Steve Sobel SYC & CADET International Tournament

Steve Sobel Super Youth Circuit (SYC) & CADET International Event February 26-28, 2016 New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center Address: 97 Sunfield Ave, Edison, NJ 08837 Venue Phone: +1 (732) 417-1400 HOTEL INFORMATION: Courtyard by Marriott - Edison, NJ 3105 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08837 T. +1-(732) 738-1991 Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewred-courtyard-edison-woodbridge/ $95/per night - Includes breakfast for 4 people, internet & parking. Mention "Fencing Tournament or Abbas Fencing Tournament" to receive the discounted room rate. Hotel Fact Sheet: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/ewred-courtyard-edison-woodbridge/ Other Hotel: Sheraton Edison Hotel 125 Raritan Center Parkway, Edison, NJ 08837 T. (732) 225-8300 Website: http://www.sheratonedison.com/ $109.00 per night Reduced Breakfast rate- $10 per person per day Don't Forget to Purchase Your Steve Sobel Tournament T-Shirt During Preregistration @25.00/ea. View this years t-shirt here: http://njfencingalliance.com/documents/Steve-Sobel-2015-T-Shirt.pdf 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 fees refunds issued. About The Steve Sobel SYC Welcome to the fourth 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. Our staff of professionals are ready to once again provide you and your family with another FANTASTIC FENCING EXPERIENCE. This year’s Steve Sobel newly designed trophies and medals are one of a kind made specifically for this event, a must have in your trophy case. We are expecting another National Quality Event. And remember, by joining us at this competition, you are assisting NJFA a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to achieve its mission. NJFA uses the sport of fencing to develop life skills for many students in need throughout New Jersey. Since the program began 2001, it has helped enrich the lives of hundreds of young students and their families. Along the way we’ve had extraordinary success assisting these student athletes reach both their athletic and academic potential. 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 USOC. 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. This tournament is the fourth event of the prestigious 2015-2016 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. VENDOR NEW JERSEY FENCING ALLIANCE is proud to partner with BLUE GAUNTLET FENCING Equipment. Please feel free to visit their booth for all of your fencing equipment and repairs. STEVE SOBEL SYC AND CADET INTERNATIONAL EVENT 2016 DETAILS The Steve Sobel SYC is sanctioned by USA Fencing and their Youth Development Committee and proudly hosted by New Jersey Fencing Alliance (NJFA) from Maplewood, NJ. This SYC is part of a group of National Events held throughout the country for youth fencers in the 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 Super Youth Circuit. This Elite SYC competition serves as a National Qualifying Event for the Y10, Y12 and Y14 age categories for the same category and weapon at the USFA March Youth NAC and the 2016 Summer National Championships. Additionally it provides the opportunity to earn National Youth Points in the Y10, Y12, and Y14. 2016 QUALIFICATION PATHS for March NAC and SUMMER NATIONALS MARCH NAC Y10 & Y12: Fencers must fence in at least 1 Regional (RYC) or SYC in the current season, OR be on the Y10 or Y12 points list to be eligible to enter the same category and weapon at the NAC Y14: Be age eligible SUMMER NATIONALS Y10: Be on Y10 NRPS, OR be on your Y10 Regional Youth Point Standings, OR be in the Top 65% of your region’s Y12 Regional Youth Point Standings. Y12: Be on Y12 NRPS, OR be in Top 8 of Y10 NRPS, OR be in the Top 65% of your region’s Y12 Regional Youth Point Standings, OR be in Top 30% of your region’s Y14 Regional Point Standings, OR be in Top 25% of your Division’s Y14 Qualifier. Y14: Be on Y14 NRPS, OR be in Top 16 of Y12 NRPS, OR be in the Top 30% of your region’s Y14 Regional Youth Point Standings, OR be in the Top 25% of your Division’s Y14 Qualifier. NATIONAL POINTS – The SYC competitions will award points to the top 40% of the field regardless of where the cut-off occurs, be it within a pool round or a direct elimination bracket. For example if there are 18 fencers in an event, 40% of 17 is 6.8, therefore only the top 6 finishers will receive points. The competitive field will be based on eligible (current USFA competitive members and confirmed foreign fencers) athletes in the event. Only the best SYC result will count toward point totals on a rolling point basis. More details with respect to points can be found in the Athlete Handbook. (http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/695205-manuals) CADET INTERNATIONAL (under-17) EVENTS will once again be an exceptional competition. NEW THIS YEAR! Cadet events are NOT National Qualifiers and points cannot be awarded. However, classification increases can be received. 