The booking page is now LIVE. You can enter the competition HERE.

AUCKLAND SEC  SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS - GET IN QUICK!

Standard entry fee $25.00 extended till 23.55 tonight.
 

REGISTER In CALENDAR  

Late entry will be $45.00 (closing Thursday 4th)

At Last! ….what you’ve all been waiting for..

Registrations are live for the McLeavey Tournament on Sunday July 24th at Netball Waitakere Stadium, TePai Place, Henderson.

No full gear check for this event, but we will be checking weights & gauges…

Registration Link https://events.humanitix.com/fn-mcleavy-tournament

Fencing North Inc. Committee Meeting – 13.06.2022

 Meeting Opened:  7:09 pm (Microsoft Teams)

Present: Ben Upton (Secretary), Peter Butler (President), Maja Saran (Head of Tournaments), Matt Stanley (Hikurangi Fencing Club), Amanda Hopkins (Treasurer), Katie Logan (Academy of Fencing);  Fiona Campbell (H&S and assistant tournaments).

Apologies: Mary Black (Tuatahi).

Minutes of last committee meeting

These were read at the meeting and approved.

Noted that the reference to ‘gross profit’ in relation to the schools tournament is actually to ‘gross revenue’.  This will be corrected.

Matters arising

Date for U20 Nationals is 15/16 October 2022.  This will be run in combination with the Fencing North Open.

The University’s Pride tournament did not take place due to exam clashes.  This was unfortunate but the University chose the date and this created the problem.

Dave Elder to be chased in relation to video referee system.

Treasurer’s Report

Amanda Hopkins reported that there was still a lot of unpaid team entry fees.  There was a discussion concerning invoicing which will be addressed as between Maja and Amanda.

There is currently $59,000 in the bank of which $11,000 is dedicated to venue hire.

David Elder is still to provide a quote for the video referee system.

There was a discussion concerning how referees were paying their honorarium.  Katie Logan reported that bank transfers would be preferred but only if they were prompt.  The other option being supermarket vouchers. 

Agreed that vouchers will be retained ($30 for ½ day, $50 for whole day).  Peter and Katie to operate that system on the day.

There was a discussion around carpeting costs.  Agreed that we would continue to operate the current system even if the overall cost is a little higher than Trusts for the smaller competitions.

Competitions

It was reported that weapons check was becoming an issue in terms of gathering ranking points. 

Reported that full weapons check was required for National Tournaments.  A policy was not in place for regional tournaments.  Indicated that weights and gauges should be taken.

Noted that we did not want to take an approach that discouraged participation. 

Agreed that there was lack of clarity from FENZ.  Agreed that weights and gauges be done with referees given discretion in relation to presentation of fencers on the piste.

Noted that Maja has done a lot of work to improve the landing page for tournaments and that minimum requirements are recorded.

Better Participation Initiatives (Foil)

Ben Upton referred to the responses to a recent email.  Noted that FB Messenger worked well for Sabre.  This will be looked at in terms of the foil space.

Media

Nothing reported.

Health and Safety

Nothing to report. Te Pai has found new storage area for fencing equipment.  This means wheeling equipment out in a different way which could put a little more stress on the trolleys.  Better supervision required for the set up exercise.

Fundraising

Nothing to report here.  What is required is a fund raising officer.  A 12 month calendar / formalised plan would be ideal.

FENZ News

Amanda Hopkins reported around initiatives to get fencers to overseas tournaments. 

There was discussion about the Sabre and Foil club teams event which we are supposed to deliver.  There may be some options in early December in combination with the Bauble. 

There was a push to get coaches registered with Police vetting.  Fundraising for Commonwealth Champs is going well. There is development of a child protection policy.

World University Games is taking place in Chengdu in 2023. 

There is a training camp in July, but this has been advertised late.

Other Business:  

Hannah Choi indicated she was organising a movie night – 16 July 2022. 

