2024-2025 Saskatchewan Provincial Tournaments

November 2 & 3, 2024: Militia Open Tournament in Saskatoon, SK, Saskatoon Field House

January 18 &19: Melfort Open, Melfort Mall, Melfort, SK

March 8 & 9, 2025: Doug Jackson Memorial Open, Balgonie Multiplex, Balgonie, SK, hosted by Regina Fencing

April 5 & 6, 2025: Provincials Open Tournament, Alfred Jenkins Field House,  Prince Albert, SK

Click on the highlighted text above to access the document prepared for our club fencers. This document contains registration instructions, equipment checklists, and has important rules and etiquette for tournaments. 

CLUB OUT-OF-PROVINCE TOURNAMENTS

PFC will have fencers competing in the following out-of-province tournaments this season. We suggest fencers attend at least one in-province tournament to before registering for an out-of-province tournament. 

February 22, 2025: Alberta Cup #2- Don Laszlo Memorial Cup- Calgary, Alberta

April 25, 2025: Alberta Cup #3- location TBA

2024-2025 National Tournaments

We suggest that you first try an out-of-province open tournament before attempting a National tournament.

October 18-20, 2024: Henri Sassine Memorial Canada Cup #1/Senior National Championships- Montreal, QC

November 29-December 1, 2024:  Canada Cup #2- Vancouver, BC

February 14-16, 2025: Canada Cup #3/Cadet and Junior Nationals- Winnipeg, MB

May 16-19, 2025: May Nationals- St. Catharines, ON

Here is the printable version of the tournament prep guide:https://cdn-app.teamlinkt.com/media/association_data/10901/site_data/images/library/images/Prairie_Fencing_Club_tournament_prep_September_16_2024.pdf

PREPARING FOR YOUR FENCING TOURNAMENT

This is guide was created in December 2022 and was adapted for Prairie Fencing Club (PFC) from Saskatchewan Fencing Association: Your First Tournament – What do you do?

Revised September 2023 (revisions in purple) and revised September 2024 (revisions in blue).

1. Local/ Saskatchewan Provincial Open Tournaments

Beginner fencers, you are ready for this! A tournament is very similar to the electric fencing that you have experienced at the club. Just remember, the fencing community in Saskatchewan is small and welcoming. Everyone will understand if you are a new fencer (or new fencing parent).

A variety of skill levels can be found at local tournaments, from beginners to elite athletes. Set realistic goals, learn how tournaments work, meet other fencers, bond with clubmates, and have fun.

2. Out-of-Province Tournaments

Our club travels to a few out-of-province tournaments each season, often Calgary or Edmonton. The competition level is more difficult at these tournaments; we recommend that fencers are intermediate level or higher and have fenced at least one SK tournament before fencing at an out-of-province tournament.

3. Canada Cups & Nationals

The competition level is high at these competitions, so we recommend that you fence at least one out-of-province tournament before fencing at a Canada Cup or Nationals.

Registration links can be found online at the Saskatchewan Fencing Association (SFA) website, https://www.skfencing.ca, usually one month before the tournament. Please note: the SFA website is currently undergoing re-construction.

SFA is using the 2Mev registration system for tournaments. All fencers must first have a fencing membership to be able to register for tournaments. See below instructions on how to obtain your required membership.

Speak to your coach about which events to enter and which weapons to fence with. The registration sheet states what the maximum year of birth is for each age category. An athlete may be a member of one or several age groups. Intermediate level and advanced youth fencers: we recommend that you fence in both your age category and the age category above yours at local tournaments to gain experience for out-of-province and national-level competitions.

To be able to register, you will first need a Canadian Fencing Federation (CFF) Number/ Regular SK Fencing Membership to compete in certain events (see table). For competitive athletes over the age of 15, a CFF number (Regular Fencing Membership) is required and is not included in club fees; these need to be purchased through CFF at the start of every season: (scroll down to the blue button “Join/Renew”) https://2mev.com/#!/memberships/saskatchewan-fencing-association-2024-25-membership

Youth fencers under the age of 15 can compete in only local tournaments using a Recreational SK Fencing Membership (purchased using same link above). However, U15 fencers cannot compete out-of-province or at Nationals if they only have a Recreational Membership.  

Note: the age cut-off for categories is based on their age on December 31.