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"). REGISTRATION/ FEES/ DEADLINES USFA RULES PROHIBIT FENCERS FROM COMPETING IN MORE THEN ONE EVENT PER DAY. In exceptional cases, the tournament organizers may waive this limitation. If you would like to request an exemption from this rule, please e-mail blairstar48@aol.com. (Extraordinary exceptions are at the discretion of the Bout Committee). FEE SCHEDULE LATE FEE EXTENDED TO FEB 5TH Regular registration period ends at 11:59 pm on February 2nd Regular Registration Fee: $40 (nonrefundable) Regular Event Fee: $30.00 per event Late fee period: begins on February 3rd (revised to Feb 5th) and ends at 11:59 pm on February 20th: REVISED Late Fee Registration: $90 registration fee (nonrefundable) Late Event Fee: $120 per event Any registrations after this date will be subject to The LATE FEES AS WELL AS AN ADDITIONAL $200 SURCHARGE per USA Fencing Guidelines. Contact Blairstar48@aol.com for more information on how to register after February 20, 2016. ALL WALK IN FEES WILL BE PAID AT THE DOOR IN CASH OR CHECK (no credit cards). For additional information contact email blairstar48@aol.com. Regular On-line registration will close February 2nd (extended to Feb 5th) based on the fee schedule as listed above SYC fees and deadlines are established by USA Fencing. Credit card payments are taken only on-line through askfred.net. (See Late Fees above) If you prefer to pay by personal check, e-mail the organizer for registration and mailing instructions prior to February 2, 2016. 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 at blairstar48@aol.com. REVISION TO ASKFRED JAN 9TH EMAIL: "A" rated fencers get their REGISTRATION fee waived and only pay the EVENT fee the day of the event. REFUND POLICY Registration fee and any Askfred surcharges are nonrefundable. The last day to request a refund of entry fees is February 2nd. Submit all refund requests to blairstar48@aol.com (please include your name, mailing address and weapon/event). Refunds will be processed within 3 weeks after the tournament. EVENT SCHEDULE Fencers must check in at Registration/Check In desk each day they will be competing. All times posted are the CLOSE OF CHECK IN. Fencers should arrive at least 1 1/2 hour prior to the close of check-in time to allow you adequate time to have your equipment checked and properly warm-up. Plan accordingly to avoid disqualification. Fencing will begin 15-30 minutes after the 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 12:00 PM Sun. Y12 Men’s Sabre 8:00 AM Fri. Y12 Men’s Epee 1:30 PM Fri. Y12 Women’s Foil 12 Noon 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 February 26 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 February 27 8:00 AM Sat. Y14 Women’s Foil 8:00 AM Sat. Cadet 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, February 28 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 12 Noon Sun. Y12 Men’s Sabre 12 Noon 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 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. 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 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 10 touch bouts (two periods of three minutes), with a one minute break between each period. The first period ends either at the expiration of three minutes or when 5 touches by either fencer, whichever comes first. During the 1 minute break ONE person, designated by the fencer may be on the strip with the fencer. (The rules for handling ties in score at the end of regulation, awarding of cards and non-combativity will apply as currently written.) Y12, Y14 and Cadet direct elimination bouts are 15 touch (three 3 minute periods) with a one-minute break between each period. During the 1 minute break ONE person, designated by the fencer, 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. 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) POINTS AND CLASSIFICATION EARNINGS Please see the Athletic Handbook for the latest details on points for SYC events, as well as qualifications to National Events. 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. 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, February 24, 2016. 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 by Wednesday, February 24, 2016 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. 