parent involvement

[fencerwallet]

If they do not fence, I think interested parents should at least participate in referee clinics. They do not have to join the referee ranks (why voluntarily subject yourself to such abuse?), but it makes sense to at least know the rules. It would also "de-mystify" the sport for some (I speak for myself). There are too many parents arguing calls without bothering to obtain even a basic understanding of right of way.

[Purple Fencer]

If they do not fence, I think interested parents should at least participate in referee clinics. They do not have to join the referee ranks (why voluntarily subject yourself to such abuse?), but it makes sense to at least know the rules. It would also "de-mystify" the sport for some (I speak for myself). There are too many parents arguing calls without bothering to obtain even a basic understanding of right of way.

"But my kid hit first!"

The classic argument from the unknowing...

[PeterGustafsson]

Hi!

My belief here, which I'm currently trying out, is that if you teach the parents to fence, the commitment and willingness to help out will come naturally.

First of all: Congrats on the silver! I and Ejemyr both competed in the Veteran´s Swedish championship last saturday, and he got silver in the Vet40+ ME! (me? DFL But I did eke out a win over him in one of our two poule bouts)

That is all fine and dandy, but how do you get parents to want to fence in the first place? The parents to our teenage fencers seem perfectly contented with sitting and waiting, or to come and pick up their kid at the end of the training. Some of them have done easier tasks, and they do make up the club leadership board, but we have not made anyone to take a ref course, or fence themselves. What is your trick?


Have a nice time!

Peter Gustafsson

[ejemyr]

Thanks!

I didn’t find it too hard to get a gang of parents to enter my introduction course. Some I had to challenge (man or mouse?) and to trigger their kids to challenge the mom or dad. But when entrants stated to come in, a whole gang followed suit.

A few things are important though, I believe;
- Stress that it is “just for fun and exercise” and no serious expectations
- Put the parents’ class at the same time as their kids, when they (many) are in the salle anyway
- Don’t require that they commit to very much (like once a week for half a year…). I made it just 5 classes with 2 weeks in between each.
- Make it relatively inexpensive and see to it that they can borrow all equipment.

[oso97]

"But my kid hit first!"

The classic argument from the unknowing...

If I had a dollar for every time I've heard this....

[Purple Fencer]

If I had a dollar for every time I've heard this....

Kinda why I posted it...