VA Division

Frequently Asked Questions about Team Competition
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Frequently Asked Questions - Team Competitions

The rules regarding Team Qualification are different this season from last season, which were different from all past history.

Update: No Division-I Teams at Summer Nationals in Miami.

Facts of fencing at Nationals:

  • Three Two Team events: Division I, Senior, and Under-19.
  • One team per club per event.
  • Composite team allowed only if no other club in the division has a team.
  • No mixed teams allowed.
  • Team fencers must be 13 or older before January 1 of this season, and be current USFA members.
  • Team fencers must have represented their club prior to Team Championships.
  • Division I Team fencers must have a C or higher in that weapon.
  • Clubs qualifying to Division I automatically qualify to Senior.
  • Clubs qualifying to Senior do not automatically qualify to Division I.

Qualifying

Senior

If you have 3 fencers who will be present at Summer Nationals and who wish to compete in Senior Team:

Submit their names and interest to the Division Chairman by April 15th. If more than 4 clubs submit their interest for a given weapon, we will hold a Team Qualifier in that event.

Junior

If you have 3 fencers who meet the age criteria and who will be present at Summer Nationals and who wish to compete in Junior Team:

Submit their names and interest to the Division Chairman by April 15th. If more than 4 clubs submit their interest for a given weapon, we will hold a Team Qualifier in that event.

Deadline

The deadline for submission is April 15th.

FAQ

What? Team Competition in Fencing?

Yes! A team competition is between two teams in a relay format to a total of 45 touches. Each team has 3 fencers (and optionally one alternate, and also optionally one non-fencing Captain). Each person on team A will fence each person on team B. The whole thing is called a match, and each encounter between two fencers is called a bout. The first bout goes until 3 minutes have passed or the score reaches 5. The second bout goes for 3 minutes or until the score reaches 10. The third goes to 15, etc, until the 9th and final bout goes until the score reaches 45.

Why bother with Team Competition?

First of all, it's a lot of fun. The rules of fencing are the same, but now you're working with your teammates to beat another team, instead of the very familiar 5 touch or 15 touch bouts we fence individually. Second, you want to represent your club and be Division Team Champions, don't you? Third, you can compete at Nationals and win a medal, or just enjoy fencing with other teams from around the country. And finally, it's a lot of fun!

I fenced for club X earlier this year and now I'm unattached. Can I fence for club Y?

No. Sorry. A club team must have only fencers representing it. And you can only represent one club during a season (plus one NCAA college, if you are an undergraduate).

I've been unattached all season but want to fence for the super cool Club Z at nationals. Can I?

Assuming Club Z wants you on its team, you must fence for Club Z at least once before Nationals.

I fence for a Virginia club, but am a member of Capitol Division. Can I compete?

Yes! You definitely can represent your club at Team Championships, and at Natinal Championships.

I fence for a Capitol club, but am a member of Virginia Division. Can I compete?

No.

I have to take the SAT the day of Team Championships, can I still fence at Nationals?

Yes! At Virginia Division's Team Championships, clubs compete for the title of Division Champion. Each club can pick entirely different people to be on the team at Nationals than the fencers who were at Team Champs. Or the same people can be on the team. It's up to the members of the club!

I still don't understand how we fence on a team.

It's not hard to understand once you get to the tournament. Don't worry about the details, we will explain it when you sign up. Practicing a team match at your club is a good idea!

How long does a pool take?

No pools in a team tournament. You are seeded based on various criteria (different at Nationals than locally), and you start right away with DE bouts to 45 touches.

How many teams qualify?

If 4 or fewer clubs enter a team, no event is held and all 4 qualify. If 5 enter, 4 qualify. If 6 enter, 5 qualify. If 7-10 enter, 6 qualify.

Me and one other person from my club want to be a team. Can we?

A club must have 3 or 4 fencers to compete. If you only have 2 people present when your match starts, you are black carded.

Suggestion: Convince a third person at your club to join your team! The odds of your team qualifying to Nationals are very good, even with a novice on the team.

Last Updated March 19, 2007.

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