Cobra Challenge RJCC (Region 3)

***REVISED SCHEDULE INFORMATION BELOW***
COBRA CHALLENGE REGIONAL JUNIOR/CADET CIRCUIT (RJCC) (Region 3) October 17-18, 2015 Cobra Fencing Club; Jersey City, NJ Entry for Junior events: Born 1996-2002, or on the National Cadet point standings Entry for Cadet events: Born 1999-2002, or on the National Youth 14 point standings If your entry is rejected because of age, contact us to handle your registration. ================================================================================================================================================================== SABER FENCERS In conjunction with the updated amendments to the Federation Internationale d’Escrime Rules, the USA Fencing Board of Directors has voted to mandate that the 800N Saber Glove is Mandatory for All USA Fencing Sanctioned Tournaments Beginning on Oct. 1, 2015. READ THE “MORE INFO” SECTION BEFORE E-MAILING WITH QUESTIONS REFEREES: If interested in refereeing, e-mail Lisa Campi-Sapery at lisasapery@hotmail.com. COMMUNICATION: Important tournament information will be communicated through the FRED e-mail system. Take time to verify that your FRED profile contains an up-to-date e-mail address (log in and check My FRED). Live tournament seeding and results (during competition): http://www.cobrafencing.com/results ================================================================================================================================================================== RJCC The Regional Junior/Cadet Circuit (RJCC) is designed to promote and develop strong regional tournaments for Junior and Cadet aged fencers who seek competitive opportunities beyond the local and divisional level but below the NAC Junior/Cadet levels. RJCC events function as qualifiers to the Junior Olympic Fencing Championships. The USFA Athlete Handbook contains detailed information on qualifying pathways and should be consulted as the appropriate reference document. RJCC tournaments are open to current USFA competitive members eligible to fence in Open competitions and to foreign fencers with current FIE licenses; however, foreign fencers are not eligible to compete in Junior Olympic Fencing Championship events. The RJCC point standings are calculated according to the following guidelines: In each RJCC category (Junior and Cadet)the size of the participant field is based on all athletes in the event, regardless of region. Regional RJCC Points are only earned in the fencers own region (for this event, regional points will be awarded to each competitor residing in Region 3 - your Region is assigned based on Division affiliation). RJCC uses this formula: ((# entries – place + 1) / # entries) x 100 points). The winner of each RJCC, regardless of size of field, will earn 100 points. Best 2 results from RJCCs within the athlete’s region count toward Regional point totals on a rolling point basis. These points may qualify Cadet and Junior fencers to the USA Fencing Junior Olympics and July Challenge. Regional Map: http://www.usfencing.org/rycregionalcoordinators Junior Qualification Path to JO's: Be on the Junior NRPS, OR Be in Top 16 of the Cadet NPRS, OR Be in the top 25% on your region's Junior Regional Circuit point standings, OR Be in the Top 25% from your Division JO Qualifier at the regular fee entry deadline for these championships Cadet Qualification Path to JO's: Be on the Cadet NRPS, OR Top 8 of the Y14 NPRS, OR Be in the top 25% on your region's Cadet Regional Circuit point standings, OR Be in the Top 25% of your region's Junior Regional Circuit Points, OR Be in Top 25% from your Division Cadet JO Qualifier at the regular fee entry deadline for these championships, OR Be in Top 25% from your Division Junior JO Qualifier at the regular fee entry deadline for these championships Junior Qualification Path to July Challenge: Be on the Junior NRPS (age out rankings after JOs, OR Be on the Cadet NRPS (age out after JOs), OR Be in the top 50% on your region's Junior Regional Circuit point standings, OR Be in the Top 25% of the Y14 NRPS, OR Foreign athletes who meet USA Fencing classification standard of A or B as defined in the Athlete Handbook. Cadet Qualification Path to July Challenge: Be on the Cadet NRPS (age out after JOs), OR Top in the top 50% of Y14 NRPS, OR Be in the top 50% of your region's Cadet Regional Circuit point standings, OR Be in the Top 50% of your region's Junior Regional Circuit Points, OR Foreign athletes who meet USA Fencing classification standard of A, B, or C as defined in the Athlete Handbook. RJCC points are considered seasonal. The USFA Athlete Handbook (http://www.usfencing.org/athletehandbook) contains detailed information on RJCC qualifying pathways and should be consulted as the appropriate reference document. Results posted at the venue and on FRED are not official; results must be verified by the national office for final determination of qualification. ================================================================================================================================================================== ============================== REGISTRATION AND EVENT FEES ============================== Tournament fees must be PAID for entry to be complete (your entry is “incomplete” until payment (or payment arrangement) is made). Regular fee entry period: To be eligible for regular fee ($30 registration fee plus $45/event), payment must be made as follows: 1. Via credit card through askFRED.net (regular fee entry deadline is September 27). 