Your First Fencing Competition - What to Expect!

Exciting, a little nerve-wracking and absolutely unforgettable!
Here’s everything you need to know so the big day runs smoothly.

To achieve competitive success, we recommend a commitment to minimum:
2 group sessions and 1 private lesson, per week, for optimal preparation

How to prepare

Arrival time

Aim to arrive at least 1 hour early. This gives plenty of time to locate the venue, complete registration, warm up, and settle in.

At the Tournament

Registration

Register as soon as you arrive — it confirms participation
Pay the entry fee in advance to avoid disqualification
Go through weapon control immediately when available

Warm-Up

20 minutes recommended: running, stretching, and footwork
Then suit up and warm up with another fencer using full fencing gear

Matches

Fencers compete in a group (called a poul) and fence every opponent in that poul
Match duration and score limits depend on age — just ask the referee if unsure
A tie goes to priority — first valid hit wins
Most events have an online results link — very handy for tracking progress

After the Group Stage

Almost all fencers advance to Direct Elimination (DE)
Rankings from the group stage determine pairings (1st fences last-ranked, 2nd fences second-last, etc.)
DE = one loss and you’re out. Match rules vary by age — ask the referee if unsure

What to Bring

Mandatory Equipment

At least 2 body wires
Full fencing kit:
- Indoor sports shoes / fencing shoes
- Knee-high white socks
- Fencing breeches, chestplate, under-jacket, jacket, glove and mask
At least 2 blades (correct size for the age category — rules vary by event)
Label everything with your child’s name

Snacks & Hydration

Plenty of water
2–3 pieces of fruit for energy between matches

Pro Tip
Check equipment (especially blades) during club practice well in advance. Repairs and replacements take time!

During the Competition

Hover close to your assigned strip so you won’t miss your call — being late can mean penalties
After each match, check the pool sheet to make sure the score was recorded correctly

After the Competition

Double-check that you’ve packed all gear before leaving
If a coach is present, please say goodbye so we know everyone is safe and accounted for

Weapon sizing guide
*This is a general guide, always check with the event organisers

Competition Equipment Requirements

As it is a more professional event, we highly recommend each fencer uses their own personal fencing equipment.

While curriculum and Trailblazer equipment is suitable for training, competition referees are very strict in checking equipment for:

Weight and gauge accuracy
Electrical contact reliability
Correct fitting and safety standards

Club equipment cannot be guaranteed to pass inspection for all athletes at this scale specially as we use the epees and wires daily and often, they rip and break.

Personal equipment ensures:

Correct size and safety
Compliance with official rules
Reliable performance during bouts
Development of responsibility and professionalism

Competition referee rules to note:

Faulty épée (weight/gauge fail) = Yellow card
Two yellow cards = Red card (opponent receives a point)
Faulty body wires can result in lost touches or lost matches

UAE Fencing Federation Equipment Regulations

Categories:

U10 – U12: Mask & Jacket 350N, Under-plastron 800N, Blade Size 0 (non-FIE)

U14: Mask & Jacket 350N, Under-plastron 800N, Size 5 (non-FIE)

U17 / U20 / Seniors: FIE-approved 800N, FIE-approved 800N FIE blade

In fencing, Newton (N) refers to the strength of the protective fabric used in jackets, trousers, and under-plastrons.

The higher the Newton rating, the stronger and more protective the clothing is against a fencing blade.

FIE Passivity Rule — Easy Summary

Passivity (also called unwillingness to fight) happens when:

One full minute goes by with no hit.

As soon as that minute passes:

The referee stops the bout immediately

First passivity (P-Yellow)

If one minute passes with no hit → both fencers get a P-Yellow card.
The bout continues in the same period.
Nothing else changes — no score is added, and fencers continue fencing.

Second passivity (P-Red)

If another full minute passes with no hit → both fencers get a P-Red card.
Each fencer receives a penalty hit against them (opponent gets a point).

The bout then continues.

Third passivity (P-Black)

If it happens a third time → P-Black card for one fencer.
That fencer loses the match.

How the referee chooses who gets P-Black:

If score is tied → the lower-seeded fencer loses.
If score is not tied → the fencer with the lower score loses.

So in simple terms

Passivity

1st P-Yellow - Bout continues

2nd P-Red - Each fencer gets a penalty hit; bout continues

3rd P-Black - One fencer loses the match

Epee Fencing

Epee Weapon:

Less Than 770g Maximum

Length 1.1m including the Grip

Triangular Blade

Minimum 750g Pressure to Score Point

Valid Target Area: Entire Body

Scoring:

No Priority, First One to Touch Scores

Double Touch Counts If Less Than 0.040 Sec Time Gap, Point for Both Opponents

A Match:

3x3 Minutes

First to Score 15 Points Wins

The Piste:

14m long, 1.5m wide

Grounded Metal

Final Note

We’re here to support every step of your child’s fencing journey.With preparation, confidence, and a positive mindset, you’re ready —Go out there, enjoy the experience, and fence your heart out!