new fencing club in Iowa

[sid]

I fenced foil in college - athleticly great but diciplined little. Now, having not fenced in 14 years, I have been asked to teach fencing to people ranging from 9 - 40. They are even paying me! What fun it has been the first month. I even built a rck to hold 16 complete uniforms foils sabers and epee blades. - Money to start the group was not much of a concern as we were funded for over $7,000 worth of equipment. I am a certified coach for the state of Iowa - but have never taught fencing. I have been scrambling to learn all rules for all weapons, looking up on how everything has changed. But the strangest thing is - how could I have ever lived without it? Even though I am slower and larger than at 20 I think I am actually a better fencer.

Okay enough of that stuff the help I need is:
any pointers on coaching?
I must put on a tournament around May - June (only electric scoring for foil and epee) any ideas? anybody want to come? It would be fun to score a lot of touches against my newly formed group, but there are a couple I would be afraid of.

I am planning on attending referee clinics but they are so far away?

I want to have this fencing experience explode in iowa

I do have drill training but I never liked the idea of fencing is not fun my practices are.

I just tore my MCL 2 weeks ago - try fencing with a stiff front leg stuck in a brace. it adds a whole new dimension I never thought I could defend so well without backing up.

We had 10 fencers all for themselves out side in a grassy area - what mayhem- it was epee and no scores to the back counted - but what an adreniline rush - ( I tore my mcl that day stepping into a leaf coved hole, and would do it again.)

Yes, I am undefeated - In Washington, Iowa lol

let me know of any advice, help , or would anyone like to visit our group and speak? The group is mainly younger children in need of activities after school. But we have gotten a great interest from the adults as well. ( I teach my 8 children on the sidewalk in front of my house - small width for a strip but it sure does advertise a lot. Cars drive very slowley by.

please let me know about it all I am just excited about this whole thing in Washington, Iowa.

[DHCJr]

The suggestion is to make use of what is already there. Check the USFA and this web site for other clubs and the USFA division in the area. They may be able to help you and maybe even have a mini-dual competition to get your feet wet in what can happen at a competition. I notice you are just south of Iowa City. I know of two Armorers in Iowa and a very good one in Iowa City, Ron Herman (HermanReam@aol.com). You might contact him and ask to put on a personal armoring clinic. All your fencers should know how to take care of their equipment.

[swordsen]

Make plans to go to the Coaches College next summer.