British Fencing Association

The British Fencing Association (formerly the Amateur Fencing Association) is the governing body for the sport of fencing in the UK.

History

In 1902, the Amateur Fencing Association was founded as the governing body for fencing in the UK. However, the requirements for amateurism have now been dissolved, and professionalism is permitted in the UK, so in 1996 the name was changed to the British Fencing Association.

Activities of the BFA

The BFA is responsible for all international fencing conducted while representing Great Britain. They control the selection criteria for all relevant competitions. They are responsible for any attendance by fencers at official FIE competitions, including the World Championships and World Cup competitions, and also at the Olympics under the IOC.

The BFA is also responsible for all national domestic events. It runs British Championships in a variety of age categories and at all three weapons of fencing (foil, épée and sabre). In addition, a series of national 'Opens' are held by independent organisers affiliated to the BFA. These events collect points, which are used by the BFA to create national rankings at senior, junior (U20) and cadet (U17) level.

The BFA also run coaching schemes, and other activities relating to the promotion of fencing in the UK.

The BFA publishes a magazine, The Sword.

ubdivisions

Under its auspices the four Home Nations (Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland) have their own governing bodies. The country is further subdivided into 'regions'.

Home Nations Governing Bodies

* [http://www.welshfencing.org/ Welsh Fencing]
* [http://www.englandfencing.co.uk/ England Fencing]
* [http://www.nifu.co.uk/ The Northern Ireland Fencing Union]
* [http://www.scottish-fencing.com/ Scottish Fencing]

Regions

* Channel Islands
* [http://www.emfencing.com/ East Midlands]
* [http://www.bfaeastern.org.uk/ Eastern]
* London
* North East
* North West
* Northern Ireland
* Scotland Central
* Scotland East
* Scotland North
* Scotland West
* South East
* South West
* Southern
* Wales
* West Midlands
* Yorkshire

Administration

Its currently elected President is Mr. Keith A Smith (as of July 4, 2005).

External links

* [http://www.britishfencing.com British Fencing]
* [http://www.fencingmuseum.com/ National Fencing Museum]