image via USAFencing.org *Note that while the image still references 2023, the paths remain the same for 2024
What is Summer Nationals?
Summer Nationals are the USA Fencing national championship events for the Youth (Y10, Y12, Y14), Vet, Division I-A, Division II, and Division III event categories. With its wide range of ages and skill levels, it attracts thousands of competitors from across the country each year. This capstone event of the season is held each year alongside the July Challenge.
This season, Summer Nationals will be in Columbus, OH from June 29 – July 8, 2024.
Am I Eligible?
A fencer must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States who has not represented another country in international competition in the last three years (unless they have officially switched their affiliation with the FIE.)
Competitors must be age-eligible for their respective events.
For the 2023 - 2024 season:
Fencers born between 2013 - 2016 are considered Y10.
Fencers born between 2011 - 2014 are considered Y12.
Fencers born between 2009 - 2012 are considered Y14.
Fencers born after 2010 are eligible for Senior events like Division I-A, II, or III.
Fencers born before 1984 are considered Veterans.
Veterans subdivide into V40+, V50+, V60+, V70+, and event V80+ categories.
Eligible athletes must qualify for Summer Nationals as well.
Am I Qualified?
The chart above from USA Fencing serves as a great reference for the three qualifying paths to the July challenge. It is a summation of the eligibility and qualification rules listed in the Athlete Handbook. While the chart and this guide are meant to help, the handbook is the final word regarding these rules.
National Points
National points are awarded to fencers for success at the national level. They are calculated based on the final result at the previous Junior Olympics, North American Cups, July Challenge, and Super Junior and Cadet events.
Youth
For each youth category, fencers with any number of national points qualify for their respective events.
Veteran
For veteran events, participation in a NAC will qualify fencers for summer nationals
Regional Points
Regional points are awarded to cadet and junior fencers at designated Regional Junior and Cadet Circuit (RJCC) events. While a fencer can participate in RJCCs outside of their own region, points are only awarded to competitors that are from that region using the following formula:
((# entries – place + 1) / # entries) x 100This ensures that every participant in an event gets some number of points, while the winner is always guaranteed 100 points. Finishing in the top 50% of participants in the event ensures 50+ points.
Y14
150 Y14 Regional Points are required to qualify for this event at Summer Nationals.
Y12
150 Y14 OR 70 Y12 Regional Points are required to qualify for this event at Summer Nationals.
Y10
60 Y12 OR any number of Y10 Regional Points are required to qualify for this event at Summer Nationals.
Division I-A
Any number of Div I-A or the Top 8 Div II point holders will qualify for this event at Summer Nationals.
Division II
Any number of Div I-A or Div II points will qualify for this event at Summer Nationals.
Additionally, this event is restricted to unrated, E, D, and C-rated fencers only.
Division III
Any number of Div I-A or Div II points will qualify for this event at Summer Nationals.
Additionally, this event is restricted to unrated, E, and D-rated fencers only.
Veteran
Participation in a Regional event will qualify veteran fencers for summer nationals.
DIVISION QUALIFIERS
Each Division of USA Fencing (a smaller organizing unit than regions) is required to host an annual qualifying event open only to the members of that specific division. The top 25% of competitors (rounded up, with a minimum of three (3)) from this event that are not already qualified for their event will earn a qualification spot to Summer Nationals
Participation in this event will qualify Veteran fencers for their events at Summer Nationals.
What is “Trickle-down?”
In the context of the Summer Nationals, “trickle-down” refers to a qualifying rule that if a Y12 fencer qualifies for the Y14 event at the July Challenge, they are automatically qualified for the Y12 event as well. Likewise, this rule applies to a Y10 fencer who qualifies for Y12, and rating eligible fencers who qualify for Div II will also trickle down their qualification to Div III.
How Do I Sign Up?
You can register for Summer Nationals on your member dashboard at USAFencing.org. Registration Deadlines and the event schedule will be available later this season.