International FAQ
General Questions
I am new to fencing, what resources are out there?
The first step is to become familiar with fencing rules and procedures. A good resource to begin with is the Athlete Handbook http://www.usfencing.org/content/index/3812
Other resources are on the Internet at www.usfencing.org and our International Federation website www.fie.ch Be sure to click "EN" in the upper right hand corner for English.
What are the competition entry procedures?
The first step is to fill out the Request for Entry form.
Please read the form thoroughly because it will answer many questions that you may have. Junior and Senior competitions require an FIE license application.
Cadet competitions require a Code of Conduct form.
Cadet and Junior competitions require a Designated Squad Fee form.
All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
These procedures are more thoroughly explained in the General Competition Information section of this FAQ (LINK TO OTHER SECTION OF FAQ).
Entry deadlines for competitions can be found on the website http://www.usfencing.org
Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon. On the left you will see the Entry lists. Choose your level and you will see updated information for each competition.
What is the FIE?
The FIE (Federation Internationale D'Escrime) is the International Fencing Federation. The FIE is the organization which governs fencing throughout the world and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. It is based in the Olympic capital Lausanne and currently counts 134 member federations.
Do I need an FIE license?
(Provide 4 links à CADET JUNIOR SENIOR GRAND PRIX)
Cadet answer - No, Cadet's do not need an FIE license. However, Cadet's must still sign the Code of Conduct form and submit it with the Request for Entry form. All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
Junior answer - Yes, Junior's do need an FIE license.
All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
The FIE license form must be submitted with the competition Request for entry form. All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
Senior answer - Yes, Senior's do need an FIE license. The FIE license form must be submitted with the competition Request for entry form. All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
(Grand Prix answer - Yes, athletes competing in a Grand Prix need an FIE license.
The FIE license form must be submitted with the competition Request for entry form All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
An FIE license can take 3 to 4 weeks to process.
Do I need a copy of the FIE license with me when I compete?
No. You cannot be registered for a Junior or Senior competition without an FIE license. This means that if you are registered for the competition you already have a valid FIE license.
How do I know you received my "Request for Entry" form?
Confirmation of the Request for Entry form will be posted on the USFA website within 3 business days of receipt. http://www.usfencing.org
Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon. On the left you will see the Entry lists. Choose your level and you will see updated information for each competition.
After the Entry deadline, the website will be updated to reflect who is considered a "fencer", an "alternate", and "not eligible".
Please thoroughly read the Eligibility requirements and Exceptions on the Request for Entry form. All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
What does it mean if I'm listed as a registrant for a competition?
Your application has been received and you have been placed on the list for requested entries http://usfencing.org click on "Int'l" tab then select your weapon. On the left you can select your entry list. Everyone that applies is listed as a "Registrant" until after the entry deadline. After the entry deadline your status on the website will be changed to Fencer, Alternate or Not Eligible.
How do I register for an international competition?
The National Office registers athletes for all international competitions. You do not have to, nor can you, register for a competition. The National Office will register you for any competition that you have confirmed your entry for.
Where do I find a list of competitions?
Calendars for each weapon can be found here http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon. You will see a link to the current International Calendar. Designated competitions are in bold. There is also a list of competitions for Junior and Senior Fencers on the FIE website www.fie.ch Be sure to click on "EN" at the top right for English. Click on the "Competitions" tab and select "Calendar".
Cadet competitions are run by the European Fencing Federation http://www.eurofencing.info/EfcEng/defaultE.htm
Information for these competitions can also be found on each individual country's Federation website.
The USFA International Department will also be a resource by researching and passing on pertinent information.
What is a designated competition?
These are competitions that are chosen by the National Weapon Coach. They are competitions that will count towards Group II points for team selection and point calculation. Non-designated Junior World Cups, non-designated Cadet competitions and Senior Satellite competitions are NOT eligible for USFA points. Non-designated Senior World Cups are eligible for USFA Senior Group I replacement points.
What are the age criteria for competitions?
FIE rules require that athletes must be 13 years or older on January 1 of the season to compete in Junior World Cup or Senior World Cup, Grand Prix or Team World Cup competitions and to participate in World Championships.
How many fencers can go to these competitions?
Provide 4 links à CADET JUNIOR SENIOR GRAND PRIX
Cadet answer - The National Coach determines the number of fencers that can attend Cadet competitions. There is no limit to how many fencers can attend Men's/Women's Foil and Epee competitions. The limit for Men's/Women's Saber fencers in a Cadet designated competition is 12.
