USA Fencing

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – Next year, Division I, junior and cadet fencers will be eligible to fence in a new elite event – the July Challenge.

The Challenge will be held in conjunction with the USA Fencing National Championships in San Jose, Calif. from June 27 – July 6.

The tournament is open to both U.S. and international fencers. Eligibility for the Challenge is detailed below and is based on the USA Fencing Point Standings for U.S. fencers and a classification level of A or B for foreign fencers.

“We’ve been looking to create a new competition opportunity for athletes in the Division I, junior and cadet events and the July Challenge will give our top athletes the chance to compete against many of the best fencers in the country with a field size that will help prepare them for the next season’s World Cup circuit events,” said USA Fencing Director of Operations Christine Strong-Simmons (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

Registration will open for the July Challenge on March 23.

Qualification details for the Challenge are as follows:

Division I

Eligibility (age, classification, qualification path)

Fencers must be 13 years old by January 1 (see Table 2.5.1 for exceptions) of the current season Fencers must have a classification of “C”, “B”, or “A” at the entry deadline AND

Be on the current Senior National Rolling Point Standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline for this Challenge OR

Be in the top 24 of the Junior National Rolling Point Standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline for this Challenge OR

Be in the top 16 of the Cadet National Rolling Point Standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline for this Challenge OR

Be in the top 8 of the Division 1A regional points at the regular fee entry deadline for this Challenge OR

Be in the top 4 of the Division II regional points at the regular fee entry deadline for this Challenge OR

Foreign athletes who meet the USA Fencing classification standard of an “A” or “B” as defined in the Athlete Handbook 2.2.5

Junior

Eligibility (age, classification, qualification path)

Junior Fencers must meet age eligibility above AND

Be on the current Junior National Rolling Point Standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline for this Challenge OR

Be in the top 50% of the Cadet National Rolling Point Standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline for this Challenge OR

Be in the top 25% of the Youth 14 National Rolling Point Standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline for this Challenge OR

Foreign athletes who meet the USA Fencing classification standard of “A” or “B” as defined in the Athlete Handbook 2.2.5

Cadet

Eligibility (age, classification, qualification path)

Cadet Fencers must meet age eligibility above AND

Be on the current Cadet National Rolling Point Standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline for this Challenge OR

Be in the top 50% of the Y14 National Rolling Point Standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline for this Challenge OR

Foreign athletes who meet the USA Fencing classification standard of “A”, “B”  or “C” as defined in the Athlete Handbook 2.2.5