Exciting new developments for FRED: New, modernised site and new management!
More Info
Cobra Challenge SYC/RCC/Y8Nov 24, 2023 - Nov 26, 2023
Regular fee entry deadline November 8, 2023. All events capped and entry is first-come, first-served. NO WALK-INS...For tournament questions contact cherylfencing@gmail.com.
WAITLIST INFO (updated Nov 16): Fencers are being moved from waitlist status to entry as notices of withdrawals are being received. Events are not being expanded beyond the current cap. Waitlisted fencers who no longer wish to compete should withdraw themselves, or notify us. Waitlisted fencers may inquire in-person at the Bout Committee for any available slots due to no-shows. There is no guarantee of entry, and waitlisted fencers present will be taken in order of original waitlist position.
REFEREE INQUIRIES
If interested in refereeing, e-mail Ralph Bellantoni at bellantoni1@optonline.net. Only referees who are certified through FIE or USA Fencing, are FenceSafe-approved, and have USA Fencing background screen completed will be considered (FenceSafe and Background not needed if under age 18).
SPECTATORS
Spectators will be limited to one (1) per fencer (this person does not include their coach). Clubs are allowed a maximum of 6 coaches per day. Spectators register here: https://forms.gle/W7CvtdPrvCEsNwRx6.
USA Fencing Regional events follow the codes of conduct set by USA Fencing. All spectators, coaches and members will be expected to abide by these codes of conduct (https://www.usafencing.org/codes-of-conduct). Everybody present in the venue must remain orderly and not disturb the smooth running of competition. No one is allowed in the strip enclosure during pool round. During the DE round each fencer may have 1 person inside the enclosure, and this person (coach, parent, teammate, etc) must remain at the back of the strip, and all other spectators outside the draped rail.
================================================================================================================================================================== Please dispose of trash/food/drink in appropriate trash receptacles. Do not leave trash on the floor. ==================================================================================================================================================================
Registration opens June 18, 2023, and closes November 12, 2023, with regular and late fee periods as noted in "Tournament Fees" below. It is your responsibility to be aware of fee period deadlines; no reminders will be sent.
We will be following federal, local, CDC, and USA Fencing guidelines and regulations regarding COVID-19. At this time Covid testing is not required, proof of vaccination is not required, and wearing of masks is optional. If any circumstances arise that would preclude safe running of this event, this tournament can be cancelled at any time. Should tournament cancel, any refund of fees is subject to USA Fencing.
• All events will be capped and entry is on a first-come first-served basis – no exceptions. Caps may be adjusted depending on registrations in each event to ensure strip balance throughout the day. Once the event cap has been reached fencers will be placed on a wait list. A payment method must be supplied in order to join the wait list. If no payment method you will not be officially on the wait list so unable to be advanced into the tournament. Incomplete wait list registrations will continue to fall below others who officially join the wait list. Wait lists will be cleared on a first-come first-served basis.
• SYC tournaments will award national points to the top 40% of the competitive field (rounded up to the next higher integer) to a maximum of 64th place. Refer to Points Tables in the Athlete Handbook for greater detail on youth points.
• RCC events will award regional points to all participants residing in Region 3 using this formula:((# entries – place + 1) / # entries) x 100 points. The winner of each RCC, regardless of size of field, will earn 100 points. The size of the participant field is based on all athletes in the event, regardless of region, however only fencers residing in Region 3 will earn points at this tournament. These points may qualify Cadet to the USA Fencing Junior Olympics and July Challenge. Points earned at Regional Cadet tournaments are not considered in determination of national point standings; they are only reflected in regional point standings.
• Classifications can be earned, if USA Fencing criteria met. Note that youth events do not qualify for the E1 or D1 classifications. This means that these events are NR until they achieve C1 level or higher. See USA Fencing chart: https://www.usafencing.org/classification-chart.
General infectious diseases protocol encouraged. Please limit spectators to 1 per fencer.
• Stay home if you are sick or do not feel well.
• Wash and sanitize all your fencing equipment. Consult the manufacturer for proper cleaning instructions to avoid possible damage to equipment. Armory may refuse to inspect dirty uniforms.
• Come to the tournament already dressed in freshly washed fencing uniform. Changing in bathrooms is discouraged.