Junior answer - For all Junior World Cups the USFA can only send 12 fencers per weapon. This is an FIE requirement placed on all National Federations.
Senior answer - For Senior World Cups the USFA can only send 12 fencers regardless of weapon. The only exception is when the USFA hosts a World Cup we can enter up to 30 fencers. These are FIE requirements placed on all National Federations.
Grand Prix - For Grand Prix competitions, entries are limited to a maximum of 8 fencers per weapon per country. The organizing country may enter up to 12 fencers, plus the number of fencers needed to make up the pools, up to a maximum of 20 fencers. These are FIE requirements placed on all National Federations.
I missed the entry deadline; can I still submit a Request for Entry form?
An athlete who submits an entry form for an international competition after the deadline is subject to immediate payment of the USFA $250 late fee. Late entries will be considered based on eligibility and space available. No athlete can displace another athlete if the entry application arrives after the deadline, no matter his or her ranking. Entries received after the entry deadline may not be accepted, especially if that extra entry creates the need for an additional referee beyond what was planned. There is no guarantee that late entries will be accepted. Late entries will not be accepted within 15 days prior to the competition.
What does it mean to be listed as a "fencer"?
A fencer is an athlete whose request for entry into a competition has been confirmed. The National Office will register you for the tournament. Your next step is to review the information on the selection email that is sent to you after the deadline. Sometimes there is a coach or squad manager designated for the competition that can help with logistics. If there is one designated for your competition, their contact information will be listed in the selection email.
What does it mean to be listed as an "alternate"?
Alternates are listed and called up if needed prior to 10 days before the competition. Should one of the fencers withdraw, the first alternate will be contacted. An alternate has 4 days to confirm or they will be automatically withdrawn and the next alternate will be called up.
What does it mean to be listed as "not eligible"?
Not eligible fencers cannot participate in the competition. However, there are exceptions.
How do I know if I'm eligible for a competition?
This information is available on the Request for Entry form.
All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
All fencers must be a United States citizen to request for entry in a Cadet Designated, Junior World Cup, Senior World Cup, Grand Prix and Team competitions.
Eligibility is determined by the USFA point standings that are current as of the USFA deadline to request entry into an International Competition. Results that change the point standings between the deadline and the competition have no bearing on the selection. Additionally, results from the weekend before to the entry deadline have no bearing on the selection.
Selections are based first on Eligible fencers for each competition. The table below indicates who are considered eligible for each type of competition. Please note that Eligible fencers for a given competition may be Senior, Junior or Cadet and will be considered first based on the selection criteria for each weapon. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made based on points in order of Senior, Junior then Cadets.
ELIGIBILITY - A Fencer will be considered for entry in "A" competitions IF
|
|
Men's Epee |
Men's Foil |
Men's Saber |
Women's Epee |
Women's Foil |
Women's Saber |
|
Senior Grand Prix (maximum of 8 fencers can be entered) |
Top 16 S Top 8 J |
Top 16 S Top 8 J |
Top 24 S Top 12 J |
Top 24 S Top 12 J Remaining ranked Seniors |
Top 24 S Top 12 J Remaining ranked Seniors |
2008 Olympians Top 24 S Top 12 J Top 4 C |
|
Senior World Cups & Satellite (maximum of 12 fencers can be entered |
Top 24 S Top 12 J |
Top 24 S Top 12 J |
Top 24 S Top 12 J |
Top 24 S Top 12 J Remaining ranked Seniors |
Top 24 S Top 12 J Remaining ranked Seniors |
2008 Olympians Top 24 S Top 12 J Top 4 C |
|
Junior World Cups (maximum of 12 fencers can be entered) |
Top 24 J Top 12 C |
Top 24 J Top 12 C |
Top 24 J Top 12 C |
Top 24 J Top 12 C Remaining ranked Juniors |
Top 24 J Top 12 C Remaining ranked Juniors |
Top 24 J Top 16 C |
|
Cadet Designated |
All Cadets on Points |
All Cadet on Points |
Top 24 C |
** |
All Cadets on Points |
All Cadets on Points |
S -Senior Point Standings J - Junior Point Standings C - Cadet Point Standings
** Open (any fencer meeting the age requirement may apply). Fencer must have fenced in any NAC cadet or Y14 event in that weapon. If more than 12 fencers apply, those who are ranked 13 and lower must cover the expense of a referee, if one is required.
