The day before the tournament
1. Check your email for any update from the tournament organizer
2. Check your equipment
You don’t want to wait until the last minute to get your gear for your competition. If you need to buy parts of your uniform or weapons, you should get them early enough to possibly make any exchanges or returns.
Before the tournament, test your gear. You can test your blades in the weaponry room in the club. Check this link for more information.You can also get your own tools here.
3. What to bring
Fencing gear (foil blades (3 at least), mask, jackets, knickers, underarm protector, chest protector, lamé (2 if possible), glove (2), mask cords (3), body cords (3), and shoes), extra T-shirts, warm-up jackets, towel, water (sports drink), food and snack, repair tools, blade tape…
On the day of the tournament (please arrive early, at least 1hr before the close of check-in time)
1. Registration (check-in)
When you arrive at a tournament, you must check in with your child at the venue or event administration. This group is called the “bout committee.” You need to scan your membership card (it must be competitive and valid for the current season). You can print out a copy of your membership card or save it in your mobile carrier.
Fencers need to present proof of age: original or copies of birth certificate, passport or, driver's license, unless if the USA Fencing membership card has "Birth year is Verified " noted on the card. To verify birth year, contact USA fencing.
2. Weapon check
You have to go to the armory to check your equipment (gloves, mask, lame, mask cords, and body cords only). Your equipment will be stamped or taped after passing the inspection.
3. Before competition
Allow 1hr before the competition. Fencers should warm up, stretch, and do foot works for at least 30min. Fencer should then dress up at 30min before the start of competition to check equipment and practice fencing with peers. It is a good time for parents to socialize with other parents in the same club or other clubs. You will probably meet them again for the next several years!
4. Poule round
After registration closes and the bout committee confirms the attendees, pool assignment is determined and fencers should report to their assigned strip to start the poule round. Again, pool assignment will be posted at https://fencingtimelive.com/.
Before the pool round, referees will check your equipment to make sure inspection has been passed.
5. After the poule round, fencers usually have 10-15min to rest. Fencers should take enough water and have some snacks and fruits such as bananas to recover.
6. Direct elimination (DE)
See above competition format section for more information
7. After the competition
Award ceremony, team lunch (dinner), or go home to practice more
