Some fencers and their parents feel that they may be able to make it at tournaments without the help of a coach, even at major and important ones.
Other fencers and their parents mistakenly think that coaches are there to attend competitions with only one purpose – to help fencers win that extra bout in the pools or DE, or to score a decisive touch. They look at the coach as a savior or a wizard who should tell their fencer what and how to do at the decisive moment, and sometimes the expectation is even that the coach will have the power to teach some new and universal move that works in all situations and against any opponent. At times they even look to a coach to quickly teach how to make some incredible so called magic trick or give “a magic pill” that will guarantee a win in the final moments of the fight.
If the coach does not meet these requirements and conditions, in many cases, the work of the coach at the fencing competition is considered unsatisfactory and thereby the tournament unsatisfactory. Typically, the next time competition rolls around, these fencers and parents think that help from a coach at the fencing competition is a waste of money.
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