(Each cell in the table above contains a LINK to the verbal explanation below)
(Men's Epee link)....
Men's Epee / Senior Grand Prix - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 16 Seniors and Top 8 Juniors. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made based on points in order of Senior then Junior. There is a maximum of 8 fencers that can be entered.
Men's Epee / Senior World Cups & Satellite - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Seniors and Top12 Juniors. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made based on points in order of Seniors then Juniors. There is a maximum of 12 fencers that can be entered.
Men's Epee / Junior World Cups - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Juniors and Top 12 Cadets. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made based on points in order of Juniors then Cadets. There is a maximum of 12 fencers that can be entered.
Men's Epee / Cadet Designated - All Cadets who are on the points list are eligible.
(Men's Foil link)...
Men's Foil / Senior Grand Prix - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 16 Seniors and Top 8 Juniors. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made based on points in order of Senior then Junior. There is a maximum of 8 fencers that can be entered.
Men's Foil / Senior World Cups & Satellite - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Seniors and Top12 Juniors. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made based on points in order of Seniors then Juniors. There is a maximum of 12 fencers that can be entered.
Men's Foil / Junior World Cups - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Juniors and Top 12 Cadets. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made based on points in order of Juniors then Cadets. There is a maximum of 12 fencers that can be entered.
Men's Foil / Cadet Designated - All Cadets who are on the points list are eligible.
(Men's Saber link)....
Men's Saber / Senior Grand Prix - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Seniors and Top 12 Juniors. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made based on points in order of Senior then Junior. There is a maximum of 8 fencers that can be entered.
Men's Saber / Senior World Cups & Satellite - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Seniors and Top12 Juniors. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made based on points in order of Seniors then Juniors. There is a maximum of 12 fencers that can be entered.
Men's Saber / Junior World Cups - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Juniors and Top 12 Cadets. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made based on points in order of Juniors then Cadets. There is a maximum of 12 fencers that can be entered.
Men's Saber / Cadet Designated - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Cadets. A maximum of 12 fencers will be accepted at Cadet Designated Competitions for Men's Saber.
(Women's Epee link)....
Women's Epee / Senior Grand Prix - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Seniors and Top 12 Juniors. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made from the remaining ranked Seniors. There is a maximum of 8 fencers that can be entered.
Women's Epee / Senior World Cups & Satellite - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Seniors and Top12 Juniors. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made from the remaining ranked Seniors. There is a maximum of 12 fencers that can be entered.
Women's Epee / Junior World Cups - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Juniors and Top 12 Cadets. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made from the remaining ranked Juniors. There is a maximum of 12 fencers that can be entered.
Women's Epee / Cadet Designated - Any fencer meeting the age requirement may apply. Fencers must have fenced in any NAC cadet or Y14 event in that weapon. If more than 12 fencers apply, those who are ranked 13 and lower must cover the expense of a referee, if one is required.
(Women's Foil link)...
Women's Foil / Senior Grand Prix - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Seniors and Top 12 Juniors. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made from the remaining ranked Seniors. There is a maximum of 8 fencers that can be entered.
Women's Foil / Senior World Cups & Satellite - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Seniors and Top12 Juniors. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made from the remaining ranked Seniors.
Women's Foil / Junior World Cups - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Juniors and Top 12 Cadets. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made from the remaining ranked Juniors. There is a maximum of 12 fencers that can be entered.
Women's Foil / Cadet Designated - All Cadets who are on the points list are eligible.
(Women's Saber link)...
Women's Saber / Senior Grand Prix - Eligible fencers are chosen from the 2008 Olympians, the Top 24 Seniors, Top 12 Juniors and Top 4 Cadets. There is a maximum of 8 fencers that can be entered.
Women's Saber / Senior World Cups & Satellite - Eligible fencers are chosen from the 2008 Olympians, Top 24 Seniors, Top12 Juniors and Top 4 Cadets.
Women's Saber / Junior World Cups - Eligible fencers are chosen from the Top 24 Juniors and Top 12 Cadets. Once selections are made from Eligible fencers for the competition, selections are made from the remaining ranked Juniors. There is a maximum of 12 fencers that can be entered.