Confirmation of next meeting date –Monday, 11 July 2022.

Meeting Closed:   9:16 pm.

Fencing North Inc. Committee Meeting – 09.05.2022

 Meeting Opened:  7:00 pm (Microsoft Teams)

Present: Ben Upton (Secretary), Peter Butler (President), Maja Saran (Head of Tournaments), Peter Sarah (Member), Amanda Hopkins (Treasurer), Sunnie Sun (Vice President, Massey), Kirsten Hansen; Hannah Choi (Auckland University); Fiona Campbell (H&S and assistant tournaments).

Apologies: Katie Logan (Referees); Dave Elder (Tuatahi).

Minutes of last committee meeting

These were read at the meeting and approved.

Mark Rance

Noted that Mark Rance had passed away.  His contribution to the sport of Fencing was noted and the sad passing of his loss.

The Committed wished to note its condolences to family and friends.

Treasurer’s Report

Amanda Hopkins reported that a number of payments have made for the Easter Carnival (Referees, Expenses etc.).  Mid-south video referee hire fee has not yet come in.  So there should be a $1,600 profit from this tournament.  This is against a forecast of $1,200.

The above led to discussion about Fencing North obtaining its own video referee system.

Peter Butler sought approval to further this.  Approved that Fencing North obtain a video referee system up to a cost of $5,000 + GST. 

Noted that the turnover of the organisation is high.  The GST threshold is $60,000.  Some consideration will be had to whether FN should be GST registered, although this may be a one-off.

With regard to the profit of $1,600.  FENZ had agreed to underwrite up to 20% of loss.  Peter Butler suggested that consideration be given to payment of 20% of profit being paid to FENZ as a result.  This was discussed, but not necessarily agreed.  Discussed that this was a loose arrangement and it was considered that if all regions agreed to this approach, then this would be approved. 

The Committee wished to recognise the contribution of Felix Lun for organising referees and the Head Referees (Anya Kaminya).  A note of thanks will be sent.

Competitions

Maja Saran reported on Schools Tournament – There were 79 entries (20 late).  This contrasted with 110 last year, although with Covid this was expected.  There was no protest on late fees.

This tournament made $2,840 gross revenue with $210 donations for prizes.  There are some refunds to come.

Noted that Te Pai remains cheaper as a venue even with carpet and there is much less risk of being ‘bumped’ in terms of hire. 

Discussed that clubs should be encouraged to use tournaments for fund raising by running the food stalls etc.

Register Now is now no longer being used – Data for this will be lost at the end of the year.  Another company Humanitix is now being used.  This is a charity organisation and cheaper.  The Fenton is being used for this and it appears to be user friendly.  This system does not allow a participant list.  There is a discussion at FENZ level about using a common system.  Fencing Time might be an option.  This is a matter for FENZ and will be discussed with FENZ.      

There is discussion with FENZ about the ranking qualification for some of the Fencing North tournaments.  Weapons check will be called for. 

Noted that there may be too many tournaments which are poorly attended with fencers stretched in terms of participation.  There may be a need to review more carefully to the calendar for next year.  This will require better integration.

McLeans College has offered to host competitions.  This could be a good venue for schools competitions.

Date for U20 nationals has not yet been fixed.

Hanna Choi advised that AU is running a Pride Tournament.  This will be a beginner event for those who want to try competitions and who do not usually compete.  29 May 2022 will be the date.

Hanna Choi indicated that AU may be in a position to offer a venue.

Better Participation Initiatives (Foil)

Ben Upton will look at some initiatives to getting better participation.  Options around tournaments will be discussed.  Plate / repechage or beginner / intermediate.  More poule fencing.

Media

Kirsten reported that she has covered all tournaments.  This was working well.  She will not be able to attend the Fenton. 

Health and Safety

Fiona noted that there was nothing to report.  She noted that there was a need for something in place in the form of a safety manual.  There was a document required for that.

Peter will work with Fiona on.   

