Youth Development
One of the great successes of the last four years is the National Youth Program. The development of the RYC/SYC system quickly surpassed our early expectations and youth fencing is rapidly becoming our largest membership block. The idea of creating appropriate competitive opportunities to develop and maintain a broad youth base has been embraced by clubs, parents, and coaches across the
Four years ago we literally begged tournament organizers to hold competitions; now the number of high quality bids coming in requires a lengthy review and selection process. The size and quality of the Super Youth Competitions rivals the NACs, but costs US Fencing nothing. The Regional Youth Competitions provide excellent starting points for children to enter competitive fencing in an environment that fosters fair play, learning, and development.
As these competitions have multiplied, a greater need for oversight has arisen than can be provided by volunteer committee members. The next step must be the creation of a Manager, Youth Programs to focus solely on growing, overseeing and maintaining youth development. Because of the number of youth competitors and their specialized issues, as well as the need to maintain standards in RYC and SYC competitions, work with parents and coaches, develop and expand specific youth training programs, and oversee a truly national system, requires a dedicated position.
The funding of this position can be easily accomplished with a program fee charged to RYC/SYC entries. The fees for these competitions will still be relatively low, but since the volume of entries continues to rise, this will be possible without undue loss of profit to tournament organizers. This position will be integrated into the current structure, with the Manager, Youth Programs working with regional coordinators whose responsibilities will be focused on creating and organizing RYCs in their geographic areas. Standards and guidelines for these competitions will continue to be developed nationally and enhanced oversight implemented as the number of these competitions rises. A pool of volunteers will need to be grown to aid in on-the-ground oversight. A clear and transparent structure of organization must be available to parents and coaches to address any issues which may arise.
Information on the National Youth Program, contact information for regional coordinators, SYC and RYC calendars, rules and guidelines have been available on the Youth website for three years. Every parent, youth athlete, coach, and organizer needs to be informed of where this information is and how to access it. A downloadable manual will available to every parent and coach. All RYC/SYC organizers will be required to have a copy of the manual on site during competitions.
The explosion in youth fencing is one of the greatest events to occur in the last four years. The size of the talent pool created makes the continued promotion of appropriate opportunities, programs and training of the highest importance. The larger our athlete base, the greater number of high level competitors will emerge. There are a number of sports competing for these young athletes. Our job is to offer them a great sport to grow up in, a great sport to excel in, and a great sport to play in for a lifetime.