Women's Saber / Cadet Designated - All Cadets who are on the points list are eligible. A maximum of 12 fencers will be accepted at Cadet Designated Competitions for Women's Saber.
Is it still possible to compete in the competition if I am listed as not eligible?
Fencers, who are not eligible, can receive waivers and be allowed to fence in World Cups. If you are not eligible and are granted a waiver by the National Coach prior to the deadline to request a waiver then you may fence under the following conditions:
- There is space left in our allotment
- An additional referee is not required due to their acceptance.
These exceptions can be found in detail on the Request for Entry form All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
Who do I contact for eligibility waivers?
Eligibility waivers must be directed to the National Coach (LINK to National Coach emails IN THIS FAQ). Please copy Jeanna Mendoza on the email request at Jeanna.Mendoza@usfencing.org
What do I do next if my name is on the competition list?
You must wait until after the entry deadline to receive the selection email. This email will list all of the fencers, alternates, those fencers not eligible, referees (if known), and coaches (if known). There will also be information from the organizer of the competition. The USFA website will also be updated with this information. This email will contain needed information for fencers about the competition. All alternates are encouraged to keep emails just in case they are called up. Likewise, those fencers who are listed as not eligible are also encouraged to keep all information.
How do I confirm that I will be attending the competition?
Confirmations must be received in writing (email or fax). The easiest way to confirm is to respond to the email you receive that contains that competition's information.
Otherwise, send them to Jeanna Mendoza at
Jeanna.Mendoza@usfencing.org, international@usfencing.org or FAX 719-632-5737.
Please use the following format:
___(athlete's name)____ is confirming for ______(competition / location / date)_______
You must confirm no later than 15 days after the entry deadline. The easiest way to do this is to respond to the selection email sent out for that competition. If you do not confirm that you will be competing in the competition by the deadline you will be automatically withdrawn and an alternate fencer will be called up.
How do I withdraw from a competition?
Withdraws must be received in writing (email or fax). The easiest way to withdraw is to respond to the selection email you receive that contains that competition's information.
Otherwise, send them to Jeanna Mendoza at
Jeanna.Mendoza@usfencing.org, international@usfencing.org or FAX 719-632-5737.
Please use the following format:
___(athlete's name)____ is withdrawing from____(competition / location / date)______
You have up to 15 days after the competition entry deadline, or the date listed on the selection email, to submit a withdraw request.
The USFA is fined by the FIE for any late withdraws. In turn, the USFA requires the athlete pay those fines. There are two possible exceptions to this fine. One exception to this fine may be considered if the fencer is withdrawing due to an injury or illness that prevents the fencer from competing. Medical documentation from a doctor and a written request to waive the fine is required for consideration. A second exception to this fine may be considered if a fencer is not able to make the competition because their airline canceled their flight. If you provide the USFA that documentation, we will pass it on to the FIE to avoid fines.
How are points calculated?
Points are best explained in Chapter's 3 and 4 in the Athlete Handbook http://www.usfencing.org/content/index/3812
Can my personal coach attend the tournament?
Yes.
Will the National Coach attend the tournament?
That is the decision of the National Coach. You will be notified if the National Coach will be attending the tournament when the Competition Organizer information email is sent out listing the fencers, alternates, and not eligible fencers.
How do I contact the National Coaches?
http://fencing.teamusa.org/content/index/3951
Men's Epee - Sebastien Dos Santos - sebastien_ds@yahoo.fr
Men's Foil - Mauro Hamza - mauro@rice.edu
Men's Saber - Yury Gelman - gelman.yury@gmail.com
Women's Epee - Ro Sobalvarro - sobal001@umn.edu
Women's Foil - Mike Pederson - fleuret@sonic.net
Women's Saber - Ed Korfanty - ekorfanty@comcast.net
General Competition Entry Questions
Where do I find a list of competitions?
Calendars for each weapon can be found here http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon. You will see a link to the current International Calendar. Designated competitions are in bold. There is also a list of competitions on the FIE website www.fie.ch Be sure to click on "EN" at the top right for English. Click on the "Competitions" tab and select "Calendar".
How many fencers can go to these competitions?
Provide 3 links à CADET JUNIOR SENIOR GRAND PRIX
Cadet answer - The National Coach determines the number of fencers that can attend Cadet competitions. There is no limit to how many fencers can attend Men's/Women's Foil and Epee competitions. The limit for Men's/Women's Saber fencers in a Cadet designated competition is 12.
