The tables below reflect information for the 2025-26 season in regards to event eligibility and event groupings to earn a new classification. Fencers must be current competitive USA Fencing members in good standing to compete in competitions conducted under the auspices of the USA Fencing. 

For a fencer to compete in a specific age category competition or any "Open" level of competition conducted under the auspices of the USA Fencing at regional, divisional, or national levels, the following criteria must be met.

The fencer's birth year falls within that age bracket OR ---

If a fencer is currently, as of the entry deadline for that tournament, listed in a National age group point standing, the fencer may enter the next older age category of competition, even if that fencer is younger than allowed by the age bracket.

For categories of competitions in which criteria in addition to age must be met, the fencer must also meet those criteria by the entry deadline. There are different age eligibility criteria for the Veteran tournaments.

International competitions follow the Birth Years in Table A.

2025-26 Age Chart (Printable version from Athlete Handbook)

Event Grouping Chart (For Earning New Ratings)