2. Via personal check by regular mail (e-mail the organizer for payment instructions, check must be received by September 27). 3. Via cash or personal check at the door (must notify us of your intent to pay at the door prior to September 27). Late fee entry period: Entry made Sep 28-30 is via FRED at late fee ($30 registration fee plus $65/event), and payment must be made via credit card through FRED. No Walk-ins REFUND POLICY 100% refund (less FRED fees) if notified prior to Sep 27, 2015. Event fee only if notified Sep 28-Oct 10 (registration fee will not be refunded) NO refunds if notified Oct 11-18 – NO exceptions To submit refund request: Notify Steve Kaplan at steve@cobrafencing.com and include a mailing address. Refunds will be processed after conclusion of tournament. On tournament day, fencers who fail to check-in at the registration desk before the posted close of check-in time for their event will be withdrawn from the competition, and no there will be no refund of entry fees. ============================== SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ============================== CLOSE OF CHECK-IN TIMES: (subject to change) We strongly encourage you arrive at the venue at least 1 hour before close of your event registration. Fencers not checked in at posted close of check-in time will not be permitted to compete, and no refund of entry fees will be issued. Fencers must check-in each day they fence. SATURDAY 8:00 J MF 8:15 C WE 1:00 J WF 1:30 C ME 5:00 C WS (CHANGED) 5:00 J MS (CHANGED) SUNDAY 8:00 J ME 8:00 J WS (CHANGED) 11:45 C WF (CHANGED) 12:00 J WE (CHANGED) 2:30 C MF (CHANGED) 4:30 C MS (CHANGED) =============================== TOURNAMENT ENTRY ============================== Liability waiver - Upon entering this tournament you agree to abide by the current rules of USA Fencing and other applicable rules. You acknowledge you are entering this tournament at your own risk and release the following from any and all claims and/or liability in any way related to or arising out of this tournament to the fullest extent allowed by law: USA Fencing and its sponsors, New Jersey Division of USA Fencing, Cobra Fencing Club, Emmes Realty, Escrime Management, tournament staff, tournament volunteers, and referees. With entry you give consent to Cobra Fencing Club and its representatives (including without limitation any tournament personnel) to obtain medical care from any licensed physician, hospital, EMS personnel, or clinic for any injury or illness that may arise during activities associated with this tournament. Photography, filming, recording, or any other form of media of the athlete during the tournament can be used by the tournament organizers and USA Fencing. Those wishing to opt out of media coverage must inform the Bout Committee. Cobra Fencing Club is not responsible for any lost or stolen property. • Entry is determined by 2015-16 USA Fencing birth year requirements and rating restrictions: Junior events: Born 1996-2002, or on the National Cadet point standings Cadet events: Born 1999-2002, or on the National Youth 14 point standings • The USFA Athlete Handbook (http://www.usfencing.org/athletehandbook) contains detailed information on RJCC qualifying pathways and should be consulted as the appropriate reference document. • Results posted at the venue and on FRED are not official; results must be verified by the national office for final determination of qualification. • USFA rules apply (http://usfencing.org/resources/documents/usfa-rulebook) • Full USFA regulation uniform is required. Electric bib required in foil events. • Must have at least two working weapons and two body cords. • Current USA Fencing competitive membership, FIE, or other foreign federation membership, required. Note that all memberships expire on July 31st, so if you have not renewed since July 31st you are not a current member. Must present membership card (or proof of membership payment) at check-in. To print your membership card visit: https://www.railstation.org/usfencing/Login.aspx?Redirect=Profile.aspx?returnurl=default.aspx. To join/renew USA Fencing membership visit: http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/698115-individuals. If no proof of membership you must complete and pay for USA Fencing membership. You may join/renew at the door (parent signature required), however