Diamond (Delaware) State Games... dry foil only?!?

[RITFencing]

One of the RIT Freshman was a student of Paul's; she said that he doesn't care for electric fencing at all.

[ishua]

Does this mean we need dry foils or will electric ones due? Also, can we use pistol grips or is this strictly French/ Italian. I'm trying to get the feel for "classical".

[DESports]

Thanks to the person who helped explain our event in a way that even I, as director of the whole event, could not.

Delaware is a funny state, for those of you who are not familiar with it. First-time events are difficult to launch here and fencing is a first-year event in the Diamond State Games (which is our 5th overall). Mr. Fleming chose the category which he believed would attract the most competition knowing that, since it is a first-year event, we would not attract hundreds of competitors.

Should we manage to get support for our fencing event we would love nothing more than to expand it to meet the needs and wants of the fencing community. Mr. Fleming is very dedicated and knowledgeable and can certainly arrange whatever we will eventually need to make this a growing and successful addition to our roster of events.

I do understand that our entry fee is on the high side. It should stay that way for a few years as all of our other events have. We do make donations to the Leukemia Society from each entry fee received in the Diamond State Games.

Please feel free to submit any suggestions, comments, or concerns to me personally at desports@comcast.net so that I will know what we can do to develop an exciting event, and perhaps develop more throughout the year for you.

Yours in Sport,
Marshal Manlove
Executive Director
The Diamond State Games
302-547-4645
desports@comcast.net

[Wafath]

(emailed also)
Since you asked,

The entry fee of $20 is neither unreasonably high nor particularly concerning, especially considering that it includes a T-shirt and a donation. In fencing, entry fees for tournaments usually range from $10 to $40 for local and regional tournaments, with some much higher. Ideally, higher costs tournaments should have better officials, which will attract better fencers.

A few things that you should consider doing for future years:

1) Follow USFA rules strictly, especially when dealing with safety. The uniform requirements listed for the games are less than USFA rules. This alone will turn away many fencers and potential referees from your event. Following the rules may also provide you with some liability protection. If you do nothing else, make this change for next year.

2) Solicit help early from nearby fencing clubs & divisions. No club is under obligation to help you, but many will do so if you ask nicely. At the very least, talking to nearby clubs will be a good way to get the word out about your competition.

3) Electronic scoring equipment is expensive, but it is expected these days. You may be able to borrow equipment from other clubs or divisions, or rent them from vendors.

4) Hire good refs. Hire a good bout committee. Let people know that you have done so.

W
[edited for formating]