Steve Sobel / NJFA SYC & CADET International

Steve Sobel Super Youth Circuit (SYC) & CADET International Event October 17 -19, 2014 Jersey City Armory; Jersey City, NJ -------------------------------------------------- UPDATED PARKING INFO PARKING OPTIONS Venue: Jersey City Armory 678 Montgomery Street Jersey City, NJ 07306 T: +1 (973)-­‐224-­‐3448 – Frank Mustilli Please Note: Parking Option 2 (Saint Peter’s Lot across the street) ONLY AVAILABLE FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY! When using alternative street parking please be sure to pay close attention to all parking regulations on those streets. Option 1 - $5.00 We will have parking signs for street parking on Jordan and Summit Avenues. Parking on these streets are on a first come first serve basis and cost $5.00. OPTION 2 – Saint Peter’s Parking Lot $15.00 SATURDAY & SUNDAY ONLY!!!!!!!!! The Saint Peter’s Parking lot located directly across the street from the venue on Jordan Avenue . The entrance is on Montgomery street. The cost is $15.00 per lot entry. OPTION 3 – Journal Square Parking – Municipal Parking There is parking in Journal square which is run by the town and is paid parking OPTION 4 – Various Street and Lot Parking near the Venue Street parking and various lots nearby the facility. ------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to the third Steve Sobel Super Youth Circuit (SYC) & CADET International Event. Our goal is to make this year’s event even bigger and better than last years which had 1,378 entries in all events. This SYC is in honor of Steve Sobel. Steve Sobel is a former President of the USFA (1972-1976 and 1992-1996), League Counsel, and past Vice President of the US 3 Committee. He began his fencing achievements as the 1954 NCAA Saber champion for Columbia University. He served as Chief of Mission for the US Pan American Game’s team and USOC Delegate to the Pan American Sports Organization. Steve continues to be an active member of numerous US Fencing committees. . STEVE SOBEL SYC AND CADET INTERNATIONAL EVENT 2014 DETAILS: The Steve Sobel SYC is sanctioned by USA Fencing and their Youth Development Committee, and hosted by New Jersey Fencing Alliance (NJFA), Maplewood, NJ. This SYC is part of a group of national events held throughout the country for youth fencers in the Y8, Y10, Y12, Y14 and cadet age categories in all three weapons. USFA competitive membership is required for all events. The Y8 events listed are additional approved events and not part of the SYC. This Elite SYC competition serves as a qualifying event for the Y10, Y12 and path to Nationals for Y14 age categories for the same category and weapon at the USFA March and July NAC’s and 2015 Summer National Championships. Additionally it provides the opportunity to earn National Youth Points in the Y10, Y12, and Y14. National Points will be awarded age categories to those fencers placing in the top 40% of the competitive field regardless of where the cut occurs. For example if there are 17 fencers in an event, 40% of 17 is 6.8. Only the top 6 finishers would earn points. This tournament is the first event of the prestigious 2014-2015 New Jersey Fencing Alliance (NJFA) Youth Cup Series, Last year over 3400 fencers from the United States, Canada and Mexico competed for the coveted Youth Cup Trophy and title of NJFA Youth Cup Champion. For more info about the NJFA Youth Cup Series visit New Jersey Fencing Alliance’s web site at http://www.njfencingalliance.com CADET INTERNATIONAL (under-17) EVENTS will once again be an exceptional competition. This event is a great warm up for the Nov. 7th Junior, Cadet and Y-14 NAC. Cadet events are NOT national qualifiers and points cannot be awarded. As a special thank you, from New Jersey Fencing Alliance, All Y-14 fencers competing in the same weapon Cadet Event will receive a $10.00 discount the day you check in for the Cadet event. RATINGS: Classifications may be awarded to fencers in all events based on participation and place. The competition must meet or exceed criteria in group C1 or higher to award changes in classification. Please refer to the Classification Chart for more information. 1st Place winners will receive the Steve Sobel SYC and Cadet International Trophy as well as a one-of-a-kind STEVE SOBEL SYC AND CADET INTERNATIONAL tournament t-shirt, 2nd thru 8th place finishers will receive the newly designed Steve Sobel Cadet medal. VENUE The Jersey City Armory Over 70,000 sf Venue with amphitheater seating. 