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’s signature on pool sheet and DE slip implies accuracy. WITHDRAWAL Withdrawal during pools: If a fencer withdraws, or is excluded, they will be scratched from the pool, and their results will be annulled as if they had not taken part in the competition. Withdrawal during DE: When for whatever reason a fencer cannot fence or cannot complete their bout, their opponent will be declared the 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. AWARDS & HONORS 1st Place winners will receive the Steve Sobel SYC and Cadet International Trophy and 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 SYC and Cadet International medal. This SPECIAL ONE OF A KIND T-shirts will be awarded to the FIRST PLACE WINNER OF EACH EVENT. SYC T-SHIRTS: In one word AWESOME. This year’s shirt will set new standards for tournament shirts priced at $25.00 each. View this years t-shirt here: http://njfencingalliance.com/documents/Steve-Sobel-2015-T-Shirt.pdf 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 has been extended to FEBRUARY 14, 2016. A limited number will be available at the venue for $35 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) Bout Committee CHAIR: Frank Mustilli REFEREE COORDINATOR & HEAD REFEREE: Abbas Fadel USA Fencing Requirements CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION DESK 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. Please have your credit card, which is the preferred method of payment or a separate check payable to "USA Fencing". 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 been verified by USFA and your USFA card indicates "Birth Year Verified – Y” USA Fencing is working towards an age verification process. An athlete can submit a copy of their birth certificate or passport to the National Office via email, mail or fax. The USFA will verify the DOB in the database. Once the date of birth has been verified, it will be indicated on permanent and temporary membership cards. 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. Anyone wishing to opt out of the medical coverage must present the waiver at the time of registration. Click "Download Waiver," above or this link: http://www.njfencingalliance.com/documents/2015-Steve-Sobel-SYC-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 mention it 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 2015-2016 age eligibility schedule. Age eligibility for events is determined by birth year NOT the fencer’s age at the time of the event. Youth 8: 2007-2010 Youth 10: 2005-2008 Youth 12: 2003-2006, or on Youth 10 NRPS List Youth 14: 2001-2004, or on Youth 12 NRPS List Cadet event 2000 -2003 or on Youth 14 NRPS List USFA Current Point Standings can 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 NRPS list for the next lower age group, e-mail the organizer for assistance in processing your entry. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS AND INSPECTIONS: USFA uniform requirements apply. NAMES ARE NOT REQUIRED ON YOUR UNIFORM, per USFA guidelines. 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. Conductive bibs are required in all foil events. 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. SABER FENCERS will be required to fence with an 800N Saber Glove. In accordance with the USA Fencing Board of Directors mandate effective October 1, 2015 for All USA Fencing Sanctioned Tournaments. 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 7-8 am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please plan accordingly. EQUIPMENT CHECK Fencers must present to the armorer for testing of mask, lame jacket, gloves (saber) and body cords, as well as any French grip weapons. 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, gloves and all appropriate weapons check control marks. Athletes are subject to prohibition from fencing if these conditions are not met. Weapons, with grips other than French, will not be inspected or marked in advance. 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. Epee wiring must meet the current standards in effect as of August 1, 2013. For more information, please see http://www.fencingofficials.org/blog/2013/05/wiring-epees/ 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. EQUIPMENT PRE-CHECK (NJFA location) For your added convenience, NJFA will be offering an equipment check on Tuesday, February 23rd and Wednesday, February 24th from 6 pm to 7 pm at its facility located at 54 Burnett Ave, Maplewood NJ 07040. Equipment check will be held at the Edison 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 Food and beverages will be provided by the NJ Convention Center. Venue cafeteria will be open from 7 am to 7pm PHOTOGRAPHY Photography and filming is permitted, however NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY is allowed near ongoing competitions. Be advised that we may have press and other media at this event and to have video, photography, and sound recordings being made. The waiver form includes a release regarding this. Public Transportation to the NJCEC Plane Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) (1-800-247-7433) is the closest large airport to the NJ Convention Center (NJCEC). Other area