Two New Ways Into the Elite Field

We've heard you on Elite field placement. Here's a transition option for the October and November NACs, plus a permanent exemption process for top-level fencers returning from an extended break.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Ever since the new points lists and event eligibility rules took effect Aug. 1, we've been reading your feedback closely.

One theme has come through loud and clear: fencers who don't currently meet the Elite criteria, for a range of legitimate reasons, want a path into that field. Some spent the past season recovering from injury. Some were competing collegiately. Some are transitioning into a new age group and just missed the cut based on the new points tables.

We're introducing two measures in response. One is temporary, designed to ease the transition. The other is permanent.

For the October and November NACs only, fencers who sit in the Top 112 of the Legacy points standings for the respective age category, but outside the Top 112 on the new Unified Points List (UPL), may opt in to be placed in the Elite category.

This gives fencers who were pushed outside the Elite field under the new system a chance to compete for their place in it going forward. Importantly, these spots increase the field size over the 112 — so fencers who are in Elite based upon the UPL won’t lose their spot.

To see if you're eligible, you don't need to go looking for this. Eligible fencers for the October NAC have already been identified and will be notified by email, with a reminder to opt in through your member profile.

Not sure where to find how to opt-in? Click this link to be taken to the page for the October NAC: October NAC Elite Tier Opt-In

You can also choose to stay in the Challenger category by opting out on this same page, where you'll be placed according to your position on the Unified Points List. Either choice is legitimate, and neither affects your standing. As part of your evaluation in this decision, we’d encourage all fencers to take a look at the new points tables, as this may play a part in your decision.

For the October NAC, the deadline to have your selection made is 11:59 p.m. PT on Sept. 23 — the night before the event split. The split will then happen the following day and become visible to fencers by 5 p.m. ET on Sept. 24.

We're also creating a standing process for fencers who have taken an extended leave from the sport but have a demonstrated record of competing at the highest level.

If that describes you, you can request placement in the Elite tier without having first met the usual criteria.

In addition to having been unable to compete in points earning competitions for an extended period of time, to be eligible to petition, a fencer must also meet any one of the following criteria:

• Competed representing the United States, or another FIE member nation, within the past four years at the Olympic Games, a Senior, Junior or Cadet World Championships, or a designated Senior, Junior or Cadet international event
• Placed in the Top 32 of the Elite field at a North American Cup or National Championship, in the age category the exemption is being requested for, within the previous two seasons
• Fenced as an individual competitor at the NCAA National Championships within the previous two seasons

Submit your request through the exemption request form: https://airtable.com/appqj5JepiOtTRAMz/pagUWwIhifyiUZCPe/form

The National Office reviews every submission and will communicate decisions before the event split for the tournament in question. Decisions made through this process are final and not subject to further review or appeal.

Apply early. But if you do wait, submissions are due by the Withdrawal Deadline for each respective tournament. 

The full points and events structure, including the points tables and how the Elite and Challenger fields are set, is at https://www.usafencing.org/new-points-and-events-structure

Complete rules and the 2026-27 Athlete Handbook are at https://www.usafencing.org/rules-compliance.

Questions? Email nationalevents@usafencing.org.