One of the first decisions made at the Board retreat was voting for our next Chair. Prior to the retreat, I had a few people ask me if I was going to run. The answer was a resounding “no” because I have a newborn and an energetic toddler, and I want to make sure I … Continue reading Why I Supported Ivan Lee as Chair
Author: YourMemeSucks
On Trans Inclusion in Fencing
Introduction This is a difficult piece to write. I’ve wanted to talk about it for years, as I’ve found that when it’s brought up on my anonymous messaging platform, the answers I give fail to capture the nuance and depth that the topic requires. I’ve avoided writing about it, because it’s something that’s often discussed … Continue reading On Trans Inclusion in Fencing
Lehfeldt’s Boring Board Blog – Coaching Education, Strategic Planning, and the Chair (September 2023)
To my constituents, One of the campaign promises I made was to operate out in the open, share with you my positions on different issues, and to write a blog post for every meeting articulating how I intend to vote. With the agendas for the September 8 and September 10 meetings now public, it’s time … Continue reading Lehfeldt’s Boring Board Blog – Coaching Education, Strategic Planning, and the Chair (September 2023)
Where are Touches Getting Scored?
Methodology: Analyzed 2,783 single light touches at the senior international level and notated with the following zones, annotating based on where the front foot lands on the closing action. Findings: Overall 51% of touches are scored in the 3M Zone 36% of touches are scored in the Box 13% of touches are scored in the … Continue reading Where are Touches Getting Scored?
When are Fencing Touches Being Scored? An Analysis
In the senior international level of fencing, competitors have three periods and 9 minutes to establish victory (plus an extra minute in priority if need be). How are these bouts playing out? When are touches being scored? This analysis seeks to answer some of those questions for both the men’s and women’s games.
How I Believe the Changes to the Strip Coaching Rule Changes (t.109) Should be Interpreted
In the April 16, 2023 USA Fencing Board of Directors Special Meeting, the Board voted to approve changes to strip coaching rules (t.109) to align to FIE standards. These changes were voted on in order to promote more order on the piste and minimize distractions for fencers and referees over the course of a bout. A number of … Continue reading How I Believe the Changes to the Strip Coaching Rule Changes (t.109) Should be Interpreted
Things I’m Going to do Before my Term Begins in September…And Answering Some Questions from the Community
To the members of the American Fencing community— Nearly 24 hours after learning I’d have the privilege to serve you, I’m still giddy with excitement! In my ongoing commitment to transparency, I wanted to write a quick post on my priorities in the next few months and what happens now. My Message to the Community … Continue reading Things I’m Going to do Before my Term Begins in September…And Answering Some Questions from the Community
Responding to Remaining Questions from the USA Fencing Candidate Debate (#1)
Hello everyone, Last night, I had the pleasure of taking part in the first USA Fencing candidate debate. That video should be published shortly. We only had an hour and six of us on stage, and a lot of great questions got asked that we didn’t have time to get to. At the end of … Continue reading Responding to Remaining Questions from the USA Fencing Candidate Debate (#1)
On the Need for a More Democratically Minded Board
I think the members of USA Fencing are pretty damn smart. Fencers are thinkers, fencers are pragmatic, and even Sabre fencers can be left to their own devices to make good decisions. One of the many reasons I’m running for Board is because I have faith in the will of membership, and as a community-oriented … Continue reading On the Need for a More Democratically Minded Board
I Am Not a Master: an Assessment of the USFCA Certification Process and a Hope for the Future of the Organization
When I was a freshman in college, I decided to pledge a fraternity. When I look back on my pledge process 18 years later, I think to myself: “what the hell was I doing?” A Cliff Note’s summary of my ZBT Brandeis experience included: A hell week in which my pledge class was covered head … Continue reading I Am Not a Master: an Assessment of the USFCA Certification Process and a Hope for the Future of the Organization