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Empowering Technicians, Building the Future 

While young fencers competed during the U14 European Festival in Istanbul, another kind of development was taking place quietly behind the scenes. The European Fencing Confederation, through its SEMI Commission, organised a weapon control seminar aimed at strengthening technical expertise within the Turkish Fencing Federation — with an eye firmly on the future. 

Led by Xavier Michel and Stefan Clausen, both long-standing experts in fencing equipment and competition management, the course brought together 18 participants — all Turkish technicians and referees who had previously been involved in EFC or FIE competitions. 

The dual goal? To raise the standard of local weapon control and call room practices, and to prepare national staff for a key milestone on the horizon: the European Games in 2027, which will include the European Senior Championships and will be hosted by Türkiye. 

Topics That Matter — From Tools to Teamwork 

Across the sessions, participants explored the full scope of modern weapon control. The course went far beyond equipment checks, offering a comprehensive look at how to plan and manage weapon control and call room operations, tailored to events of various scales. 

“The purpose of weapon control — and the call room — is to protect the fencers and ensure fairness,” explained Stefan. “But it’s also about communication. How you deal with fencers, coaches, and even parents plays a big role in how the experience is perceived.” 

The group worked on identifying common faults, understanding safety standards, and practising clear, positive interactions — particularly in high-pressure or first-time situations. 

A Meaningful Context: Learning During a Youth Festival 

Holding the seminar during a youth event was a conscious and symbolic choice. “At such young ages, it’s often the first time a fencer encounters weapon control,” said Xavier. “That can be stressful. But a consistent, well-run process — and patient explanations — can transform it into something positive and educational.” 

The SEMI Commission aims to support U14 and ECC events by offering training like this when requested, putting safety and learning at the heart of grassroots competition organisation. 

Positive Feedback and Ongoing Impact 

Participants responded with enthusiasm, particularly regarding the materials and resources used during the course. “They were eager to receive the documentation,” said Stefan, “and we hope they’ll use it to continue developing toward technical excellence.” 

One challenge noted was the varying levels of English proficiency among attendees. However, both instructors agreed that the course materials can serve as useful reference points for future self-study and local training. 

Above all, the message was clear: weapon control is done for the athletes. As Stefan emphasised, “It’s about creating a safe and fair space for them to perform — and giving every competition the professionalism it deserves.” 

With eyes already set on 2027, this seminar in Istanbul was more than a training session. It was a step forward — for the participants, for Turkish fencing, and for the standards of fencing events to come.