Fencing Draft notes:Authorisation Procedures

Changes for v6.0

Was 8.1.2, now 14.1.2 in Authorisation procedures - General

Was

To be authorised, participants must pass a verbal and practical test to show that they...

Now

To be authorised, participants must pass a verbal and practical combat test to show that they...

Inserted bullet point

• understand the risks of concussion, knows the signs and symptoms of concussion, and can apply the Concussion Recognition Tool

Functional change

Addition of the word "combat" to highlight that the practical component must include combat. Included requirement to understand the risks of concussion, knows the signs and symptoms of concussion, and ability apply the Concussion Recognition Tool

Reason

The handbook currently has two phrases meaning the same component of the authorising process. This combines them.

Concussion is a serious issue, and we need all our participants to be able to recognise it, and remove themselves from combat if they have one.

For notes section

October 2023 - The practical component of authorisations must include combat.

October 2023 - Concussion is a serious issue, and we need all our participants to be able to recognise it, and remove themselves from combat if they have one.

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14.1.4-9 in Authorisation procedures - General

Was

Not in rules

Now

4. There must be a dedicated practical combat test - it is not sufficient to simply have seen the fencer fight during a tournament, for example. This test must occur at an official event or official practice.

5. The practical combat test includes fencing against another fencer, and is observed and directed by the Authorising Fencing Marshal. This could include the Authorising Marshal fencing against the candidate, though it is strongly recommended that the Authorising Marshal observe rather than fight. The Authorising Fencing Marshal should discuss the fight with the fencer the candidate has fenced as part of the test in a place where the candidate cannot overhear.

6. Any person seeking to be authorised in any form of fencing, including marshal authorisations, must read, understand, and apply as appropriate the Concussion Recognition Tool.

7. In rare circumstances, where there is no other way for the fencer to undertake an authorisation, the Kingdom Fencing Marshal may act as the authorising marshal remotely, observing and directing the combat over a live video.

8. The practical combat test must occur within one month of the verbal test.

9. To be authorised as a marshal or combatant you must read, understand, and apply as appropriate the Concussion Recognition Tool.

Functional change

The practical test is an actual test.

Incorporates requirements for concussion awareness.

Adds the ability for the Kingdom Fencing Marshal to assess a candidate remotely via a live video call, though this should be a rare occurrence.

Adds a timeframe for completing the parts of test. There was no guidance previously.

For notes section

October 2023 - Concussion is a serious matter, so we require all our participants to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms, so they can remove themselves from the field if they have a concussion.

October 2023 - The Kingdom Fencing Marshal can only issue an authorisation if they have witnessed the fencer themselves, though this can be remotely, via live video as a last resort.