April 2021 Latest Club update Covid -19

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We are reopening on the 18th of April for 18’s and under

Over 18’s watch this space, May 23rd looks promising.

Its time (almost)! Are you as excited as we are!!, its almost time to reopen.  We look forward to seeing you.

This is an update on where Lewes Fencing Club currently stands on restarting the club at the 18th April and the advice currently being given by British Fencing and Lewes Leisure centre.

Here is an outline of what we have put in place:

Booking will be open from Tuesday

Key important points and things that have changed.

  • We are only open for 18’s and under.
  • At present we can only accept those 18’s and under who were in the intermediate groups (Della and Gordon coaching) and above
  • Over 18’s watch this space, May 23rd looks promising.
  • You will need a valid BFA membership to fence.  Please check that status of your membership and renew where necessary.  Please email the club with details if you have had to renew.
  • Everyone 16 and over will need to sign in at reception or use the NHS app! This is a new requirement from the Government that the leisure center has implemented. To prevent parents/carers having to do this we will make sure some one is in reception at drop off and at the exit for pick up.  Could you please make sure you are on time.
  • If you are someone who fenced with us last year we are assuming all the contact details you signed up with last year are still current, get in contact if they are not.

Whilst most of the rules governing fencing have stayed the same, please read the FAQ’s below.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is classed as 18 and under: This rule laid down by the government is slightly peculiar, the criteria is anyone who is under 18 or turns 18 in this school year (Sept 2020 – Aug 2021).
  • Are you definitely re-opening: Yes the BFA has give us the go ahead for 18’s and under, the other part of the puzzle was the leisure center and they have agreed to our risk assessment, rules and regulations today.
  • Can only a certain number fence?: We are still limited by the size of the hall and the space (approx. 3m x 3m) that each person is required.  We are allowed up to 15 members per group and we can have more than one group in the hall.
  • Will the groups setup be the same as before: This is number dependent, but basically yes. You will need to book on to a session before each Friday and we will put you into groups before the Sunday.
  • Will we need to wear face coverings: There has been a slight change here.  Whilst you are not fencing a definite yes* however a face covering whilst fencing is recommended but not required.  For gentle warm up we expect a mask to be warn, if we are running etc. the coach may make it optional or ask that a full fencing face mask is worn.
  • Do we need to socially distance whilst not fencing: A definite yes. The BFA said this is as important as ever.  Please do not congregate in a group whilst at the club even if you are allowed to elsewhere.
  • Is close quarters work now allowed: Strictly speaking yes, but this is down to the skill level of those fighting.  To make this easy we will continue with no.  We ask those fighting and refereeing to keep this is mind halting and warning those that get too close.
  • Is 1 to 1 coaching allowed: Yes, we will continue with the procedure we did last term where a coach allocated to a group will pull out people for 1 to 1 coaching, coaching will still be done at arms length.
  • Sanitizing: Continue as before at the end of each bout.  Glove off, sanitize your hands, sanitize the equipment and then sanitize your hands again.
  • Do we still keep the club equipment we had last term: Whilst the rules have got a little simpler we are going to continue with allowing you to borrow the white kit and a mask.  Please try your kit on before attending your first session, if you need to replace something because you have grown please let us know BEFORE Sunday so we can bring it with us.  We will NOT have any white kit with us, if you do not have anything suitable you will not be able to fence.
  • Spectators: To allow us to have a many people fencing as possible, spectators will not be allowed unless there is a specific medical/child safety requirement. Please contact us before the session if that is the case.  We will have at least two coaches at every session.
  • Personal lending of your own kit: Whilst we all like to lend out kit, at this time please do not.
  • Can we mix between groups: There is no definitive answer on this.  Our groups can now be up to 15 in size, it is likely we will work with 6. But it will probably be unmanageable for us to then allow mixing of these 6 unless our total number is under 15.  We will work this out as we go, but for now assume No.
  • Will I fence everyone in my group: This is down to your group to sort out, but ideally yes.
  • How much can we fence one person: As before 2 * 15 bouts or 5 * 5 bouts.  A maximum of 20 mins fencing time.  We suggest you stick to the 5 points per bout to allow variety of opposition. The actual session time will be more of the limiting factor.
  • Will session times change: No, officially under 18’s is still 10-11am however for those who fence on piste by themselves can stay until 12pm.
  • Payment: As per previous sessions, this can be done before hand or via contactless payment on the day.  Cost is still just £5 per session.
  • I have had both Vaccines can I fence properly and mix: Unfortunately, guidelines are that having a vaccine does not make you exempt from the rules.  You will need to continue to follow all the rules laid down by the Government, the BFA, the Center and the Club.
  • Remind me how do I sign up?

* If you have a medical reason as to why you cannot wear a face covering please let us know.

We really are looking forward to seeing you this weekend or soon.
And if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best wishes

Anita, Claire, Della, Gordon, Lewis and Simon.