All fencers are expected to wear the required fencing attire and bring at least two weapons and body cords that meet USFA requirements. There are no exceptions to the attire and equipment rules. You must have a valid USFA membership or join the USFA at the event.
 

All events are fenced ELECTRICALLY (except Novice or otherwise specified) & follow USFA rules & regulations.
 

The schedule lists the time for CLOSING of check-in.
 

Medals will be awarded for events with six (6) or more entrants.
 

Pre-registration for Youth events:  Fencers must pre-register at least 3 days prior to the event via AskFRED. Due to the lack of experience of the youth & novice fencers, these events require more than the usual number of site host personnel to referee and manage competitions.  If an unexpected number of fencers show up, it can result in excessive delays, which is frustrating for everyone involved. It can be very difficult to find an additional referee to step in at the last minute if an extra 4 or 5 fencers show up.  We are asking for your cooperation with this matter.  



                    *Disclaimer: The procedure below is that of the BCAF & not the opinion or policy of the NJ Division, its officers or other NJ Division member clubs.

Please note: This policy pertains to OPENS & VETERAN EVENTS only:

We define “Self-refereeing” as the practice of allowing fencers who are competing in an event, who have the appropriate skills, to referee pool bouts. In addition, the higher level fencers competing in the event would also direct other fencers in the Direct Elimination rounds.

Self-refereeing allows us to run events efficiently and for relatively low entry fees.

Typically, there are many fencers who attend our OPEN events who are competent to referee any bout.
We try to arrange things so that bouts are not refereed by fencers who are not up to the required level, and we have a number of highly qualified referees participating in and refereeing at our OPEN competitions.

Local/Divisional competitions not only allow you to practice at competing in fencing, but also at refereeing. 

We specifically ask which fencers want to referee. We do encourage some "experienced" fencers that are hesitant to direct to actually try directing & give them feedback.  The pool bouts represent a chance to train new referees and decide if they are qualified to direct and at what level they should direct later in the tournament. Sometimes a 5-touch bout has a mistake (or even two) on occasion.  However, if you do not train fencers to referee, then you will not have directors to direct. 

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Our goal and the goal of all fencers & coaches is to encourage the growth of fencing through active participation. Hence we would like to provide all fencers, but especially the young & novice fencers, an enjoyable and rewarding competition experience. Here are some suggestions, do’s & don’ts to help young fencers and fencing parents to have an enjoyable competition experience:

ü       Before you even get there, make sure you have all your equipment & it’s working.
 

ü       Get to the site on time. The site will be open at least 30 minutes before the close of check-in.
 

ü       The time given for a competition is the close of check-in and NOT start of fencing.  

ü       After check-in closes the meet manager has to set up the pools for the first round. You can expect fencing to start about 30 minutes after close of check-in. In tournaments with more than one event, the start of later events may be up to an hour after close of check-in.  

ü       The more you ask the meet manager “when fencing is going to start?” the longer it’s going to take to start.  

ü       Use the time wisely. Warm up, stretch, and make sure all your equipment is working,
 again.

ü       Be patient!  Fencing has a rhythm and tempo of all its own. Even at the best-run tournaments there will be down time as the results from the round are tabulated and the pools & tables for next round is set up.  

ü       If you know how to keep time or score, offer to do so. It’ll help make the event go that much smoother.  

ü       Don’t forget to salute before and to shake hands after the bout.  

ü       Thank the referee. Without him/her there wouldn’t have been a bout.  

ü       Always be polite, fencing isn’t called “the oldest modern sport” for nothing. We have over 500 years of history and respect for your opponents and officials have always been a cornerstone of our sport.  

ü       Win or lose, the joy of fencing is in the competition. Have fun!

Our very first fencing event in our new facility.
Taken during the 7th Annual Robert Flynn Epee Event October 2004.