - Discussion / Situational Bouting Campers should bring full foil competition gear. Campers may either bring a lunch or money to purchase lunch. There are several restaurants within walking distance of the club. Staff: Stephen Pashby – Coach, Mid-South Fencers Club (Foil) Stephen has trained fencers in North Carolina since 1999 at a variety of clubs and universities in the Research Triangle area. Stephen is a nationally certified referee in all three weapons and a regular on the national circuit. Stephen focuses on promoting a training environment that encourages fun and the ability to make decisions and adapt in fencing.