NJFA Region #3 Doc D'Ambola RYC

NEW JERSEY FENCING ALLIANCE REGION # 3 Doc D'Ambola RYC (Regional Youth Circuit) Maplewood, New Jersey January 25, 2015 CHECK YOUR EVENT TIMES AS THEY HAVE CHANGED (See Event Schedule Below) REGISTRATIONS WILL END JAN. 17TH. 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 Scheduled: Sunday January 25th NEW TIMES (8:00) Y14 Womens Foil (8:00) Y14 Mens Foil (8:00) Y10 Womens Saber (8:00) Y10 Mens Foil (8:00) Y10 Mens Saber (11:00) Y10 Womens Foil (11:00) Y12 Mens Epee (11:00) Y8 Mixed Foil (11:15) Y12 Womens Saber (11:30) Y10 Mens Epee (11:45) Y12 Womens Epee (1:15) Y12 Mens Saber (1:15) Y12 Womens Foil (1:30) Y12 Mens Foil (2:15) Y14 Mens Epee (4:30) Y14 Womens Epee (4:45) Y14 Womens Saber (4:45) Y14 Mens Saber Our goal is to make this year's event even bigger and more enjoyable than last years. New Jersey Fencing Alliance, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which will utilize the proceeds from this event to continue its corporate focus of introducing the sport of fencing to students, at all levels and ages throughout New Jersey who would not have been able to enjoy the sport and all that it provides, including increased self-esteem, confidence and pride. NJFA has helped enrich the lives of hundreds of young children and their families. Along the way our students have experienced exceptional success both athletically and academically. NJFA is proud to have assisted so many students to earn scholarships for colleges including Division I programs not to mention the hundreds of students that have utilized the NJFA network to assist in college acceptance and employment. EVENT Dr. D'Ambola is a legend in US fencing. He is an outstanding left handed fencer and was a member of the undefeated Seton Hall University team, several times state champion in individual and in team events. He coached Essex Catholic High School for 14 years. During his time, his fencers won nine team state championships, 8 Cetrullo Tournament Championships and 2 greater New York Championships. Dr. D'Ambola is an inducted member of the National Fencing Hall of Fame, Seton Hall University Hall of Fame, Newark Athletic Hall of Fame, Essex Catholic High School Hall of Fame and was inducted into the NJSIAA hall of fame last year. The Regional Youth Circuit (RYC) is sanctioned by USA Fencing and their Youth Development Committee (YDC). RYCs are a group of events in each region throughout the country for youth fencers in the Y10, Y12, and Y14 age categories in all three weapons. They provide an opportunity for young athletes to experience elite competition, earn regional points, and prepare for future national events while limiting travel time and expenses for the fencers and families.The Y8 events listed are additional approved events and not part of the RYC. RYC's are one of the possible qualification paths for Y10 and Y12 fencers to the Youth NAC and for Y10, Y12 and Y14 fencers to the Summer National Championships. The USFA has made significant changes with respect to eligibility and qualification paths. We are providing the following information / schedule, for your convenience. Beginning in the 2014-2015 season, all youth events at the Summer Nationals will be National Championships. A Regional Ranking Point System (RRPS) has been instituted to recognize participation and accomplishments of developing athletes at the regional level and beginning in the 2014-2015 season will serve as a qualification path in Y12 and Y14 to the Summer National Championships. Rankings will be managed by the National Office and available for viewing on the USA Fencing Website under Rankings, Current Rankings, and Regional. These rankings are regional only and ARE NOT RELATED IN ANY WAY TO THE NATIONAL ROLLING POINT STANDINGS. There are NO National Points earned at RYC events. Youth National points (NRPS) are awarded to the top 40% of the competitive field at an SYC to a maximum of 64 fencers and to the top 32 fencers at Youth NACs and Summer National Championships. All athletes who have fenced at an RYC will earn points based on placement. Larger fields will award more points for placement. The USFA has approved an abundance of RYCs in each of the 6 youth regions, If an athlete competes in more than 3 RYCs in their home region, only their best 3 results will count. At the end of the season, ranking winners of each age group and gender in each of the 6 youth regions will be recognized by the YDC and US Fencing. For more details please visit http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0059/5402/2014-2015_Regional_Youth_Recognition_Initiative.pdf Youth NAC: Y10 and Y12 fencers must participate in at least one RYC or SYC tournament prior to the regular registration deadline for the March/April Youth NAC in order to be considered eligible to compete. RYCs that take place before the Youth NAC but after the regular registration deadline will NOT be considered for meeting eligibility requirement for the Youth NAC. Y14 registration for this NAC is open and has no pre-tournament requirements. The USFA Qualification paths for Y10/12/14 can be located in the Athletes Handbook (http://www.usfencing.org/athletehandbook). Summer National Championships: Qualification requirements for each category Youth 10 Championships - New paths Fencers must meet age eligibility above AND Be on their region's Y10 Regional Youth point standings by the regular fee entry deadline for these Championships OR Be on the Youth 10 national point standings by the regular fee entry deadline for these Championships Youth 12 Championships - New paths Fencers must meet age eligibility above AND Be in the top 50% of their region's Y12 Regional Youth point standings by the regular fee entry deadline for these Championships OR Be on the Youth 12 national point standings by the regular fee entry deadline for these Championships OR Be in the top 8 of the Youth10 national point standings by the regular fee entry deadline for these Championships OR Be in top 4 on their region's Y10 Regional Youth point standings by the regular fee entry deadline for these Championships Youth 14 Championships - New Paths Fencers must meet age eligibility above AND Be on the Youth14 national point standings by the regular fee entry deadline for these Championships OR Be in the top 25% of their region's Y14 Regional Youth point standings