November 2023 – February 2024
During November and December 2023, the Regional Development Officer started the face-to-face coaching assessments for the participants in the Oceania Fencing Masters’ Academy Online Level One Group Epee Coaching Course conducted earlier in the year. These assessments by members of the OFC Coaching Commission will continue throughout 2024 for students in New Zealand and Australia.
A new OFMA Online Level 2 Epee Course was offered to coaches in the region and begins on 1 March with twenty students from Australia, Guam and New Zealand. This is a much higher level than the previous Level 1 Course. The Level 2 Course concentrates on individual coaching, where the coach learns to work one on one with the athlete to improve their skills and performance in fencing.
The Australian Fencing Federation, with assistance from the OFC, hosted the 2023 Oceania Senior Fencing Championships in Melbourne from 1 – 5 December 2023. This was closely followed by the Oceania Junior Championships which were held from 1 – 4 February 2024. Both events were held at Fencing Victoria’s State Fencing Centre in North Melbourne, Australia.