Abstinence??

[jBirch]

I'm going to back up Mr. E on this one...

How you handle this as a coach is significantly more delicate then whether or not the science backs up the general creedo that sex before sport is good/bad.

If a young teenage unwed girl, who happens to be a fencer at my salle, asked me whether sex before a tournament was good or bad, my first question would be "Why do you ask?" and then use my coaching skill to give her the best advice I had at the time (which is probably close to, It's None of My Damn Business).

If a young teenage unwed boy, who happens to be a fencer at my salle, asked me I would say "no" without hesitation. I might go on a science tangent showing/explaining what sex does to the athlete's body and deriving why I thought that abstinence was good policy.

If a couple out of college (one or both of whom happened to be fencers at my salle) asked me the same question, I would say "yes" without hesitation.

If a single man/woman not in any of the above categories asked me the same thing I'd say "Yes generally, but No if you spend all night looking for it". Before talking about relaxation and nutrition.

Hope this helps.

James.

[notalent]

Originally Posted by HDG

You do realize that sex can involve more than one person, right?

Retire now and go out on top

[jjefferies]

Originally Posted by Hauptman

I'm going to bypass all of the lovely discussion here, and go back to the original question.

The studies I've seen show that there is a slight decrease in performance after sex, but it is slight and only apparent in endurance.
:
I will see if I can find the actually articles; it's been years since I saw them but I often keep copies.

Great. This is what I was hoping for. Someone who remembers seeing actual studies on the subject. Though the rest of the chatter has been very entertaining guys.

As an aside though, I will comment that there have been a couple of world revolutions in what is considered appropriate conversational topics with the female sex since I went through university. Between coaches and fencers and fencers with fencers.

An Anecdotal tale: Contrasting then and now, when I was an undergraduate, women had to wear covering outer wear, i.e. coats or rain coats, when crossing campus in athletic gear (shorts etc) to keep the boys from becoming too frisky. Today, a couple of weeks after I was volunteered into assisting as a coach at Cal I arrived early one evening. The first fencer to show was a young woman who walked in looked around and said to me that she was terribly cold. I suggested that she would probably warm up as soon as we started exercising. Oh no she replied, she always got terribly cold when her period started. Duh, I've never had one of those so I wouldn't know. Regarding what is appropriate conversation now, I can't say if its better or worse for these changes because I don't know. But it is certainly interesting.

Perhaps Peter could comment about the european experience, but personally I've always felt that there were no or rather very few incorrect conversational topics in the salle. Particularly among salle mates. And I always thought this was the tradition.

[oso97]

Originally Posted by jjefferies

Perhaps Peter could comment about the european experience, but personally I've always felt that there were no or rather very few incorrect conversational topics in the salle. Particularly among salle mates. And I always thought this was the tradition.

When you're dealing with college age or adult fencers, yes, very true. When dealing with adult coaches and fencers who are in high school, middle school or elementary school - there are a number of topics that are off the list of acceptable, especially when the coach and student are of different sexes.

Thankfully, my assistant coach is female, and she handles topics of conversation with the young girls that would be better handled by a woman (choice of a sports bra, appropriate underwear underneath fencing knickers, fencing/working out while menstruating, and other rather delicate topics).

All that being said, my advice to my young male fencers is keep it zipped and your hands to yourself, weather before or after a tournament or at any other time. If you can't do that, for heaven's sake at least use protection.

[DBGlazer]

Originally Posted by jjefferies

I had an inquiry from a student as to whether abstinence before tournaments is desirable. After some thought I could only offer personal opinion that one day is probably not a bad idea.

Well, fencing's fun, but it's not THAT fun . . . .

[Fencergrl]

Originally Posted by Hauptman

Now there are also additional effects and I will try not to get too graphic here. Studies have shown effects from the actually chemical mingling. In other words, exchange of fluids between a man and a woman (ie, no condom) seems to have effects on depression, anxiety, and general "well being".

