Competitions

Projected Competitions for Next Season 2025-26

These are the Regional/National competitions we intend to send a coach. If a competition is poorly attended we may not send one. Strip coaching fees will apply to all who attend. (national calendar is not yet available)

You are always encouraged to attend local tournaments on your own as much as you can. Local events are added throughout the year and the schedule is always chaning. Schedules and registration can be found on ASKFRED.NET

It might be helpful to check out

Age and Classification Eligibility

Local

• For EVERYONE – We always recommend Local competition. The competitions are easy to get to, single-day events. The competitions are usually smaller.
• Clubs in the area will put their events on a website called www.Askfred.net Often this can even be a couple of weeks before the event so just check AskFred.net periodically
• You will need your equipment in good working order but there will not be a weapons check. There will not be any vendor either, so have 2+ weapons and body cords.
• The cost is not as prohibitive as the Regionals and National events.
• You can get rated at these events but cannot qualify for Summer Nationals.
• You must sign up on AskFred.net

Regional

• Regional events have many labels. You can read about them on USA Fencing
• They are more expensive.
• There is weapons-check – all your equipment must be checked and working to fence.
• There are usually vendors in case your equipment fails.
• You can get rated.
• You can qualify for Summer Nationals if you get enough points.
• An RYC is a regional youth circuit and SYC is a super youth circuit (SYC brings in people from the entire country.
• There are 6 regions in USA (we are region #4): our region covers 6 states.
• You must sign up on the national website. https://member.usafencing.org/search/tournaments

National

• There are only a handful of National events. They are called NAC.
• You can get rated, qualify for nationals and even the Olympics.
• These are the most expensive and we only recommend them for our advanced group UNLESS the competition happens to be in the local Bay Area.
• You must sign up on the national website.
• These events often require travel.

To ensure a smooth competition, we kindly remind everyone of the following procedures

• All Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Coaches will be focusing on the competition and cannot be responsible for your child.
• Fencers should inspect their equipment at least a week before the competition. The tournament's armory will check all electric equipment. Ensure to have at least 2 weapons and 2 body cords.
• Arrive at the venue at least 1 hour prior to your event. This allows time to check in, queue at the armory, handle any equipment issues, and fully warm up before the event commences.
• Don't forget to bring proof of age and have the USA Fencing membership card ready.
• Upon arrival, locate your teammates/coach. The team's equipment should be placed in the same general area, typically marked by a banner or flag.
• Warm up with your teammates. Aim to be suited up and warmed up at least 20 minutes before your competition begins.
• When the competition starts, report to your assigned strip. The pool and strip assignment can be found at www.fencingtimelive.com. Note your assigned number on the pool chart. The referee will use this number to identify you, so remember it and listen to the referee carefully.
• After the pool round, you can rest for 20 minutes while waiting for the next Direct Elimination (DE) round. Do not leave the venue after the pool round. In DE, winning fencers proceed to the next round. If you lose a DE bout, you're eliminated from the tournament.
• If you lose, stay to support your teammates.
• Wear your BAFC t-shirt and black sweats with a pullover. The pullovers will be available soon.

Strip Coaching

Local Events:

We do not require our coaches to attend local tournaments.  A local tournament is an event you would sign up to on AskFred.net. If a regional/national event happens to be located near you it does not classify the competition as local. Local refers to the type of competition. If you would like to request strip coaching for a local tournament, please reach out to the club manager. If a coach is available, we will be pleased to send them. There is a cost for local strip coaching.

Regional/National Events:

We do have several Regional and National events that coaches may attend (listed above). Please note that there is a required cost for strip coaching at all Regional/National tournaments. In addition to the price per event, all coaches’ travel cost will be split amongst participants. Additionally, the competition list above may be updated with new events.

Here are some of our club policies:

• Tournament Strip Coaching Cancellation Policy: If you do not attend or cancel within 7 days, you will still be billed. Cancellations more than 7 days in advance will not incur charges.
• For National/Regional travel, room, and board costs will be split among the attending fencers.
• While we do not require attendance at competitions, we encourage participation in listed and local events. Local events are comparatively inexpensive, enjoyable, and provide additional competition experience.
• The coach who attends each tournament will be determined by the club manager.
• Understand that our coaches must manage a number of fencers at a time. Be proactive in communicating with your coach as to your fencing location at each event.
• Important to note is that sports involve both victories and defeats. We urge you to be patient and supportive of your child, regardless of the outcome. Any physical, verbal, or emotional abuse of a fencer, coach, official, or competitor is grounds for immediate expulsion from our club.
• Keep in mind that you represent BAFC at these tournaments. Your sportsmanship, composure, and attitude reflect on your coaches and yourself. Therefore, carry yourself with pride, display grace in victory and defeat, respect your opponents, and support each other.

Fencing Tournament Checklist

Documentation:

• Proof of USA Fencing Membership
• Proof of Age: USA Fencing has verification program but having proof is a good idea

Equipment: (equipment bolded must be equipment check at both regional and national events)

• 2 working weapons
• 2 working body cords
• 2 working mask cord
• Mask
• Lame ( foil of saber )
• Glove ( saber must be FIE saber glove )
• Chest protector (Mandatory for females) (Mandatory FIE for Foil)
• Underarm protector
• Fencing jacket ( must overlay knickers by 10 inches )
• Fencing pants ( knickers )
• socks ( knee-high, must cover leg completely, up to the fencing knickers )

Equipment maintenance kit:

• Screwdriver
• Wrench alley ( if your athlete uses pistol grip )
• Foil tape for foil
• First-Aid kit : Ibuprofen, band-aid, ice pack, etc.

Food:

• Water bottle or energy drink
• Snacks for in between rounds: Fruit, trail mix, veggies, energy bars.

Extra clothing:

• Change of clothes for post fencing/Extra T-shirt
• BAFC Warm-up jacket
• Face towel

Extras:

• Money for snacks, lunch, etc
• Portable of folding chair ( parent )
• Entertainment for breaks between bouts.

Please familiarize yourself with all club competition policies on club website