Now there is frontline help for those who breathe life into local fencing communities across the country. Until now, few realized that a USFA- established standing committee could assist them in accomplishing their lonely charter. Our Mission Statement includes a laundry list of support functions for clubs, divisions and sections aimed at increased participation in our sport and representation of collective interests at the national level. I'll be happy to work with you as long as you remember that I live in the Pacific Time Zone and I am NOT a morning person. Now, for a look at just one universal problem.
Most divisions have trouble getting people to turn out for competitions.
A handful of regulars show up, but the larger contingent of fencers rarely appear. The average division has a small number of category one fencers, a somewhat larger group of category two fencers, and a much larger number of category three. We must point out here that divisions who are strong in A and B fencers must balance the needs of competitors who are trying to raise their classification with the more populist approach we have suggested. One approach, good for both, is a modified Brazilian which adds repechage to the Table-as well as a couple of extra hours to the tournament day. Maximize the minimum number of bouts fenced.