• Social distancing is encouraged.
• Spectators and fencers should remain in designated seating areas and not congregate in groups.
• Refrain from contacting other participants and attendees (handshakes, body contact, etc.)
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow if you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes or mouth with unclean hands.
• Do not share equipment such as weapons, body cords, fencing masks, gloves or uniforms, with others.
Spectators will be limited to one (1) per fencer (this person does not include their coach). Spectators register here: https://forms.gle/AeqYbSyBqz8uigMk7. Clubs are allowed a maximum of 6 coaches per day. To receive a coaching credential coaches must be SafeSport compliant (i.e. have a current NCSI background screen and have completed the required online SafeSport training). Coaches badges will be issued at lobby info desk prior to entering the venue.
Free garaged parking in all the garages adjacent to the venue. Parking is allowed in all spaces, even if marked "reserved."
There will be no monitors to display pools or results. Check live tournament results and tournament progress at http://www.fencingtimelive.com. Note, there is no Wi-Fi in the venue; internet access is via your cell phone or other provider.
Regular fee entry deadline November 8, 2023. All events will be capped, and entry is on a first-come first-served basis. Once the tournament has filled to the capped amount, a wait list will begin. A payment method must be supplied in order to join the wait list. If no payment method you will not be officially on the wait list and your place on the list will continue to drop as others join the wait list. When an athlete withdraws from the event the next person on the wait list will then have 48 hours to officially register for the event and pay event fees. Caps are subject to be adjusted up or down, depending on tournament conditions.
No exceptions to late fees will be made for inability to register within stated deadlines. There will be NO reminder emails sent to competitors with incomplete registrations; i.e, no payment. It is your responsibility to be aware of registration deadlines. Entry and waitlisting is first-come, first-served.
SYC REGULAR entry/payment until November 8, 2023: $55 registration fee plus $80 per event, plus applicable USA Fencing administration fee
RCC REGULAR entry/payment until November 8, 2023: $50 registration fee plus $75 per event, plus applicable USA Fencing administration fee
SYC LATE entry/payment November November 9-12, 2023: $165 registration fee plus $240 per event, plus applicable USA Fencing administration fee
RCC LATE entry/payment November 9-12, 2023: $150 registration fee plus $225 per event, plus applicable USA Fencing administration fee
NO GENERAL WALK-IN ENTRY
In-person inquiries can be made at the Bout Committee on tournament day, and walk-in entry (at late fee) allowed only if there is space available and ONLY after any waitlisted fencers present have been accommodated.
REFUND POLICY
• Must send notification of withdrawal and request for refund to cherylfencing@gmail.com. FENCERS WHO WITHDRAW THEMSELVES WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND. Registration fees and USA Fencing administrative fees are nonrefundable. Requests for "event fees" refunds will only be honored if received prior to midnight on November 17, 2023.
• The refund deadline will be extended until Nov 22 in the event of waitlists. If your spot can be filled from the waitlist you will be eligible for the "event fee" refund, deadline to request withdrawal and refund is Nov 22.
• There are no refunds in the event of time changes on the same day. All times are subject to change according to event entries, therefore we strongly encourage you to keep your entire day flexible until close-of check-in times are final. Any day/time changes will be posted no later than November 9, 2023.
• On tournament day, fencers arriving after close of check-in will not be allowed to compete. They will be withdrawn from the competition, and no there will be no refund of entry fees for any reason. No refunds issued to no-shows for any reason, including illness/injury withdrawals.
There will be no exceptions to this policy. USA Fencing will issue refund to credit card used for the registration. ===================================================================================================================================================
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Event registrations will be capped and can be adjusted at any time to ensure a balanced schedule throughout the day. All entries are first-come, first-served. All event days/times are subject to change, so we strongly urge you to keep your entire week-end flexible until close of check-in times are final. There will be no refunds issued due to time changes on the same day. Any day/time changes will be posted no later than November 9, 2023.
Fencers are not allowed to compete in more than one event per day, unless approved by the Bout Committee and Tournament Organizers. Contact organizer before registering for authorization.
Fencing commences shortly after close of check-in (usually within 10-15 minutes). We suggest arriving at least 1 hour prior to close of check-in to allow for equipment check and proper warm up time. Venue opens at 6:30 a.m.
