SABRE WEAPON STEERING GROUP CHAIR APPOINTED

Following an open recruitment process, David Sach has been appointed as Chair of the Sabre Weapon Steering Group, which is dedicated to guiding and supporting the strategic development of sabre fencing across the UK.

David Sach has been appointed as Chair of the Sabre Weapon Steering Group (Image: Eva Pavía / #BizziTeam)

BF is reinvigorating the three Weapon Steering Groups, which were originally created to ensure that each weapon evolves in alignment with BF’s co-created overarching strategy. These groups provide structured, inclusive forums for collaboration across coaching, refereeing, competitions, athlete welfare and development.

The appointment process is still underway for Chairs for the Epee and Foil Weapon Steering Groups. These roles offer a unique opportunity to shape the future of each weapon discipline and contribute to the sport’s growth and governance. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit expressions of interest to sarah.jones@britishfencing.com.

Responsibilities of the Chair include:

Chair the Weapon Steering Group (WSG) meetings, ensuring that all voices within the group are heard, decisions are made collaboratively, and follow-up activities are delivered efficiently, fairly, and in the best interest of the weapon’s development.
Support the coordination of efforts across various weapon subject matter experts/sub groups (Coaching, Refereeing, Athlete Welfare, Selection, Competitions, Athletes) to deliver a coherent Weapon Plan to support the growth of the weapon in line with the BF Weapon Strategy.
Promote transparency and accountability, overseeing communication of the WSG activities to stakeholders (coaches, clubs, athletes) and publication of key WSG decisions.
Ensure that the WSG, on an annual basis, reviews and gives feedback to the BF Executive Team on the BF Weapon Strategy.
Act as a liaison between the WSG and British Fencing leadership.
Ensure that the weapon group is appropriately represented at national/cross sector forums (eg Combat Club)
Work alongside BF staff to sustain the Weapon Steering Group through succession planning, in consideration of inclusion and diversity objectives.
Fostering a collaborative, respectful and inclusive environment both within the group and the work that it does with the BF exec team.

David brings over 12 years of experience in sports management and coaching, currently serving as Head Coach at Wheaton College and Director of Operations at Boston Fencing Club. His career spans elite competition, Olympic-level coaching, and international refereeing. His leadership style, rooted in collaboration, excellence, and athlete empowerment, makes him ideally suited to support and guide the Sabre Weapon Steering Group as it is re-established.

David Sach said:

“I am extremely honoured to have been selected to chair the WSG for Sabre. I started fencing Sabre in the early 90s and British Fencing allowed me the opportunity to travel the world and gave me a career. This is an opportunity for me to give back. This is an exciting opportunity to take a look at what we can do to improve all aspects of Sabre fencing in the UK. It will be good to involve all aspects of the Sabre community, from youth fencing to Veterans, as the community to help us form and deliver the strategic plan.

Reflecting on David’s appointment, Dusty Miller, Head of Olympic at British Fencing, shared:

“We are delighted to welcome a new Chair for the Sabre Weapon Steering Group, especially as it takes on renewed importance in supporting the future of the weapon. David, in his role as Chair, will play a vital part in bringing the community together to support BF with the alignment of strategic direction through the fostering of a collaborative approach with the wider Sabre community.”

“A strong WSG is an essential part of our system, designed to ensure that Sabre continues to thrive from grassroots to high performance.

“I encourage anyone interested in the Epee and Foil WSG Chair roles to reach out to Sarah as soon as possible.”