tournament services

Everything fencers and parents need to know —
from first tournaments to qualifying for Summer Nationals.

Upcoming Tournaments

Beginner’s Guide to Fencing Tournaments (Youth & Teens)

New to competing? This guide covers when to start, what to bring, how to register, and what to expect on competition day—so your first events are smooth and confidence-building.

Four young boys in fencing uniforms standing together in a fencing club, holding their fencing masks and swords, with a wooden wall and pictures in the background.

When Should I Start Competing?

  • After a Trial + starter classes/camp and once a coach gives the green light.

  • Early tournaments are for learning, not results. Aim for 1 event/month once you begin.

Two young girls standing in front of a backdrop with logos, smiling, holding medals and a trophy, celebrating a fencing competition.

Which Tournaments Should I Fence First?

  • Start local: in-club events and nearby club tournaments.

  • Choose your age category first (Y8, Y10, Y12, Y14).

  • Older beginners (Cadet/Junior/Senior): look for Unrated or E-and-under events.

  • TMFC posts recommended events on our calendar.

A young boy doing a stretching exercise in a gym, with other children and adults in the background, during a fitness class.

Must-Dos Before You Register

  1. USA Fencing Competitive Membership (required to compete).

  2. Know your age category (based on birth year, not birth date).

  3. Have the right gear (see checklist below).

Young fencer smiling in a fencing gym, preparing for practice or competition, with other fencers in the background.
Three people in fencing gear practicing fencing in a room with wooden wall panels, sports helmets, and posters.

Gear Checklist (Saber)

Required:

  • 800N saber glove (competition-legal)

  • Mask (electric saber)

  • Jacket + underarm protector

  • Pants/knickers + long socks (no skin between shoe and pants)

  • Electric saber jacket (lame) — stainless preferred for durability

  • 2 body cords + 2 head clips (always carry backups)

  • 2 sabers (Y10 = size 2; Y12+ = size 5)

Recommended:

  • Fencing bag, fencing shoes, spare socks/tape/tools

Tip: Do an at-home gear check the night before. Label everything.

Four smiling people, two adults and two youths, standing together indoors. The boy in the center holds a gold medal, and a woman is wearing a blue shirt with a white logo. The background includes banners, one with a blue and white design. The group l
Three teenage boys standing together with their arms around each other, smiling at the camera in an indoor sports facility.
Two fencers in full gear, engaging in a bout in an indoor fencing facility, with other fencers in the background.
Two young female fencers in fencing gear smiling indoors, standing near a white brick wall and fire emergency equipment. One girl holds a fencing mask, and they are dressed in protective fencing attire.
Two smiling boys pose with one making a peace sign, in a room with wood-paneled walls, blue sports bags, and helmets on a rack.
Group of seven children in fencing gear standing together inside a fencing gym, with others fencing in the background.
Two fencers in white and brown protective gear engaged in a fencing match, facing each other on a fencing strip with other people observing in the background.
Three children practicing fencing indoors, wearing fencing gear including masks, jackets, and gloves, with one child in a lunging stance.

How to Find & Register for Tournaments

  • TMFC Tournament Calendar → club-recommended events (regional/national/local).

  • AskFRED → most local events.

  • USA Fencing → regional (RYC, RJCC, ROC) and national (NAC) events.

  • Register before deadlines to avoid late/double fees. Regional/national events do not allow walk-ins.

Three children standing on a winners' podium in a fencing club, holding medals and smiling. The first-place winner in the center has their arms around the second and third-place winners. The backdrop shows fencing equipment and a banner with text.

Quick Acronym Guide

  • SYC/RYC: Youth events (Y10, Y12, Y14)

  • RJCC: Cadet (U17) & Junior (U20)

  • ROC: 14+ (Open, Div 1A/2/3)

  • NAC: National events (all levels)

Two fencers, a woman and a man, share a joyful moment in a fencing gym, with a woman practicing fencing in the background. The gym has a sign reading 'HOUSE CLUB' and various fencing equipment on the walls.

Your First 10 Tournaments (Roadmap)

  • 1–3: Local/in-club learning events

  • 4–6: Local + one RYC/SYC (with coach approval)

  • 7–10: Mix of local/RYC; consider a NAC once consistent and coach-approved

Competition Day: What to Expect

Arrival Time

Arrive at least 60 minutes before check-in closes (earlier for big events).

Step-by-Step on Arrival

  1. Check in (have USA Fencing # and ID ready).

  2. Equipment check (weapons control). Get in line immediately after check-in.

  3. Warm-up (40+ min): jog, stretch, footwork, 5–10 mins of electric bouting if space allows.

  4. Find your strip: when pools post, listen/look/ask and go straight to your strip.

Pro move: Keep a small kit (spare cords, tool, tape) at your strip.

Coaching & Team Flow

  • TMFC coaches work to cover as many bouts as possible; ratios vary by event size.

  • Students should stay near their strip/pod between rounds.

  • Parents: cheer positively, help your fencer stay fueled/focused, and don’t coach at the strip.

Expectations & Mindset (For Families and Fencers)

  • Best effort, great sportsmanship, team spirit.

  • No excuses—control what you can: prep, focus, effort, and composure.

  • Support teammates: stay to cheer when you’re done (you’ll learn a ton watching finals).

  • Only coaches address referees; fencers may ask brief clarifying questions.

Two fencers wearing protective gear, including masks, compete in a fencing match. One fencer, crouched, appears to be in a defensive position, while the other is lunging forward with their arm extended. In the background, other fencers prepare on the adjacent strip in an indoor fencing gym.

Ratings, Points & “What’s Next?”

  • You start Unrated (U); ratings progress E → D → C → B → A and affect seeding.

  • Regional/national events award points based on results/field size.

  • With guidance, athletes can set goals: RYC/SYC → RJCC/ROC → NAC → Summer Nationals/JO.

Two men and a boy smiling for a selfie at an indoor sports venue. The boy is wearing a racing suit, and the men are dressed casually, one in a blue Adidas jacket and the other in a dark sweater.

Qualifying at a Glance

  • Summer Nationals/July Challenge: multiple paths via regional/national results and/or ratings (varies by category).

  • Your coach will help build a season plan that fits age, level, and goals.

Register

Ready to Compete?

Not sure where to start? Ask your coach at practice or email info@timmorehousefencing.com

Register for the next TMFC Event