NSWFA Competitions

Page content: Entries : Entry fees : Equipment : Safety : Competition format : Officials

Please note: specific information about novice, junior and veteran competitions is available in the relevant sections of this website.

The NSWFA runs a variety of competitions for all levels of fencer.

A-Grade competitions are run in all three weapons, and are open to all fencers: it is not necessary to qualify for entry. If there are sufficient numbers, A-Grade competitions will also incorporate a B-Grade final.

In addition, the NSWFA runs Novice Foil competitions, for less experienced fencers. Fencers may not compete in Novice Foil competitions for more than two years, and may be promoted before this time if they win a competition. For full details, see the Novice Fencers page of this website.

A variety of age-based competitions are also run: Under-20, Under-17, Under-15 and Under-13. Under-20 and Under-17 events are run in all three weapons; Under-15 and Under-13 are Foil only. Several competitions are also run for school fencers; and the NSW Schools League (an affiliate of the NSWFA) organises an inter-school fencing season. For full details, see the Junior Fencers page of this website.

At the other end of the age bracket, "Veteran" competitions (age 40+) are run in conjunction with all A-Grade events, if there are sufficient numbers. For full details, see the Veteran Competitions page of this website.

Finally, the NSWFA also holds annual State Club Team Championships for all three weapons.

Entries

Entrants in Open, Veterans, U/20 and U/17 competitions must be affilated with the NSWFA Inc.

Entrants in Novice, Schools and U/13 competitions must be either registered or affiliated with the NSWFA Inc.

Fencers should use the Online Competition Entry System (secure credit card or paypal payment) to make entries for NSWFA competitions. This online system can also be used to Affiliate with NSWFA. Entries must be made before 11:59 pm on the Thursday night preceding the event.

Entries may also be made in person on the day of the competition, but a $10 surcharge will be applied. No surcharge will apply to second entries made on the day of the event.

Entry fees

For individual competitions, the entry fee is $25 for the first weapon, and $15 for subsequent weapons. A $10 surcharge will be applied to entries made in person on the day of the event.

For team competitions, the entry fee is $50 per team.

Equipment

A detailed explanation of fencing uniforms and other equipment requirements may be found on the the Equipment Requirements - NSWFA page of this website.

In summary:

• All NSWFA competitions are fenced using electrical apparatus.
  
• FIE standard equipment is not required.
  
• All competitors must wear full fencing uniform. The only exception to this is that in Novice, Schools, U/13 and U/15 Foil and Sabre events, tracksuit pants may be worn instead of fencing breeches. (Breeches are required for all Epee competitions, as legs are part of the target area.)

NSW Fencing has some equipment available for hire. For more information, see the Equipment Hire page of this website.

Safety

All competitors should be aware of, and abide by, the Safety Rules.

Competition format

Individual Competitions

NSWFA individual competitions are generally fenced using the standard format of one round of pools followed by a Direct Elimination tableau. Except where numbers are low (as defined in the medals policy), medals will be given for 1st to 3rd place (3rd and 4th ranked fencers are classed as "equal third").

Some Novice and Under-11 and Under-13 competitions are run using a "flex format". No medals area awarded at flex format events, although high placing fencers will receive certificates.

Team Competitions

NSWFA runs State Club Team Championships for each weapon. Composite teams (where the team members come from different clubs) are also permitted. The event is run on a standard 45-hit relay format. Gold medals are awarded to each member of the winning team. Depending on the number of teams entered, 2nd and 3rd placed teams may receive either medals or certificates.

Team events are also run at the Schools State Championships, and form the basis of the Schools Fencing League: in many cases, these events use the best of nine bouts format.

NSWFA runs an Italian Relay competition every year. Teams may be club-based or composite.

Officials

These assist on a voluntary basis. If you wish to be involved please contact the Technical Director.