I remember this study as well... I know there's also been studies related to serotonin. Any activity will raise your serotonin levels (which make you feel good). Sex is just really good method for increasing it... and more popular!

[Got_Fenced_In]

Originally Posted by Pescados666

I'll be happy to run a few tests. I'll need a partner! Anyone?

Ahem, I believe you have to be eighteen to take part in most medical studies..

[Warrior Princess]

The emotional effects of sex should also be taken into consideration. The emotional state of an athalete can be a huge factor of performence, expecially in fencing. It may be a confidence boost, but it could also be something the athlete regrets (if they regret it, that could mess with their head). As long as you go into the tournament relaxed and with a clear head, you're fine.
As far as the actual physical benefits of sex go, I'm not sure. I don't think it would make that much of a difference as long as you get your rest, and don't hurt yourself.

[fencerX]

Does Sex the Night Before Competition Decrease Performance? [Editorial]
Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine:Volume 10(4)October 2000pp 233-234

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...+pp+233-234%22

If one were to click on the "Cached" link it would bring up a view of Google's cached copy of the (copyright) full text. Of course, that would be wrong, so don't do it, abstain! You have been warned.

[And certainly don't cause Craig more grief by copying and pasting copyright material to the discussion forum]

[illogick]

To Mr. Epee and whoever else I was talking to: Can we just agree to disagree? Myself and the team all think it's fine, you guys don't. That's that.

I understand where you guys are coming from, but it really wasn't the way everyone is making it out to be. It was an off the cuff remark, said mostly as a joke, but also held some advice. He's not handing out condoms and telling us to go on sex romps to make us think that much clearer. It's a U19 club team. Not a high school sports team. What's acceptable for my coach may not be acceptable for a high school coach, due to educational employees having to constantly hold their tongue around students etc.

Again, no disrespect, but I myself don't agree with you, and I'm confident the rest of my team wouldn't either. I'm also confident my views won't change farther down the line.

And please, don't be so condescending as to write off what I say as wrong just because I'm young. I'm old enough to make intelligent decisions.

[irishfolker]

But would he make the same remarks if your parents were in the room?

[Grasshopper]

[quote=jBirch;675265]

If a young teenage unwed boy, who happens to be a fencer at my salle, asked me I would say "no" without hesitation. I might go on a science tangent showing/explaining what sex does to the athlete's body and deriving why I thought that abstinence was good policy.
QUOTE]

Are you trying to tell us something, JBirch? Ohhh, is it hot in here?

[jBirch]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

Are you trying to tell us something, JBirch? Ohhh, is it hot in here?

It was a secret message to only you and Fencrgrl.

Love ya! Kisses!

[cbcarey]

Women weaken legs!
-Mickey Goldmil, Rocky

What else is there to say on this topic? ;-)

[illogick]

Originally Posted by irishfolker

But would he make the same remarks if your parents were in the room?

Probably not, but he's not coaching my parents. And as I've said before, he's a friend to us as well as a coach. If have/had children, would you expect their friends to speak in front of you the same way they speak to them in private?

[muaddib]

I was always told that sex was bad for endurance, but have no facts on the matter. But the day I won my "A", I had a "quickie" on the lunch break, before the final rounds, so all I can say is "relaxation" vs "endurance" , relaxation wins hands down !

[irishfolker]

If your coach (a person of authority, not a friend) won't speak that way in front of your parents, it's inappropriate.

I have children and grandchildren. Believe me, at 16, they knew it all, just like you do. They have since learned quite a bit, as you may.

[foillion]

Originally Posted by muaddib

I was always told that sex was bad for endurance, but have no facts on the matter. But the day I won my "A", I had a "quickie" on the lunch break, before the final rounds, so all I can say is "relaxation" vs "endurance" , relaxation wins hands down !

Dude you are my new personal hero. Senior Sectionals on Long Island is an A4 event this weekend. We'll have to see if I can ... "recreate" your situation and result.

-P