Tournament Expectations

Expectations for Athletes

• Be Ready to Go. You should have your equipment checked and get there early enough to warm up for your events. If you need help or want advice on how to be most efficient, just ask.
• Use Your Own Brain: Don't rely on others to do your thinking for you. Listen to ideas from teammates and coaches, and use that information to add to the plan you already had.
• Communicate: Tournaments are often disorganized, so particularly when DEs come out, make sure the coaches know when you're on deck, or if you might be moved to a different strip. Communicate before you think there's a problem.
• Be Curious: We've worked with a lot of athletes - all ages, all levels, all weapons. If you have questions about anything, please ask.
• Be Part of the Team: We're a small club, but it's always easier when you have teammates in your corner. Come early or stay late and cheer for others, even if you don't know them - you might learn something new, and maybe they'll return the favor.
• Don't Take out your Frustration on your Teammates, Coaches, Referees, or Family: It is never appropriate to behave badly. But if you do, own it, apologize, and learn from it.

Expectations for Parents

• Stay Positive: This game is stressful. Don't let the kids think about money or time, just ask that they try their best, learn, and enjoy.
• Stay Busy: This game is stressful. Best thing you can do is keep them in water/Gatorade and snacks. Second best thing you can do is take video on your phone.
• Don't Coach (Unless Asked): If your athlete asks for feedback, it's OK to give it. If they don't, it's best to just support them. Remember, the exact same words coming from a coach and a parent can impact athletes differently, and coaches have professional experience in knowing what to say and when.
• Ask Questions: We're here for you too! If there's something you feel like you're missing, ask. We have a perspective developed over a long career in the sport and your athlete's best interests in mind.
• Take Care of the Coaches: On long days, or days with a lot of athletes in many different events, it's sometimes hard for the coaches to get out of the venue to grab a drink or a meal. We'll be very appreciative if you remember to feed and water us as well.

What to Expect from Coaches

• Honest & Positive Feedback: We will try to put you in the best possible position to win your bouts, not only in the short-term, but in the future.
• As Much Presence As Possible: We will not be able to see every RTF bout, and sometimes have to make choices of who to coach. Our goal is to be there for 100% of edge bouts - times where you're on the edge of the tournament, whether that's making a cut, points, finals, a national team, or winning a DE, and where our presence can be most effective. Also note, if two RTF teammates fence each other outside the club, we will not coach - hopefully it's the finals!
• Random Help: When things go wrong (long armory lines, surprise lame failure, airline losing your fencing bag, not knowing where the bathroom is), we can help. Just let us know ASAP.
• Professional Interactions with Referees: We will ask questions and apply pressure when appropriate, but we take our reputation for honesty and professionalism seriously.
• Future-Looking Feedback: You should know both what you're doing well and where you need to improve to meet your goals. If you don't, please ask.