Two epee fencers compete on the finals strip
What Every Fencing Parent Should Know About …

What Every Fencing Parent Should Know About ... Settling in for a NAC

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by Greg Husisian

It turns out that I don’t have a catchy intro to this article, so I will begin with a (likely very bad) fencing dad joke:

Question: Why don’t skeletons fence each other?

Answer: Because they don’t have the guts.

And now you know why: (1) I write a parent’s fencing blog and not one on any comedy-related topics; and (2) why USA Fencing will likely soon replace this blog with one devoted to dancing cat videos and puppies dressed up in cute Halloween costumes.

But until that happens, hopefully I can finish the blog posts devoted to NACs. Arriving at the venue for a NAC is an exciting milestone, but there’s still work to be done to ensure a smooth and successful tournament day. Proper preparation after you arrive can make all the difference in how your fencer performs. Here’s a few tips to help you get tournament-ready once you’ve reached your destination.

  • Check Weapons Again. Yes, I realized that I recommended you check weapons before you leave. A quick check is still in order because airplane rides sometimes adversely affect weapons (and people, too). It doesn’t hurt to have a quick check of the weapons.
  • Sort Swords. Sort swords from favorite to least favorite, so that it is possible to grab one without thinking if the initial sword fails. Hadley uses color-coded blade protectors (blue, red, brown, and black), two swords per color.
  • Scope Out the Venue. If possible, head to the venue the day before to familiarize yourself with the check-in area, the strip layout, and the location of the bout committee and the armorist. (Of course, in my case, this is mostly an excuse to look up other fencing parents and to socialize/load up on extra fencing apparel that my myriad shelves of USFA shirts and sweatshirts tell me I don’t really need.)
  • Do Weapons Check the Day Before. Although NAC weapons check normally is pretty quick, at some NACs there have been backups on the day of competition. Best to get it out of the way.
  • Check Out the Vendors. I generally show up with a shopping list of items and things to do, ranging from picking up new tip screws (where exactly do they all go?) to new tips to buying new gloves. I keep a running list of missing items as they come up on my iPhone, as well as items that I discover I need to add to my packed items for the next trip. And if you need a new fencing bag, but don’t want to pay shipping fees, patch together your old bag for one last trip and swap it out for a new one at the NAC.
  • Double-Check Times. Confirm your fencer’s event start time and check-in deadline; even if you are certain, it doesn’t take long to confirm on Fencing Time Live. Also, although it is rare, USA Fencing has updated check-in times, including at a recent NAC. Build your schedule to arrive early, allowing time for parking (if not staying near the venue), warm-up, and any last-minute adjustments.
  • Plan the Morning Routine Decide what time to wake up, eat breakfast, and leave the hotel. Sometimes the hotel is open early for breakfast; sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes there is a breakfast option nearby; you guessed the rest. Make sure you know ahead of time what your breakfast options are, so you are not scrambling around and pulling out three old Lifesavers and the leftover Biscoff biscuits from the flight over and calling it a meal.
  • Take a Picture of the Credential Ahead of Time. Hundreds of fencers will be checking in ahead of time, and there is only an hour between when the venue opens and the start of pools for 8:00 AM tournaments. Pull up your child’s credential ahead of time and have a picture ready so you can do a quick scan instead of fumbling around for it at check in.
  • Pre-Pack. It is a good idea to pack as much as possible the day before, so the fencing bag is basically ready to go when you wake up.
  • Wind Down Early. Avoid staying up too late watching movies or scrolling on devices. Aim for a full night’s rest to ensure your fencer feels refreshed and ready.

Preparation after arrival is about setting the stage for a successful tournament day. By organizing gear, scoping out the venue, and focusing on both physical and mental readiness, you’ll reduce stress and maximize performance. A little prior planning can ensure a smooth transition from hotel room to the start of pools.

Fun Fact of Interest Only To Me

The earliest depictions of fencing-like combat date back to around 1190 B.C. in Egypt, where soldiers are shown engaging in duels with sticks and protective gear. Historians are divided as to whether there is an Absolute Fencing table selling replacement gear in the background of the pictures.

Get In Touch

Have a request for a future article? Looking for a diversion because your Outlook calendar is greyed out with meetings as far as the eye can see? Send me an email at usfafencingblog@gmail.com.

Did you miss any prior posts? Check them out at the USFA Parents' Fencing Blog Website, before the USA Fencing leadership wises up and replaces them with dancing cat videos that will get a lot more views. For questions about your membership or tournament registrations – or just to request that USA Fencing begin each NAC by playing “Fence Like an Egyptian” – just visit the USA Fencing Contact Us page.

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