Fundraising

Fiona indicated that she may be available to assist.  Peter is also looking to meet with an individual who may be able to assist. 

FENZ News

Mark Rance’s passing was noted. 

Commonwealth selections are underway.  46 fencers have been selected.

Asian Zone tournament selection underway.

There is a grant for a technical coaching course in December.  Fencing North will need to put forward candidates for this (20 attendees from NZ).  This is FIE funded. 

Other Business:  

No other business

Confirmation of next meeting date – Monday, 13 June 2022.

Meeting Closed:   9:10 pm.

Please see our CALENDAR for current competitions and entry forms  HERE

In Calendar click on the Event Name  to be taken to booking link.

For rankings please the Fencing NZ website here.

For current results from our competitons click here for Fencingtime Live.

Please note that this competiton is at Trusts : )

Link to the registratin here

Please note that the SecS#3 has been changed to the Fencing North age banded competition for the U15 and U17. This competiton is very suitable for confident beginners and school fencers. We will award ranking points, which will be used for upcoming Secondary School competitons. Top 4 places will recieve medals and of course the chocolate prizes. Look out for the registration in the calendar.

Fencing North Inc. Committee Meeting – 04.04.2022

 Meeting Opened:  7:10 pm (Microsoft Teams)

Present: Ben Upton (Secretary), Fiona Campbell (Tournaments and Acting Health & Safety), Peter Butler (President), Maja Saran (Head of Tournaments), Mary Black (Tuatahi), Amanda Hopkins (Treasurer), Sunnie Sun (Vice President, Massey), Matt Stanley (Whangarei), Judit Flizar (Schools Rep)

In attendance: Felix Lun (Referee organiser for Easter Carnival)

Apologies: Katie Logan (NZ Fencing Academy); Kirsten Hansen (Media)

Minutes of last committee meeting

These were read at the meeting and approved.

Matters Arising: 

Easter Carnival – Peter Butler outlined the preparations for this tournament.  There was a need to arrange referees.  Felix Lun spoke to that. 

Peter Butler highlighted the need for as much assistance as possible for set up.  Numbers at this stage are good and most likely breakeven at least at this stage.  There was a loss underwrite from FENZ.

Treasurer’s Report

Amanda Hopkins spoke to her email report.  There is a current cash balance of $59k.  Some of this is committed to pistes and (re. Trusts cash grant) future venue hire.

Various payment approvals were voted on and approved.

Competitions

See above report re. Easter Tournament.

There were the schools after that.

Whangarei Update

Matt Stanley updated matters relevant to Whangarei and the creation of a new club under his guidance.  There was a discussion about the support that could be offered.  The club has a number of new beginners and there was a request to see if some of the FN gear may be available.  This was discussed.

Media

Kirsten Hansen was unable to attend but Ben Upton read her email report.  Acknowledged that Kirsten was doing a great job on this.  Some assistance will be sought in order for her and others to operate the Website.

Health and Safety

Nothing to report.  Some planning needs to be undertaken around the Easter Carnival.  Covid is having a significant impact.

Fundraising and Venue

Nothing to report.  A replacement for Rhy Greensill is still required

Other Business:  

No other business

Confirmation of next meeting date – Monday, 2 May 2022.

Meeting Closed:   9:00 pm.

Fencing North Inc. Committee Meeting – 17.03.2022

 Meeting Opened:  7:00 pm (Microsoft Teams)

Present: Ben Upton (Secretary), Fiona Campbell (Tournaments and Acting Health & Safety), Peter Butler (President), Maja Saran (Head of Tournaments), Dave Elder (Salle Jean Louis; also as President FENZ), Mary Black (Tuatahi), Amanda Hopkins (Treasurer). Rhys Greensill (Fundraising)

Apologies: Sunnie Sun (Vice President, Massey)

FENZ News

Amanda and David (as President FENZ) updated matters discussed at the last FENZ meeting.   FENZ wanted to proceed with the Easter Carnival.  There is the AGM coming up. 