Table 1: Saskatchewan Tournament Age Categories and CFF Number Requirements
Age of Athlete	Category	Is a CFF number required? If YES: Need to purchase Regular Membership If NO: Need to purchase Recreational Membership
30 years old or older	Masters	Yes
Open	Open	Yes
Under 20 years old	U20/ Junior	Yes
Under 17 years old	U17/ Cadet	Yes
Under 15 years old	U15	No for U15 events at local tournaments
Under 13 years old	U13	No for U13 events at local tournaments
Under 10 years old	U10	No for U10 and U13 events at local tournaments

• U10/U13 épée in Saskatchewan is fenced with a foil weapon (entire body is target for this event)
• For U10/13 sabre: regular (#5) size sabre blades are used
• For U10/13 foil and épée: coaches and parents will need pay attention to the number of fencers registered in U10/13, because registration numbers affect the maximum size of blade allowed
• U10 and U13 become separate events if there are three or more U10 and three or more U13 fencers
• If either U10 or U13 have less than three fencers each, the two events are combined as U10/U13

Blade lengths if U10 and U13 are separate events:

• Shorter length foils (#0 or #2 blades) are used in the U10 foil and épée events. #2 is the maximum blade size for these U10 events
• #5/Regular blade length is the maximum blade size when U13 foil and epee are held as separate events from U10
• Note: bigger isn’t always better. Some fencers do not benefit from a longer blade, because they find the shorter blade easier to control. A U13 fencer can use #2 or #0 blades if they prefer a shorter blade. Speak to a coach if you are unsure which size your fencer should use

Blade lengths if U10/U13 are a combined event:

• If there are more U10 than U13 fencers, both the U10 and U13 fencers will use shorter foils (#2 blade)
• If there are more U13 than U10 fencers, both U10 & U13 fencers can use their choice of #2 or #5 foils

 

REQUIRED ITEMS…you will not be able to fence if you are missing these:

• Clean, indoor athletic shoes
• Fencing socks (1-2 pairs):
  • Socks must come up over your knees (no gaps between your socks and pants are allowed)
  • Any sock colour is okay…but keep in mind that each club has a preferred sock colour, so people might think you belong to another club if you wear red, blue, green, or black.
  • White is a safe colour choice, or you can order the PFC’s sock colour (royal purple)
  • There are long purple socks for sale at Party City in Saskatoon, along the back wall. These do not have any padding, but are appropriate for tournaments
  • If you wish to order purple fencing socks, please buy online from one of these sites:
    • https://www.crossedswords.ca/leon-paul-advanced-coloured-fencing-sock/
    • https://imexsport.ca/en/imex-socks-purple.html
• Fencing jacket
• Chest protector (if applicable- required for women and suggested and for U13 and U10 fencers of both genders. For Canada Cup and Nationals, a foam cover is required in foil events)
• Athletic support/cup (if applicable)
• Sous-plastron (half-jacket that covers part of chest and fencing arm)
• Fencing pants (no sweatpants or wind pants are allowed at tournaments). Beginners, please speak to Lindsay about borrowing fencing-specific pants from the club.
• 2 body cords (one for fencing and a spare in case it fails. You will get a penalty card if missing a spare)
• Electric vest (lamé) for sabre and foil events (not applicable for épée)
• 2 weapons (one for fencing and a spare in case if fails. You will get a penalty card if missing a spare)
• Glove (no holes and Velcro must be secure)
• Weapon-specific mask (sabre: mostly metallic mask; foil has a section of the bib made of lamé material; épée has a plain cloth bib). Enforced for all sabre events and for U15 events and up.
• Mask clip/wire (foil and sabre only). Enforced for U15 events and up.

OTHER ITEMS TO BRING:

• Water bottle
• Snacks (only some tournaments have a concession. Bring some snacks from home just in case)
• Cash for the concession
• Cash if you need to purchase weapon parts or pay for services from the armory
• A small towel for wiping sweat off your brow
• Clean clothes to change into after your event
• Deodorant
• A fencing repair tool kit if you have one (especially your Allen key!)
• A watch to keep an eye on the time
• Some parents like to have telescopic/collapsible stools for watching

*It is your responsibility to test your equipment to make sure it works for electric scorekeeping before and during competitions. See the testing information at the end of this document*

Let your coach know what equipment you need to borrow from the club.