arrive with a completed form or plan to come early to complete required paperwork. http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0034/1407/2013-14_Individual_Membership_Form.rev.pdf. Have separate check payable to "USA Fencing" or use your credit card (preferred). TOURNAMENT DAY CHECK-IN REQUIREMENTS • Venue opens at 7 a.m. each morning. • Fencers are required to check in each day they compete • Fencers are required to have equipment checked (only required once if fencing more than one day) • Present to registration desk with proof of fencing federation membership (USA Fencing, FIE, or foreign federation). ============================== TOURNAMENT FORMAT/RULES ============================== • USA Fencing rules apply. http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/695208-rulebook • Equipment check required (mask, lame (as appropriate), sabre cuffs, head cords, and body cords). 800N Saber Glove is mandatory. Armorer will be on-site for repairs (for fee). Fencers only need to have their equipment passed once for the duration of the RJCC • Full USA Fencing regulation uniform required. Name is NOT required on uniform. Foil mask with conductive bib required. Fencers arm, equip and clothe themselves and fence at their own responsibility and at their own risk. Fencers are responsible for ensuring arrival at the strip with working equipment. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT • Uniforms (jacket, pants, knee-high socks, fencing glove): Standard fencing uniforms; cannot have any rips, tear, or holes. Warm-up pants or jeans are not allowed. Fencing glove must cover half of the forearm. 800N Saber Glove is Mandatory. • Plastrons (underarm protectors): Standard fencing plastron; required with every uniform • Chest Protector: Required for females • Masks: 12K punch test; sewn in bib. Conductive Bib in foil is required. Elastic strap at back of mask is required • Blades: Standard blade length of 30-35” permitted. Must have at least two working weapons and two body cords when reporting to the strip. • Weapon Handle: Any attachment to a weapon’s handle must fix the hand in one position such that the top of the thumb is no more than 2 cm from the inner surface of the guard. • Names on Uniforms: Not required. • Ratings can be awarded. See USFA ratings chart at: http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0034/6264/Classification_Chart.pdf SEEDING Juniors: National Junior Rolling Points, then classification/year. Fencers with equal classifications will be randomized within each classification. Cadets: National Cadet Rolling Points, then classification/year. Fencers with equal classifications will be randomized within each classification. Only ratings and points standings listed on the USA Fencing website will be used (ratings on FRED at not official). It is the fencer's responsibility to ensure that USA Fencing has properly recorded any necessary changes or corrections prior to this date. No classification or affiliation changes will be made at the event. Current ratings: http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/698125-current-membership-listing. Current point standings: http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/695476-current-point-standings. FORMAT • One preliminary round of pools (5-touch/3 minute bouts), then all fencers advance to direct elimination round (15 touch/9-minute bouts.). DE tableau shall be comprised according to the results of the preliminary pool round. During the 1-minute break, ONE PERSON designated by the fencer (team-mate, coach, or parent) may be on the strip with the fencer. • There is no fence-off for third place. • Medals awarded to Top 8. • Fencers are responsible for ensuring accuracy of all posted information and must report errors to the bout committee (BC) immediately. 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. • Photography and filming is allowed, however NO flash photography is allowed near ongoing competitions. WITHDRAWAL DURING TOURNAMENT: • Withdrawal during pools: The pools must be fenced through the last bout. A fencer who withdraws, or who is excluded, is scratched from the pool, and his results are annulled as if he had not taken part. • Withdrawal during DE: When for whatever reason a fencer cannot fence or cannot complete his bout, his opponent is declared winner of that bout. A fencer who withdraws does not lose his place in the overall classification of the competition. SPECTATORS: Everybody taking part in or present at a fencing competition must remain orderly and must not disturb the smooth running of the competition. At no time is anyone allowed to criticize the Officials or their decisions, to insult them or to attempt to influence them in any way. Coaches and spectators are allowed to give advice to fencers, but in all situations, coaches and spectators must not disturb the order of the bout. The referee and/or the Bout Committee