Reasonable expectation for coaching at national events

[Allen Evans]

I'm flattered that Tom took the time to post the link to our coaching policy at Dominion Fencing. I should, however, point out to any clubs hoping to copy Dominion's Policy that -- except for the occasional tournament in which a parent has paid "full freight" for a coach to attend -- Dominion loses money on every tournament it sends a coach to. Fees from lessons and classes subsidize our attendence at tournaments.

With that said, why do we send coaches? I consider attending National events an important part of every coach's job. It's important to see what their fencers do, it's important to see what fencing is like at that level and how it's evolving, and it's good for a coach to network, build relationships and "show the flag".

I also feel that attending National events encourages students to attend who might not go on their own. Dominion fencing does not encourage students to enter tournaments over their ability, but we find that knowing a coach is going to be in the room encourages those fencers who might not consider attending a NAC, RYC or SRYC on their own.

If Dominion was not able to afford these events, and if our focus was not on fencing at a National level (all of our fencers fence at a National level in one Division or another) I feel that it would be perfectly appropriate for a parent to pay the entire cost of a coach travelling to an event. Both of the coaches at Dominion (myself and Jill Feldman) have demanding, full time jobs with little vacation time. Paying the cost of the trip is a small compensation for giving up precious vacation time. If we were a small, local fencing club with just one or two promising students, it would be hard to justify attending large national events and absorbing the cost ourselves.

I think that there are some good answers to the orginal post presented above. Every club is different, and every club has a different focus. If the club has a good coach, or a good board of directors (depending how the club is run) a parent who needs something from the club should be able to sit down and come up with a good compromise to meet particular situations.

Allen Evans
Dominion Fencing

[OMCEPKEN]

The good news is that you are supporting your child in this great sport.
The reality is that a 64 or 32 is not a reasonably good result.
If you are thinking about spending more money, you would benefit more to invest in additional instruction so your child will improve.
Fencing in local competitions will be more valuable - even if not as competitive - since your coach can more easily be present and teach the basics of strategy.
All other things being equal, it is beneficial to have a coach with your fencer. However, no matter what the level, your child will need to think on his/her own, and the earlier they learn in non-pressure (non-national) level competitions, the better likelihood they will develop into mature competitors.

[jfarmer]

Originally Posted by OMCEPKEN

The good news is that you are supporting your child in this great sport.
The reality is that a 64 or 32 is not a reasonably good result.
If you are thinking about spending more money, you would benefit more to invest in additional instruction so your child will improve.
Fencing in local competitions will be more valuable - even if not as competitive - since your coach can more easily be present and teach the basics of strategy.
All other things being equal, it is beneficial to have a coach with your fencer. However, no matter what the level, your child will need to think on his/her own, and the earlier they learn in non-pressure (non-national) level competitions, the better likelihood they will develop into mature competitors.

I understand what you are saying, but I don't think I entirely agree with you. Without knowing what the child's previous results were, the field they were facing, and other progress indicators, I think a finish in the top 64 or 32 would be considered quite respectable and warranting further pursuit.

I do agree that competition at the local or regional level can be valuable, but there is little value in attending an event where one is not challenged.

John Farmer
Coach, Oak Ridge Fencers Club

[fencerdadsez]

There is no significant competition in the division these days, unfortunately. We will travel 200 miles (or more) for any regional tournament with A level fencers. I think the results are quite respectable (mid 40s on the RPS), but until you are number 1, there is always room for improvement.

With 2 lessons a week, practice 4 days a week, straight A's and other interests (and a social life) I think the time invested is about right.

[jfarmer]

Originally Posted by fencerdadsez

There is no significant competition in the division these days, unfortunately. We will travel 200 miles (or more) for any regional tournament with A level fencers. I think the results are quite respectable (mid 40s on the RPS), but until you are number 1, there is always room for improvement.

With 2 lessons a week, practice 4 days a week, straight A's and other interests (and a social life) I think the time invested is about right.

I can understand. Our division (TN) has a total 3 A's & 10 B's.

One thing you might consider is having your child help with developmental classes for other fencers. The coaches always appreciate it when experienced fencers help develop better fencers. And it's not always a one-way trade. Often, it gives the advanced fencer a chance to work on specifics of their game. And it just might produce some worthwhile opponents for them.

John Farmer
Coach, Oak Ridge Fencers Club

[OMCEPKEN]

Better to spend your money on lessons than a trip for a coach.