Important notice for all persons attending or competing in the DH Mckenzie (AFC#1) (19 – 21 March) in Sydney.

Given the rising rate of COVID cases in the community, especially amongst young people, an extra precaution will be taken for DHM (AFC#1). All participants including spectators will need to submit a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted before entering the venue or present a PCR test result taken within 24 hours of your competition start time.

Participants will need to provide their own RAT test kit.

This check will occur outside the NSW Fencing Centre prior to equipment control and entry to the Centre. Please allow an extra 40 minutes for this process. FV and QFA are co-operating with NSWFA to manage the testing process as smoothly as possible.

To ensure smooth operation, please follow the following steps:

  1. Bring your own RAT test kit or get a negative PCR result less than 24 hours before competing.
  2. Arrive at the venue 40 minutes earlier than normal. Also allow time for weapons check.
  3. Please perform the RAT by yourself in front of a supervisor and put the used kits into the medical waste bins provided.
  4. Only those with negative testing results will proceed to weapons check.
  5. Those who test positive will need to leave the venue immediately.
    • NSW fencers should follow the advice of the NSW Health Department on reporting a positive test result and isolation. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/self-isolation-and-testing.aspx
    • Interstate fencers should follow the advice of their State Government and health authorities. Refunds will be provided after the tournament for any person that tests positive.
  6. Please follow the COVID Marshal's instructions during the competition.

Note: A negative RAT will guarantee entries for two days. So if you are fencing on Saturday and again on Sunday, one RAT will cover both days. PCR test taken within 24 hours prior to the competition starting time will only cover the entry of competition day.

Apart from the RAT/PCR tests, please follow these COVID rules:

  • Show your vaccination certificate, or medical exemption certificate, to the supervisor when you do the PCR/RAT check. You will then be given a coloured wrist band.
  • Wear a face mask within the Centre except when actively fencing or warming up.
  • Sanitise your hands on entry and regularly throughout the day, including before and after you visit the bathrooms.
  • No handshakes. Touch guards or bump elbows at the end of a bout.
  • Follow the instructions of the COVID Marshal who will be monitoring social distancing. The COVID Marshal may ask people to leave if the venue becomes too crowded.

We also ask that you:

  • Leave fencing bags downstairs
  • Arrive in your breeches as changing facilities are limited.
  • Don’t take food and drinks (except water) into the fencing area.
  • Put rubbish in the bins.

Please minimise the number of people you bring with you. Ideally just you and your coach. Progressive results will be shown on a screen above the podium and on Fencing Time Live. Action on the finals piste will be broadcast on the AFF YouTube channel.

Cafe Scherma will be open each day serving hot and cold drinks and light meals.

Thank you for your cooperation and patience in following the COVID rules for the benefit of everyone’s health and safety.

NSW Fencing Association.