Prof. Neil M Brown

a 41 Sally Hill, Portishead, BS20 7BH t f 08709 138564

e neil@fencingcoach.net m 07813 693947

Gödöllő

20^th – 21^st October 2007

Please read all of this letter carefully, especially the code of conduct & trip information from British Fencing (new for this season). Please make sure you (& your parents) sign where necessary.

Please find with this letter the top 25 of the latest cadet rankings (world championship selection ranking list). The full lists can be found at www.sabrerankings.com. This letter is going out only to the top 25; now you have been invited you should make every effort to go. The top 25 cadets are invited to all the International cadet events & you should not miss this opportunity to compete against the best in the World. As most of you will know Godollo is generally the strongest event we go to each year.

This letter is your invitation to travel as part of the British squad to the cadet International event in Gödöllő (near Budapest, Hungary) on the 20^th & 21^st October. There are individual & team events. This event is open to fencers born 91-95 only.

The nominated cadet foreign events this year will be: Godollo, Kenten, Pisa, & Camden. As detailed on the cadet information page on www.fencingcoach.net all nominated U20 A-grades will count for cadet rankings.

You should enter the U17 & U20 National Championships (6^th – 7^th October), if you have not already done so there is an entry form in The Sword & on the British Fencing web site. Fencers born in 1995 or later can only enter the U17 event. Junior & cadet world & European championships will also count.

If you have not seen the list of nominated competitions & the sabre-specific information on the cadet information page at www.fencingcoach.net you should read it as soon as you can. You & your parents should also have read the “information for fencers & parents” document on the same page.

If you haven’t found it yet you should read www.fencingforum.com which has information & discussion on issues which often affect you. Please check & subscribe to the Godollo & Kenten threads.

The arrangements for travel are now confirmed, they’re on the Godollo information letter & are as follows: flying out on Friday 19^th from Gatwick at 09:30 & returning on the Monday morning at 08:50 (leaving Budapest at 07:30). There may be a few places travelling back on the Sunday evening, if this is very important to you please let me know. Full details of flight times & hotel will be sent out to the fencers who are travelling in due course.

If any parents or coaches are planning to travel please let me know. It is generally a good idea for the fencers to get used to travelling & staying independently & to be part of the National squad. These trips should not be a holiday for fencers, the aim is to get the best possible results in the events & to gain experience for future years & trips. This doesn’t mean they’re not fun of course.

There is always an invitation for the coach of any invited fencer to accompany the national squad trips to international events. This will be at his or her own expense & they must accept my authority at all times. Any adult accompanying one of the trips, i.e. travelling with the fencers & staying in the same hotel, must have CRB clearance from British Fencing or a suitable authority, e.g. a school.

You will need FIE equipment for this event, 800N jacket, breeches, plastron, 1600N mask, S2000 blades. Your lame jacket, overlay, & mask must be in good condition to pass the weapon control. (If you do not understand any of this paragraph ask your coach, do not ignore it & hope no-one will notice.) Do not assume you will be able to buy equipment at the competition although there has been a PBT stand at the event every year. All your kit must be clearly marked.

There is no requirement to have your name on your jacket or National colours on your breeches. You do not need an FIE licence for this event but you should have your British Fencing licence with you.

If you would like to go please fill in the form below & return it to me as soon as possible with a cheque for £320 payable to “Cadet Sabre”. This cheque will cover flights, transport in Hungary, entry fees, accommodation, & all food; it will not cover transport to & from the airport, this is each individual’s responsibility. The only Hungarian money you will need is for equipment or shopping at the airport (you can use Euros for both of these). A breakdown of the costs is below & on the replies spreadsheet. Your cheque must arrive by the 21^st September or I will assume you do not want to go.

It is very important that you send your money in on time. Over the past few seasons some you have not managed to stick to the deadline.

British cadet sabre squad – Gödöllő October 07

Cost details:-
Flight	£216
Hotel & food	£93
Transport	£10
Entry fees	£7
Officials costs	£59
TOTAL	£385

Any fencers’ coaches who want to accompany the trip will need to send a cheque for £319. Any fencers who are making their own travel arrangements should send me the total for entry, hotel & food, & officials costs.

Please contact me (preferably by email) if you have any questions.

Return before the 21^st September

I would like to go to Gödöllő on the 21^st October weekend & enclose a cheque for £____ payable to “Cadet Sabre”.

