Schools
Schools calendar
This calendar is in a new live format, so you can download it and filter it according to the comps you’d like to enter.
NB, the timetable may change during the season, please check back for the latest version. Progressive and final results will be available on Fencing Time Live – search for each event.
About the schools program
The New South Wales Schools Program is the most comprehensive in Australia, covering all three weapons, multiple age groups, and individual and team events, and is open to all school age fencers, whether or not fencing is an organised sport at their school. The NSW Schools Fencing Program is the qualifying event for the Australian Schools Intermediate and Senior Schools Championships.
Awards
Fencers receive individual and team medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronzes) at the end of each event. Trophies are awarded to the school that achieves the highest aggregate results in each category. For medal presentations, fencers should please wear their school sports jackets.
Age categories
Events are run in U12, U14, U16 and U18 categories. The category is set by the fencer’s age at 1 January each year. For example, if fencers are aged under 14 on 1 January, they continue to be Under 14 fencers for the year. All fencers can fence in a higher age category, as well as in their own, and also compete in more than one weapon.
Competition format
Individual: Pools bouts: 5 hits in 2 or 3 minutes. DE bouts:10 hits in two sessions of 2 or 3 minutes. Semi-final and final bouts will be to 10 or 15 hits in 2 or 3 minutes.
Teams: Matches will be to 27 or 45 hits comprising 9 bouts of 2 or 3 minutes.
The competition manager (DT) has discretion to modify the format depending on the number of entries, piste availability, referee availability and time. The length of bouts may be reduced to 2 minutes. The number of hits scored to win will remain unchanged.
Registration and competition entry
All fencers competing in the schools program must join NSWFA in either a junior participative or competitive membership category (the choice of membership will depend on what other comps they may wish to fence in). A membership number will be given and fencers will need to give this to their school.
For students who attend schools where fencing is an organised school sport, the school will manage the competition entry process for individuals and teams. The schools will then bill parents (see ‘Information for participating schools’, below).
Students who don’t do fencing as a school sport, but who may fence at a local club, need to make their competition entry individually here:
(link to event registration will be available here soon – please check back)
To avoid a late fee, entries must be made by 5pm on the Thursday before a Saturday competition.
Mixed competitions
Generally, events are separated by gender, however if entries are low an event may be fenced as a mixed event.
Equipment standards
NSWFA sets minimum standards for personal fencing equipment to protect physical safety. Please review the Equipment Standards for details applying to schools events. Consult your coach if in doubt. Schools may provide students with some or all of their equipment – please check with your school. Equipment can also be hired daily from the Fencing Centre.
National competitions
The NSW Schools Championships are the qualifying event for the Australian Schools Championships. A fencer who competes in at least one NSW Schools Championship event in any weapon can then compete in the Australian School Championships in any weapon.
Child safeguarding
NSWFA is committed to providing a safe environment for all young people who participate in fencing competitions and other activities under our supervision. Please review the Code of Conduct, Rules of Entry, and other relevant policies.
COVID precautions
Although no COVID restrictions currently apply, the risk of catching COVID remains. Fencers and others are requested to follow basic precautions to protect themselves and others and to not attend the Centre when unwell. Spectator space at the Fencing Centre is limited, so we set a limit of one parent or guardian per fencing family to avoid overcrowding.
Food and drink
Hot food, snacks, cold and hot drinks are available at the Centre cafe. Contactless payment is requested. Only bottled water can be taken onto the piste area.
Inquiries
If you have a question, it’s best to start with your school fencing co-ordinator or coach. Otherwise, for general inquiries about the schools program, [email protected].
Tips for participants
Tips for parents/guardians
- Positive culture: Parents/guardians play a vital role in helping create a positive environment for young people to enjoy engaging in sport. Fencing should be a happy learning experience for school fencers – it’s competitive but it’s not all about winning. Young fencers should walk away from a competition feeling they have done their best, learned how to fence better, made new friends and enjoyed the experience. Parents/guardians should always be positive and supportive of their child and others and not put them under any pressure while fencing. Read some tips for parents/guardians from Play By The Rules.
- Respectful conduct: Parents/guardians and other spectators must not interfere in any way with the conduct of a fencing bout. They must stay behind the barriers and not enter the fencing area. Taking photos or videos of fencing bouts is permitted so long as it does not distract fencers or referees. Please review the Code of Conduct, Rules of Entry, and other relevant policies.
Tips for fencers
- Be organised: Pack your fencing bag the night before – you don’t want to be hunting around for clothing and equipment on the morning of the competition.Keep an equipment check list in your bag – check it when packing your bag and also when you leave the Centre after the competition to ensure you haven’t left anything behind.
- Arrive on time and ready: Make sure you arrive at least 30 mins before your scheduled event to check in and warm-up. As changing facilities at the Centre are limited, it’s best to get dressed in your basic fencing gear at home.
- Enjoy playing the game: Competing is a great learning experience! Do your best, challenge yourself, and have fun! Read some tips for players from Play By The Rules.
Info for participating schools
Participating schools, please review the information above – ‘About the schools program’ – and the additional information below which includes updates and guidance specific to schools.
Structure
In 2024 we have reduced the number of competition days on the Schools Calendar from 12 Saturdays to 6 but extended the competitions from half a day to a full day. This will give school fencers the same amount of fencing as last year in a more time and resource efficient format. Taking fewer days also will reduce the chance of calendar overlap with the Schools League, so schools will more easily be able to participate in both competitions if they wish.
Age categories
We’re continuing with our approach of running events by age group rather than school year, reducing the age span within each category from 3 years (e.g. Years 7, 8, 9) to two years (e.g. U14 covers ages 12 & 13). This makes it a fairer contest for the younger fencers in each age bracket and a smoother transition for primary/prep school fencers to secondary. It also aligns the schools age groups with state competitions, particularly the popular Mini Series. We are trying to encourage young people who compete at state level and who don’t have fencing as an organised sport at their school to also participate in the schools program. Likewise, we encourage enthusiastic school fencers to also participate in the Mini Series and other state competitions.
Entries
For schools where fencing is a regular sport, entries should be lodged by the school using this form by 5pm on Thursday before a Saturday competition. Schools will be billed entry fees for the fencers they nominate.
Referees
As usual, we rely on schools to provide referees to help with the competition, and as an opportunity to practice their skills. NSWFA will roster more trained refs and we will again have a senior fencer/coach present to keep the events running smoothly.