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Community Awards Criteria 2023-24
The British Fencing Community Awards recognises some of the best clubs, coaches, fencers and volunteers for their contribution to fencing.
Nominations opened Monday 11th November 2024 for the for 2023-24 Awards. They will close at midnight on the 12th January 2025.
Due it being an Olympic and Paralympic year, this awards period will cover 1st September 2023 – 7th September 2024 to recognise this.
Please note that all nominees must have held the appropriate valid BF Membership for the Year 2023-24. *In the case of the Viveca Abrahams award no BF membership is required, please detail the project’s name and contact details instead*.
Please read the BF Awards Terms and Conditions before nominating.
Click here to nominatePERFORMANCE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
A nominee for ‘Performance Athlete of the Year 2023-24’ will meet some of the following criteria:
- Have achieved significant success at FIE level or World Abilitysport level
- Achieved significant success at International level
- Achieved success at Paralympic, World or Zonal Championships
- Achieved something no other GB fencer has previously achieved in a competitive environment
- Be a positive role model for young fencers
- Portray a positive image of fencing to those outside the sport
YOUNG ATHLETE OF THE YEAR (U20)
A nominee for ‘Young Athlete of the Year (U20) 2023-24 must be aged 20 or below on 1st January 2024, and meet some of the following criteria:
- Achieved significant success at International level
- Achieved something no other GB fencer has previously in a competitive environment
- Be a positive role model for young fencers
- Portray a positive image of fencing to those outside the sport
GBR COACH OF THE YEAR
A nominee for ‘GBR Coach of the Year 2023-24’ must coach GBR athletes, and meet some of the below criteria:
- A coach who has played a role and supported the athlete(s) to gain significant results during the 2023/24 season
- Demonstrates a player-centred approach and are an example of innovative coaching practice
- A role model of best practice to others within the fencing coaching community
- Demonstrates a positive and continuous learning attitude in their development as a coach
COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR
A nominee for ‘Community Coach of the Year 2023-24’ must coach at a community club. They must also meet some of the below criteria:
- A coach who works within a club or specific community, providing suitable and relevant coaching to meet the needs of the fencer(s) at their current stage of development, whilst delivering in their club or community setting
- Actively seeks to grow fencing within their local area, serving the needs of the wider community and has had a positive impact on widening access to fencing, through their role as a coach
- A role model of best practice to others within the fencing coaching community
- Demonstrates a positive and continuous learning attitude in their development as a coach
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION BY A REFEREE
The ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Referee’ category recognises the much-valued contribution and dedication to fencing.
Nominees for this award must also meet some of the below criteria:
- Regularly supports the fencing community through officiation
- Respects all involved within fencing and demonstrates good sportsmanship
- Are a positive role model for other officials within the sport
- Involved in development activities, both for their own professional development, and that of other officials
- Demonstrates commitment to self-improvement, education and training
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION BY A VOLUNTEER
The ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer’ category recognises those who have made a significant contribution of time and effort to their club and/or BF.
Nominees for this award must also meet some of the below criteria:
- Have made a notable commitment of their personal time to volunteering
- Provide invaluable voluntary support to their club and/or BF
- Positively impacted their club/community/event
- Supported a number of competitions- local, regional, national or international and/or fencing within their local community
CLUB OF THE YEAR
Nominees for ‘Club of the Year 2023-24’ must be a BF affiliated club, and meet some of the below criteria:
- Commitment to be an inclusive club and provide opportunities for all to take part in fencing in their local community.
- Are positive role models, particularly in areas such as safeguarding and athlete welfare
- Have a strong coach development structure, with evidence of coach progression
- Support their athletes in every way possible to achieve the best results
VIVECA ABRAHAMS MEMORIAL COMMUNITY AWARD
A nominee for the ‘Viveca Abrahams Memorial community Award 2023-24’ can be any project that provides fun and engaging experiences in fencing, helping people to start and achieve personal success in the sport. The project could have:
- Seen increased participation and enjoyment in the sport
- Demonstrated innovative practice or opportunities
- Had positive impact within their community for underrepresented groups such as ethnically diverse communities, disabled people or women and girls
- Used fencing as a tool to positively impact people’s lives e.g. improve wellbeing or increasing opportunities to be physically active.
*In the case of the Viveca Abrahams award no BF membership is required, please detail the project’s name and contact details instead*.
Or you can return to the BF Community Awards Zone
Last updated 12 Nov 2024