Friday
8:00 CWE
8:00 Y14 ME
8:15 Y12 MF
8:30 Y8 WS
8:30 Y8 MS
12:00 CWS
1:00 Y12 WE
1:00 CWF
3:00 Y10 WF
4:00 Y12 MS
Saturday
8:00 CME
8:00 Y14 MF
8:00 Y10 MS
12:00 Y10 ME
12:00 Y8 MF
12:00 Y8 WF
1:00 Y12 WS
1:00 Y14 WF
3:00Y 10 WE
4:00 Y14 MS
Sunday
8:00 CMF
8:00 Y14 WE
8:00 Y10 WS
8:00 Y8 WE
8:00 Y8 ME
12:00 Y14 WS
12:00 Y12 WF
1:00 Y12 ME
2:00 Y10 MF
4:00 CMS ===================================================================================================================================================
• No parents, coaches, or spectators will be allowed in the designated fencing area during the pool round. However, one coach is allowed to assist a fencer during DE bouts. Coach will stand in a clearly designated area and will be instructed not to step out of this area until the bout ends. Violators will be escorted out of the venue immediately.
• Fencers must verify accuracy of the pool and DE score sheets. Results will be posted at http://www.fencingtimelive.com and any errors should be reported to the Bout Committee immediately (within 5 minutes of posting).
• Top 8 will be awarded medals. There will be a medal ceremony in the lobby.
• Cobra Fencing Club and Meadowlands Exposition Center are not responsible for any lost or stolen property. Do not leave your personal belongings unattended in the venue. We advise against bringing valuable items, and if you do should be kept with you at all times. Many bags look alike and are clustered close together. Check to make sure you have all your equipment and belongings before you leave, as anything left at the end of the day will be thrown out! NO EXCEPTIONS.
CHECK-IN
• Venue opens 6:30AM. We recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before close of check-in.
• Current USA Fencing membership, current FIE license, or foreign federation membership is required. To become a member of USA Fencing visit https://www.usafencing.org/membership.
• All fencers must have a USA Fencing membership card with clearly legible barcode, or downloaded to your phone, to use the contactless Auto Check-In feature. Membership cards can be printed or downloaded from your profile section at usfencing.org.
• Not mandatory, but fencers can present proof of age (original or copy of birth certificate, passport) if USA Fencing membership card does not state "Birth year is Verified " on the card and we will forward your age verification to USA Fencing.
• Fencers must check in each day they compete. You cannot check in the day before your event. You can however have equipment checked on days before your event.
BAG STORAGE
There is a bag storage area, however will not accommodate all bags. Bags may also be stored all along the perimeter of the venue (against the walls only). Bags cannot block walkways or fire exits, and will be moved if in these areas.
We advise against bringing valuable items, and if you do should be kept with you at all times. Many bags look alike and are clustered close together. Check to make sure you have all your equipment and belongings before you leave, as anything left at the end of the day will be thrown out! NO EXCEPTIONS.
EQUIPMENT VENDORS
Absolute Fencing Gear (https://www.absolutefencinggear.com) is equipment sponsor and exclusive vendor, and will be on-site for equipment sales.
FOOD
Food and beverage concessions will be provided by the Expo Center (menu is limited). There are also numerous restaurants near the venue. If you have special dietary needs you should bring your own food. There is a public water fill station in the lobby (subject to operation by the venue) but we encourage bringing your own water. Water will also be available to purchase at the venue.
Please dispose of trash/food/drink in appropriate trash receptacles. Do not leave trash on the floor.
HOTELS
Book Harmony Suites (https://www.harmonysuites.com) (next to venue) before October 22, 2023, at special rate of $159-$199. Enter Promo Code "Cobra" when booking.
Six national hotel chains are within a 5 minute drive: Crowne Plaza Hotel, LaQuinta Inn & Suites, Meadowlands Plaza Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Meadowlands, Candlewood Suites
We will adhere to the USA Fencing code of conduct for athletes, parents, coaches and spectators. Everybody present in the venue must remain orderly and not disturb the smooth running of competition. No one is allowed in the strip enclosure during pool round. During the DE round each fencer may have 1 person inside the enclosure, and this person (coach, parent, teammate, etc) must remain at the back of the strip, and all other spectators outside the draped rail.
