image via USAFencing.org
What are the Junior Olympics?
The Junior Olympics (JOs) are the USA Fencing national championship events for the Cadet (U17) and Junior (U20) age groups. It is the final event of the season for these age groups and the last qualifying opportunity for athletes attempting to be selected to represent the United States at the Junior/Cadet World Championships.
This season, the Junior Olympics will be held in Charlotte, NC on February 16 - 19.
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.)
In addition, 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.
Finally, eligible athletes must qualify for JOs.
Am I Qualified?
The chart above from USA Fencing serves as a great reference for the three qualifying paths to the Junior Olympics. 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.
Fencers with ANY number of national points are automatically qualified for this season’s Junior Olympics.
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.
The threshold for qualifying to JOs is 110 points, taken by adding the best two (2) results from this season’s regional circuit.
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 JOs will earn a qualification spot to the Junior Olympics.
What is “Trickle-down?”
In the context of the Junior Olympics, “trickle-down” refers to a qualifying rule that if a cadet-aged fencer qualifies for the Junior event at JOs, they are automatically qualified for the Cadet event as well.
How Do I Sign Up?
You can register for the Junior Olympics on your member dashboard at USAFencing.org. Important registration dates:
October 18 - Registration Opens
January 10 - Qualification Deadline
January 11 - Registration Deadline
January 24 - Petition Deadline