Fencing is an international and Olympic sport that provides high levels of physical and mental stimuli, with a great sense of satisfaction from the development of dexterity and the use of tactics to outwit the opponent.

Since it is predominantly a skill-based sport with little premium on mere strength, it provides equal access and opportunity for both men and women. Australia is one of 105 nations affiliated with the international governing body the Federation Internationale d'Escrime (FIE) and competes regularly at international competitions including annual junior, senior and veterans world championships. Fencing is currently one of 28 sports competing at the Olympic Games, and is one of only four sports to have been included in every Games since their inception.

In Australia, Fencing is widely practised in clubs, universities and increasingly in schools with strong participation bases in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia and developing participation bases in Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. With support from the FIE, Australia is the base for the Oceania Fencing Masters Academy (OFMA) - the international coaching development centre for the Asia and Oceania region.

The Australian Fencing Federation (AFF) was formed in 1949. Its membership comprises the President, five elected Directors and one delegate appointed by each affiliated State Association.

Mission

As the national governing body for the sport of Fencing in Australia, the AFF:

• provides leadership and support to its member States/Territories in the promotion and development of the sport through national consistency and congruence in plans and programs develops and implements national programs focussed on high performance, competition, coaching and officiating;
• represents the interests of its members to government, other sporting organisations and the FIE.

Vision

That Australian society will recognise Fencing as an exciting, accessible and challenging sport providing suitable opportunities for participation at all levels - recreational, competitive and elite.

Organisational Goals

The AFF has set the following organisational goals in order to meet its Mission:

• foster, promote and control the sport of Fencing in Australia;
• provide adequate opportunities for participation in Fencing by all members of the community;
• achieve a high and consistent standard of coaching and officiating;
• promote Australia internationally as a successful nation in Fencing;
• increase the awareness of the sport among the general public, business community, the media and government;
• provide efficient and effective administration ofthe sport;
• maintain the long-term financial viability of the AFF.