At no time is anyone allowed to criticize the Officials or their decisions, to insult them or to attempt to influence them in any way. Coaches and spectators are allowed to give advice to fencers, but must not disturb the order of the bout. The Referee and/or the Bout Committee on their own authority, or at the request of an official, can decide to expel from the venue, with or without a warning, any person who by gesture, attitude or language disturbs the good order or smooth running of the event.
WHERE SHOULD I GO FIRST?
Check-in. Scan USA Fencing membership card with barcode at the contactless self-check-in station. Print membership card or download to your phone on-line at http://www.usfencing.org/membership. If you wish to take advantage of the age verification process, see the staff member at check-in and provide a copy of passport, birth certificate or other government-issued identification; this is not mandatory.
All times are close of check-in. We strongly encourage you to arrive at the venue at least 1 hour before close of your event registration. Venue opens at 6:30 a.m. Fencers failing to check-in by the published deadline will be removed from the event and refunds will not be issued for any reason, including illness/injury. Fencers must check-in each day they fence.
Enter venue and find a location for your fencing bag (do not block doors, aisles, walking areas, or fire exits). There is a bag storage area, however will not accommodate all bags. Bags can be stored all along the perimeter of the venue. Tentative Pod assignments will be posted noting the approximate location of your pool round, so you can place your fencing bag near your pool location. Final pool strip assignments cannot be posted until close of check-in.
Verify your seeding information at fencingtimelive.com and report any discrepancies to the Bout Committee (BC) before close of check-in time for your event. No changes will be made after check-in closes.
Proceed to equipment check. Do not bring your bag into the armory line. Armorers will test foil and saber lame, masks, glove, 2 body cords, 2 saber mask cords, saber cuff. Masks that do not pass the 12-kg punch test will be impounded or given a visible mark to signify that the mask is “not approved for use.” Have your lame right side out and zipped up. Untangle and straighten body cords and mask cords, and remove any tape from previous tournaments.
WHEN WILL I START FENCING?
First round (pools) begin approximately 15-30 minutes after close of check-in, tournament conditions permitting. Occasionally there will be unforeseen delays, and if this should occur we appreciate your understanding. To avoid delays resulting from incorrect seeding of pools, it is vital you verify all information after you check in and report errors (misspelled name, wrong club, wrong rating/ranking) to the BC before close of check-in time for your event. No changes will be made after close of check-in. Each event consists of 2 rounds (pools and then direct elimination (DE)).
HOW DO I FIND OUT WHERE I WILL BE FENCING?
Listen for announcements, and shortly after check-in closes pool strip assignments will be posted on-line at https://fencingtimelive.com. There is no wi-fi in the venue; internet access is through your cell phone or other provider. Take spare weapons and body cords with you when reporting to the strip for your bouts. USA Fencing Rules apply (https://www.usafencing.org/usa-fencing-rule-book).
WHAT DO I DO AFTER MY POOL IS FINISHED?
After finishing all your pool bouts the referee will show you the pool score sheet. You must check scores for accuracy, then sign the pool sheet and thank the referee. If there are any score errors, do not sign until the error is corrected. Once the pool sheet with fencer signatures is submitted there will be no changes made. Do not leave the venue. When ALL pools for your event are completed the results for the entire field are ordered by best to poorest (highest ratio of victories vs. bouts fenced, touches scored vs. touches received), and the DE round is seeded from these results.
Once pool round results are posted on-line you must again check these for accuracy and report errors immediately to the BC. Do not leave the venue after the pool round, as there is 100% promotion to the DE round. The DE tableau will be posted and you then report to the strip(s) indicated for your event and listen for the referee to call you.
Notify the referee if you need to leave the strip area for any reason. You are allowed 2 calls to the strip, then if not present at the 3rd and final call you will be withdrawn from the event.
The DE round continues as winners advance until the final bout. Medals will be awarded to Top 8 finishers at medal ceremony in the lobby. Be sure you have all your belongings and equipment when you leave, as anything left behind at the end of the day will be thrown away.
