The Referee Development Program for this upcoming season aims to continue the focus on mentorship and quality of refereeing in the province, while augmenting our capacity to foster as many candidates as possible through to final certification. Those who have not yet completed their certification will continue to develop. New registrations are now open to all OFA Members who meet the requirements of Regional and/or Provincial-level certification, as well as National level development for those who qualify.
Clinics and workshops aim at establishing understanding for the rules and conduct of refereeing, as well as providing some focus and tools for developing the skills. However, refereeing skill sets are principally developed through practice and correction for improvement, as with fencing itself. This is the continued focus on mentorship of candidates, while more attention will be given to develop existing certified referees, as well as those who are interested in pursuing national-level development.
There are three Stream C Referee Workshops planned for this season. Those who have not completed their certification at the end of the 2014-15 season are required to re-enroll this season for continued mentorship and testing. Those who are not registered for these sessions or are otherwise unable to attend may need to wait until the 2016-17 season to register. Stream D development is conducted separately and will be discussed with those participants after confirmation of enrolment.
Those who are already certified in at least one weapon, but wish to attain certification another weapon, or alternatively upgrade their certification, may also register, but may only be required to attend select portions of the workshop. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Course Facilitators: Thomas Nguyen, Michael Ivankovic, Dmitry Balashov, Dan Banks
Dates & Locations:
Sunday and Monday, September 6-7, 2015 – Toronto
Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25, 2015 – Ottawa, (East)*
* Workshop locations may be changed/selected based on the locations of the majority of registrants available for the indicated dates.
Precise locations will be emailed to registered participants prior to the event.
The second workshop is currently scheduled, but its confirmation and location will be dependent on the number of candidates interested and where the majority reside.
Cost: STREAM C:
Regional $125
Provincial $175
Continuing $50 (re-enrolment from previous season)
Upgrade $50
STREAM D:
National development $200
Online registration and payment is made at the following link here>>
You MUST also fill out the experience document found here>>
Pre-Registration:
- Please complete attached registration form & submit by email.
- Please register by Sep 2 for the Toronto workshop, and by Sep 11th for the remaining workshops.
Note: please review the target entry standards for the applicable Streams. Stream D applicants must submit application prior to online registration.
Contact: thomas.nguyen@utoronto.ca
References: Candidates undergoing the certification program are required to read the rulebook PRIOR to attending the workshop. The rulebook can be downloaded at one of the following websites:
English: http://www.britishfencing.com/governance/rules/fie-rules/ (BFA)
French: http://www.fie.ch/Fencing/Rules.aspx (FIE)
Focus should be primarily on the Technical section; however, general knowledge of the remaining sections will be required in order to pass testing. Note that there will be a Written Examination as a part of the certification process.
Current Certified Referees
Currently certified referees who wish to attend the workshop for continued educational training can do so at no cost, however, must pre-register with the Course Conductor (please complete the registration form as well, and indicate level of certification; only certain parts of the session are applicable). This does NOT apply to those who wish to upgrade or certify in other weapons, as noted above.
For additional information, please contact: thomas.nguyen@utoronto.ca
