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Post by schlager7 on May 17, 2006 9:49:00 GMT -6
Whether from the perspective of a fencer or coach, which referee (among all the referees you have ever fenced under or observed, anywhere) is your favorite, and why.
Yes, there are lots of fine referees, but who is your favorite to fence under or have a student fencing under?
Please also specify the weapon (especially since some may have a different choice for different weapons).
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Katman
Squire
[ss:Default]
Posts: 269
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Post by Katman on May 17, 2006 11:54:58 GMT -6
I remember Gary telling us that it would be a good idea to have a mentor as a ref. I have my mentor, but I'm keeping that to myself.
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Post by kd5mdk on May 18, 2006 23:31:18 GMT -6
Mentors is one thing. Favorites is another.
My favorite referee around here is Jerry Benson. The thing about Jerry is he has it all. Some referees are the type to have funny hand signals and calls. (Funny to watch, that is) Others are the kind who always get the calls right. Others tell some great stories. Others can look at you and give you an excellent telling of what it is you need to do to improve.
Many referees combine some of these skills at once. However, in my mind Jerry has them all, and to the greatest degree of referees around here.
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nemo
Blademaster
mobilis in mobili
Posts: 729
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Post by nemo on May 22, 2006 12:59:04 GMT -6
I had to think about this.
I'm going to go with Gary van der Wege.
He sees everything I need him to see (opponents who parry with the off hand), keeps the mood professional and easy at the same time and absolutely does NOT waste my time arguing with me or my opponent. He's the ref and he sees what he sees, en garde!
In the last couple of years I've had quite a few "developmental" or unrated referees, some on this forum (katman, kd5mdk, schlager7, MTD, jazz007, Maupin... ), and no slight to any of them. I couldn't do it. I don't have the desire or patience (or attention span). I didn't pick you guys, but I did want to say thanks (even if this blows my rep as the forum's chief curmudgeon!)
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Post by kd5mdk on May 22, 2006 18:31:52 GMT -6
There have been two names mentioned so far. Both have a 3 rating, and are Certified Referee Instructors. If you're going to stay in the Section, and with people who are affiliated with local fencing, the only higher rated person is Andy Shaw, who isn't as active as many referees.
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Post by jazz007 on May 22, 2006 19:16:11 GMT -6
I agree with KD5MDK, selecting Jerry Benson.
Gary Van der Wege is a very, very close second.
For me, the problem I have is totally turning off the human aspect and becoming the OMG ultimate professional about the whole thing. Something about that ideal bugs me, which probably means it's a good thing my ref rating is not my priority in fencing, it's a means to an end. Jerry shows how to do the human aspect correctly - not joking around with fencers who are not having fun, but smiling at fencers who are, making appropriate tension-lightening comments where necessary, stuff like that. I like that he is a personable professional referee.
My $.02.
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Post by fox on May 30, 2006 8:37:21 GMT -6
I haven't fenced under him, but I'd give a nod to Oleksii Ivanov (or any of the six other spellings I've seen for his name). He seems to have a good eye for detail, gives a confident air yet still keeps things light.
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bobb121
Scribe
[ss:Antique Foil]
Posts: 47
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Post by bobb121 on Jun 12, 2006 14:02:24 GMT -6
I would have to say Oleksii, because if you are doing something wrong he points it out to you. Especially helpful for beginners. And he has the experience and seems to see everything and I do mean everything.
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Post by saberbobcat on Jun 13, 2006 13:57:50 GMT -6
Gary van der Wege gets my vote for sabre. He directed my first bout back after many moons of retirement. His calls are about as perfect as they get. I also like how when all the fencing is done, he makes sure you know exactly what you did well and what you need to work on. His calls are fair, honest, consistent, and clear. Additionally, although his refereeing personality is very professional, he is NEVER condesending and always appears to enjoy what he is doing. Every time I watch him direct, I learn something new. You can't ask for much better than that!
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