====================================
TOURNAMENT FORMAT/RULES ====================================
• USA Fencing rules apply. https://www.usafencing.org/usa-fencing-rule-book
• Equipment check required: Glove, mask, lame (as appropriate), sabre cuffs, head cords, and body cords. 800N Saber Glove is Mandatory. Armorer will be on-site for repairs (for fee). Fencers only need to have their equipment passed once for the duration of the SYC/RCC.
• Must have at least two working weapons and two body cords when reporting to the strip.
• Full USA Fencing regulation uniform required. Name is NOT required on jacket/lame. Come to the venue already dressed, as changing in the restrooms is discouraged. Foil mask with conductive bib required. Rule regarding chest protectors for FOIL fencers: https://www.usafencing.org/news_article/show/922236.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Fencers arm, equip and clothe themselves and fence at their own responsibility and at their own risk. Fencers are responsible for ensuring arrival at the strip with working equipment.
• Uniforms (jacket, pants, knee-high socks, fencing glove): Standard fencing uniforms; cannot have any rips, tear, or holes. Warm-up pants or jeans are not allowed. Fencing glove must cover half of the forearm. 800N Saber Glove is mandatory.
• Plastrons (underarm protectors): Standard fencing plastron; required with every uniform
• Chest Protector: Required for females. All women's FOIL fencers are required to wear a padded chest protector. Men are not required to wear a chest protector; however, if they do, it must have acceptable padding. All chest protectors must be worn under the plastron. Rule regarding chest protectors for FOIL fencers: https://www.usafencing.org/news_article/show/922236.
• Masks: 12K punch test; sewn in bib. Conductive Bib in foil is required. Elastic strap at back of mask is required
• Blades: The maximum blade length permitted for Y8 and Y10 competitions is 32.5 inches. For Y12, Y14, Cadet competitions, standard blade length of 30-35” permitted.
• Weapon Handle: Any attachment to a weapon’s handle must fix the hand in one position such that the top of the thumb is no more than 2 cm from the inner surface of the guard.
• Names on Uniforms: Not required at SYC/RCC
• Ratings can be awarded, however youth events do not use the E1 or D1 classifications. This means that these events are NR until they achieve C1 level or higher. See USA Fencing classification chart at: https://www.usafencing.org/classification-chart
• Photography and filming is allowed, however NO flash photography is allowed near ongoing competitions.
Withdrawal during tournament:
• Withdrawal during pools: The pools must be fenced through the last bout. A fencer who withdraws, or who is excluded, is scratched from the pool, and his results are annulled as if he had not taken part.
• Withdrawal during DE: When for whatever reason a fencer cannot fence or cannot complete his bout, his opponent is declared winner of that bout. A fencer who withdraws does not lose his place in the overall classification of the competition.
The Athletes Handbook (https://www.usafencing.org/athlete-handbook) is the definitive reference document regarding points and qualification paths. Results, points and ratings earned at this event are not official until processed by USA Fencing National Office.
** Liability waiver ** Upon entering this tournament you agree to abide by the current rules of USA Fencing and other applicable rules instituted by Cobra Fencing Club. You acknowledge you are entering this tournament at your own risk and release USA Fencing and its sponsors, Cobra Fencing Club, Meadowlands Expo Center, and referees/staff from any liability. With entry you give consent to tournament organizers to obtain medical care from any licensed physician, EMS personnel, hospital or clinic for any injury or illness that may arise during activities associated with this tournament. Photography, filming, recording, or any other form of media of the athlete during the tournament can be used by Cobra Fencing Club and USA Fencing. Those wishing to opt out of media coverage must inform the Bout Committee.**
Cobra Fencing Club and Meadowlands Exposition Center are not responsible for any lost or stolen property. We advise against bringing valuables and if you do should be kept with you at all times. Any items left behind at the conclusion of the tournament will be thrown out.
Fencers, Coaches, Parents, and Spectators must conduct themselves according to USA Fencing Code of Conduct [USA Fencing](https://www.usafencing.org/codes-of-conduct). USA Fencing black card policies will be enforced. Photography is allowed, however NO FLASH photography is allowed near active fencing. No one is allowed inside the pod during pool round except the fencers. During the DE round each fencer is allowed one person (coach, parent, teammate) in the pod with them, and that person must remain at the back of the strip and not interfere with the referee aisle.
Preregister
Who's Coming
Map to 355 Plaza Drive Secaucus NJ 07094