678 Montgomery Street Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 BOUT COMMITTEE CHAIR: Frank Mustilli REFEREE COORDINATOR & HEAD REFEREE: Mary Frye NEAREST AIRPORT: Newark Liberty International (approximately 10 miles from the venue) TOURNAMENT COMMUNICATION: Urgent and important information will be communicated through the FRED e-mail system. It is the fencer's responsibility to verify that your FRED profile contains your correct e-mail address. (http://www.askfred.net then go to "My FRED"). ON-LINE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: There will be live real-time posting of seeding, pool and strip assignments and results. Live tournament feed: http://live.njfencingalliance.com. Note, prior to the tournament any posted seeding information is preliminary and NOT official. SYC T-SHIRTS Take it to the strip in maximum comfort. This lightweight shirt has a roomy, athletic cut and controls sweat like a champ. Whether you're fencing for the gold or drilling your footwork, this shirt will keep you cool, dry, and offer you that extra edge. T-shirt orders (youth and adult sizes) will be taken through FRED. E-mail blairstar48@aol.com with any questions. The purchase deadline date is September 25, 2014. A limited number will be available at the venue for $35 T-SHIRT SIZING CHART: http://www.njfencingalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Shirt-size-chart.pdf KINDLE FIRE or equivalent DOOR PRIZE will be given away each day. All fencers will receive one entry for each event that you fence ( if you fence 2 events you will receive 2 entries) CHECK-IN REQUIREMENTS: The venue will open at 6:00 am each morning. Fencers are required to check-in each day that they compete. Having all required SYC registration paperwork at check-in will expedite the registration process. Fencers who fail to check-in before the published close of check-in time will be removed from the event, and there will be NO entry fee refunds issued. All fencers are REQUIRED to present the following documents at check-in: 1. MEMBERSHIP CARD A valid competitive USFA, other fencing federation, or FIE Membership card. Obtain/renew membership at: https://www.railstation.org/usfencing/Login.aspx?Redirect=Profile.aspx?returnurl=default.aspx. New USFA memberships, new USFA card, or replacement USFA cards can be obtained via USFA. Print membership card https://www.railstation.org/usfencing/Login.aspx?Redirect=Profile.aspx?returnurl=default.aspx. Athletes arriving without proof of USFA or other fencing federation membership must complete all appropriate forms and pay for USFA membership at the registration desk. You may join/renew at the door (parent signature required), however we request that you arrive with a completed form or plan to come early to complete required paperwork. The form can be found at http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0034/1407/2013-14_Individual_Membership_Form.rev1.pdf. Pease have a separate check payable to "USA Fencing" or you can use your credit card, which is preferred. 2. BIRTH CERTIFICATE Fencers are required to present a copy of their birth certificate, a government-issued photo identification with the date of birth included or a passport. This is not required if your birth year has not been verified by USFA and your USFA card indicates "Birth Year Verified – Y” We suggest, PRIOR TO THIS EVENT, that if the membership card does not indicate "Birth Year Verified – Y” that you submit a copy of the fencers birth certificate or passport to the USFA National Office via email, mail or fax, they will verify the DOB and provide a updated membership 3. WAIVER OF LIABILITY A completed waiver form signed by a parent or legal guardian is required. To help speed up your registration, please download the waiver form, print it, read it, sign it, and bring it to the table with you. This is especially critical if the fencer does not have a parent/guardian at check-in. No one will be allowed to fence without a signed waiver form. Click "Download Waiver," above or this link: http://www.njfencingalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/NJFA-SYC-2014-Jersey-City-Waiver.pdf. We expect to have press and other media coverage at this event. Photography, filming, recording or any other form of media of the athletes during the tournament can be used by the organizer (NJFA) and the USFA. If you wish to opt out of media coverage, you must present the waiver form in person to the Bout Committee. TOURNAMENT ENTRY Competitive USFA or other foreign federation membership required. Fencers may only compete in one event per day (exceptions require Bout Committee approval). BIRTH YEAR ELIGIBILITY for events is determined by the 2014-15 age