Editorial
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Title
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Editorial
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Date
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February 20, 1936
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volume
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1
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issue
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5
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page start
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2
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page end
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2
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content
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en
EDITORIAL
We believe the only justification for a fencing publication is to present opinions and offer suggestions in a friendly spirit. Once again we are forced to criticize, and we hope everyone will understand the unprejudiced way it is meant.
Something must be done to prevent a repetition of the conditions which existed at the Metropolitan Foil Championship. Such an important competition should be held only under the best possible conditions. Having an Olympic tryout in a place where the strips are only half-length, and where one strip has to be held in a crowded stockroom, is hardly a suitable setting. The spectators were seated in cramped quarters, so close to the fencers that at least three mishaps (involving fencers and audience) took place. Aside from the adverse conditions under which the fencers were asked to compete, this does not make a very favorable impression on the uninitiated spectator.
There is one other point which we have been asked to bring out. In a competition of this importance, more care should be taken about the selection of Juries. We realize how hard the Bout Committee tries to secure the necessary number of qualified officials, and we know also that through no fault of theirs we are never able to get a full quota. Since this is the case, we feel that the committee should make up as many juries as it can from the qualified officials present, and then, rather than use youngsters who have not had the experience required to judge this caliber of fencing, it should call upon the contestants to assist in the judging of their own strip.
