Fencing organisation

British Fencing is the national governing body for the whole of the United Kingdom. In addition Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales each have their own National body. At present England does not have a separate national body governing all aspects of the sport in its area, although the setting up of such a body is currently under discussion.

Below national level the next tier of organisation are the Regions. These correspond in England with the Sports England Regions. They are responsible for organising Regional championships, qualifying events for the British Youth Championships and certain other national events in rotation. The are also responsible for coordinating the work of the County Unions within their area.

County unions are the last tier above individual clubs. Their formation is optional but most regions now have county unions. In the West Midlands there are three County Unions, Hereford & Worcester, Shropshire and Warwickshire. The remaining area, Staffordshire, has relatively few clubs and despite recent renewed attempts to galvanize those clubs which do exist into joint activity, it has not yet proved possible to establish a county union there. Incidentally, the former Worcester County Fencing Union added "Hereford" to its title with the approval of the clubs in the latter county when the administrative counties were merged in 1974. Despite this year's de-merger, since Hereford is a rural county with relatively little fencing activity, there was no parallel move to split the county fencing union.

Individual fencers, in addition to being members of their own clubs are required to join the national body, British Fencing, as individual members. In common with many sports these days, this brings the benefits of a substantial amount of insurance cover, particularly in respect of public liability. Beginners are usually not coerced into joining the B.F.A. until they first enter competition.

Membership is available at various levels dependent on age. Adults may become either Full or Associate members. Full membership entitles the fencer to participate in all competition whilst Associate members are limited to Fencing in the club and to County or Regional events. (See British Fencing web site for further details.)

Competition is of two main types "Closed" Regional or County events, such as local championships or "Open" events which are the major competitions open to all fencers, including professionals. The only professionals are, in fact, professional coaches who may continue to compete. There is also a series of junior Open events sponsored by one of the main equipment suppliers, the Leon Paul Junior series.