eligibility schedule, not your age at the time of the event. Youth 8: 2006-2009 Youth 10: 2004-2007 Youth 12: 2002-2005, or on Youth 10 NRP List Youth 14: 2000-2003, or on Youth 12 NRP List Cadet event 1998 -2001 or on Youth 14 NPR List USFA Current Point Standings cane be located at http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/695476-current-point-standings If your registration is rejected for age and you are on the NRP list for the next lower age group, e-mail the organizer for assistance in processing your entry. REGISTRATION/ FEES/ DEADLINES: USFA RULES PROHIBIT FENCERS FROM COMPETING IN MORE THEN ONE EVENT PER DAY. (Extraordinary exceptions are at the discretion of the Bout Committee). Tournament fees must be paid at time of your registration (your entry is considered “incomplete” until your payment is made). Fees and deadlines are established by USA Fencing. Credit card payments are taken on-line through askfred.net. If you prefer to pay by personal check, e-mail the organizer for registration and mailing instructions. FEE SCHEDULE: Regular registration period ends at 11;59 pm on fee: thru September 26: Regular Registration Fee: $40 (nonrefundable) Regular Event Fee: $30.00 per event Late fee period: begins on September 27 and ends at 11:59 pm on October 11: Late Fee Registration: $120 registration fee (nonrefundable) Late Event Fee $90 per event. All registrations made after 11:59 pm on October 12 will be considered as walk-ins. Walk-in Registration Fee: $120 registration plus a $200.00 surcharge per USFA guidelines. Walk-in Event Fee: $90.00 per event. ALL WALK IN FEES WILL BE PAID AT THE DOOR IN CASH OR CHECK. Regular On-line registration will close October 10 based on the fee schedule as listed above. Registration is not complete until your full payment is made (either through FRED or mail-in). If you are listed as an “incomplete” registrant on the AskFred list, you will be charged the walk-in fee. If you have already registered and need to make changes or add an event, e-mail the organizer. REFUND POLICY Registration fee and any Askfred surcharges are nonrefundable. The last day to request a refund of entry fees is September 26, 2014. Submit all refund requests to blairstar48@aol.com (please include your mailing address). Refunds will be processed within 3 weeks after the tournament. COACHES REGISTRATION Register at: http://njfencingalliance.com/stevesobelsyc2014/coach-registration.php Coaching credentials will be free until October 2, 2014, after which there will be a late processing fee of $15.00. E-mail fencer0901@aol.com with any credential questions. Only properly credentialed Coaches / Representatives with valid USFA Professional membership as defined by the USFA Safe Sport Policy, will be permitted to be at the strip with their fencer. A listing of US Fencing Professional memberships can be located at: http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/698125-current-membership-listing We appreciate your understanding and compliance with the USFA Safe Sport Policy. Coaches / Representatives. If you do not have a professional membership you can complete the US Fencing on-line registration application and receive the professional status. EVENT SCHEDULE Fencers must check in each day they will be competing. All times posted are the CLOSE OF CHECK IN. Fencers should arrive at least 1 1/5 hour prior to close of check-in time to have equipment checked and properly warm-up. Plan accordingly to avoid disqualification. Fencing begins 15-30 minutes after close of check in. EVENTS BY AGE GROUP Cadet Events 8:00 AM Sat. Cadet Men’s Foil 2:30 PM Fri. Cadet Men’s Sabre 8:00 AM Sat. Cadet Men’s Epee 1:30 PM Sun. Cadet Women’s Foil 8:00 AM Sun. Cadet Women’s Sabre 12 Noon Sat. Cadet Women’s Epee Youth 8 Events 3:00 PM Sat. Y8 Men’s Foil 3:00 PM Sat. Y8 Men’s Sabre 4:00 PM Fri. Y8 Men’s Epee 12 Noon Sun. Y8 Women’s Foil 12 Noon Sun. Y8 Women’s Sabre 4:00 PM Fri. Y8 Women’s Epee Youth 10 Events 1:00 PM Sun. Y10 Men’s Foil 8:00 AM Fri. Y10 Men’s Sabre 1:00 PM Sat. Y10 Men’s Epee 8:00 AM Sat. Y10 Women’s Foil 12 Noon Sat. Y10 Women’s Sabre 8:00 AM Sun. Y10 Women’s Epee Youth 12 Events 8:00 AM Fri. Y12 Men’s Foil 1:00 PM Sun. Y12 Men’s Sabre 8:00 AM Fri. Y12 Men’s Epee 1:30 PM Fri. Y12 Women’s Foil 1:00 PM Sun. Y12 Women’s Sabre 1:00 PM Sat. Y12 Women’s Epee Youth 14 Events 8:00 AM Sun. Y14 Men’s Foil 2:00 PM Sat. Y14 Men’s Sabre 8:00 AM Sun. Y14 Men’s Epee 8:00 AM Sat. Y14 Women’s Foil 11:30 AM Fri. Y14 Women’s Sabre 1:30 PM Sun. Y14 Women’s Epee EVENTS BY DAY Friday October 17 8:00 AM Fri. Y12 Men’s Foil 8:00 AM Fri. Y12 Men’s