British Fencing

Cadet Sabre Squad

Code of Conduct & general information

Hand luggage

Please do not bring excessive amounts of luggage. All you should need is your kit bag and a small overnight bag. Do not pack any tools, knives, scissors or pressurised containers, or, if flying, liquids in quantities greater than 100ml, in your hand luggage.

Please note. The baggage limit on our flights is 20 Kilograms. If your bags exceed this and excess is charged this is your responsibility.

Equipment

You will need;

• A passport (please check that it is current)
• A European Health Insurance Card
• BFA membership card/ FIE Licence. (delete as appropriate)
• Full FIE kit

800N underplastron

800N Jacket

800N Breeches

1600N Mask (be sure your mask is in good condition).

Please note: Visor masks must have a visor dated within the last 2 years.

Minimum of 2 working weapons with FIE approved blades (preferably 3)

• Other kit

Fencing Socks

Trainers (preferably fencing shoes)

2 Body wires (minimum)

Glove

Drink bottle

Please note: for team competitions you must all wear the agreed uniform including socks.

Insurance

You should ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance.

Staff

The adults accompanying this trip will be Neil Brown, Peter Wright, Mary Scott, Peter Rome. The Trip Leader will be Neil Brown

Cost

The cost of the trip will be £385 per person. Please see above for a breakdown of the costs. You must send a cheque, made payable to ‘Cadet Sabre’ for the full amount with your application.

Closing date

If you wish to take part in this trip I must receive your completed application and cheque no later than the morning of 21^st Sept

Contact numbers

My contact details are If you wish to contact me during the trip my mobile will be on the whole time.

Home contact

If for any reason you need to contact us during the trip and can not get through to my mobile please contact (Name).(Number). (A nominated contact person in the UK who has agreed to liaise with the Trip Leader for the duration of the trip.)

Behaviour

The foreign trips that we organise are not mini holidays. They are serious excursions to an elite level of competition. As such we expect fencers in the squad (regardless of age) to take the event seriously. We expect fencers to do everything in their power to get the best result possible. This includes getting a good night’s sleep before the event, eating and drinking sensibly in preparation for the event, presenting with all their kit in good working order, warming up sensibly before the event and again before each round as appropriate.

Fencers must remember that they represent Great Britain, as well as themselves, their Coach and their families. Unruly conduct is not acceptable.

As the FIE Rules for competitions say: by taking part in a competition, you pledge your honour to observe the regulations, obey orders, abide by the decisions of the Referees, be respectful and behave in an orderly, courteous and sporting manner.

Confrontations on the piste are always unpleasant. Remember that there is a proper procedure laid down in the rules in the event of a dispute with Referees or organisers. Remember as a member of British Fencing you agree to abide by all rules & regulations.

Attached are a code of conduct and a table of sanctions. Please read these thoroughly, sign the code of conduct, get your parents to counter sign it and return it along with your application for this trip.

Dope Testing

Dope testing may take place at competitions at home or abroad. Do not take any medicine in the fortnight leading up to a competition, without first checking that it is allowed. The Sports Council has produced a handy quick reference guide, the size of a credit card, which the BFA can supply if you send a stamped addressed envelope with your request. In any doubt refer to the British Fencing Medical Officer or the British Olympic Association; the list of prohibited drugs is being constantly updated and many GPs will not necessarily know which are banned substances. A full list of banned substances can be found on the WADA website. (www.wada-ama.org)

Medicines

If you take any (permitted) medicines regularly, you must bring adequate supplies together with full written information from your doctor in case of any problems.

What do I do now?

If you wish to take part in the trip.

1. If you wish to be part of this trip the first thing you must do is confirm this to me by email
2. Your parent or guardian must complete the attached medical details and consent form and sign it.
3. You must sign the attached ‘code of conduct’ sheet and get your parent/guardian to counter sign it.
4. If your parents are not picking you up from the Meeting Point you must also get them to fill in the attached consent form allowing the organisers to release you into the care of another specified individual.
5. Return to me, by first class post,

· The medical details and consent form,

· The code of conduct form,

· If your parents have signed it the consumption of alcohol consent form,

· A cheque for the cost of the trip

· If required the consent form for being picked up from the airport.

