Individual CompetitionsIn general, fencing competitions have a format of one round of pools, followed by a Direct Elimination. PoolsPools normally contain between 5 and 7 fencers, and everyone fences every other fencer in their pool. In pools, each bout is to 5 hits, with a maximum time limit of 3 minutes. It should be noted, however, that this time limit relates purely to fencing time. 'Non-fencing' time (eg after a hit is landed, when the referee awarding the point) is not included in the time limit. If time expires before either fencer has scored 5 hits, then the fencer with the highest score is the victor. Direct EliminationAfter the first round, fencers are ranked according to their results in the pools. A Direct Elimination (DE) table is drawn up, in which higher ranked fencers compete against those with lower rankings. Direct Elimination bouts are to 15 hits, or a maximum fencing time of 9 minutes. As soon as a fencer loses a Direct Elimination bout, he/she is eliminated from the competition.
Depending on the number of fencers, the first round of the DE may be an 'incomplete tableau', in which the higher ranked fencers have byes. SupplementaryIn fields of six or fewer, the defeated fencers of the semi-finals will have a fence-off match for 3rd place. Ranking points and medals will be awarded as normal. FencingSA reserves the right to change the format of competitions on the day as it sees fit to facilitate the best fencing experience for it's members. | Team TournamentTeam Tournaments are fenced between teams of three fencers. Each of the three fencers from one team shall fence each of the fencers from the other team. During each bout the fencers shall have to try to reach a target score, which shall increase by five points each bout. When either fencer reaches that score the bout will end, and two new fencers will fence, trying to reach a different, higher target score. During the tournament each team shall fence every other team exactly once, in accordance to the draw, which will be published by the Tournament Management Committee prior to the start of the tournament. After the round robin has been concluded, a final of two or four teams may take place depending on the number of teams entered and the amount of time available. Team EligibilityA team may have a maximum of four fencers. Every team tournament shall have a maximum number of teams permitted to compete. The number shall be decided according to the amount of time available to run the tournament.
Fencer EligibilityAny fencer may fence for any team, on the condition they do not compete for more than one team during any given tournament. EquipmentEquipment rules for a team event are the same as for the same category individual event. | School CompetitionsFormatThe School Competition format will vary from year to year, depending on the number of schools running fencing programs, and at the direction of the FSA Board. FSA aims to deliver an Individual and Team event for school fencers at least once per year. Team events will be fenced round robin whenever possible, but depending on number of entries and time constraints the events may be fenced knockout from the first round. Fencer EligibilityRefer to the Categories page for details. A fencer must be attending either a primary or a secondary school, and must be affiliated with FencingSA. Team EligibilityA team may have a maximum of four fencers (3 plus one substitute), and must all be participating in the same school program (or, members of the same club if the event is opened to school-age fencers). Equipment RulesRefer to Equipment for details. |
Age BracketsAll State and National age bracket events are calculated upon your age at 1st January of that year. The 'U' before the number stands for 'Under', thus: U15 means 14 or younger. | exampleFor example: This year, Derek's age is 12 on 1st January. He turns 13 in August. He is eligible for the U13 competitions all year (even after turning 13!) Next year, Derek will be 13 on 1st Jan, therefore ineligible for the U13 bracket. |