The Pathway Manager and Coaches identify competitions appropriate for each fencer based on age, attitude & behaviour, experience, engagement in training, qualification requirements, external factors such as exams, and previous results data. For fencers travelling with international squads, we place great emphasis on managing competition load in order to minimise injury risk, avoid mental burnout over a long season and maximise training opportunities during key developmental years.

Based on the fencers going to specific events and taking into account simultaneous events, the Academy Director and Pathway Manager assign Coaching staff to events, manage logistics in terms of travel, accommodation etc. Where it is necessary for fencers to borrow fencing equipment from the Academy, we will organise fittings and kit collection at training sessions at the Combat Centre the week leading into any nominated competition so that fencers have everything they need for the competition ahead of time

Parents are informed of competition nomination selections by direct email from the Pathway Manager and asked to register for events via the Academy Competitions Page https://www.teampdfa.co.uk/fencingcompetitions Entries are then bulk processed on Sport80 by the Academy. This system helps ensure that all our athletes are correctly entered on-time for nominated events, especially those with entry caps. Our event tickets include event coaching fees so there will only be one charge per competition. We also process yearly British Fencing, EuroFencing and FIE licenses for athletes through our website so that our athletes always have the correct competitive licenses and insurance cover for specific events.

Leading up to any nominated competition, the Pathway Manager will send out detailed information about the event, including arrival times, equipment requirements and instructions for fencers. On the day of competitions, fencers register with the event coaches upon arrival, before a structured coach-led warm-up ahead of the competition start. Coaching prioritisation is communicated and the competition plans are reviewed so all fencers have a clear vision of their fencing objectives for the day. Coaches provide piste-side support where possible and are available to help fencers prepare for individual matches between rounds, as well as offering pastoral care throughout the competition.

In order to best prepare for important competitions, the Coaches and Pathway manager discuss and implement any specific tactical, technical and/or physical requirements for individual fencers/squads, and training is structured around key qualification and Championship events. Where external support, such as specialist sports psychology or physiotherapy is required, the Academy staff are able to provide recommendations for professionals who have previously worked with successful fencers.

Using the Ophardt portal, competition video, ranking changes and fencer+coach feedback, a wide range of quantitative and qualitative data is collected for analysis by the Coaches and Pathway Manager. This data is then used to inform competition and training needs on an ongoing basis. Fencers are encouraged to seek feedback from their coaches following competitions, and lessons after a competition will typically begin with a debrief of the event. As part of taking ownership of their own training, more experienced fencers are expected to voice when they feel there is something specific they would like to improve with their coaches, and undertake self-analysis of their fencing using the analysis tools the Academy provides.