What to expect at the first competition

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Before registering for a competition, please inform the club so we can give feedback on whether we believe your child is physically and mentally prepared.

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Unfortunately, we are not able to attend every competition due to the very busy competition calendar. Therefore, it is essential to notify us in advance (at least one week before) if you require the presence of a coach for your child. This service comes with an additional fee.

It is recommended to arrive at the competition venue at least an hour before the start time. This allows sufficient time for finding the venue, completing the competition registration, and warming up.

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What is needed for the competition:

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• At least 2 blades, in accordance with the competition regulations. There is an opportunity for Petra to test the blades during the sessions. However, we kindly ask that this not be left until the last practice, as fixing a blade may take more time.

• At least 2 body wires.

• Full fencing kit: indoor sports shoes, long (knee-high) white sports socks, fencing breeches, chestplate, underjacket, wire, fencing jacket, glove, mask, and blades.

• Sufficient water and fruit (at least 2-3 portions for a long competition).

• It’s recommended to label all equipment, as children often mix up blades and masks and it’s difficult to retrieve unlabeled gear.

 

The competition process:

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• Upon arrival, registration is the most important task. The entry fee must be paid in advance and failure to register at the venue may result in disqualification, as the organizers will assume the fencer is absent. Registration is typically located near the entrance.​​

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• After registering, the fencer should put on their socks and breeches and begin warming up. At most competitions, there are at least two children from our club, so they can warm up together. The warm-up should last at least 20 minutes and include running, stretching, and footwork. Following this, the full fencing kit should be put on and the fencer should find a practice opponent to warm up with.​

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• The group assignments are usually announced 5-10 minutes before the start time. Within the group, each fencer will fence every other fencer with varying points and time limits depending on the age category. It is important to ask the referee about the specific rules before the first match.​

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• If the fencing time runs out, the current score will be the final result. In case of a tie, a “priority” fencer is chosen by a draw and the match continues for one minute. The first valid hit wins. If no hit is made during the extra time, the fencer with priority wins automatically.​

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• Fencers should remain near the strip, as they may receive a warning if they fail to appear when called by name. After each match, we kindly ask that the fencers check the pool sheet, as mistakes by the referee may affect future pairing.​

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• During matches, neither parents nor coaches are allowed to give advice to the fencers. Violating this rule can result in a penalty card or even immediate expulsion from the venue.

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After the group stages:

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• Typically, there are one or two group rounds, decided by the organizers based on the number of participants.​

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• After the group matches, the competition moves into a direct elimination phase. Usually, all fencers advance from the group stage.

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• A ranking list is then created based on the number of hits scored and received, along with the number of victories.

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• The top-ranked fencer is placed at the top of the ranking, while the lowest-ranked fencer is placed at the bottom. (The 1st-ranked fencer will face the last-ranked fencer, the 2nd-ranked will face the second-to-last, and so on.)

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• The matches in the direct elimination phase vary in points and time based on age category, so it’s important to confirm the details with the referee before each match (typically, the format is at least 2x2 minutes of fencing time with a one-minute break in between)​

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• The principle of direct elimination is simple: if you win, you advance to the next round; if you lose, you are eliminated.

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After the competition:

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When the competition ends for your child, we kindly ask all parents to check that all equipment brought to the event is accounted for. If a coach is present at the competition, please make sure to bid farewell, so we know everyone is safely on their way home.