• You can purchase your own equipment from the fencing equipment supplier in Winnipeg but remember to allow time for shipping and please speak to your coach about sizing if you are unsure: https://www.crossedswords.ca
• You can also purchase from the equipment supplier in Quebec (allow more time for shipping):

https://imexsport.ca/en/

Not all venues have change rooms. Fencers may be changing in the bathroom, so most arrive partially dressed in their equipment (fencing socks, pants (or undershorts), t-shirt). A wind suit, track suit, or sweatsuit can be worn over top. Don’t put on your fencing shoes until you arrive at the venue.

1. The times listed on the registration form are for close of registration. Plan to be at the venue no later than half an hour before Close of Registration for local tournaments, and one hour before out-of-province and Canada Cup/Nationals.
2. When you arrive, you must check-in at the DT (the person at the computer table, known as the Directoire Technique) or you will be marked absent and not allowed to fence! Sometimes the Directoire will be busy tallying scores and organizing bouts when you arrive at their table. Wait until they look up, then smile, introduce yourself, and announce that you are there for your event. If you are too early to check-in, they may tell you to come back in a few minutes.
3. Find where to put your equipment bag. Try to find your clubmates or an empty spot along the wall.
4. Take your mask, glove, body wires, and electric vest (also called lamé, used in foil and sabre) to the Armourer (at the table with lots of tools) to be checked. The Armourer will check that your mask is safe and may use a tool test the mesh. They make sure your glove does not have any holes and will use a stamp or a marker to indicate your equipment passed the test. You will show the ref the stamps and that you are wearing a sous-plastron. Make sure your body and mask wires are unwound and untangled when you present them to the armory to be checked.
5. Finish dressing and use the bathroom. Don’t forget to put on your body wire and sous-plastron!
6. Gather your weapons and mask and wait to hear your event announced. If you have time, warm up with a clubmate or coach on either an empty piste or an area off to the side. Test your weapons again after warming up. Expect delays if another event is occupying a piste or referee.

• On the floor there will be metallic mats called pistes. The pistes are individually numbered. You will be called to a piste by its number when your pool is ready to begin fencing.
• Behind the pistes on tables are the electronic scoring systems, connected to reels at the ends of the pistes. The fencers hook up to these reels with a wire worn under their jacket.
• The electronic scoring systems make a beeping sound when points are scored, and continuously when fencers are hooking up to their reels. It’s a sound unique to fencing - enjoy!

POOLS

The event begins with one round of pools (a group of 4-7 fencers who fence each other in a complete round-robin). Each match or duel is called a bout. Pool bouts go to five (5) hits. The tournament director will announce the pools so you will hear names being called. Listen for your name to know which numbered piste to go to. Referees (“refs”) direct the bouts and control the order of bouts (who fences who, and when). This is sometimes called “presiding”.

When your name is called, you will hook up to the reel. Some refs will point while they call your name to show you which side to hook up on, but not always, so pay attention to the order of the of call of names. The fencer called first goes to the righthand side of the ref when they are facing the scoreboard. EXCEPTION: when there is a left-handed fencer, they will always go to the left, regardless of order of call. Just ask the ref or watch where your opponent goes if you are unsure which side to hook up on.

Next, go to the middle of the piste where the scoring box is and hold your blade up (kneel if necessary) to allow the ref to weight test for foil and épée and gauge test for épée. The ref will ask you to touch your opponent’s guard with your tip (in epee) and to test lamés (in foil and sabre). Then, stand at the en garde line with your mask off to salute. Remember to salute your opponent and the referee at the beginning of every match and remember to salute and low tap your opponent's blade with your blade at the end of every match (this is the current protocol that replaces the traditional handshake. Some fencers may choose to use the handshake instead of the blade tap).

Once the pool is complete, the referee asks all the fencers to sign the pool sheet. This means that the fencers are responsible to make sure all recorded bouts, points, wins/losses have been recorded correctly. The pool sheet is then given to the person at the computer desk (the DT) to tabulate the results.

