Promotion: High School Fencing

[Craig]

Some news from the "Promote the Sport" front. This article highlights the efforts of a group promoting High School fencing in North Carolina.

NC group lobbies for high school fencing teams

[Li'l Bebe]

That's cool that they fencing in schools is so popular over there. Over here, there are so few fencers (about 2 to 5 people per school) that they won't let us form teams or anything, so fencing is entierly a club sport. I think there's one private school that has a team, but that's it.

[hpfencing]

I have a really small club at the middle School that I teach at (Fannin Middle School) but most our real competitors go to our middle sized club to compete and train because of the limitations of the school program.

I'd love to find out more information bout how those high school progrms are set-up as it might help me change the situation with fencing in school, here in Amarillo.

[pacer]

My son has thought about trying to start a fencing club at his high school and thinks he could easily get a faculty advisor. However, its come down to the realization that all the work to get a club approved and going would take some of his "free" time that he spends fencing. Maybe if someone who has done it could share some information it would be an easier process.

[ThinkBackwards]

i go to an alternative high school that does not have athletics or clubs, only education. however many of the high schools in the area offer fencing clubs and have meets. i cant go though because my school wont support me ugh rawr

[telkanuru]

There are at least 5 high school clubs in the Boston area, and they form a competative league. It's really a great thing and should happen elsewhere.

[labelle]

yeah, it would be helpful for anyone with experience with high school clubs to tell about how their club works and how it was started. I'm a high school fencer in Des Moines, Iowa, and I'm currently trying to start a club. If anyone has any information that might be useful, e-mail me at timmons9695@msn.com. I've found that the administrators are most interested in safety and liability/insurance, costs, competitions, and the level of interest among the students. They also want to know how other schools' programs are run.

Also,I've heard some stuff about a summer program for teachers where they can learn about coaching and stuff. Does anyone have any more info on this?

When I get this club started, I'll try to put some resources online for other people who want to start HS clubs. I encourage everyone to try to get clubs started at their school. Yeah, it takes some time, commitment, and organization, but I think you'll find it will be worth it. The more schools that have clubs, the more will jump on the bandwagon.

[mrbiggs]

Connecticut high school fencing is pretty informal, organized largely by the coaches. The larger school tournaments are held with help from the division, which provides some referees and some bout comittee people. I'm not familiar with all the details, to be honest.

So in short, flexibility is important.

[Schiavona]

Some of our junior fencers tried to form a club at their high school, they did all the paper work and lined up sponsers only to be shut down because fencing uses "weapons". The principle wasn't swayed by arguements that baseball bats and hockey sticks are more deadly. This school also has a rifle team! The school district leaves these decisions to the school principles. Very annoying.

The moral of this story is to make sure your school will allow fencing before you do all the work involved.