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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Middle Georgia Schools Fencing Association?
- MGSFA is a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting student obesity, improving mental agility, physical development, and self-confidence through the study, practice, and participation in the sport of Olympic fencing.
- How much are the association fees?
- Association fees are $250/year per school
- How do we get started?
- What does the school have to provide?
- The school only has to provide a faculty sponsor as required for school club.
- Where does the funding come from?
- Funding comes from the parents, club fund raising activities, and sponsors
- Who provides the equipment?
- The students typically get their own equipment.
- Who is eligible to participate?
- Middle school and high school students ages 13 - 19 with a 2.75 GPA, good disciplinary standing with their school
- What are the benefits?
- Improved mental focus, mental agility, discipline, critical thinking skills, hand/eye/body coordination, self-confidence, and self-awareness.
- Is this sport for boys only or can girls participate in it?
- Fencing is a co-ed sport where boys and girls compete as equals
- Is there travel involved?
- Travel to other schools will be required for competitions against other schools as in any other sport. Some will be home events. Some will be away.
- Do parents have to attend every meeting?
- Parents do not have to attend but are encouraged to be active in the club as supporters, facilitators, and referees.
- Are parents required to participate?
- Parents do not have to attend but are encouraged to be active in the club as supporters, facilitators, and referees.
- How dangerous is it?
- Fencing is a very safe sport due to the protective equipment used and the instruction provided. This is why the instructors have to be registered with the MGSFA
- Can you continue to fence in college?
- Most major colleges and university have fencing clubs. Many of the top colleges in the U.S. have NCAA fencing. 34 have men’s programs and 38 have women’s programs.
Many of them have some form of scholarship for outstanding candidates.
- Where can you go with fencing?
- Students who fence can travel the world as part of a National Team, or an individual who has international or Olympic aspirations. The sky is the limit for the student!
- Can this be counted as PE credit?
- Probably not since it's not being taught by a state certified school teacher. Many homes school organizations will accept it as PE credit.
- Do they have to wear certain kinds of clothes to practice?
- Where are the practices held?
- Practices can be held at the school under the oversight of the faculty sponsor and/or facilitator or church gym or at a local fencing club facility.
- What level of fitness is required?
- The initial fitness level is unimportant. The goal of the fencing program is to develop physical fitness in the students thru exercise and nutrition information
- How many competitions will they have to attend?
- The Association strives to have clubs participate in at least one tournament a month. Currently, the end of the year Championship is the only required competition.
- Is good sportsmanship encouraged?
- Good sportsmanship is a critical part of fencing.
- Are the swords sharp?
- No. The swords are regular competition and practice swords used worldwide.
- Where can I learn more about fencing?
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