Recommendation!

One of my student’s parents couldn’t get LinkedIn to work, but she sent me this lovely, lovely recommendation.

[ABW] taught my son in the year of 2007/2008. He consistently showed heart, wisdom, integrity, and concern for not only my son, but all of the kids he was involved with. He struck a rare balance of knowing how, and when to be firm, but always managed to do it with compassion, and the ability to promote the greatest integrity in all. I think that Andrew is a gift to the world of education, and any institution would be fortunate to have his contributions. He has worked with kids that require more patience than the norm, as well as high achievers, and pivots well providing outstanding results. He also never failed to be an absolutely straight shooter with me as a parent whether the news was good or bad I knew I could count on him, and trust his judgement.

I like it!

Foil Rules Changes

I note with some dismay that the FIE has instituted two rules changes, one taking effect in September 2008, immediately after the end of the Olympics, and the second taking effect in January 2009.

The first rule, taking effect in September (i.e., before the start of the new school year fencing season), is that an attack ends when the foot hits the floor, and not “or immediately thereafter” as the rule has stood for many years. Thus, I now have to teach my foilists to make their attack and land it before they complete their lunge. This should be interesting, but of course it can be implemented immediately in the CHSFA season this year.

The second rule, far more difficult, is that in January the rule change requires that the bib — that is, the padded cloth flap below the mask — is valid target area. This will involve changing a good deal of our school-owned gear, and nearly the entire team will have to change their electric gear to conform with the new rules.

I hope that CHSFA decides that they are going to implement this rule change in our own program at the start of the 2009-10 season, and not at the mid-point of this year’s season.