Both the U15/U17 & U20 Team Member Agreements are downloadable from links at the bottom of the page.

U20 (JUNIOR) NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2023

TEAM MEMBER AGREEMENT

I,  ____________________________________________________________________(Name)

of ________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________ (address)

______________________________________________________________(Phone Numbers)

 _________________________________________________________________(Email address)

hereby agree to:

• become a member of the Victorian Fencing Team
• compete in the U20 Nationals in 2023
• I agree that I have read, understood and will abide by the attached ‘Team Member Responsibilities’ and ‘Code of Behaviour’.

Further, I undertake:          

• To remain under the control and direction of the Team Manager, or their representative, whilst in the fencing venue and for the duration of the competition/event
• To conduct myself in a proper manner and endeavour to prepare for competition to the best of my ability. This will include:
• Being in bed before 11:00pm each evening if I am competing the next day. If I am unable to meet this requirement, I will advise the Team Manager, upon my arrival at the venue, as I understand that selection in the team event may be affected in this instance.
• Refraining from consumption of all alcoholic drinks and all other prohibited substances, including those on the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority prohibited list.
• Wearing official uniform when required.

I also acknowledge that in the event of any breach of discipline or misbehaviour on my part, I am liable to the following penalties;  

• To be sent home, at my own personal expense
• To be excluded from competition or other activities as the Manager may think fit.

Medical information

(if the answer to any question is yes, please provide details)

Any specific medical conditions requiring medical treatment and/or medication? _______________

 ________________________________________________________________________________

Any allergies? ____________________________________________________________________

Any contact with contagious or infectious diseases within the last four months? ________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Emergency contact and contact number:  ______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Signature of Athlete____________________________  Name: ________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian (if athlete is under 18 years of age) ______________________

Name (please print): __________________________________________________________

I confirm that I have received the details of the above activity and consent to my child taking part in the tournament indicated. I understand that I am responsible for getting my child to and from the Competition.  I also agree that the Team Manager is only responsible for my child whilst they are in the Competition Venue representing Victoria.

I have read the Team Member Responsibilities and Code of Behaviour and agree that my child should abide by this whilst in the care of team management and I understand that a serious or continued breach of this code may result in my child being sent home early at my expense.

I agree to pay the team levy (which will be announced prior to entries opening).

I hereby give permission for the Team Manager to give immediately necessary authority on my behalf, if I am not present, for any medical or surgical treatment recommended by competent medical practitioners where it would be contrary to my son’s/daughter’s interest, in the practitioner’s opinion, for any delay to be incurred by seeking my personal consent.

Signature of Parent/Guardian______________________     Name (Print)____________________

TEAM MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES AND CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

Fencers participate in the U20(Junior) National Championships as representatives of the State and must always seek to bring credit to Fencing Victoria, the sport of fencing, their team and themselves. The responsibilities and Code of Behaviour set out below represents the minimum acceptable level of behaviour expected of Victorian representatives. It is important that fencers and parents read and understand this document.

CONDUCT ON THE PISTE

Team members are expected to

• Know and abide by the FIE Rules for Competitions, including of their rights on the piste, should a dispute arise. (a formal procedure laid out in the rules – if in doubt, ask the Team Manager)
• Understand that – “By taking part in a competition, you pledge your honour to observe the regulations, obey orders, abide by the decisions of the referees, be respectful and behave in an orderly, courteous and sporting manner”.
• When members are not fencing, they are expected to support other fencers in the Victorian team.

Fencing equipment is the responsibility of the athlete. This means that before the day of the competition you must –

• Ensure that you have an adequate number of weapons and body wires.
• Check your clothing and ensure it meets the appropriate National regulations.

THE TEAM MANAGER

The team manager is authorized to represent the team and to make decisions on behalf of the team. They are there also as a resource for members if they run into difficulties.

The Team Manager is responsible for:        

• Administrative tasks associated with entering teams and individuals into the Championships.
• Liaison with the Director of the Tournament,
• Directing the preparation of athletes prior to the competition,
• Arranging team meetings as required
• Enforcing the team member code of conduct,  
• Aiding athletes where problems arise associated with the Championship.

Failure to respond to the instructions of the Team Manager, or their appointed representative, may result in a breach of discipline.