My address is

Name and Address

This should arrive no later than the morning of Day, Month, Year

6. Obtain sufficient equipment of the appropriate standard.
7. Get a European Health Insurance Card (if you don’t already have one.)
8. Check your passport is current.
9. Get your foreign currency
10. Inform your local newspaper about your selection to fence abroad as part of the GB Squad.
11. Fitness to fence. The Trip Leader must be sure that you are fit to fence. If you are injured or fall ill prior to departure, you must inform me (Name) immediately.
12. Avoid taking any medicine in the fortnight leading up to a competition.
13. If you are going to require (permitted) medication during the trip, obtain full written information from your doctor. Present this information to me (Name) when you first arrive at the Meeting Point together with any Therapeutic Use Exemption Form (TUE).

If you do not wish to take part in this trip.

1. If you do not wish to fence in this event you must contact me by email immediately to let me know.

The above information about the trip and your preparation for the trip, I hope, gives you a good idea about what will be happening and what we expect of you before and during the trip.

It is all very serious, but none of this is to say that foreign trips are not, or will not be fun. They are an excellent opportunity to travel, meet people and experience life. They are always fun.

Trip to Godollo

20-21 October 07

Medical Details & Consent Form

Name of Fencer (as it appears on passport)...........................................National Fencing Association no........

Home Address .............................................................................…………..…Date of birth..…………..

.......................................................................................

Telephone Number ...............................................................................................……………………………

Email address .............................……………………………(only if you have had this form by post)

Name and Telephone number to contact in an emergency…..................................……………………………..

Name and address of fencers own Doctor .............................................................…………………………..

Is s/he allergic to anything? e.g. aspirin, antibiotics, any particular food or drugs? If so give details.

..........................................................................................................……………………………………………

Does s/he suffer from any of the following: asthma, chest complaints, hay fever migraine, fits or faints, travel sickness, diabetes, coeliac disease or any other illness or disability? If so give details.

.................................................................................................................................……………………………..

Is s/he having any medical treatment at present? If so, please give written details of treatment and medicines, etc. ....................................................................................…………………………………………………...

Date of anti-tetanus injection (if known) .............................................................…………………………..

Does the fencer have any physical disability? Please give details of any special attention required

.................................................................................................................................…………….……………….

Please indicate any special food/dietary requirements

.................................................................................................................................…………….……………….

Are there any activities in which your child should not participate?

.................................................................................................................................……………………………..

Is there any other information (including cultural or religious) about which the staff should be aware?

.................................................................................................................................……………………………..

Is your son/daughter covered by an annual travel insurance policy, which you have confirmed covers Fencing competitions

Yes No (please delete as applicable).

I wish my son/daughter to be allowed to take part in the journey specified above and, having read the information provided, I agree to his taking part in any or all of the activities described.

I understand that British Fencing only assumes a duty of care for my son/daughter from the time that he reports to the Trip Leader at the Meeting Point and that British Fencing’s duty of care, ends when the Trip Leader dismisses the fencer into the care of either the parents or if the Parent/Guardian has made a written request for the fencer to be collected by a named person, till the fencer is met by the named person at the agreed arrival point (the airport).

I do/do not (delete as appropriate) wish photos of my son/daughter to be published without my prior consent.

I enclose a cheque for the full cost of the trip.

I understand that, while the trip organizers will take all reasonable care of the children, they cannot necessarily be held responsible for any loss, damage or injury suffered by my son/daughter arising during or out of the trip. I accept all normal risks of participation in a fencing event and of travelling for that purpose.

I..................................................(Your name in BLOCK CAPITALS) give consent to the medical examination of my son/daughter/child of whom I am guardian when necessary, and for drug testing where required, whilst he is taking part In the trip, and I request that any operation or any other measures considered necessary, by a medical authority for his diagnosis and treatment shall be performed and I hereby give my permission for such operations or other measures to be carried out in an emergency only and for the administration of a general or local anaesthetic if necessary.

Signature.................................................................... Date.......................................

Trip to (Name) event

Date

Consent Form for collection after trip by an individual other than parent

I ................................................……(Your name in BLOCK CAPITALS) give consent for my son/daughters/child of whom I am guardian

………………………………….….(your sons/daughters/ child of whom I am guardian name in BLOCK CAPITALS) to be handed into the care of

……………………………………..(name of person over the age of 18 in BLOCK CAPITALS) after the event, at the agreed meeting place, in this case airport arrivals.

Signature.................................................................... Date.......................................