 

DIRECT ELIMINATION (“DEs”)

The next part of the tournament is what’s called the Direct Elimination (or DE) round. Once you lose a DE bout, you are finished in the event. DE bouts go to 15 hits (DE bouts in U10/U13 and masters or veteran events only go to 10 hits). Medals are presented at the end of the event (1-gold, 1-silver, 2-bronze). Sometimes for combined events, medals are given to the top 4 of each age group. People are encouraged to take pictures at the end of the medal presentation.

1. The referee awards the touch/point with a click of a remote.
2. Coloured light (red or green) means a touch was made on target. If you made the touch, the light on your side will go off.
3. In Épée, both fencers score if the lights go off at the same time. There are no white lights in épée.
4. In Foil and Sabre, a white light means a touch was made off target.
5. In Foil and Sabre, the referee chooses who scores based on “right of way” if the lights go off at the same time. This is a confusing concept for new fencers and spectators and is learned with experience. The referee will use a lot fencing terminology to describe the actions before awarding the touch. New spectators will want to watch the referee’s hands to see who is awarded the point before cheering.

• At the end of your bout, hand the hook-up at the end of the reel cable to the next person waiting to fence, or bring it back to the reel box. Don’t let the cable snap back to the reel from the en garde line
• Spectators/fencers, when walking past the end of a piste don’t step on the reels or trip on the reel cable
• Look out for swords on the floor- fencers leave their spare swords at the end of the piste during a bout.
• Try not to walk on the pistes, especially with wet outdoor shoes/boots; walk around them if possible. Dirt from boots on the pistes makes them slippery and causes wear and tear. EXCEPTION: Parents of youngsters, it is okay to come onto the piste to hook little fencers up to the reels. Bring indoor shoes for yourself if you think your kids might need assistance with this task.

• Never walk in front of referee who is watching a bout. This may mean needing to walk all the way around the venue to avoid stepping into the field of play.
• Only watch from the very end of the pistes or the bleachers. The referee should be able to walk the entire length of the piste while watching the fencers, without having to worry about tripping over or bumping into spectators.

Give yourself adequate time so that you don’t feel frazzled. To keep the tournament running smoothly, the DT will expect you to check in at the required time and can refuse to let you fence if you are late. Please contact someone from the club to let them know if you are running late. They can speak to the DT for you to find out if you will be allowed to fence.

If you are unable to attend on the day of your event, please contact someone from your club and instruct them to alert the DT. Then your name will be scratched from the event. This will prevent delays and the DT will stop calling your name on the microphone reminding you to check in.

Yellow & Red Cards

Yellow cards are given as a warning. Red cards are given after a yellow card has been received and the same offense is repeated. The red card results in a point against the offender. To avoid penalties:

• When your name is called to fence, you need to get to the piste, quickly. If the ref must call your name repeatedly, you may receive a penalty.
• Your weapon, body wire, lamé or mask wire (for foil and sabre) must be working. Weapons must pass the weight test (foil and épée) and gauge test (épée). If they don’t work, the ref will give you a yellow or red card. Make sure you bring working equipment to the tournament. Test your weapons before your event, and frequently thereafter, and keep a spare by the piste.
• If your blade has an awkward bend after scoring, do not straighten it without permission of your referee. Do not straighten it with your foot while on the piste (step off the piste, using a carpet if available).
• When fencing, stay on the piste. Don’t step off to the side to avoid getting scored on.
• In sabre, don’t do any forward motion crossing your feet.
• Don’t turn your back on your opponent. Keep fencing and only look to see who scored when you hear your ref say “halt.”
• During DE bouts, you must stay connected to the reel during your one-minute break.
• Foil and sabre: Make sure long hair is tucked away from the lamé and don’t intentionally try to cover your lamé with your free hand.
• No corps-a-corps (meaning “body to body” or physical contact with your body) is allowed.
• Don’t use a mask or glove that has not been stamped by the armorer.
• Intentionally hurting someone, for example by swinging a sabre like an axe, will result in an automatic red card or even a black card (no yellow card warning in that instance)

Black cards

Please don’t get a black card. A black card is very rare and expels a fencer from the tournament. Black cards are given for unsportspersonlike conduct or violent behaviour, like throwing a mask, water bottle, or weapon, or refusing to fence or salute or “shake hands”/tap swords. Parents and coaches can also get black carded for bad behaviour, especially for arguing with referees.

