Hello, Y8 Parents and Fencing Enthusiasts!

Please note: This article has been updated to reflect accurate information regarding the upcoming Y8 fencing season. (Thanks Molly for the clarification)

We’re thrilled to share some important updates from the recent USA Fencing Board of Directors meeting on May 18, 2024. The USA Fencing Federation has introduced some changes for Y8 competitions to enhance the experience for our young fencers. Here’s a clear and accurate rundown of what’s new and what remains the same:

Upcoming Season Requirements:

• Strip Length and Blade Length: Specific requirements for strip length and blade length will be enforced this upcoming season. For Y8 events, the standard piste should be reduced in length by using the Warning Lines for all age groups (Y10 and up) as the End Lines for Y8, reducing the overall length of the fencing piste to 10 meters. There are several ways for an organizer to temporarily redefine the Field of Play on a traditional strip, such as using painter’s tape or cone markers placed on the side of the fencing strip at the appropriate measurement. The warning area should be kept the same length of two meters, as it is for all other age groups. These Field of Play rules will only affect Y8 events. Please take a look at the official documentation for exact measurements.

Additionally, starting in the 2024/25 season, the Athlete’s Handbook will restrict Youth 8 to using only size #0 blades as defined by Section 2.17.1 (775 mm for Foil and Epee, 765 mm for Sabre). Note that the length of the #0 blade may vary slightly (between 6.35 and 25.4 mm) depending on the manufacturer. Please take a look at the official documentation for exact measurements.

Upcoming and Future Recommendations:

• Sharks and Minnows Format: Starting next season, the Sharks and Minnows format will be recommended and will become required the following season. This format, already approved for any local tournament, will use seeding based on ratings (if any) and then age.

What is NOT Changing:

• Bout Duration: The duration of bouts remains unchanged.
• National Events: Y8 events will not be included in national events.
• Points or Patches: There will be no points or patches awarded in Y8 competitions.
• Participation Medals: There are no mandatory participation medals. The number of medals is up to the organizer, with a minimum of 1-3.
• Referee Training: There is no mandated special training for referees.
• Scoring System: The scoring system remains the same, with no special system required.
• Parent or Coach Workshops: No workshops for parents or coaches are mandated yet.
• Team Events: No team events are required for Y8 competitions.

For the full information set, please refer to pages 69-73 of the document here.

Happy Fencing