Competition Information
What equipment do I need for competition?
To compete, you will first need to be a member of the USA Fencing. You can download a membership application from USA Fencing. You may also be allowed to join at the competition venue.
Many fencing supply companies like Absolute Fencing Gear offer starter kits which contain the necessary equipment to fence and compete.
For all three weapons (foil, epee, saber) you will need:
Knickers/fencing pants, jacket, plastron/underarm protector, appropriate mask, glove, long socks, sneakers or fencing shoes. Women will need some form of breast protection (chestplate) and men will need a cup. You will also be required to have at least 2 working electrical weapons and 2 body cords. A fencing bag is also a must-have.
For competing in FOIL you will need at least 2 electrical foils, 2 foil/saber body cords, and a lame, which is a metallic vest which is worn over the white jacket and an electric foil mask. Notice that when you buy a new foil it has tape wrapped around the end of the blade. Do not remove that. Electric foils need 15 centimeters of tape to electrically insulate them.
For competing in EPEE you will need at least 2 electrical epees and 2 epee body cords. You do not need a lame for epee. All epee fencers should have a package of replacement tip screws and an eyeglass screwdriver.
For competing in SABER you will need at least 2 electrical sabers, 2 saber/foil body cords, a mask cord, an electric foil glove, an electric saber mask, and a saber lame.
How do I find competitions?
Click here for a listing of competitions and clinics on a website called askfred (Fencing events results database). You can search by location as well as for specific types of competitions (for instance, Youth Saber). Askfred is also used to register for clinics and camps.
For Regional and National competitions, log into your membership page at the USA Fencing website and you will be presented with those competitions there.
How do I register for competitions?
For local competitions, register through askfred. You'll need to make a fencer profile first. Please list "Pioneer Valley Fencing Academy PVFA (CT)" as your club when setting up your profile. For regional and national events register through the USA Fencing website.
To compete, you will first need to be a member of the USA Fencing. You can download a membership application from USA Fencing. You may also be allowed to join at the competition venue.
Many fencing supply companies like Absolute Fencing Gear offer starter kits which contain the necessary equipment to fence and compete.
For all three weapons (foil, epee, saber) you will need:
Knickers/fencing pants, jacket, plastron/underarm protector, appropriate mask, glove, long socks, sneakers or fencing shoes. Women will need some form of breast protection (chestplate) and men will need a cup. You will also be required to have at least 2 working electrical weapons and 2 body cords. A fencing bag is also a must-have.
For competing in FOIL you will need at least 2 electrical foils, 2 foil/saber body cords, and a lame, which is a metallic vest which is worn over the white jacket and an electric foil mask. Notice that when you buy a new foil it has tape wrapped around the end of the blade. Do not remove that. Electric foils need 15 centimeters of tape to electrically insulate them.
For competing in EPEE you will need at least 2 electrical epees and 2 epee body cords. You do not need a lame for epee. All epee fencers should have a package of replacement tip screws and an eyeglass screwdriver.
For competing in SABER you will need at least 2 electrical sabers, 2 saber/foil body cords, a mask cord, an electric foil glove, an electric saber mask, and a saber lame.
How do I find competitions?
Click here for a listing of competitions and clinics on a website called askfred (Fencing events results database). You can search by location as well as for specific types of competitions (for instance, Youth Saber). Askfred is also used to register for clinics and camps.
For Regional and National competitions, log into your membership page at the USA Fencing website and you will be presented with those competitions there.
How do I register for competitions?
For local competitions, register through askfred. You'll need to make a fencer profile first. Please list "Pioneer Valley Fencing Academy PVFA (CT)" as your club when setting up your profile. For regional and national events register through the USA Fencing website.