During the 2014-15 season, the FIE World Cup schedule format was changed to extend the season and increase the amount of time between individual tournaments for each weapon squad. While the new format increased the recovery time between tournaments for those fencing on the international circuit, it created frequent conflicts with between World Cup and North American Cup tournaments.
The Sports Performance Department has looked at a variety of scheduling options, in conjunction with the National Team Coaches, Tournament Committee and National Events Department, in order to best suit the needs of all athletes involved.
In the past, options including decreased weight values and non-designation of tournaments for selection have been used to accommodate both schedules.
During the 2016-17 season, a pilot event is being created in which a second NAC will be held in December that will be a foil-only standalone NAC.
Due to the conflict between the December NAC (Dec. 2-5) in Richmond, Va. and the Torino Grand Prix (Dec. 2-4), a Division I Foil NAC will be held from Dec. 10-11 at a location that will be announced in the coming weeks.
All other Division I events will be held at the December NAC in Richmond. The Foil NAC remains a pilot event. The Sports Performance Department, Tournament Committee, National Coaches and National Events Department will assess the strength level and quality of the tournament as well as survey results to determine whether similar tournaments are held in upcoming seasons.