Epee 8:00 AM Fri Y10 Men’s Sabre 11:30 AM Fri. Y14 Women’s Sabre 1:30 PM Fri. Y12 Women’s Foil 2:30 PM Fri. Cadet Men’s Saber 4:00 PM Fri. Y8 Men’s Epee 4:00 PM Fri. Y8 Women’s Epee Saturday October 18 8:00 AM Sat. Y14 Women’s Foil 8:00 AM Sat. Cadet Men’s Foil 8:00 AM Sat. Y10 Women’s Foil 8:00 AM Sat. Cadet Men’s Epee 12 Noon Sat. Cadet Women’s Epee 12 Noon Sat. Y10 Women’s Sabre 1:00 PM Sat. Y10 Men’s Epee 1:00 PM Sat. Y12 Women’s Epee 2:00 PM Sat. Y14 Men’s Sabre 3:00 PM Sat. Y8 Men’s Sabre 3:00 PM Sat. Y8 Men’s Foil Sunday, October 19 8:00 AM Sun. Cadet Women’s Sabre 8:00 AM Sat. Y10 Women’s Epee 8:00 AM Sun. Y14 Men’s Epee 8:00 AM Sun. Y14 Men’s Foil 12 Noon Sun. Y8 Women’s Foil 12 Noon Sun. Y8 Women’s Sabre 1:00 PM Sun. Y12 Men’s Sabre 1:00 PM Sun. Y12 Women’s Sabre 1:00 PM Sun. Y10 Men’s Foil 1:30 PM Sun. Cadet Women’s Foil 1:30 PM Sun. Y14 Women’s Epee EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS AND INSPECTIONS: USFA uniform requirements apply. Names are NOT required on your uniform. Fencers must wear the required clothing regulation fencing jacket and pants, underarm protector (plastron), knee socks and a fencing glove that covers half the forearm. The electric foil bib is required. Women must wear breast protectors. In epee and foil, a full jacket is required (i.e., a jacket with croissard / groin strap). Warm-up pants are not allowed. Fencing uniforms or gloves must not have any rips, tears, holes, etc. USA Fencing allows uniforms of a single pastel color or designs on the rear (unarmed) arm and leg. As the purpose of uniform color or design is for audience interest, such designs should be in good taste. For safety and insurance purposes, fencers must wear full fencing attire while participating in drills, lessons or warm-up. Blade Length: Y8 fencers must fence with weapons NO LONGER than 27.5 inches (“0”). & Y10 fencers must fence with weapons NO LONGER than 32.5 inches. Parents and fencers are advised that blades marketed as "#2" are believed to meet this requirement, however some blades labeled as #2 have exceeded 32.5 inches, these blades will not be permitted. Parents and fencers should expect significant lines for equipment check between 7-8am on Saturday and Sunday. Please plan accordingly. Those fencing Saturday or Sunday can have their equipment checked Friday any time after 10am. EQUIPMENT CHECK will be open each day. Fencers must present to the armorer for testing of mask, lame jacket, gloves (saber) and body cords. Items passing inspection will be specially marked. 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." All events are conducted with electric equipment. A preliminary inspection will be conducted at the beginning of each pool and DE to ensure the presence of the following equipment: underarm plastron, weapons, body cords and all appropriate weapons check control marks. Athletes are subject to prohibition from fencing if these conditions are not met. Weapons will not be inspected or marked in advance, but failure to have the proper number of working weapons and other required equipment at the strip is subject to penalty according to relevant USA Fencing rules. Fencers will only need to have their equipment passed once for the duration of the SYC. You must arrive at the strip with at least two working weapons and two working body cords. Fencers are responsible for having working equipment prior to arrival for competition. Note that Blue Gauntlet Fencing will be on site to sell new equipment and repair services, but fencers ultimately are responsible for having all necessary equipment in working order. SEEDING: Seeding is based on the Current National Youth Ranking according to age group and weapon, then your letter ranking with year classification, then fencers with neither points nor classification are seeded on a random basis after the fencers who are seeded by the previous criteria. The Steve Sobel SYC and Cadet International Tournament will ONLY use ratings and points standings that have been forwarded to and accepted by USA Fencing in advance of the tournament and then downloaded by us from USA Fencing. This information will be downloaded on Wednesday, October 15, 2014. Check your current points at: http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/695476-current-point-standings. Check USA rating at http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/698125-current-membership-listing. Fencers should verify their ratings and point standing prior to the event. Any discrepancies must be resolved with the USFA. Only an official e-mail response from USFA will override the ratings/points