Junior answer - For all Junior World Cups the USFA can only send 12 fencers per weapon. This is an FIE requirement placed on all National Federations.
Senior answer - For Senior World Cups the USFA can only send 12 fencers regardless of weapon. The only exception is when the USFA hosts a World Cup we can enter up to 30 fencers. These are FIE requirements placed on all National Federations.
Grand Prix - For Grand Prix competitions, entries are limited to a maximum of 8 fencers per weapon per country. The organizing country may enter up to 12 fencers, plus the number of fencers needed to make up the pools, up to a maximum of 20 fencers. These are FIE requirements placed on all National Federations.
I want to compete in a World Cup. What do I do?
Provide 3 links à CADET JUNIOR SENIOR GRAND PRIX
(Cadet answer -
All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
- Obtain the Request for Entry form and read it thoroughly.
- Find out if you are eligible. Eligibility requirements are on the Request for Entry form.
3. Submit the Request for Entry form
4. Submit a Code of Conduct form.
5. Submit a Designated Squad Fee form with payment.
(This payment will not be deposited until after the competition).
6. Wait until the entry deadline.
7. After the entry deadline, you will receive a selection email stating if you are a "fencer", "alternate", or "not eligible". (Definitions are on the Request for Entry form)
8. If you are a fencer you must confirm in writing that you will attend the tournament no later than 15 days after the entry deadline.
9. If you do not want to participate in the competition then you must submit your withdraw in writing no later than 15 days after the entry deadline, or the date listed on the selection email.
(Junior answer -
All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
1. Obtain the Request for Entry form and read it thoroughly.
2. Find out if you are eligible. Eligibility requirements are on the Request for Entry form.
3. Submit the Request for Entry form.
4. Submit a request for an FIE license form.
5. Submit a Designated Squad Fee form with payment. (This payment will not be deposited until after the competition).
6. Wait until the entry deadline.
7. After the entry deadline, you will receive an email stating if you are a "fencer", "alternate", or "not eligible". (Definitions are on the Request for Entry form)
8. If you are a fencer you must confirm in writing that you will attend the tournament no later than 15 days after the entry deadline.
9. If you do not want to participate in the competition then you must submit your withdraw in writing no later than 15 days after the entry deadline, or the date listed on the selection email.
(Senior answer -
All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
1. Obtain the Request for Entry form and read it thoroughly.
2. Find out if you are eligible. Eligibility requirements are on the Request for Entry form.
3. Submit the Request for Entry form.
4. Submit a request for an FIE license form.
6. Wait until the entry deadline. You may check the website to ensure we have received your Request for Entry form at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon. On the left you can select Cadet, Junior and Senior "Entry list".
7. After the entry deadline, you will receive a selection email stating if you are a "fencer", "alternate", or "not eligible". (Definitions are on the Request for Entry form)
8. If you are listed as a fencer you must confirm in writing that you will attend the tournament no later than 15 days after the entry deadline.
9. If you do not want to participate in the competition then you must submit your withdraw in writing no later than 15 days after the entry deadline, or the date listed on the selection email.
How do I know you received my "Request for Entry" form?
Confirmation of the Request for Entry form will be posted on the USFA website within 3 business days of receipt. You may check the website to ensure we have received your Request for Entry form at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon. On the left you can select Cadet, Junior and Senior "Entry list".
After the Entry deadline, the website will be updated to reflect who is considered a "fencer", an "alternate", and "not eligible".
Please thoroughly read the Eligibility requirements and Exceptions on the Request for Entry form.
All forms can be found at http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon.
What does it mean if I'm listed as a registrant for a competition?
Your application has been received and you have been placed on the list for requested entries. Everyone that applies is listed as a registrant until after the entry deadline. After the entry deadline your status on the website will be changed to Fencer, Alternate or Not Eligible.
How do I confirm that I will be attending the competition?
Confirmations must be received in writing (email or fax). The easiest way to confirm is to respond to the email you receive that contains that competition's information.
Otherwise, send them to Jeanna Mendoza at
Jeanna.Mendoza@usfencing.org, international@usfencing.org or FAX 719-632-5737.
