Abstinence??

[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. But have there been any real studies of this?

[KD5MDK]

Not in fencing I'm sure. It's been studied in other sports, the one that springs to mind is track & field. I don't recall that a significant result was discovered.

[GypsyScot]

A Coach friend of mine one day made a rather out of character statement out of nowhere over lunch. "Before tournament, I refrain from the sex, if my students win than I have celebration, if they lose I have something to cheer me up."

I've tried to conduct such a study from my desk here but anybody under Y-14 seems to need an explanation, then they don't come back, ever...

Oh well...

[illogick]

Some think it's counterproductive, I know my soccer coach does. He encourages us to get laid before a game... Allows us to keep our focus up.

[bigdawg2121]

I think it's just an old fighters superstition/tradition. Basically the idea being that you can channel your excess sexual tension/energy into your matches/bouts and that sex causes a loss of focus and leads to relaxation. Given that fencing places a much higher premium on relaxation (as opposed to aggression/tension) when compared with other combat sports (yes I use combat relatively loosely, do us a favor and save the flames about karate, boxing, MMA.....etc. being real combat sports for somewhere else) I imagine that one could make an argument that sex before tournaments might be a good thing.

[piste off]

Originally Posted by jjefferies

I had an inquiry from a student as to whether abstinence before tournaments is desirable.

Yes, if you have failed the weapons check.

Rick

[lindajdunn]

I think much has to do with how late you're going to be awake the night before. If you idea sex means starting at 8pm and continuing through dawn, you're probably going to be a little tired when you get to the competition at 7am for registration.

[Mr Epee]

I assume this is male athletes.

There have been several studies.

I don't have one at my finger tips... but here's a very rough laymen's breakdown.

For all practical purposes it won't make any significant in a fencer's performance. Release of semen creates a drop in testosterone. However, the drop is not huge, and the benefits of saving up are negated after a fairly short while (few days) because the body realizes that it's got enough testosterone and shuts down production.

My own extensive field testing seems to indicate a positive relationship between sex the night before a strong competitive event and great performance. My suspicion is that it has little to do with the physical act and a great deal to do with the emotional/confidence state.

It's about being in a good place... not surprisingly the good feelings about yourself that lead to good fencing.... also lead to good things happening with the ladies. If you want to deny yourself that reward, that's fine - but lets try to avoid silly overly dramatic scenes like the one in Raging Bull.

[Hobbes]

I already give up drinking right before a tournament (most of the time), now someone is suggesting I give up sex too?! I think we have a new answer for the thread asking what the craziest thing we gave up for fencing is.

[Mr Epee]

Originally Posted by illogick

Some think it's counterproductive, I know my soccer coach does. He encourages us to get laid before a game... Allows us to keep our focus up.

So your soccer coach is encouraging 16 year old kids to get laid the night before a game?

That's not correct behavior.

An adult, especially one in a supervisory role, encouraging sexual exploits among children is not appropriate conduct.

Holy cow.

[downunder]

Originally Posted by Mr Epee

So your soccer coach is encouraging 16 year old kids to get laid the night before a game?

That's not correct behavior.

An adult, especially one in a supervisory role, encouraging sexual exploits among children is not appropriate conduct.

Holy cow.

Not that I disagree, but 16 year olds are hardly children.

[jjefferies]

Originally Posted by Mr Epee

I assume this is male athletes.

Just for the record:
Actually, female.

[Fencergrl]

Originally Posted by Mr Epee

Release of semen creates a drop in testosterone.

So what you're saying is that lots, and lots of sex for women athletes can be a benefit...

[GypsyScot]

Originally Posted by Mr Epee

So your soccer coach is encouraging 16 year old kids to get laid the night before a game?

That's not correct behavior.

An adult, especially one in a supervisory role, encouraging sexual exploits among children is not appropriate conduct.

Holy cow.

Maybe he's from West Virginia? I think the age of consent there is three and a half.

[jjefferies]

Originally Posted by downunder

Not that I disagree, but 16 year olds are hardly children.

And lets not have a cow, holy or otherwise.

But thanks all for the comments. I'll pass them along.

[Fencergrl]

Originally Posted by lindajdunn

I think much has to do with how late you're going to be awake the night before. If you idea sex means starting at 8pm and continuing through dawn, you're probably going to be a little tired when you get to the competition at 7am for registration.

That's why it's always best to save it for that long break between pools and DE's.

1) It's great motivation to do well in your pools so you get a bye.
2) It keeps you warm and limber.
3) It relaxes you.
4) You get a shot of testosterone just before you need to compete.

[Mr Epee]

Originally Posted by downunder

Not that I disagree, but 16 year olds are hardly children.

Having not yet physically reached adulthood - it fits the biological definition.

Having not yet legally reached adulthood (USA) - if fits the legal definition.

This coach is engaging in highly risky behavior that in many places could cost him/her their job. That sort of reckless behavior isn't healthy and indicates very poor judgment....

[Mr Epee]

Originally Posted by jjefferies

Just for the record:
Actually, female.

I don't pretend to understand women, so you're on your own, buddy.

I don't recall reading any studies on the subject of female sexuality and althetic performance. i do recall reading an article claiming that female track athletes were intentionally getting pregnant, and having abortions to improve performance by capturing the natural gear-up phase that women go through to prepare for pregnancy. I kinda thought it was bogus, but who knows.

I would guess that the answer to your specific case probably has something to do with her age and appearance. :-)