Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What tournaments are available for newer fencers?

Usually newer fencers start competing in local tournaments, then move on to regional tournaments (Washington, northern California), then to national and international tournaments.  Tournaments are limited by age (Youth, Cadet, Junior or Veteran), by ability (Div. III, Div. II or Div. I), or are unlimited (Open). 

NWFC fencers are fortunate because the majority of Oregon tournaments take place at the NWFC (for foil & epee) and Oregon Fencing Alliance in Beaverton (for saber).

The purpose of the NWFC Youth Progressive tournament series is to introduce younger fencers to competitions in a fun, friendly environment.  (NOTE:  Age eligibility differs for local and regional tournaments, so always check to make sure that your fencer is qualified for the age group.)

At the NWFC Youth Progressives, Y10 and Y12 events are usually fenced together, but prizes are awarded separately by age and by gender.  Y14 and Cadet events are also usually fenced together, with separate prizes for age and gender. 

For teen and adult fencers, the best introductory tournament is a Division III, or “Unrated” or “E and Under” tournament. 

• What is a rating (or classification)?

Ratings can be earned by finishing in one of the top places in a tournament.  All fencers start out as “unrated” (or U).  Ratings go from E to A, with A as the highest rating. 

No ratings are earned in Youth events (including Cadet or Junior events) unless they are large events that include already-rated fencers (at least 2 C's, 2 D's and 2 E's).  Generally ratings for Youth events are only earned at regional and national tournaments, such as the Regional Youth Circuit (RYC) or Super RYC events.

For tournaments that are not age-limited, ratings can be earned with as few as 6 fencers in the event.   Division III (or E and Under) events are a good way to earn your first rating. 

• What is an RYC? Super RYC?  NAC?  Summer Nationals?

RYC = Regional Youth Circuit
This is a larger , regional youth event.  In order to fence in Youth-10 or Youth-12 events at Summer Nationals, the fencer must have competed in at least one RYC during the year. 

Super RYC = Super Regional Youth Circuit
This is a larger version of the RYC.  The main difference between an RYC and Super RYC (other than size) is that fencers can earn national points at Super RYCs.

NAC = North American Circuit
This is a series of national tournaments held around the country.  Each tournament has limited events (age and/or skill-level limits).  Fencers can earn national points at NAC tournaments.

Summer Nationals are the culmination of the fencing year, and are held in early July each year.  This tournament has events for all weapons, all skill levels, and all ages (Youth-10 through Vet-60), including thousands of fencers over a two-week period.  Fencers must pre-qualify for each event at Summer Nationals.  Qualification information will be provided in the spring.  Children who wish to compete in the Youth-10 or Youth-12 events at Summer Nationals must have competed in at least one RYC or Super RYC during the prior 11 months in the same event (Youth-10 or Youth-12).

• What are national points?

The top finishers in certain national events and Super Regional events earn points toward national standings.  The fencers with the highest national points in Cadet, Junior and Senior categories comprise the U.S. National teams for international events.  Having national points also pre-qualifies fencers for certain events at the Junior Olympics and Summer Nationals.

5.  What is a Division III (or II or I) tournament?

Division I, II or III tournaments are restricted based on the fencers' ratings.
Division III:   Limited to D, E or unrated fencers
Division II:  Limited to C, D, E or unrated fencers
Division I:  Limited to A, B or C rated fencers

Note: There is a minimum age limit for fencers to participate in any Open or Division I, II or III tournament. For the 2007-2008 season, fencers must have been born in 1994 or earlier.

6.  How do I register for a tournament?

Most local and regional tournaments are posted on www.askfred.net (referred to as AskFred).  Information about Super RYCs and national tournaments is available on the USFA website (www.usfencing.org).

7.  What is USFA membership, and why is it required?

Membership in the U. S. Fencing Association is required in order to participate in any USFA-sanctioned tournament.  All tournaments at the NWFC (other than the annual Fence for Fun tournament) are sanctioned.

USFA membership is in addition to your NWFC membership.  USFA membership is $50/year per fencer.  Annual USFA memberships expire on July 31st and can be purchased or renewed at tournaments.  Make sure that you bring your USFA card to every tournament.  New USFA memberships purchased between April 1 and July 31 expire on July 31 of the following year.

8.  What equipment do I need for a tournament?

Full fencing attire includes jacket, half-jacket (plastron), mask, glove, lame (for foil or saber), knickers and knee-high socks.  For the Youth Progressive tournaments and Friday night tournaments, knickers are not required (but wear long pants).  For these tournaments, NWFC class members may use club equipment – club weapons will be shared.  For regional competitions, fencers need to have their own weapons and lames.   For a Super RYC or national tournament, the fencer must have:

• at least 2 working weapons and 2 working body cords on the strip (3 of each is prudent), and
• the fencer's name stenciled on the lame (for foil and saber) or jacket (for epee), or on the knickers.  Bob Marx provides stenciling services through his business (Marx Enterprises).

• Where do I buy fencing equipment?

There are a number of fencing equipment vendors; check the USFA website (www.usfencing.org) for contact information.  The NWFC has had good experience with Absolute Fencing Gear (www.absolutefencinggear.com).  Recommended equipment lists are available at the NWFC front desk.  You order directly from the fencing vendors; the NWFC does not sell equipment.

10.  What should I bring to the tournament?

• Tournament registration fee and event fees (listed on AskFred)
• USFA card (or a USFA membership form and payment)
• Your equipment (if you have it), marked with your name
• Water, snacks, sports drinks if you want
• Extra clothes to change into after the tournament
  

11.  What should I do when I arrive at the tournament?

Go immediately to the registration desk to register or check in.  Each event will have a “close of registration” time.  Fencers who have not registered by close of registration will be excluded from the event. 

Some tournaments will also require that equipment (masks, body cords and lames) be checked before the event starts, so allow extra time for this.  We don't do equipment checks at NWFC Youth Progressives.

Warm up, stretch, get suited up and find several people to fence with to get your brain warmed up.  Listen for announcements for your event.  If a seeding list is posted, make sure that your name is on it, and that your rating information is correct.

12.  How are tournaments run?

In general,  there will be pools of 5-8 fencers, followed by direct elimination bouts.  You will fence all of the members of your pool.  The results from the pools will determine seeding for direct elimination. 

However, there are many possible variations for tournament formats.  If there are few fencers, the event may be one large pool, with no direct eliminations.  For large tournaments, sometimes there is a cut-off, and only the top 32 (or 64) fencers continue to direct eliminations after pools.  In unusual cases, every place may be fenced off, meaning that you aren't eliminated after you lose your first direct elimination.  Make sure that you understand the event format before you unsuit and leave.

13.  How long does each event take?

That varies widely based on the number of competitors, the event format, equipment delays, and whether the event starts on time.  For Youth Progressives, allow about 2 hours after the close of registration. 

14.   Do parents need to stay?

No, but they are very welcome to stay and watch.  Please don't use flash photography, as this can distract fencers.  All other photography/taping is welcome.

15.  Can I leave as soon as I am eliminated?

At national tournaments, Super RYCs or RYCs, NWFC fencers are expected to stay until the end of their own event.  This allows our fencers to support their teammates, as well as to watch the final bouts to learn from more skilled fencers.  (The exception is if the fencer has an early-starting event the next morning.)