Top Ten Things A Parent Can Do At A Tournament
10.Bring a basic tool kit for repairs.
- Try to standardize the type of point, wiring, grip, etc. that your fencer is using.
This will save you from carrying both French and German manufactured parts, three different wrenches, and a host of unnecessary equipment.
9.Bring a basic first aid kit.
- Usually only the larger tournaments will provide medical assistance onsite, so be prepared to handle minor scrapes, bruises, or strains.
8.Make minor repairs on equipment, if you can.
- If you can't, find an armourer, coach or parent. Watch and learn as they repair the equipment.
- Much of equipment repair is not extremely difficult and it will increase
your fencer's ability to focus on the bout if he/she does not have to worry
about what to do if his/her equipment fails.
7.Familiarize yourself with the area in which the tournament is being held.
- Find out where the bathrooms, water fountain, first aid station, and armory
are located.
6.If things are going badly during a bout, find your fencer's coach.
- Remember that the coach may have other fencers at the tournament.
- If your fencer's coach is not present, remember that more experienced fencers from
your club are usually willing to give advice and encouragement.
5.If you are not sure who scored a touch or why a touch was awarded, your
best course as a parent is to stay quiet or to make a noncommittal comment.
- Arguing with a director is, at best, counterproductive and, at worst, sets a
bad example for your fencer.
4.Listen for announcements of strip assignments, etc.
- Many fencing venues have poor or nonexistent public address systems.
- Do not hesitate to check with the bout committee or tournament organizer to ask them to repeat the
announcement, especially if your fencer's last name sounds similar to many
others (Vail, Dale, Hale, Bell).
3.Make sure that your fencer is drinking enough water or Powerade.
- Refill his/her water bottle between bouts, make sure that the bottle is where he/she can
get to it quickly from the fencing strip, and encourage him/her to drink 8 oz
after each bout.
2.Some fencers want a cheering section, while others feel added pressure if
parents are watching.
- Determine which suits your fencer best and be flexible if they change their minds.
1.BE POSITIVE!
- Fencing is a terrific sport that can be enjoyed by fencers
and parents alike.
Make sure that you support your fencer during and after a
tournament.
- Winning is much more fun than losing, but character is the ability to do both with grace.