Tournament Format and Equipment Standards
Updated 2025-26
FORMAT
- U15 – 5 hits/3 min /Poole – 3 periods of 3 min to 15 hits (D.E.)
- U13 – 5 hits/2 min/Poole – 3 periods of 3 min to 15 hits (D.E.)
- U11 – 4 hits/2 min/Poole – 2 periods of 2 min to 10 hits ( Sabre pause 60 sec at 5)(D.E.)
EQUIPMENT AND OTHER RULES
- U15 and up- Fencing pants and sous plastron are mandatory;
- U15- Conducting mask bibs (foil) are mandatory
- U11/U13- Sous-plastrons are recommended. Jeans and shorts will not be permitted (must wear full length pants with no visible pockets, belt loops, holes, etc.)
- Youth fencers can only fence in their specific age category, and one event above their current age category.
- Provincial team members may fence in older categories by coach’s discretion and with the approval of the Provincial Coach.
- The Directoire Technique reserves the right to combine or cancel the Cadet/Junior/Senior/Masters events based on lack of registration (min. 4 entries).
- The Directoire Technique reserves the right to cancel and/or combine any of the Youth events based on registration.
- Events with more than 9 entrants will be split into multiple poules, proceeding to DE’s.
- Events with more than 6 entrants will consist of one round of poules then proceed to DE’s.
- Events with 4-6 entrants may be eligible for a second round of poules. This is at the discretion of the Directoire Technique.
- Adaptable equipment for the U11 are suitable
CFF DOMESTIC COMPETITION EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
Clothing
For all age categories (U11, U13, U15, Cadet, Junior, Senior, and Masters):
Mask: 350N (CE level 1) or better. Masks must be fitted with a strap. Masks without strap will be rejected. In foil the conductive bib is mandatory; retrofits are allowed but they must adhere to FIE specifications. Visor masks are not permitted. Leon Paul Comfort-Fit masks without supporting tang must include factory supplied retaining clip or certified retro-fit.
Jacket: 350N (CE level 1) or better. Jacket must overlap the pants by 10 cm as according to FIE rules.
Pants: 350N (CE level 1) or better. Socks must meet lower edge of pants as according to FIE rules.
Plastron: 350N (CE level 1) or better.
Chest Protector: Mandatory for women. U13 or younger mandatory for both genders. All competitive clothing with exception to glove, socks and shoes must hold a CE certification mark or FIE standard mark to be eligible for competition.
Blade Sizes
U11- size 2 or lower
U13- no special rules regarding the maximum blade length
U15 – no special rules regarding the maximum blade length
Cadet – no special rules regarding the maximum blade length
Junior – no special rules regarding the maximum blade length
Senior – no special rules regarding the maximum blade length
Masters – no special rules regarding the maximum blade length
Tournament Protocol
- Check-In for the tournament will be performed at the entrance of the venue on morning of the tournament.
- Fencers require a CFF license number.
- All Fencers must be dressed in freshly washed Fencing Uniforms (i.e. fencing pants (breeches), plastron, jacket, chest protector (if using)).
- Fencers must salute and shake hands after each bout.
Tournament Regulations
All Fencers must be present and have checked in with the Secretariat (DT) at close of registration. Those not present will automatically be withdrawn. Fees for those withdrawn will not be refunded. Events commence as scheduled.
All Fencers must be validated MFA competitive (full) members for the 2025-2026 Fencing Season.
Events will be ranked according to CFF Regulations: www.fencing.ca
Equipment Control:
For all events, fencers must wear a complete fencing uniform (whites).
Fencing uniforms must be in good condition (i.e. free of odours, no tears, clean, no holes).
Mask, lame, glove, head and body cords must be checked and approved by the armourer by close of registration for your first event.
Sous-plastrons are mandatory for all non-FIE 800N jackets. Sous-plastrons are still recommended to be worn with FIE jackets.
Chest protectors must be padded.
Sabre blades must be stamped S2000.
Mask and Foil & Epee blades do not have to be FIE stamped.
Weapons and other equipment will be checked on piste.
Fencers are fully responsible for presenting themselves on piste with full working equipment.
