Cobra Challenge RJCC (Region 3)

COBRA CHALLENGE REGIONAL JUNIOR/CADET CIRCUIT (RJCC) (Region 3) October 21-23, 2016 Cobra Fencing Club; Jersey City, NJ Entry for Junior events: Born 1997-2003, or on the National Cadet point standings Entry for Cadet events: Born 2000-2003, or on the National Youth 14 point standings ================================================================================================================================================================== 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, including any event time changes. 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 ================================================================================================================================================================== REGIONAL JUNIOR/CADET CIRCUIT (RJCC) Entry for Junior events: Born 1997-2003, or on the National Cadet point standings Entry for Cadet events: Born 2000-2003, or on the National Youth 14 point standings RJCC events function as qualifiers to the Junior Olympic Fencing Championships and July Challenge in the Junior and Cadet categories. All fencers must be current competitive members of USA Fencing. Foreign fencers must be current members of their nation's fencing federation or possess FIE license. Regional points are awarded to any competitor competing in their home region. Regional points are awarded based on final placement and the size of the competitive field using this formula: RJCC tournaments will award points to all participants: ((#entries – place +1) / # entries) x 100 points Best 2 results from RJCCs within the athlete’s region count toward regional point totals on a rolling point basis 2016-17 Region 3 RJCC Schedule Sep 24-25, 2016 Rocky Point, NY Oct 21-23, 2016 Jersey City, NJ Nov 5-6, 2016 Suffern, NY Dec 17-18, 2016 Boston, MA Feb 25-26, 2017 Maplewood, NJ Mar 24-26 2017 Rochester, NY Apr 1-2, 2017 Metuchen, NJ ============================== 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) ============================== 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. If alternate payment arrangement (other than via FRED) is requested, you must e-mail the organizer prior to Oct 7 for payment instructions. Regular fee entry/payment period: To be eligible for regular fee ($30 registration fee plus $50/event), payment must be made as follows: 1. Via credit card through askFRED.net (regular fee entry/payment deadline is October 7). 2. Via personal check by regular mail (e-mail the organizer for payment instructions, check must be received by Oct 7). 3. Via cash or personal check at the door (MUST notify us of your intent to pay at the door prior to Oct 7). Late fee entry/payment period: Entry /payment made October 8-10 is via FRED at late fee ($30 registration fee plus $100/event), and payment must be made via credit card through FRED. Registration period closes October 10. New entries will not be accepted after Oct 10. Fencers listed as "incomplete" and presenting to compete (entry is subject to space and approval by the Bout Committee) will be charged late fee +$20. REFUND POLICY 100% refund (less FRED fees) if notified prior to October 7, 2016. Event fee only if notified Oct 8-14 (registration fee will not be refunded) NO refunds if notified Oct 15-23 – 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. Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy: In the event of necessity to reschedule the tournament due to most extreme circumstances, such as unforeseen extreme weather or catastrophe (USA Fencing determines need to cancel/delay/reschedule a Regional Tournament in the best interest of the membership) all fees paid will be applied to rescheduled event. Regional tournaments which are cancelled due to no fault of the Organizer will be rescheduled by USA Fencing, if possible, within the season for which the tournament was awarded. In the event a fencer is not able to attend a rescheduled event, a full refund will be issued. Note, delay of start times not caused by extreme weather or catastrophe does not qualify as valid refund criteria. ============================== SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ============================== CLOSE OF CHECK-IN TIMES: 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. FRIDAY 3:00 JR WF 3:30 JR MS SATURDAY 8:00 JR MF 8:15 Cdt WE 1:00 Cdt WF 1:30 Cdt ME 5:00 Cdt MS 5:00 JR WS SUNDAY 8:00 JR ME 8:15 JR WE 1:30 Cdt MF 4:30 Cdt WS =============================== 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 2016-17 USA Fencing birth year requirements and rating restrictions: Junior events: Born 1997-2003, or on the National Cadet point standings Cadet events: Born 2000-2003, or on the National Youth 14 point standings • The USFA Athlete Handbook (http://www.usfencing.org/athlete-handbook) 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. 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. 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/athletes-usa-fencing-rule-book • 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. Cadet events must meet or exceed criteria in Group C1 or higher to award changes in classification. 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 posted on FRED are 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. Current ratings: http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/698125-current-membership-listing. Current point standings: http://www.usfencing.org/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. Fencers are seeded by their results in the pool round wherein the results of fencers in all the pools are ordered by best results to poorest results: highest ratio of victories vs. bouts fenced, touches scored vs. touches received. 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. ============================== 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 ============================== Blue Gauntlet Fencing Gear ( http://www.blue-gauntlet.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: There are specific three parking locations.* 1. The parking lot directly across the street. This lot always fills up first and on Friday afternoon it will have only a few spaces. If you park in this lot make sure you are not blocking anyone else from leaving. 