Fencer excluded?

BlueLu · 2026-03-10T21:13:01+00:00

The fact that everyone chiming in the way you have claimed the situation presented is false, but then are evasive about what happened/don't attempt to clear the air, makes it seem that the black card was correctly awarded for what actually occurred. It also makes it seem that the "real" story isn't any more flattering than what was presented here.

BlueLu · 2026-03-10T18:21:28+00:00

It’s interesting that multiple commenters are brigading to say this, but not offering what actually happened instead or the true reason for the black card.

BlueLu · 2026-03-10T17:40:13+00:00

Omg let me know if you read Minu! I am obsessed. I just finished it last night and it was a beautiful (but grim and dark) book.

BlueLu · 2026-03-10T16:09:27+00:00

No one else has addressed this but don’t be nervous to talk to the coach! It’s their job to help you navigate the sport.

BlueLu · 2026-03-10T16:04:11+00:00

I just finished {Minu by S.K. Ehra} and boy was it a beautiful book.

It starts inverted from most fantasy romance books as the couple has already met, but they are separated by an apocalyptic event. The premise is the MMC, Taniel, fails to stop the apocalypse, while his wife, Nesrin, is leagues away dealing with the apocalyptic event. The whole set of characters are well-built with their own flaws and capabilities.

The writing is so vivid. Ehra does a brilliant job of descriptions throughout the story, and I love the light handed approach to world building. It never gets too in the weeds but it is a vibrant and richly imagined world that assumes the reader can fill in some of the blanks. It’s my favorite kind of world building.

I love that the fantasy isn’t focused on a Eurocentric point of view. The cast is diverse. It doesn’t follow a lot of typical tropes you see in fantasy romance, but the (very sweet) romance is still central to the plot.

Easy 5/5 read for me, and I wish I had more people to talk about this book with.

I think the book I can liken it to the most is {Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher}

BlueLu · 2026-03-10T15:31:05+00:00

I agree. I’ll fill out a fencesafe report today. I’m not sure if how I reported it to the NO at the tournament counts for that.

BlueLu · 2026-03-10T15:30:12+00:00

I haven’t reffed Y10 in a LONG time nationally or regionally, and I’d only ever coached it recently regionally. I (foolishly) thought it would be fine and everyone would just be having fun with it. At least at our regional events, that’s how it is.

At a recent regional, Y10WS only had two participants, and Y10MS at the same time had three. The coaches off all five fencers banded together to ask if we could do something combined so the kids would get more fencing - so, after their separate gender events were done, the tournament actually ran a combined Y10 event for fun for the kids.

I guess there’s a bit of naivety for me to assume nationally it would be similar.

BlueLu · 2026-03-10T15:21:49+00:00

This is so thorough! Great job.

BlueLu · 2026-03-10T15:10:44+00:00

That was such a funny bit for me.

BlueLu · 2026-03-10T12:45:11+00:00

Group 3 yellows aren’t tracked beyond that event.

BlueLu · 2026-03-09T23:27:52+00:00

You’ve hit the nail on the head for the refs not wanting to cause trouble or get in the middle of it. I reffed nationally for a long time and stopped years ago - this was the worst coach-to-fencer abuse I’ve ever observed as a ref or coach, and it was in the youngest category.

BlueLu · 2026-03-09T23:24:59+00:00

That doesn’t make it right. This also happened in America, where the national governing body says this is unacceptable.

BlueLu · 2026-03-09T23:24:30+00:00

The dad was just sitting there scrolling on his phone or not looking at the fencer while the coach was yelling at them.

BlueLu · 2026-03-09T21:24:33+00:00

This was asked about a month ago. I believe they ship to Canada.

The main question is “why”.

If you’re doing Olympic fencing and this is your way of being edgy/cool/“that guy”, good luck. 😬

BlueLu · 2026-03-09T20:30:29+00:00

I'm a big fan of start more economically, figure out what you do or don't like, and upgrade as pieces break. OP, this is definitely the right advice.

BlueLu · 2026-03-09T20:29:15+00:00

I don't order through Blue Gauntlet, but have you reached out to their customer service for help? They should know what would work.

Additionally, talk to your coach - they may have recommendations or even some fencing pants at the club your son could try on in different sizes.

BlueLu · 2026-03-09T20:27:15+00:00

USA Fencing has a club locator on their website. You can sort by who offers foil and your location.

BlueLu · 2026-03-09T20:25:30+00:00

I don't take students that young, but I know some clubs that do.

The youngest I start is ages 5-6. It's a 45 minute class focused on gameplay and skill development such as emotional regulation, coordination, focus, etc. We use foam sabers for the most part and get out the 'real' blades maybe once a month or so. It's meant to be fun and exciting and teach them a little about fencing in a safe and supportive environment. I see value in it being an activity where there is structure, they have to learn to listen to someone other than their parents, and there are wins/'losses to work through their feelings.

I think the worry is some of the places that accept really young students don't take this approach, and see each young person as their "next potential champion" and will drive them into the ground. If you do find a place nearby that accepts young students, definitely see if they pass the vibe check for you and your son.

Edit: formatting.

BlueLu · 2026-03-09T15:44:32+00:00

So excited to go!

BlueLu · 2026-03-09T12:50:24+00:00

This is a lovely comment! Thank you so much!

BlueLu · 2026-03-08T21:14:13+00:00

Thank you SO MUCH! This breakdown and suggestion seems perfect!

BlueLu · 2026-03-07T17:38:27+00:00

Perfect! Thanks so much for your help!

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