Other items of interest for Fencing North:

Oceania Foil Fencing Course

• Regional funding for Oceania Foil Fencing Course (Level 1).  This is a trial and funded 50% by Oceania Fencing.  Online course developed by some Canadian coaches (Global Fencing Masters).  Likely cost for Fencing North participants is c.$350 per person.  Likely to be around 3 Fencing North participants.  So likely total cost is $1,000.    
• The likely participants are not yet known. 
• There was some disquiet around not knowing who the participants would be.  There was the option of asking the clubs / individuals. 
• This would be reviewed when we knew who the people are.
• There was also a view that some support was possible, but those participating also needed to have some ‘skin in the game’.

Easter Carnival

• FENZ has decided to proceed with that.  There are 6 weeks between now and the competition and matters could evolve.  There may be late changes but this was acknowledged.
• There still remain a number of outstanding questions around the running of the competition, which were not addressed at the FENZ meeting.  Of those three core issues – Participation; Duration; Refereeing.
• Refereeing will be organised locally with a few outside referees invited to attend.  Anja and Judit to be head referees.  They will have to come up with the officials team, with Katie’s costs.
• FENZ resisted the idea of making the tournament shorter.  The days are set, but once numbers are clearer, times may be adjusted (later start / earlier finish for example).
• There will be a DT panel.  This usually will be the Tournament Organiser, Head Referee and the organiser of the draw (Heather Claydon).   
• We need to be very mindful of cost given the risk around cancellation and also because the 4 days will required (by FENZ directive) yet participation could well be low.
• Some of the practical aspects are being looked at – Tape / carpet use for pistes etc.

Minutes of last committee meeting

These were read at the meeting.

Matters Arising: 

Nothing arising.

Treasurer’s Report

Amanda Hopkins was absent from the last meeting but it was noted that she had provided an email report. 

She sought approval of several payments:

• Oliver Agnew $606.70 for website.
• Waitakere Venue Hire Bond - $500 for Easter Carnival.
• Waitakere Venue Hire for W Dawn - $345.
• Camp refunds - $200.

These were approved. 

It was also agreed that any future payments or reimbursements around tournaments and low-value operational payments (up to $1,000) could be paid by Treasurer / supported by Tournament Organiser without Committee approval against invoice / receipt.    These to be disclosed at subsequent committee meetings as appropriate.

Ben Upton to talk to Oliver Agnew to discuss movement of Fencing North website account to Fencing North.

Competitions

Maja reported the W Dawn (39 Fencers) was a success and ran at a profit.  The entries for the Fenton are currently at 35.  There are no complaints about the $20 late fee. 

Women’s epee is run with the women fencing in a mixed competition, and then via a separate DE competition later. 

There is a teams competition in the calendar – Intended to be a club based tournament.  Kyle MacDonald to be contacted about this.  There is a social aspect to this tournament which needs to be emphasised.

Media

Kirsten Hansen is doing a good job.  Nothing to report. 

There is a need to encourage foil and find someone who is prepared to be a sponsor to encourage tournament participation.  This is something to be worked on.  Covid may be having an impact

FENZ has asked that we input our calendar dates into its calendar.  This is to be actioned where possible – Peter Butler to be sent the access instructions.

Health and Safety

Nothing to report.  Some planning needs to be undertaken around the Easter Carnival.  Covid is having a significant impact.

Fundraising and Venue

One application to Trusts is in for $10,000 for the Easter Tournament.  Trusts appears keen and the application was in time.    

Another application is in for operational costs is due in at the end of the month (up to $4,000).

Resolved that these applications be pursued on the basis set out.

Also resolved that Rhys Greensill had general authority to progress suitable applications.  Specific resolutions to be prepared as required. 

Other Business:  

No other business

Confirmation of next meeting date – Monday, 4 April 2022.

Meeting Closed:   9:05 pm.