can decide to expel from the competition venue, with or without warning, any person who by gesture, attitude or language disturbs the good order or smooth running of the tournament. ============================== TOURNAMENT STAFF ============================== Escrime Management: George Janto, David Sapery, Cheryl Delaney Referee Coordinator/Head Referee: Lisa Campi Sapery(If interested in working as a referee, contact Lisa at lisasapery@hotmail.com) Armory: Armory services available (for fee) ============================== EQUIPMENT CHECK ============================== Arrive early to allow time for equipment check. Equipment will be inspected and marked (mask, lame (as appropriate), sabre cuffs, head cords, and body cords). Fencers only need to have their equipment passed once for the duration of the RJCC. Names not required on uniforms. ============================== EQUIPMENT VENDOR ============================== Absolute Fencing Gear (http://www.absolutefencinggear.com) will be on-site for equipment sales. ========================= FOOD ========================= Food and beverage concessions will be provided by Cobra Cafe. ========================= VENUE ========================= Lakawanna Warehouse 629 Grove Street, 4th Floor Jersey, City NJ FREE Wi-Fi FREE Parking PARKING INFORMATION: To avoid possibility of your car being towed, note these parking instructions: Parking is available in lot directly across street and also the parking lot at the southwest corner of 18th/Grove Streets. Once the main parking lot is filled there are 3 other parking locations: 1. You can park nose into the cyclone fence on 16th Street between Grove St. and Marin Blvd. DO NOT park in front of the sliding gate however. 2. There is a parking lot at the corner of Grove Street and 18th St. 3. You can go up the ramp located on Marin Blvd between 18th and 16th street. DO NOT block access to the truck bays. Stay to the right. If you are parking here we suggest you drop off your fencer with a parent to check in. It's about a 10 minute walk down the ramp and around the block to the Lackawanna Warehouse. If you arrive at Cobra and are unable to find parking either in the lot directly across the street, nose in along the fence on 16th Street between Grove and Marin (excluding the sliding gate entrance which is marked with cones), or the parking lot on the corner of 18th Street and Grove St. you should: 1. Drop off your fencer and a parent at the building entrance with their equipment so they can go up to the fourth floor and check in. 2. Drive to the corner of Grove St and 18th St. Turn left and proceed about 200 yards until you see a yellow post at an open entrance on the left. You can turn in and park as long as you stay well right. Do not block any truck bays or construction areas. Do not go left into The Cake Boss’s parking area. Walk back to Grove Street along 18th St. NEAREST AIRPORT: Newark Liberty International (12 miles away) PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: From Manhattan by train: PATH train from Manhattan to Hoboken. The walk would be about 20 minutes. Taxis available in Hoboken (appx 4 minute ride to Cobra). Have the cab take Observer Highway West and turn left on Grove St. The Lackawanna Warehouse is on the right-hand side between 18th and 16th St. ===========================================NEARBY HOTELS=========================================== The Doubletree Hotel; rates start appx. $150 455 Washington Boulevard Jersey City, NJ 07310 Tel: 1-201-499-2400 http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/EWRWTDT-Doubletree-Hotel-Jersey-City-New-Jersey/index.do Hyatt Regency; rates start at appx. $200 2 Exchange Place 201-469-1234 http://www.jerseycity.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp Westin Jersey City Newport; rates start at appx. $225 479 Washington Blvd 201-626-2900 http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3049 ========================= ABOUT COBRA FENCING CLUB ========================= Located at: 629 Grove Street; Jersey City, NJ (http://www.cobrafencing.com) Steve Kaplan - Club owner/Coach • (U.S. Fencing Coaches Association Fencing Master) • 1976 U.S. Olympic Team Member – Sabre. • 1975 Pan American Games Silver Medalist. • 4 time U.S. National Team Champion. • 1971 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) All American – NYU. • Varsity Head Fencing Coach NYU 1980-1986. • Elected to NYU Athletic Hall of Fame 1996. • Founded Cobra Fencing Club in 2002. Demetrios “Mitro” Valsamis – Coach • Under-19 U.S. Foil Champion 1979, 1980. • Cadet Sabre Champion 1976, 1977. • 1983 NCAA Foil Champion – NYU. • Foil Coach at Cobra since 2003. Raskyrie (Ras) Davidson - Coach • 2005, 2006, 2007 United States Junior World Team Member • 2006 World Cadet Saber Bronze Medalist • 2005 Junior Olympics Cadet Saber Champion • 2005 Junior Olympics Junior Saber Champion • 2004 United States National Cadet Saber Champion