Events and Competitions

The following is a list of regional events and training courses. In most cases, in addition to the event fee you will need to be covered by a British Fencing Association membership. This has been restructured to be strangely complex and confusing, so we've put an explanation below.

Some competitions may require you to be affiliated with a regional club. If so, you can enter (or change, up to once a year) your affiliation using this form.More instructions on assigning a club and regional affiliation with your membership can be found on the BFA FAQ page.

Fencing

BFA Membership Levels

There are various levels of BFA Membership, depending on what level you wish to compete at. Bear in mind on their website it says it is not possible to downgrade membership types, so be careful you do not pick a higher grade 'compete' membership than you need.

Membership is a requirement for certain types of competition, it also provides you with personal accident insurance and access to the BFA's regular publication The Sword. Certain membership types also allow over-18s to vote in the BFA's AGM.

The BFA has aslo sent communications to affiliated clubs that regular fencers also need to have a valid membership.

Non-Competing (Volunteering)

If you are not actively fencing but intending on volunteering at events or clubs, the BFA now insists on a Supporter Membership. This covers members for volunteering across any national event and also provides access to discounted course training rates.

New Fencers

If you are new to fencing or have never had a BFA membership before, they offer a Free 90-day Introduction Membership.

There is a guide to setting up your Sport 80 profile on the BFA site, but note that an Introduction Membership will not cover you for official competitions . . . you will need to upgrade to one of the 'Compete' memberships.

Compete - Starter Membership

Starter Membership for newcomers trying out their first local events.

Allows entry to "BF & HC nominated recreational events", but in the UK only (not abroad).

Under 18s may renew this once, but for over 18s this lasts one year before you have to upgrade.

If this is your first competition/event, this is likely the best option to pick.

Once your free 90-day taster membeship has expired, this is the next one to go to.

Compete - Recreational Membership

Recreational Membership includes GB League sessions and eligibility for points on GB League Tables.

Also covers Licensed BF recreational events, but UK only.

Unlimited renewals.

If you have been fencing for a while, and are outside the renewal window for the 'Starter' membership, this is the best option for you.

Compete (Full) Membership

The full Compete Membership Allows you to fence at any regional, national or county training and competitive event.

Gives eligibility to BF and GB League ranking points and tables.

Covers you for fencing overseas and is a requirement for GBR national selection candidates and fencers.

This is the best option if you wish to compete for national ranking, consideration for Team GB and gain access to the full range of training events being run by the BF.

If in doubt, please contact the organiser of an event to ask what level membership is required and if there are any club/regional affiliation requirements if this isn't clear on the registration page.

We now have a small page with competition advice which might be useful if this is your first event.

Upcoming Events

Indigo Training details

Date

End of October5

Event

Indigo Training Course

Location

Davison Leisure Centre, Selbourne Road, Worthing, BN11 2JX

Details

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Maggpie Maynard is running another excellent epee trainign camp at the end of October. If you are interested, please get a leaflet from one of the committee.

You can contact Maggie directly at Maggie@sea-lodge.co.uk

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