published on the USFA website. Each event’s tentative seeding will be posted at the venue and on-line prior to the close of check-in. Final seeding will be posted after close of check-in. It is the fencer's responsibility to notify the Bout Committee of any discrepancies in posted seeding information before pool assignments are posted. Any mistakes in posted information throughout the tournament must be reported to the BC immediately (within 5 minutes of posting). This includes club affiliation, division, classification, date of birth, gender, spelling of name, etc. Errors in posted pool results must be reported to the BC immediately (within 5 minutes). Once DE round starts and tableau is posted, the pool results are final and no adjustments will be made. Check all scores before leaving the strip. Fencer signature on pool sheet and DE slip implies accuracy. POINTS AND CLASSIFICATION EARNINGS Classifications (ratings) can be awarded, however youth events must exceed criteria in Group C1 or higher to award changes in classifications. Please refer to the USFA Classification Chart at: http://www.teamusa.org/~/media/USA_Fencing/Documents/About%20Tournaments/Classification_Chart.pdf Points, classifications and qualification are not finalized until the complete results, membership forms and program service fee are received by the National Office. Fencers who earn a new classification on Friday or Saturday of the tournament may not use that classification for subsequent events on Saturday or Sunday of this tournament. Photography and filming is permitted, however NO flash photography is allowed near ongoing competitions. WITHDRAWAL: Withdrawal during pools: If a fencer withdraws, or is excluded, is scratched from the pool, and his results are annulled as if he had not taken part in the competition. Withdrawal during DE: When for whatever reason a fencer cannot fence or cannot complete his bout, his opponent is declared winner of that bout. Note that per USA Fencing rules, fencers who are not present for their bout after having started a competition (for reasons other than a verified medical withdrawal) will be excluded from the competition, and national points and/or classifications that might have been earned for that competition will not be awarded. Further disciplinary action can be taken by USA Fencing. TOURNAMENT FORMAT USA Fencing rules apply. http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/695208-rulebook Fencers who are not present for their bout after having started a competition (for reasons other than a verified medical withdrawal) will be excluded from the competition, and national points and/or classifications that might have been earned for that competition will not be awarded. Further disciplinary action can be taken by USA Fencing. All events will be one round of pools comprised of the standard 5-touch bout in 3 minutes, with 100% promotion to direct eliminations. Pools of 6 or 7 will be used whenever possible in accordance with SYC guidelines with 100% of the fencers promoted to a DE tableau. Direct Elimination Tableau shall be established d according to the results of the preliminary pool round. Events with fewer than 11 participants may be two rounds of pools to direct eliminations. There will be no fence off for third place. SYC tournaments are required to have at least 6 competitors for points to be awarded and cannot be a mixed competition. Y10 direct elimination bouts are for 10 hits or end when two periods of three minutes, with a one-minute rest between each period, have passed. The first period ends either at the expiration of three minutes or when 5 hits are scored, whichever comes first. (The rules for handling ties in score at the end of regulation, awarding of cards and non-combativity will apply as currently written.) Y12 direct elimination bouts are for 15 hits or end when 3 periods of three minutes, with a one-minute rest between each period have passed. For Y14 and Cadet Events, DE bouts are 15 touch bouts (3 three minute periods with a 1 minute break between). During the 1minute breaks, ONE person, designated by the fencer (a teammate, coach, or parent), may be on the strip with the fencer. Cadet events with more than 64 entrants may be subject to an 80% cutoff at the discretion of the Bout Committee. Medals will be awarded to the Top 8 places. SPECIAL ONE OF A KING tee shirts will be awarded to the FIRST PLACE WINNERS OF EACH EVENT. USA Fencing rules apply as set forth in the USA Fencing Rulebook and as discussed further in the USA Fencing Athlete Handbook (http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Fencing/About-Us/Manuals.aspx) SYC competitions award points to the top 40% of the field regardless of where the cut-off occurs, i.e. if there are 17 fencers 40% of 17 is 6.8 - only the top 6 finishers (not top 7) earn points. EQUIPMENT CHECK Parents and fencers should plan accordingly and arrive at least 1 1/2 hour prior to the close of check in, as there may be delays in equipment check. For your added convenience, NJFA will be offering an equipment check on Wednesday, October 15 and Thursday, October 16 from 6 pm to 9 pm at its facility located at 54 Burnett Ave, Maplewood NJ 07040. Equipment check will be held at the venue on Friday and Saturday from 7 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm. FENCING BAG STORAGE: Fencing bags will not be allowed on the fencing floor. Please store fencing bags in non-fencing areas ARMORER Armorers will be available to provide personal armoring on a fee per basis. VENDOR Blue Gauntlet Fencing FOOD Venue cafeteria will be open from 7 am to 7pm DIRECTIONS Click the Directions link on the FRED tournament home page. Via I-78 E; Take the US-1-9 N exit, Exit 58B; Merge onto US-1-9 N/US-1 & 9/US-9 N/US-1 N via the exit on the left; Take the US-1 N/US-9 N exit; Merge onto US-1-TRUCK N/US-9-TRUCK N/US-1-9-TRUCK N/US-1 & 9-TRUCK N via the exit on the left; Stay straight to go onto Communipaw Ave; Turn left onto John F Kennedy Blvd; Turn right onto Montgomery St. Via I-78 (Toll): I-78 E; Take the exit toward Jersey City/Columbus Drive; Stay straight to go onto Center St.; Go onto Merseles St.; Turn right onto Montgomery St.; 678 Montgomery St is on the right. Out of Holland Tunnel: Go west on 13th St toward Marin Blvd; Turn left onto Marin Blvd.; Turn right onto Montgomery St. Public Transportation: From Journal Square PATH station: Cabs are available or if you choose to walk the Venue is approximately 15 away: Go east on Magnolia Ave toward Summit Ave.; Turn right onto Summit Ave.; Turn right onto Montgomery St. Some area taxi services: A-1 Taxi (201) 222-1200 King Taxi (201) 798-8100 Budget Taxi (201) 985-1888 AA Taxi & Limo Service (201) 435-1000 Jersey Taxi (201) 772-1111 2way Limo & Taxi (201) 432-4321 Jersey City Taxi & Limo Service (201) 332-8422 PARKING Parking is available on street as well as surrounding Parking Lots within walking distance to the venue. NEARBY HOTELS: Courtyard Jersey City Newport (2.3 miles) 540 Washington Boulevard http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrnw-courtyard-jersey-city-newport DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City (2.1 miles) 455 Washington Boulevard http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/new-jersey/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-and-suites-jersey-city-EWRWTDT/index.html Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson (1.87 miles) 2 Exchange Place http://jerseycity.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-jerseycity/index.jsp?null Westin Jersey City Newport (3 miles) 479 Washington Boulevard http://www.westinjerseycitynewport.com/ NEW JERSEY FENCING ALLIANCE YOUTH CUP SERIES NJFA is proud to offer its 5th Year of the Youth Cup Series. This is a series of youth events held throughout the year offering fencing competitions to fencers in the Y8, Y10, Y12 and Y14 age categories at New Jersey Fencing Alliance (NJFA) Maplewood, NJ. During the 2013-14 season over 3,200 fencers participated in this series. Each tournament is a stand-alone awards are presented at each event. Points are awarded to top 8 finishers in each event. Points are accumulated and at the final event of the season the top 3 overall point finishers in each event will receive the Steve Sobel Trophy and other prizes. Should there be a tie in final point totals; the fencer with the highest finish in the final event will be declared the winner This year we decided to give a special thank you award to the winners of the youth cup tounament. The first place winners of events with 12 or less competitors will receive a $50.00 coupon. If your event has more than 12 competitors the first place winner will receive a $100.00 coupon to our in-house pro shop. The NJFA Youth Cup Series is comprised of 10 tournaments Oct 17th thru 19th, 2014 (SYC), 10/26/14, 11/16/14, 12/28/14, 1/25/15 (RYC), 2/22/14, 3/15/15, 3/22/15 (RYC), 4/19/15 and 5/17/15 Double points are awarded at the following events: 10/26/14, 11/16/14, 12/28/14, 1/25/15 (RYC), 2/22/14, 3/15/15, 3/22/15 (RYC), 4/19/15 and 5/17/15. NJFA: http://www.njfencingalliance.com. NJFA is a member of the NJ Division of the USFA: http://www.njfencing.org