This page aims to provide some information about how the state competitions work and what’s involved for young fencers (and parents). Our coaches and committee members are quite knowledgeable about comps and are more than happy to answer your questions at the club too. 

Fencing SA issue the annual competition calendar at the start of the year, and may issue updates throughout the year. Click here for the latest version.

How early can I start competing? 

As early as you like – it’s up to the fencer! We’ve had some of our young members competing within their first term of starting classes. Competitions are a very different vibe to fencing at the club, and it’s where a lot can be learnt. They can also give young fencers a huge boost in confidence when they put everything they’ve learnt into practice and surprise themselves!. 

Competition Categories 

Most of our young fencers will compete in their age group: Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, and Under 17/20. 

“Under…” age category is the age the fencer is on the first of January of that year. This determines what age-limit comps they can enter. e.g. Riley turned 13 on March 4, but they are still eligible to compete in Under 13 comps for the rest of the calendar year, as they were “Under 13” on 1 January.

Older beginners can compete in the Open-B category, which is open to all ages but has limits on ability. Fencing SA’s website has a clear guide to all this, click here for more detailed info. 

“Fencing up” an age group

Fencers can “fence up” age categories, but we recommend you get some experience in your age category first… but never be afraid to try a new challenge! All fencers progress at different rates. Please note that different categories have different equipment requirements. Check the Fencing SA website for more information.

Fencing SA Affiliation

To compete at any state (or national competition) you need to be affiliated with Fencing SA. This is an annual fee per calendar year, and ensures fencers are covered by insurance. Click here for more information.

How to enter? 

Entries open a few weeks before each comp, and are all online via the Fencing SA website. If one event is being entered, fill out the name, date of birth and the system will calculate the events a competitor can enter.

More info on enrolment at Fencing SA

Location

All FSA events are run at The Lights Community and Sports Centre on Hampstead Road unless otherwise specified.

Equipment 

Club membership entitles you to use of club equipment in competitions! Different competition grades require different amounts of equipment (e.g. breeches vs no breeches, etc). More information on the FSA website here. 

Competitors need to organize equipment BEFORE the competition, check with your coach or a committee member at the last class or training session you attend prior to the competition. We can help you find everything you need!

On the day of competition

Roll call: Competitors MUST be present at the event 15 minutes before the start of the event for roll call. If the competitor isn’t there, they’re scratched. We recommend you arrive at the venue 45 – 30 minutes before the start time so you can warm up properly. 

The competition: Competition will consist of a pool (round robin) followed by elimination rounds. There is no set end time for an event – it depends how many fencers are entered, how many referees are available, and what else is happening in the venue that day. Click here for more information on individual competition format.

Club support on the day: ASC members make up a large percentage of competition entrants, as well as the organisers and referees — so there will be no shortage of familiar faces at the competition!  Our coaches are available to support and guide you through what to do. First and foremost, competitions are about having fun as well as learning! 

It’s great to have parents help by letting fencers know when they’re on next, plug in wires and give encouragement as well as energy food for and drinks of course! Kids forget to eat and drink. It can be tricky when they’re nervous. 

Your first competition is always the hardest, but after that, it’s only on to bigger and better things!