The Team Manager will carry a first aid kit in case of emergencies; however, members should

note that the AFF designated Tournament Management are responsible for first aid administered during the competition.                                                                                                                              

CONDUCT OFF THE PISTE

Consumption of alcohol and smoking is totally forbidden.

On occasions prescribed by the team manager, team members must wear official team uniform. Please respect the privacy and needs of other team members as they prepare for their events. Always avoid disturbance and unruly behaviour. Respect the accommodation where you are staying, including property, and the rights of other patrons.  You must be aware of and abide by the anti-doping laws that govern international sport. The full list is available on the ASADA website. Consult with your team manager if you are taking any medications that you have not already declared.

TEAM AVAILABILITY

It is expected that if you have made yourself available to compete in a team event that you make every reasonable effort to do so.  If there are extenuating circumstances, or if for some reason, you are unable to compete, please let your team manager know IMMEDIATELY.  This will ensure that teams are properly structured, and that people do not miss out.

There will be sanctions imposed (at the discretion of the Fencing Victoria Executive) for breaches of this rule and they could include exclusion from the next National event.

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

 Key Principles

• Fencing Victoria wishes to operate in an environment where people show respect for others and their property. Respect is defined as consideration for another’s physical and emotional wellbeing and possessions, to ensure no damage or deprivation is caused to either.
• Fencing Victoria wishes to operate in an environment, which is free from harassment. Harassment is defined as any action directed at an individual or group, which creates a hostile, intimidatory or offensive environment.
• Fencing Victoria wishes to operate in a non – discriminatory environment. By this we mean where everyone has an equal opportunity and receives a fair go in accordance with the law as well as Fencing Victoria rules, procedures and guidelines.
• People to whom this Code applies acknowledge and agree to comply with the disciplinary procedures adopted by Fencing Victoria. If any disciplinary action is taken, persons directly affected shall be afforded the opportunity to participate in those proceedings and the right to appeal against a penalty.
• The possession and display of inappropriate material will result in investigation and disciplinary action being taken.  Which may include disqualification from the competition and forfeiture of associated fees.   

Key Elements

All persons who are bound by this code shall:  

• Not act in a manner unbecoming, or contrary to the interests of Fencing Victoria.
• Treat people involved in Fencing with courtesy, respect and proper regard for their rights and obligations.
• Treat another person’s property with respect and due consideration of its value.
• Demonstrate a positive commitment to Fencing Victoria policies, rules and procedures.
• Not misuse funds or property belonging to another party.
• Respect the law and customs of the places they visit including foreign countries.
• Respect the confidentiality of information, which comes to them in the course of their duties. 
• Uphold and not injure or compromise the standing and reputation of Fencing within Victoria.

Unsuitable Behaviour

This list describes examples of behaviour, which after investigation by Fencing Victoria (or other body as set out hereafter) and a finding by Fencing Victoria (or other body as set out hereafter), that such behaviour has occurred, shall be deemed to be unsuitable behaviour and not in the best interests of sport.

• ‘Sledging’ other athletes, officials or event organisers. Sledging is defined as a statement, which is deemed to denigrate and/or intimidate another person. • Any social activities past 11.00pm.
• Use of alcohol, acting in a way that becomes a public nuisance, creating a public disturbance.
• Causing damage to another person’s property during a competition, or when representing Victoria, or depriving them of that property during the defined time frames of a tour within Victoria.
• Sexual relations between a coach, manager, Fencing Victoria support personnel and a junior athlete, irrespective of the wishes and desires of the athlete, are absolutely forbidden.
• Sexual relations between a coach, manager and Fencing Victoria support personnel and an adult athlete on the same team are discouraged and may amount to unsuitable behaviour. Where a long-term relationship exists, this should be advised promptly to the team Manager.
• The use or encouragement of drugs and banned substances to enhance or inhibit    performance as detailed in the ASDA handbook.
• Statements that are deemed to denigrate the group that an individual is representing.
• Harassment, sexual or otherwise.

BREACHES OF DISCIPLINE

Breaches of discipline shall be dealt with in the first instance by the team manager in charge of the trip, who has certain powers delegated to him/her and has the authority to deal with offences immediately; including making arrangements for the immediate return home of the offenders.

Any serious breach of discipline (whether covered by these guidelines or not) will also be referred to the Fencing Victoria Executive for disciplinary action or sanctions if deemed necessary.