2. You can park nose in to the cyclone fence between Grove St. and Marin Blvd on 16th Street. However, DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF THE SLIDING GATE which is in operation during the weekend and is clearly marked. Any car parking there will be towed. This gate will be marked off with colored cones. 3. When the above spaces are full, drop your fencer off at the building so that they can go up and check themselves in. Proceed north on Grove Street to the light at 18th Street Turn left and go about 200 yards. On the left across the street from the Tiger Mart you will see a bright yellow post. Turn left into the large lot and find parking to the right in two large parking lots or up against the truck bays. After you park walk back around the block to the building entrance. *IMPORTANT NOTE- the small parking lot at the southwest corner of Grove and 18th St is no longer available for Cobra Events. Do not park in this lot even if there are empty spaces. 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 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 2 Exchange Place 201-469-1234 http://www.jerseycity.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp Westin Jersey City Newport 479 Washington Blvd 201-626-2900 http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3049 ================================================================================================================================================================== QUALIFICATION INFO RJCCs award regional points which may lead to Qualification to the Junior Olympic Championships and/or the July Challenge. A percentage of point holders from each region will earn qualification to the Summer National Championships and for the JO Championships in Junior and Cadet. In addition, athletes who accumulate a pre-established point total within the qualifying period for Junior Olympics (110) or the July Challenge (65), will qualify, whether or not they fall into the qualifying percent. Up to the best 2 results in a given category will be combined to determine a fencer’s Regional Rank each season. Athletes still can also qualify for the JOs through the National Rolling Point Standings and Division qualifying events. In addition to the RJCCs, athletes also can qualify for the July Challenge through the NRPS. There is NO trickle down for points at the Regional level. Points earned in a Regional Cadet or Junior tournament only appear in the category in which they were earned. There IS trickle down for QUALIFICATION at the Regional level. Therefore, if a fencer qualifies in an older age group and is age eligible for a younger age group, they earn qualification in that category as well. For Summer Nationals/July Challenge, qualification is finalized after the last RJCC event in each region. RJCC points are considered seasonal. Rankings will be managed by the National Office and available for viewing on the USA Fencing Website. The USFA Athlete Handbook contains detailed information on qualifying pathways, and should be consulted as the appropriate reference document. Foreign fencers may compete in RJCCs and earn RRPS and may use this path to compete in the July Challenge; however, they are not eligible to compete at the Junior Olympics because it is a National Championship. When calculating the qualifying % from the RRPS for the Junior Olympics, any foreign fencers who fall into the qualifying % will be skipped and the next eligible fencer will earn qualification. Foreign fencers are not eligible to win an overall RRPS patch. A foreign athlete who falls into the top 3 on the RRPS will be skipped and the next eligible athlete will win the patch. Junior Qualification Path to JO's: • Fencers must meet age eligibility AND • Be on the Junior national rolling point standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline, OR • Be in the top 16 of the Cadet national rolling point standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline, OR • Top 25% on your region’s Junior RJCC Regional Point Standings, OR • Earn at least 110 regional points on the Junior Regional Point Standing, OR • Be in the top 25% (round up) of their division’s Junior JO qualifying competition Cadet Qualification Path to JO's: • Fencers must meet eligibility AND • Be on the Cadet National Rolling Point Standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline, OR • Be in the top 25% of their region’s Cadet Regional Circuit Point Standings at the regular fee entry deadline, OR • Be in the top 25% of their region’s Junior Regional Circuit point standings at the regular fee entry deadline, OR • Earn at least 110 regional points on either the Cadet or Junior Regional Point Standing, OR • Be in the top 8 of the Youth 14 national rolling point standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline, OR • Be in the top 25% (round up) of their division’s Cadet JO qualifying competition, OR • Be in the top 25% (round up) of their division’s Junior JO qualifying competition. Junior event must occur first Junior Qualification Path to July Challenge: • Fencers must meet age eligibility, AND • On Junior NRPS (Age out after JOs) by entry deadline, OR • On Cadet NRPS (Age out after JOs) OR • Be in the top 50% of your region’s Junior Regional Circuit Points, OR • Earn at least 65 regional points on the Junior Regional Point Standing OR • Be in the top 25% of the Youth 14 national rolling point standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline OR • Foreign athletes who meet the USA Fencing classification standard of “A”, “B” as defined in the Section 2.2.5 Cadet Qualification Path to July Challenge: • Fencers must meet eligibility, AND • Be on Cadet NRPS (Age out after JOs), OR • Be in the top 50% of the Y14 national rolling point standings (NRPS) at the regular fee entry deadline, OR • Be in the top 50% of your region’s Cadet Regional Circuit Points, OR • Top 50% of their region’s Junior Regional Circuit Points, OR • Earn at least 65 regional points on the Cadet or Junior Regional Point Standing, OR • Foreign athletes who meet the USA Fencing classification standard of “A”, “B” or “C” as defined in the Section 2.2.5 Results posted at the venue and on FRED are not official; results must be verified by the national office for final determination of qualification. ==================================== 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