British Fencing has decided that it will not be supporting an Under 10 British Championships going forward. We are in discussion with British Fencing on how to best support fencers in this age-group and will update fencers when any decision on future events is made.
Outline
In 2006 Chris Howser identified that there was a need for an Under 12 National Championships and ran that event with great success and resulted in Under 12 Epee being absorbed ito the main British Youth Championship Finals weekend. With the steady increase in the popularity of epee with younger fencers it was identified that there was an interest in an British Under 10 Epee event taking place (U10 Sabre was also organised for the first time in 2013). With the track record of Elite Epee Junior Series, the British Fencing Competition Committee agreed that the Elite Epee Team would be great for running the event and now it is successfully scheduled. Due to a lack of available venue space prior to the Summer (due to the late notice for running the event) this 2012-13 season event is being run in August, which whilst not ideal does keep the event prior to the start of the 2013-14 season (historically the fencing season starts on 1st Sept each year) so the hope is that there will be another event held in the 2013-14 season if this one is successful.
Definition of Under 10 Age-Group for Event
The age dateline will be the fencer’s age as of 1st January of the season of event (i.e. age as of 01/01/2017 for the 2016/17 season), so some fencers will already be 10 when they compete in the event, (years of birth for the age-group are detailed on application form for clarification).
Venue
Our venue is Oundle School Sports Centre in Oundle, East Northamptonshire (PE8 4AG) which is just a few miles off the A1 near Peterborough in the Midlands. This is a nice venue with recently upgraded lighting. We will be setting up the two halls in the sports centre to give as much viewing area as possible. In total we can have a maximum of 8 pistes in this venue, which still gives good refereeing space and viewing.
Entry Caps
Final Caps will be decided at closing date to allow correct scheduling of the event, however due to venue size constraints, both Boys and Girls events will initially be limited to 49) fencers.
Event Hardware
The plan is to use conductive pistes throughout, along with remote control panel boxes etc so the event will be very well equipped.
Event Formats
We try to run the event in as a professional manner as possible with referees and helpers receiving expenses for their attendance. Entries will be capped to ensure the events are run in a smooth manner with no requirement for multiple waves of poules in the first round. The event will be run with one round of poules followed by Direct Elimination down to the winner, however the organisers reserve the right to adapt this format if it is thought that the entry number requires it to differ.
Check-in and start times will be published 2 weeks before the event once entry numbers are known (earliest 10am to allow on the day travel for as many as possible). Please ensure you give yourselves spare time to arrive at the event before your check-in closes, else you may well be excluded.
Seedings for the event will be approximated using EYC Under 11 results, as well as current EEJS (on review of LPJS results there were insufficient entries for most events to take these into accont for event seedings). Please note that these are worked out at the organisers discretion.
Communication
Information will be placed on this site, including entry lists (updated as they are received so please check they have been received), check-in times and general information on events. Please check the website just after entries close for confirmed check-in times etc.
Refund Policy
Refunds will be issued for any fencer withdrawing from the event prior to three weeks before the event, however a admin charge will be levied of five pounds to cover time etc if your entry fee had already been cashed by the time you withdraw. Withdrawals after this time will be dealt with on a case by case basis and the organiser has no obligation to offer a refund as those funds would have been allocated to pay for the events overheads.
Weapon Sizes
Both Boys and Girls will be using size 0 Epees (775mm maximum). Fencers have the choice to use standard or Mini sized guards on their weapons.
Fight times / durations in Under 10 age-group
Poule fights in the Under 10 age-group will be to 5 hits, however with a 2 minute fight duration. Direct Elimination fights will be to 10 hits with 3 periods of 2 minute duration (with a one minute gap between periods).
Refereeing
We will be inviting a selection of referees to the event, including some younger fencers who are currently training to become referees (who will be supervised). Any referee used (whatever size/age) has my total confidence and will be very competent. If anyone does have concern with any of our referees on the day, please let the organisers know.
Equipment regulations
All kit must conform to the British Fencing regulations (see www.britishfencing.com). Weapons may be tested at the event from the first round for weight and travel; however due to the use of communal weapons by a large number of the entries, cards will not be issued for failed weapons (in this regard) until the Last 4 of the event. All fencers should ensure that the equipment they are wearing fits correctly, with suitable overlap, especially between jackets & breeches. Referees will be specifically requested to ensure this is the case. Fencers in girls events are required to wear chest-protectors and I do advise that they are also used for boys as well. All fencers must wear breeches, long socks and at least a 350N level plastron under their jackets.
Prizes
Medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, =3rd, as well at quarter finalists. A trophy will be presented for each event to the event winner which must be returned for the following year’s event.
Viewing/Spectators
Parents and coaches will not be allowed in the fencing area, however there will be good close viewing for all pistes and fencers can leave their piste to speak to their coach/parent between periods of Direct Elimination matches so that a fencer at one end of the piste does not get an advantage over one fencing at the other end. Please note that coaching during fights (apart from in minute breaks in DE fights) is not allowed and anyone found doing this will be asked to stop and possibly even asked to leave the venue if warnings are ignored (as per British Fencing regulations). Please note that if you are the supervising adult your child may have to leave with you. If you have concerns with another person coaching when they should not be, raise it with the event organisers, please do not confront that person.
Photography
The organizers will be arranging for some photography/videoing to occur during the event within the fencing hall. These photos may be used for publicity and may be posted on the internet. If you do have any issues with your child being included in these photos please contact the organizer. Individuals may video/take photographs during the event (no flashes please).
Equipment Stand
There will not be a specific equipment stand at the event, however there is planned to be an Armourer with bodywires/spare blades to deal with equipment breakages. I can usually arrange for kit to be sent up in bulk for delivery at the event if you order in advance with Allstar/Uhlmann UK or BladesBrand UK
Event Supporters
May I thank Allstar/Uhlmann Uk and BladesBrand UK for their support in the loaning of boxes for this event. In addition thanks goes to O.P.S. Epee club for the loan of spools, wires etc for the event.
Refreshments
We will have a refreshments stand run by local club members, with profits going into a charitable fund to assist local fencers when selected to fence for England/GBR at International events.
Data retention, Publishing of Entry lists and Results online
By entering these competitions you agree for entry lists and results to be published on our facebook page, website and linked results page (British Fencing, Epee.me etc) and that data (including contact data) can be held by the event organisers to assist in future competition arrangements (including contacting you to inform you of future events).
Elite Epee Events Data Privacy Notice
Sponsorship
If you are interested in getting involved in sponsorship for this event, please contact us.
Contact
For further information on this event, please email eliteepeeevents@hotmail.co.uk .