Code of Conduct

As a member of British Fencing or an affiliated national association, I agree that:

1. I will accept the authority of the Trip Leader and I will carry out the Trip Leader’s reasonable instructions and intentions to the best of my ability and in the spirit of the sport. I accept the authority of supervising adults on the trip in the same manner as the Trip Leader and I will behave in a respectful manner towards all such officials.

2. I am attending a sporting event or competition, where the aim is to excel at physical activity, and both that my aim is to achieve the best result and my actions and behaviour will mitigate towards that goal.

3. I will behave in a manner that will bring credit to British Fencing, my school (as appropriate), my club, my coach and myself.

4. I will not conduct myself in a manner prejudicial to or that could compromise good order and normal discipline.

5. I will not behave in a manner that could prejudice or compromise the welfare of other people or their property.

6. I will set a good example of effort, conduct and behaviour to other people on the trip.

7. I will not drink, nor be in possession of alcoholic beverages.

8. I will not buy alcoholic beverages or attempt to do so either for my own consumption or for others, including parents, friends or relations.

9. I will not smoke.

10. If I infringe any of the rules I may be subject to sanctions laid down by British Fencing. These sanctions may lead to my parents or guardians being informed of my behaviour, loss of points from a competition or a competition ban or suspension from membership or other sanction as may be applied.

Signed:…………………………………………………………Date:…………………………………..

NAME:……………………………………………... (Print) Date of Birth:…………………………….

Confirmed by parent or guardian and signed:……………………………………………………………

Sanctions Table

Offence	First Occurrence	Second Occurrence	Third Occurrence	Remarks
Disobedience not amounting to a loss of control (Code 1-6)	Warning letter to parents	Loss of points gained from the event	Ban for one or more subsequent trips or demand for a supervising adult (parent or teacher) to accompany the child at the offender’s expense	If points not involved, 3^rd occurrence sanction may be applied for 2^nd offence
Disobedience amounting to a loss of control affecting the safety or welfare of any member of the party or other person (Code 5)	Telephone warning to Parents Note 1	Demand for parents to relieve the leader of responsibility for the offender by the fastest means at the offender’s expense	Ban for one or more subsequent trips	Occurrences may be during the same trip or period. Sanction 2 is applicable by the trip leader in situ.
Bad behaviour on or off the piste	Warning letter to parents Note 1	Loss of points gained from the event	Ban for one or more subsequent trips
Drinking or drink related offences (Code 6-8)	Warning letter to parents Note 1	Loss of points gained from the event	Ban for one or more subsequent trips or demand for a supervising adult (parent or teacher) to accompany the child at the offender’s expense	If points not involved, 3^rd occurrence sanction may be applied for 2^nd offence
Smoking (Code 2 & 9)	Warning letter to parents	Warning letter to parents

This table of sanctions is only a guide. The sanction imposed will vary proportionally to the nature and severity of the offence. The staff on the trip retain the right to impose any penalty they see fit for an offence. Where the Trip Leader considers that a ban or loss of points may be the appropriate penalty he/she will forthwith submit a written report to the BFA Disciplinary Committee recommending the imposition of such penalty. If the BFA Disciplinary Committee finds that a penalty should be applied it may impose such penalty as it sees fit which may be more or less than severe than that which has been recommended.

Please also note. The staff on this trip may refuse to be responsible for a given individual on future trip as a result of bad behaviour on this trip. In this case the individual would have to arrange (at their own expense) for a responsible adult to accompany that individual on that future trip.

Note 1 The staff on the trip retain the right to impose any penalty they see fit for an offence which in extreme case may include a fencer being sent home early from a trip at their own expense.

Prof. Neil M Brown

a 41 Sally Hill, Portishead, BS2- 7BH

t 01275 840075

f 08709 138564

e neil@fencingcoach.net

m 07813 693947

Gödöllő

20^th – 21^st October 2007

Congratulations to the following fencers who have been invited to Gödöllő as part of the National Under-17 squad.

1	HONEYBONE	James	91
2	BRIGHTMAN	Sam	91
3	WOOD	Felix	91
4	SALTER	Michael	91
5	HOWES	Anton	91
6	MITCHELL	Jack	92
7	AIYENURO	Soji	93
8	CLARKE	Michael	91
9	THORLEY	Christian	91
10	MILLER	Curtis	92
11	ERSKINE-NAYLOR	Lisle	92
12	BROWN	Ryan	92
13	FOTHERBY	William	92
14	WALKER	Henry	93
15	SCHOFIELD	Jordan	92
16	FANNON	Danny