During the COVID-19 period, fencing organisations in Oceania have been active with varied responses.
Oceania Fencing Confederation (OFC)
The Confederation had regular meetings to maintain continuity and plan for future development. The OFC Coaching Commission has been meeting to discuss Coaching and Training Programs and working on an Assessor Training Course.
Australia
The Australian Fencing Federation suspended all competition and training in March. Clubs and State Associations moved training sessions online. Fencers from all states joined each other for footwork, fitness, refereeing and competition forums, including a session with Dutch Olympic Medallist, Bas Verwijlen.
Since July, states have largely re-opened training whilst managing legislated COVID-19 safety policy. Most have seen gradual relaxation of conditions. The latest outbreak in Victoria has set back the re-introduction of national events.
New Zealand
Fencing New Zealand suspended all classes and competitions on the March 21, when the NZ government raised the COVID-19 Alert to Level 2, and maintained this suspension of activities through the national lockdown. Individual clubs and coaches provided online coaching, and remote sessions.
With a return to Level 2 restrictions on May 29, clubs reopened for in-person classes and activities, with contact tracing, maximum group sizes, physical distancing, disinfecting and sanitising facilities among the policies in place.
Since June 11, fencing has been operating fully with no restrictions for physical distancing and gathering numbers. National competitions have been rescheduled, and national training events are planned.
Other OFC Nations
Tahiti Fencing has made a return to development activities and club programs.
Fiji Fencing has had some preliminary meetings and is planning a return to fencing development activities.
Guam, American Samoa, Samoa and PNG remain inactive amid restrictions and closed borders.