BBFC will be hosting an official refereeing seminar on October 26th at 3pm. Come learn more about the rules, what referees look for while judging, how to stand, and what to say! Taking this course is the first step to becoming a rated referee. Rated referees have the opportunity to work at tournaments making $$$ and gaining more experience and connections in the sport.

Referee Instructor

Certified Referee Instructor Andrew Foster is an FIE-rated referee in both foil and epee and was one of the FIE-selected Grand Prix referees during the Tokyo Olympic cycle. He was formally the head of the USA Fencing referee assessment program that provides feedback for current domestic referees at the national level.

Schedule

The seminar will run from 3pm - 7 pm October 26, 2024.

Who should attend?

Aspiring referees – This seminar is a required step in becoming a rated referee in USA Fencing

Coaches - To learn the current rules and see how actions are currently being called

Athletes - To improve their fencing and be better positioned to advocate for themselves at competitions

Parents - To gain a foundational knowledge of the rules and a better concept of the sport in general

Current referees - To refresh their knowledge base and update their profile with a current seminar

About the Referee Clinic

The Referee Clinic will provide you with a broad understanding of the role, responsibilities, and duties of a referee, as well as refine your sense of right-of-way, timing, and application of the penalties.

Attending an official Referee Commission-sanctioned clinic is the first step in becoming a certified USA Fencing referee. The next step is the successful completion of a written exam, consisting of a general section and one or more weapon-specific sections, and a score of 90% or greater is required on each section to be awarded a "P" rating. Once the "P" rating has been earned, the candidate may be evaluated at a tournament.

Fee: $80.00

What to Expect:

• In-depth training by certified referee instructor Andrew Foster.

• Comprehensive rulebook discussions and updates.

• Practical referee techniques and decision-making.

• Q&A sessions with experienced referees.

• Networking opportunities with fellow enthusiasts.

Certification: Participants who complete the seminar are eligible to take the written examination to complete their referee certification.

Observation: On Sunday, October 27th, BBFC will host a limited sanctioned event for those referees looking to pass the practical portion of certification. Registration for the tournament is open to fencers not participating in the referee training.