The Division is hosting one-day referee training workshops in 2010 in support of fencers who want to earn their referees rating. 

The second of three referee testing clinics will be instructed by Maitre d'Armes Peter Burchard and hosted by Golden Gate Fencing Center on May 23rd, from 10:30AM-6:30PM. Anyone interested in taking the referee test can pre-register through AskFRED.

Cost is $20 for referee candidates (those planning to take the test), but anyone can come and observe the clinic at no cost.

Read on below for reference documents and pre-study materials you should review prior to attending the one-day training!

Approved Referee pay scale in the Nor Cal Division:

Effective February 2010, the following will apply to all division sanctioned events.

• Unrated referees: $80 per day (2 or more events)
• Unrated referees: 4 hours or less, $40 (1 event)
• Rated referees: $100 per day (2 or more events)
• Rated referees: 4 hours or less, $60(1 event)
  

The Division wishes to encourage fair compensation for referees, and would prefer for clubs to use these guidelines. However, it is acceptable to barter lessons or other forms of payment for the referee pay listed above, as long as the compensation is of equivalent value. Referees who fence in an event during the same tournament may be partially compensated by excusing their entry fee. The Division will work with the Bay Cup and other divisions to ensure that referees are adequately compensated for their work.

There are some standards of treatment and compensation which should not be compromised. The following is required at all Division sanctioned events. Required, no exceptions:

• All referees will be provided with lunches.
• Hosts that run tournaments which last beyond 7PM will provide dinner or $10 in compensation. If the tournament runs beyond 9PM, referees will be paid overtime, in addition to dinner, at the scale of $10 per half hour (rate of $20 an hour).

After a very long and grueling qualifying process, Gerek Meinhardt has qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Gerek has qualified as the only USA entry in Men's Foil for the Beijing Olympics. There are a total of only 24 Men's Foil fencers from all over the world who will be competing for the title of Olympic Champion in Beijing and Gerek will be the youngest competitor in this Olympic field by at least 5 years, so his future is also bright! When he competes in Beijing, he will be the youngest USA Olympic fencer, ever.

Gerek began his fencing career 8 years ago when he began fencing with the M Team in San Francisco. He's a hard working and creative fencer with a lot of energy and commitment to his sport. He's worked very hard to become an Olympian. He is supported by his parents, Jane and Kurt, who have made many sacrifices to make it possible for Gerek to showcase his skills. His coaches and his team have also been a strong support network in his road to the Olympics.

After the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Gerek will attend Notre Dame University on a full fencing scholarship.

Congratulations on making the team, Gerek! Now go for the Gold!

Image courtesy museumofamericanfencing.com