 

 

• Fencing is a sport that emphasizes fair play and respect. Taunting, arguing with referees, and temper tantrums don’t have a place in fencing. Remember to be respectful.
• Some fencers may yell during intense bouts; this is normal. Fencers should not be facing their opponent when they yell, this is considered disrespectful.
• Polite cheering and encouragement after the referee calls halt is welcome.
• Spectators: Please give the referee space to do their job. The referee will be watching intensely as they follow the fencers as they move back and forth on the piste.
• Sometimes fencers will be visibly disappointed after a loss. This is normal. Fencers should be respectful and raise their mask for saluting their opponent and referee, but they can put their mask back on after leaving the piste. Keeping a mask on is a signal to coaches and parents that time is needed to think, calm down, or cry and then recompose. Coaches and parents should give space and only a few words of encouragement to fencers if their masks are down after a bout.
• Thank and shake hands with your refs at the end of your event. We can’t have tournaments without them!

Wheelchair (WC) events are offered at most local tournaments. Please speak to your coach about additional instructions for registering and competing if you are a WC athlete. Sometimes WC athletes will compete in non-WC events. In this case, the non-WC athlete will sit in a chair to fence the WC athlete but will fence on their feet against non-WC fencers.

Table 2: Testing Equipment for Tournaments
Test	How to Perform the Test
Tip check	Foil: fails if missing tape at the end; make sure your foil is properly taped at the end (you can use hockey tape or electrical tape) Épée: fails if screws are missing- check to make sure both screws are present
Weight test	The weight is placed on the end of your weapon (750 g for épée; 500 g for foil) If a hit registers when the weight is just gently placed on the end, it fails. When the weight is pushed down and a hit does not register, it fails
Gauge/shim test (épée only)	Put the gauge/shim in the gap at the tip of your sword Move the shim around the sword and press down on the tip. If the light goes off, it fails
Lamé (foil and sabre)	During electric fencing, have a clubmate score points on many locations on your lamé to check for “dead spots”- these will light up white on the scoreboard A specific testing tool exists, or multimeters can be used to test lamés Prevent dead spots- air lamés out and then turn them inside out to protect the metallic fibres. Dead spots indicate a failed lamé, but often can be patched.
Body Wires	A specific testing tool exists, or multimeters can be used to test body wires.

The club has a test kit containing a small test box, test weights (for foil and épée) and gauges (for épées). The kit will be available the week before the tournament and at the tournament, or on request. Sometimes weapons that work at the club can develop problems when they get rattled around during travel or even after fencing just one touch. Remember to test frequently and be prepared with a back-up weapon/wire.

If your weapon fails, the tournament armourer or an experienced fencer or coach might be able to help you. But they may be unavailable or very busy, so it is important to learn how to test and fix your weapons. Learning how to fix your weapons will come with experience and attending repair workshops.

Don’t panic if your weapons stop working or break during the tournament or if they fail tests. You may be able to borrow a weapon from clubmates and the club does bring some extras. If club volunteers/coaches have time they will try to help you or find a replacement weapon.

You can purchase a toolkit with customizable options (www.crossedswords.ca/tools-test-equipment/) or you can assemble one with tools from Canadian Tire or other hardware stores. Some common items found in a fencing toolkit include:

• 6 mm Allen Key (this item is so important that some fencers keep one in their back pocket! Have one on you or near you as sometimes your handle becomes loose between bouts)
• Small wrench/ point spanner/ crescent wrench
• Slotted/flat head screwdriver for tiny screws
• A few little zip lock bags or containers for small parts
• Utility knife 
• Vice grip pliers
• Hockey or electrical tape for foil ends (any colour)
• Crazy glue
• A multimeter (ideally with banana connector ends)
• For seeing tiny screw during repairs: a small white cloth/towel, magnetic dish or tray, or magnifying glasses

 

The tournament’s armourer is not responsible for fixing your equipment. They are there to test your mask, body wires, lamés, and glove for safety before competition, and to fix the scorekeeping equipment, reels, and pistes. Do not expect them to fix your weapons/body wires, but you may be lucky and sometimes they can help you out. Thank them for their help and there may be pay a fee for their services and cost of any parts.

 

We hope this guide has made you feel more prepared for your first tournament. Have fun and remember to ask your coach, volunteers, and clubmates for help or explanations if needed. Please speak to John Brunning or Lindsay Tumback or email pfc.treas@gmail.com