by the regular fee entry deadline for these Championships OR Be in the top 16 of the Youth12 national point standings by the regular fee entry deadline for these Championships OR Be in top 8 on their region's Y12 Regional Youth point standings by the regular fee entry deadline for these Championships OR Place in the top 25% % (see updated Table 2.7.4.1 in Appendix 3) of the fencer's Division's Youth 14 qualifying competition held in the current season SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL TIMES POSTED REPRESENT THE CLOSE OF CHECK-IN) Fencing will normally commence 20 to 30 minutes after the close of check-in. Start times are subject to change - check askfred.net for updates. It is recommended that fencers arrive at least 1 hour prior to close of check-in time. This should provide them with ample time to register and have their equipment checked and properly warm-up. NJFA opens at 7:00 am. NEW JERSEY FENCING ALLIANCE (NJFA) YOUTH CUP SERIES The NJFA Youth Cup Series is comprised of 9 tournaments The dates will be determined by August 15, 2014. This tournament is the third 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 VENUE: Over 17,500 sf Venue New Jersey Fencing Alliance 50-58 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood, NJ (use 54 Burnett Avenue for MapQuest). NJFA is conveniently located near all major highways in NJ, NY, CT, and Pennsylvania. Just off Springfield Avenue (via Vermont St). Only a 30 minute train ride from NYC Penn Station (via NJ Transit Mid-Town Direct; http://www.njtransit.com). NJFA is a fully equipped state-of-the-art fencing salle. This 17500 sf venue offers 19 grounded official USFA fencing strips with center scoring boxes with repeater lights at each end, men's and women's locker rooms, FREE Wireless Internet service, on-site fully equipped Fencing Pro Shop, live results streaming of tournament information, and FREE parking. Overhead monitors also display live results and tournament information. BOUT COMMITTEE CHAIR: Frank Mustilli REFEREE COORDINATOR & HEAD REFEREE: TBA ORGANIZER CONTACT: blairstar48@aol.com NJFA prides itself in providing our competitors with highly qualified referees, nationally ranked FOC, an experienced Bout Committee and a friendly staff. Visit http://www.njfencingalliance.com NJFA is a member of the NJ Division of the USFA: http://www.newjerseyfencing.org/ 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. CHECK-IN REQUIREMENTS: The venue will open at 7:00 am. Fencers are required to check-in the day of the competition. 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/0034/1407/2014-15_Individual_Membership_Form.pdf. Please 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/2015/01/FRED_USFA_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 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. We are not responsible for any inability to register on askfred. FEE SCHEDULE: Regular registration period ends at 11:59 pm on January 4: Regular Registration Fee: $30 (nonrefundable) Regular Event Fee: $25.00 per event Late fee period: begins on January 5 and ends at 11:59 pm on January 17 : Late Fee Registration: $60 registration fee (nonrefundable) Late Event Fee $50 per event. Walk-in Fees (if space available) Registration Fee: $90 plus a $200 surcharge per USFA guidelines. Event Fee: $75 per event Registration Closes at at 11:59 PM on January 17th. If you have already registered and need to make changes or add an event, e-mail the organizer blairstar48@aol.com. REFUND POLICY Registration fee and any Askfred surcharges are nonrefundable. The last day to request a refund of entry fees is January 4, 2015. Submit all refund requests to blairstar48@aol.com (please include your mailing address). Refunds will be processed within 3 weeks after the tournament. 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. New Jersey Fencing Alliance RYC 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, January 21, 2015. 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/USA-Fencing/Events/About-Tournaments/Classification-Chart.aspx 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. RYC 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 touches 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.) For Y12, Y14 and Junior Events, DE bouts are 15 touch bouts (3 three minute periods with a 1 minute break between). During the 1 minute breaks, ONE person, designated by the fencer (a teammate, coach, or parent), may be on the strip with the fencer. 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) We realize that there are many new fencers and parents at this event. We would like to recommend that you review the following guides prior to this tournament. We believe that they will provide assistance in understanding some likely fencing terms and give you a general understanding as to what to expect at a tournament. Guides are a courtesy of fencing.net and the USFA. Beginner's Tournament Guide (courtesy of fencing.net) http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread44882.html Parents Guide to Fencing (courtesy of Fencing.net) http://www.fencing.net/forums/thread38526.html USA Fencing Parent Guidebook http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0034/6319/USA_Fencing_Parent_Guidebook.pdf 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. Equipment check will be held at the venue on 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 the Designated Fencing Bag Storage Area. 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. PARKING Plenty of parking at the venue. NEARBY HOTELS: Numerous hotels at Newark Liberty International Airport (approximately 20 minutes away) Public Transportation: NJFA is conveniently located near all major highways in NJ, NY, CT, and Pennsylvania. Just off Springfield Avenue (via Vermont St). Only a 30 minute train ride from NYC Penn Station (via NJ Transit Mid-Town Direct; http://www.njtransit.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. NJFA Youth Cup 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 NJFA Youth Cup 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 The NJFA Youth Cup Series is comprised of 9 tournaments The Dates are currently TBD Double points are awarded at the first and last events. NJFA: http://www.njfencingalliance.com. NJFA is a member of the NJ Division of the USFA: http://www.njfencing.org