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Ron Howard, visiting from the UK, put a small group of fencers through their (Presiding) paces over two days during May. The workshop consisted of techniques to help new presidents "read the phrase" fluently and confidently. Although Ron’s workshop concentrated mainly on foil it was not considered to be inaccessible for non-foilists, as one participant was happy to tell us:... Recently, I took part in the presiding workshop run by the IAFF. Without experience in the weapon, I found myself thrown in at the deep end in regard to the rules and protocol involved in the art of foil fencing. After this workshop, I have a greater admiration for those who stand up at competitions and take on the job of presiding, and in doing so, put their reputations on the line, especially those who have EARNED the right to call themselves "President". I look on Presidents and presiding with different eyes now, and with a respect gained from placing myself in the position of having to read and control a match, obviously not with the confidence and finesse that experienced Presidents posses, but at least I learned the basics. I doubt I will ever question any President’s judgement because although they are human and just as fallible as the rest of us, they are also the ones who take the flak when we as fencers give them abuse because we didn’t make ourselves clear to them. Overall, it was a demanding, frustrating, thwarting, but thoroughly exhilarating course and I am glad that I decided to brave the unknown and learn. Ron Howard is a very knowledgeable and entertaining man, with the knack for teaching and passing on his love of the sport. More of the same, thank you! Yvonne Murphy Referee’s Hand Signals These hand signals were devised to help make matters clear for a television audience, and have been adopted for use in all international competitions.
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