image via USAFencing.org *Note that while the image still references 2023, the paths remain the same for 2024
What is the July Challenge?
Because the Cadet and Junior National Championship events happen at the Junior Olympics and the Division I National Championships occur alongside the April North American Cup, the July Challenge is a non-championship event for these categories that is hosted alongside Summer Nationals.
This season the July Challenge will be in Columbus, OH from June 29 – July 8, 2024.
Am I Eligible?
Since the July Challenge is not a championship event, it’s open to national and international fencers alike.
Competitors must be age-eligible for their respective events.
For the 2023 - 2024 season:
Fencers born between 2007 - 2010 are considered Cadets.
Fencers born between 2004 - 2010 are considered Juniors.
Fencers born after 2010 are eligible for Senior events like Division I.
Eligible athletes must qualify for the July Challenge, however.
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.
Division 1
Fencers with any number of Senior or Junior National points will qualify for Division 1.
The top 24 Cadet fencers according to the national points list will also qualify for Division 1.
Junior
Fencers with any number of Junior or Cadet National points will qualify for Junior.
The top 25% of Y14 fencers according to the national points list will also qualify for Junior.
Cadet
Fencers with any number of Cadet National points will qualify for Cadet.
The top 50% of Y14 fencers according to the national points list will also qualify for Cadet.
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.
Division I
The top 16 Div 1-A regional point holders will qualify for the Division I July Challenge.
The top 4 Div II regional point holders will also qualify for Division I.
Junior
65 Junior Regional Points are required to qualify for the Junior event at the July Challenge.
Cadet
65 Cadet or Junior Regional points are enough to qualify for the Cadet event at the July Challenge.
What is “Trickle-down?”
In the context of the July Challenge, “trickle-down” refers to a qualifying rule that if a cadet-aged fencer qualifies for the Junior event at the July Challenge, they are automatically qualified for the Cadet event as well.
How Do I Sign Up?
You can register for the July Challenge on your member dashboard at USAFencing.org. Registration Deadlines and the event schedule will be available later this season.