Please use the following format:
___(athlete's name)____ is confirming for ______(competition / location / date)_______
You must confirm no later than 15 days after the entry deadline. The easiest way to do this is to respond to the selection email sent out for that competition. If you do not confirm that you will be competing in the competition by the deadline you will be automatically withdrawn and an alternate fencer will be called up.
How do I withdraw from a competition?
Withdraws must be received in writing (email or fax). The easiest way to withdraw is to respond to the selection email you receive that contains that competition's information.
Otherwise, send them to Jeanna Mendoza at
Jeanna.Mendoza@usfencing.org, international@usfencing.org or FAX 719-632-5737.
Please use the following format:
___(athlete's name)____ is withdrawing from____(competition / location / date)______
You have up to 15 days after the competition entry deadline, or the date listed on the selection email, to submit a withdraw request.
The USFA is fined by the FIE for any late withdraws. In turn, the USFA requires the athlete pay those fines. There are two possible exceptions to this fine. One exception to this fine may be considered if the fencer is withdrawing due to an injury or illness that prevents the fencer from competing. Medical documentation from a doctor and a written request to waive the fine is required for consideration. A second exception to this fine may be considered if a fencer is not able to make the competition because their airline canceled their flight. If you provide the USFA that documentation, we will pass it on to the FIE to avoid fines.
How do I register for a competition?
The National Office registers athletes for all international competitions. You do not have to register for a competition. The National Office will register you for any competition that you have confirmed your entry for.
What fees do I have to pay?
The fee for each Senior World Cup competition is 20 Euros and for each Junior World Cup is 10 Euros. The fee for Senior Grand Prix individual Grand Prix is 60 Euros and for World Cup Team is 400 Euros. The fees for Cadet Competitions are set by each organizer and are published on the Organizer information that is sent out with the selection emails to each fencer. The fees for the individual events are paid directly by the fencer to the organizers of the competition.
As of November 1, 2008 the fee to compete in all Junior World Cups and Designated Cadet competitions is $100.00. The fee is to help provide referees to International competitions or pay the fine assessed by International Federations when USFA cannot send an International Referee. This fee is required to compete in any International Competition. You must submit the Squad Fee form with the Request for Entry form for your entry to be complete. http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon. You will see a link for the "Squad Fee Form".
Who do I pay the competition fees to?
The fees for each competition are paid directly by the fencer to the Competition Organizer at the competition.
Do I need a VISA to compete?
Many countries require you to obtain a VISA for entry. Obtaining a VISA and the costs associated are the responsibility of the fencer. Our selection deadlines are designed so that we leave plenty of time for fencers who are confirmed for the competition to apply for a VISA. Here is a link to learn what countries have VISA requirements: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
As an added service, USFA works with a company to help with VISA procurement. www.visaexpress.net
Do I have to purchase warm-ups?
No, but you have the option to purchase warm-ups if you like.
When purchasing warm-ups, please take into account that they are all in men's sizes. http://usfencing.org Click on the "Int'l" tab and select your weapon. You will see a link for Travel Warm Up Order Form.
Are there any uniform requirements?
Each fencer must have a patch or stencil on both of the knickers that identifies his or her country. You may purchase the International symbol patch for the USA at http://www.marxentpdx.com/
Saber and Foil also have specific uniform requirements on the mask and bibs for international competitions. http://www.fie.ch/Fencing/Rules.aspx
Does USFA pay for my travel?
No, each fencer is responsible for his or her own expenses.
Does USFA help coordinate the logistics for my travel?
It depends on the tournament. You will be notified if there is a squad manager assigned to a competition to help with travel logistics.
How are points calculated?
Points are best explained in Chapter's 3 and 4 in the Athlete Handbook http://www.usfencing.org/content/index/3812
Can my personal coach attend the tournament?
Yes.
Will the National Coach attend the tournament?
That is the decision of the National Coach. You will be notified if the National Coach will be attending the tournament when the selection email is sent out listing the fencers, alternates, and not eligible fencers.
How do I contact the National Coaches?
http://fencing.teamusa.org/content/index/3951
Men's Epee - Sebastien Dos Santos - sebastien_ds@yahoo.fr
Men's Foil - Mauro Hamza - mauro@rice.edu
Men's Saber - Yury Gelman - gelman.yury@gmail.com
Women's Epee - Ro Sobalvarro - sobal001@umn.edu
Women's Foil - Mike Pederson - fleuret@sonic.net
Women's Saber - Ed Korfanty - ekorfanty@comcast.net
