Event Restructure Update: Here’s What’s Changing With National and Regional Events — and When

Here’s what’s changing for the 2025-26 season. 

• More predictable regional calendar: Each region now follows a preset slate of ROC, RJC, SYC and RYC weekends, letting clubs and families plan farther in advance.
• Two-year regional bids: Beginning with the 2026-27 bid cycle, regional events will be awarded for two seasons instead of one, giving organizers more time to lock in venues and volunteers.
• Division III ROCs: A new Regional Open Circuit category launches to give Division III fencers a points-earning pathway.
• Right-Sizing National Events for 2025-26: Surging participation has stretched some NACs, resulting in busy tournament staffers and space limitations. A one-season interim policy — chosen by the Tournament Committee and outlined below — will keep field sizes manageable for 2025-26.

All Division I, Junior and Cadet events at NACs will be capped at 315 entries — the largest number that still yields balanced pools and a manageable DE tableau at the max size of 256. 

For events in the aforementioned categories, registration will open in two tiers: an early-access window for A-rated fencers and athletes on the current NRPS (National Rolling Points Standings) as of registration opening, followed by a general entry window where all remaining spots will be made available, until the cap is reached. If/once the cap is reached, similar to regional tournaments where a cap is in place, a waitlist will begin and fencers will be added to the waitlist in the order in which their entries are received. Fencers will then be moved in from the waitlist as spots become available in the tournament field due to withdrawals.

For now, fencers and coaches are encouraged to review their current ratings, regional schedules and travel plans so they can hit the ground running when the first registrations of the 2025-26 season open later this summer. We will be posting additional details here soon about event combinations, registration timelines and providing some added details to make for a clear/smooth sign up process for those looking to register for national events in the coming year.

Interim Division I, Junior & Cadet Entry Caps for the 2025‑26 NAC Season

1. What exactly is changing — which events are capped?

For the 2025‑26 season, USA Fencing will cap Division I, Junior and Cadet events at all North American Cups (NACs) at 315 competitors each. All other NAC events remain uncapped, and Championships are unaffected. 

2. Why impose caps now?

Rapid growth has pushed some events beyond a manageable size. Limiting entries this season will shorten daily schedules, reduce strain on officials, and create a smoother experience while the long‑term event restructure (debuting in 2026‑27) is finalized. 

3. Why only Division I, Junior and Cadet?

Historical data show these three categories — especially Men’s Epee and Men’s Foil — are the ones that typically reach the largest event sizes . Other age groups seldom reach extremely large numbers, so caps aren’t needed. 

4. How was the 315‑entry limit chosen?

With a 20% cut out of pools, 315 produces a 256‑person direct‑elimination tableau and keeps full pools of seven. It balances competitive integrity with logistical reality. 

5. Is this a permanent change?

No. Caps apply only to the 2025‑26 NAC season. The new, points‑based event structure planned for 2026‑27 is expected to remove the need for entry limits. 

6. Do these caps apply to Summer Nationals or other Championships?

No. Championships will continue to use qualification paths without numerical caps. 

7. How will registration work under the cap?

Registration opens in two stages:

• Weeks 1–2: Early Registration Window for A‑rated fencers and athletes on the current NRPS.
• Week 3 onward: General registration for any eligible fencer until the 315 limit is reached. 

8. Who qualifies for the Early Registration Window?

Any fencer who, as of the first day of regular‑fee registration, holds an A rating or a place on the National Rolling Points Standings (NRPS) in that weapon/age group. No later‑earned ratings or points will be considered. 

9. How will I know when registration opens?

Open dates, deadlines and links will be posted well in advance on both the event’s registration page and the USA Fencing National Events Calendar (usafencing.org/events-national). 

10. What happens if an event is full when I try to enter?

You may join the waitlist. Spots are offered in the order entries (with payment info) are received, as withdrawals occur. 

11. Can I remove myself from the waitlist?

Yes. You can remove yourself from the waitlist through your member profile, or email nationalevents@usafencing.org to withdraw. If you later rejoin, you’ll be added at the end of the waitlist. 

12. Does capping change qualification, ratings or points?

No. All rating changes, NRPS points and championship qualification rules will remain as published at the beginning of the 2025-26 season; only the field size and registration timeline for the specified events are affected. 

13. Is there a cost to go on the waitlist?

No there is no cost to be added to the waitlist, but you must provide a payment method to be charged, in the event you are moved into the event. However, no funds will be taken from this payment method unless you are officially moved into the event and fully registered.

The 2026-27 season will see the debut of the full event-structure reboot we previewed last fall. Key features now in development include:

• Single points list: One rolling list per weapon/age group will replace today’s multiple rankings, making qualification and seeding easier to follow for everyone.
• Staircase progression: Fencers advance from local to regional to national to elite events by meeting clear points targets at each level.
• Elite vs. National events: Division I, Junior and Cadet fields will split into Elite and National divisions at designated tournaments, each with its own awards.

USA Fencing will publish the final rules, points tables and 2026-27 calendar this winter. Until then, keep the feedback coming — and stay tuned as we build a competition system ready for fencing’s next chapter of growth.