Members Introduction & Code of Conduct.
The policy and ethos of the Durham Phoenix fencing club (The Club) is to promote and teach the sport of fencing to all interested parties, to encourage beginners to take up the sport and experienced fencers to improve their skills.
At Durham Phoenix (which is affiliated to British Fencing), we welcome members from all walks of life from the age of 8 upwards (there is no upper limit) and regardless of ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
This document gives its members (and/or their parents/guardians) information regarding the club and the expected conduct of both the coaches, parents/guardians and fencers at the club. Including rules addressing matters from general conduct to the fundamental safety rules for fencing.
We ask that fencers (and their parents/guardian if appropriate) read this letter, submit a response to the online form to show they agree to abide by the conditions as requested.
The core coaching team, all are British Fencing qualified volunteers, the trainee coaches and coaching assistants will be completing their additional certification during the following year.
Conduct
We encourage a positive, respectful demeanor of individual participants during club sessions, to ensure everyone goes home safely at the end of the session. No abuse of any kind will be tolerated to (or by) any coaches, volunteers or fencers, this also includes the use of obscene language. Drugs and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on club nights.
The club operates within the current British Fencing Guidelines with respect to child protection and every registered coach undergoes regular safeguarding training and DBS checks.
Should you have any concerns with regards to issues of abuse, bullying or poor conduct (including in relation to minors & vulnerable adults), our club welfare officer is Paul Sutherland who may be reached in confidence on 0744 958 1392 or via email at durhamphoenixfencing+welfare@gmail.com or paul.psuds@gmail.com or in person on any regular club night.
It is expected that the fencers take any litter they generate home with them at the end of the session and that they assist with the collection of the kit from the store (and its safe return) at the end of each session.
We firmly believe and feel it is important and in everyone’s interest to have clear policies and safeguards in place and to make everyone aware of the conduct expected by all parties.
Safety.
Is the priority of us all and as such we are all responsible for our own and others safety.
Normal fencing safety rule apply (as would be found in any club) see the list in our Salle Safety Rules document. Masks must be worn for all fencing activities, including lessons. Weapons should always be carried with the blade pointing downwards when not actively fencing.
Refereeing: We have a number of qualified referees in the club and where fencers wish to have an official presiding over their individual sparring session, the referee should perform a visual risk assessment and may wear a mask if necessary. Fencers are also encouraged to referee themselves and acknowledge any valid hits.
Over time, breakages and damage to equipment does occur, fencers are encouraged to report any damage or defects to any coach so that remedial action can take place thereafter.
Spectators and waiting parents/ Guardians: anyone is welcome to wait and watch from within the salle, as we do not have a dedicated and separated spectator area it has been decided that the benches that are set up alongside the back wall should be designated as the ‘safe area’. It is highlighted that spectators and visitors are not allowed to wander freely around the salle (for their own safety) and any request to take photographs or video must make themselves known and be ‘registered’ via one of the coaches.
Club Sessions.
We hold weekly sessions from 7.00 to 9.30 on Thursday evenings at Hetton school sports hall (DH5 9JZ). The sessions are closely monitored and directed by the coaches.
Fencers are strongly encouraged to participate in the warm-up, footwork and any bladework exercises to get the most out of the session.
A proportion of the evening is spent ‘free-fencing’ which is fencing opponents of the members own or coach nominated choice and always under the supervision of one of the coaches. Fencing etiquette requires that unless you have committed to fencing another opponent, are injured, or about to leave the session, any request to fence from any other fencer should be accepted.
As well as class groups based on age and ability, coaching volunteers will also instruct fencers on an individual one to one lesson which are tailored to the individual’s needs.
The club routinely runs all year round, only breaking for a short period 1-2weeks over the Christmas and New Year holidays and on the few occasions when our school venue is in use (e.g. for exams).
Development Squad and Training days.
We have recently created a “Development Squad”, with the aim of giving any of our fencers, with a grounding in basic techniques, another regular training session and an opportunity to improve and develop strength, agility, footwork, bladework and tactics. The squad sessions currently take place on a Tuesday evening 7-8.30pm at Kepier school Houghton-Le-Spring.
We have previously run occasional weekend training days (4-6 hour sessions) which include a mixture of strength, agility, footwork, bladework and sparring. It is envisaged that more of these sessions will run in the future.
Fees.
Weekly fees are collected on attendance and are marked off on a register. We accept cash in person, BACS transfer or PayPal to durhamphoenixfencing@gmail.com (using the Friends and Family transfer option).
Fees cover access to all activities in the club, group sessions, sparring and ad-hoc individual lessons (on request).
The club is operated on a "not for profit" basis, and as such all payments are used to ensure the smooth running of the club, including venue payments, replacement of broken equipment, any additional laundry fees and general upkeep or replacement of the equipment. On occasion where substantial numbers of Durham Phoenix fencers are attending the same competition (e.g. BYCs) travel expenses for a club coach to attend are also paid from the club funds.
Our current fee for each Club Night is £6.00 for under 14s & £8.00 for 14 and over.
(first session is offered FOC).
Development Squad training sessions are £5.00 per fencer.
In the interests of making the club as accessible as possible, we try and keep fees to an affordable level and will give due notice of fee increases, if any substantial rise in our base costs necessitates this.
Our coaches also go out to schools and other youth groups (on a paid basis), if you have an interest in this activity, please contact Chris Morton in the first instance who will be able to advise accordingly.
Club Updates.
Durham Phoenix have a number of social media as well as internet platforms to keep members informed of new developments:
Website: https://www.durhamphoenixfencing.co.uk/club-news
Public Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DurhamPhoenixFencing
Members Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/285698454433/
Competitions
As well as training, members are encouraged to enter as many competitions as they are able to. From local age group events, to open (13+), national, even international! competitions. The club can assist with entry fees for selected/approved competitions when representing Durham Phoenix Fencing Club. The club will always support the competing individual with access to any specialist equipment that the club holds in stock. We keep a ‘lending record’ of any equipment loaned out for competition use to keep a track of the equipment’s location and safe return.
Equipment
The club equipment conforms to the current British Fencing regulations. It is in good order and regularly checked and repaired/replaced as necessary.
Our communal club equipment was purchased as a result of both lottery and sport England funding some years ago. The club would always encourage members fencing regularly to purchase their own kit, allowing new beginners access to our communal stock. Our coaches can assist with recommendations for equipment suppliers and we have an agreement with Leon Paul (www.leonpaul.com) to offer a 10% discount (provided it is purchased through the club) and a similar arrangement (10% discount) with Excalibur Sports (www.excalibursports.co.uk) using the code DPFC10 in their online store.
Photography & Video
Occasionally, the club may take photographs and or video for publicity of coaching purposes. Any member not willing to be included in images or recordings should inform the club upon joining.