Dear NSWFA Member
In 2023, NSWFA is making some significant changes to membership and participation.
1. New registration system
We’re moving to a new online membership registration and competition entry system called Assemble Sports.
It will be simpler and easier to use.
You’ll only have to enter your personal details once when you open an account with Assemble and register as a NSWFA member, not every time you enter a competition.
All competition information is in one place. No more hassle to find the exact link for the specific competition.
Furthermore, parents will be able to register more than one child for different events at the same time and pay in one transaction instead of having to make multiple entries.
It will be much easier to keep track of the competitions in your highlighted category.
Fencing Victoria has been using Assemble during 2022 and reports it has been well received by members.
The new system starts 1 January 2023.
Note: For the first month (Jan), while the NSWFA and AFF systems are synchronized, there will be a 24-hour gap between membership registration with NSWFA and submitting an entry to an AFF competition. This will only affect Junior Competitive members entering the Australian Junior Championships in Melbourne 3-5 February. Standard entries for this event close 21 January so please make sure you register with NSWFA as soon as possible.
2. New Membership Descriptions
First, there were be two new broad descriptions for fencers.
Competitive will refer to fencers who compete actively in State, National and International Events.
Until now, we’ve called these fencers Affiliated.
Participative will refer to fencers who mainly fence in clubs and who also may take part in Regional competitions; young fencers who enter the State Mini Series for U14’s; and to Schools Fencers.
Until now, these fencers have been known as Registered.
Both categories will be divided into Senior (over 18 on January 1) and Juniors (under 18).
The change from Affiliated to Competitive and Registered to Participative is in line with the labels used by the AFF and will better indicate fencers’ level of engagement with fencing It will also be less confusing, especially for newcomers, as it better describes the difference between competitive and participative fencers.
3. New Membership Categories
We’re creating these new categories:
Senior Club Fencers will apply to fencers who usually just fence at their club. In this category they’ll also be able to participate in regional competitions and represent their clubs in NSWFA Club Teams events.
Club fencers under 18 have the option of registering as a Junior Participative member with right of entry to all NSW fencing competitions and programs.
Supporters are those who want to show their support for fencing – perhaps as a family member – without actively participating. This category replaces Associate.
Members who may not be fencers themselves but who wish to take an active role in NSWFA affairs may become Senior Participative with a right to stand for election to the Board and vote at general meetings.
4. Membership fees for 2023
NSWFA seeks to keep fees as low as possible.
Fees were last increased – by 10% – in 2019. So in the four years since, up to and including 2022, the average rise was 2.5% per year, generally in line with the average increase in the cost of living.
Now, of course, we are all facing much higher inflation. NSWFA is paying more for energy and other operating costs. We also have higher overheads, including the cost of renting more space at the Fencing Centre to increase capacity, build our coaching resources and create new programs, including para-fencing.
In 2023, we are raising membership fees and most, but not all, competition entry costs by 10%. (rounded).
Note:
- All fees include GST. Membership fees for Competitive Fencers include a ‘capitation’ or per head fee paid to the AFF. Currently this is $62 for Seniors and $35 for Juniors. So, for example, of the $240 charged to Senior Competitive fencers, GST of just under $22 and the capitation fee of $62 reduces the net income to NSWFA to just under $156.
- The membership fee for Coaches is lower than for Senior Competitive because the AFF does not apply the capitation fee to them and NSWFA does not include it in the coach membership fee.
- The entry fee for the F1 events held in the evenings is reduced 25% to $30 to encourage participation by non-Academy fencers. The entry fee for Academy fencers is included in their Academy fees.
Insurance
Insurance is an important benefit for NSW members. Our policy provides cover for personal accident, public liability and professional indemnity.
Membership Categories
| Category | Previously | Age group | Benefits | 2022 cost | 2023 cost |
| Fencers | |||||
| Senior Competitive | Senior Affiliated | +18 | Competition entry – State, National, International. Insurance. Voting right. | $220 | $240 |
| Junior Competitive | Junior Affiliated | U18 | Competition entry – State, National, International. Insurance. Non-voting. | $137.50 | $150 |
| Senior Participative | Senior Registered | +18 | Competition entry – Regional, State Club Teams. Insurance. Voting right. | $50 | $55 |
| Junior Participative | Junior Registered | U18 | Competition entry – all State comps, regional comps. NSW Schools Program. Camps. NSW Academy Programs. Insurance. | $45 | $50 |
| Senior Club Fencer | New category | +18 | Regional comps. State Club Teams. Insurance. | NA | $30 |
| Coach | Coach | NA | Insurance. Voting right. | $170 | $180 |
| Supporter | Associate | NA | NA | $45 | $50 |
| Honorary | Honorary | NA | Insurance. Voting right. Working coaches who are Hon members must register as Coach | $0 | $0 |
| Clubs | |||||
| Affiliated Clubs (More than 50 members) | Insurance, GP Award points, entry to State Teams. | $208 | $230 | ||
| Registered Clubs (Less than 50 members) | Insurance, GP Award points, entry to State Teams. | $104 | $115 |
2023 State Competition entry fees
| Category | 2022 comp entry | 2023 comp entry |
| Open, Veteran, Junior, Cadet, U15, Mini-series, NSW Schools Program | $40 | $45 |
| Multiple entries (age group or weapon) in the same competition | $25 second entry $0 third entry | |
| Open F1 evening comps | $40 | $30 |
| Club teams | $60 | $70 |
| Late entry fee | $10 | $15 |
| Holiday camps | 1 day – $100 2 days – $185 3 days – $260 | 1 day – $100 2 days – $185 3 days – $260 |
| Online coaching course (required for AFF coach accreditation). | $400 Negotiated discount for clubs |