airports are: New York’s LaGuardia International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Atlantic City International Airport (1-609-645-7895) or Philadelphia International Airport (1-215-937-6937). If you fly into EWR, then you will arrive in the A, B or C concourse. The easiest way of traveling around the airport is the Air Train which is free of charge between terminals, and it is easy to find (there are signs for it throughout the airport). The Air Train leaves every 3 minutes, except between midnight and 5:00am (7:00am on Sundays), when it leaves every 15 minutes. Once at EWR, you’ll have several options for getting to NJCEC. Car (Directions at http://www.njexpocenter.com/directions) RENTAL: To get to the car rental companies take the Air Train to Station P3 for Avis (1-800-230-4898), Hertz (1-800-654-3131) or National (1-800-CAR-RENT), or take it to Station P2 for Budget (1-800-527-0700), Dollar (1-800-800-4000), or courtesy vehicles that’ll take you to Enterprise (1-800-RENT-A-CAR). TAXI CAB: Taxis operate from the airport, some taxi company’s offer a flat rate based on destination. SHUTTLE: You can take a shuttle from Newark Airport. The State Shuttle (1-800-427-3207) is one of the shuttle companies that operate out of the Airport. Please contact your hotel for shuttle information and price. TRAIN: From Newark Airport: Take the Air Train to the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Link Station. There is a $5.50 fee to get off at the Rail Link Station. NJ Transit tickets to Edison, Metro Park or the Metuchen Train Stations are sold there. The fares range from $11.50-$13.75 (one way) for adults and $8.25-$9.25 (one way) for children, seniors and disabled, depending on which station you choose to get off at. From there, you can take a cab; they pick up outside of the train station. Some hotels will pick you up from the train stations, call the hotel to find out. From NYC: If you’re travelling from New York City, you can take NJ Transit North East Corridor Line from Penn Station. It takes roughly an hour, and the cost ranges from $10.00-$12.25 (one way) for adult and $4.50-$5.50 for senior, child and disabled. For more information call NJ Transit at (973) 275-5555 and (800) 772-2287. PAST NYC AND PHILADELPHIA: If you’re travelling a greater distance, you may instead want to use Amtrak (1-800-USA-RAIL) to get here. If you use Amtrak, you may need to transfer to NJ Transit at some point; you can find information on routes and scheduling, as well as make reservations, online. Parking Unlimited Parking is available at the facilities parking lots. Parking fee is $10 per day. HOTEL INFORMATION: Courtyard by Marriott - Edison, NJ 3105 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ 08837 T. +1-(732) 738-1991 Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewred-courtyard-edison-woodbridge/ $95/per night - Includes breakfast for 4 people, internet & parking. Mention "Fencing Tournament or Abbas Fencing Tournament" to receive the discounted room rate. Hotel Fact Sheet: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/fact-sheet/travel/ewred-courtyard-edison-woodbridge/ Nearby Restaurants A list of restaurants near the venue can be found here: http://www.njexpocenter.com/restaurants/ ABOUT THE 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 tournament at the last event. The first place winners of events with 12 or less competitors will receive a $50.00 coupon to our in-house pro shop. If your event has more than 12 competitors the first place winner will receive a $100.00 coupon to our in-house pro shop. No cash will be refunded. The NJFA Youth Cup Series is comprised of 8 tournaments: 8/30/2015, 9/27/2015, 11/22/2015, 1/30 & 31 2016, 2/26 thru 2/28/2016 (Steve Sobel SYC), 4/24/2016, 5/8/2016, 6/5/2016 Double points are awarded at the following events: 8/30/2015, 2/26 thru 2/28/2016 (Steve Sobel SYC), 6/5/2016 NJFA: http://www.njfencingalliance.com. NJFA is a member of the NJ Division of the USFA: http://www.newjerseyfencing.org/ New Jersey Fencing Alliance, a 501 (c)(3) was founded in 2001. It is one of the largest complete state of the art fencing facilities in the United States with 17,000 sf dedicated to our fencers training and enjoyment. We offer 19 fully grounded metal strips, all of which comply with USFA standards. For the convenience of all, each strip has electronic scoring machines located in the center of each strip as well as repeater lights on both ends. All machines are suspended from the ceiling, thus providing complete view of every action by all. Tournament information is displayed on three large overhead projection screens as well as live streaming via the NJFA website. We have a complete Armory and Pro shop. NJFA’s Head Coach Frank Mustilli has been producing Local, State, Regional, National and World Champions since 1996.