Rules and Regulations Archives - Academy of Fencing Masters Blog

Coach fraud

On June 5, 2019

In Coaching, Equipment, Rules and Regulations

A fraud issue that we’ve heard reported at major competitions is also one that many fencers are afraid to talk about. It’s hard to call out fellow coaches on bad behavior, and it takes a brave person to do it. You might have seen some of these same things happen yourself, but either didn’t know what to do or maybe were too timid to confront the individual.

Luckily, we have a guest poster who isn’t afraid to tackle the tough issues in fencing. Read on to learn more about one of the dark sides of high level fencing competitions that no one is talking about, but that we should all be more aware of.

This opinion piece is offered to us by Coach Yakov Danilenko, head coach and owner of the Medeo Fencing Club. We think that his perspective is an important one to share!

Infographic – Qualification Path for Fencing at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

By Igor Chirashnya

On May 3, 2019

In Rules and Regulations

Infographic - Qualification Path for Fencing to Tokyo Olympic Games 2020

Tokyo 2020 Olympic fencing qualification had started in April 2019. The major qualification path is team qualification for 24 positions, followed by individual qualification for the remaining 10 positions in each weapon and gender.

This infographic explains how fencers qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

For more detailed information about fencing qualification to Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 read our previous post.

In addition, you can download high resolution jpeg image here and pdf file here.

I hope you enjoy it and share with your fencing friends.

Asked and Answered – Division Eligibility at Fencing Summer Nationals

By Igor Chirashnya

On April 27, 2019

In Rules and Regulations

Division Eligibility at Fencing Summer Nationals

What are the Division eligibility requirements for fencing in Division 1A, Division 2, and Division 3 at Fencing Summer Nationals?

A lot of fencers ask us how to determine when they can participate in Division 2 and Division 3 at Fencing Summer Nationals. It’s a question we typically hear from parents whose children get a higher rating during the season then the official Division eligibility that they want to compete in. Are they eligible to sign up? Are they not eligible to sign up? It can be confusing, to say the least.

Road to Tokyo – Qualification Path for Fencing to Tokyo Olympic Games 2020

By Igor Chirashnya

On April 9, 2019

In Rules and Regulations

Road to Tokyo - Qualification Path for Fencing to Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 The road to Tokyo starts here, April 2019.

People, even people within an Olympic sport, often wonder how exactly one makes it to the Olympic Games. This only happens once every four years, and between the years there are always changes that happen. In between, it can be hard to keep track of what’s what and how things are going to go.

This time around there are some critical changes that potentially have an effect on who will make the cut. If you’re new to following Olympic fencing qualification, then here we’re going to spell it out for you. If you’re not, then read on to find out the new changes.

The New Unwillingness to Fight Rule in Fencing: A Huge Change for Fencers

By Igor Chirashnya

On February 13, 2019

In Coaching, Rules and Regulations

The New Unwillingness to Fight Rule in Fencing Unwillingness to fight.

Passivity.

Non-combativity.

All of these things mean the same thing. They mean that two fencers are not fencing, they are just standing there looking at each other. In effect, the fencers who are supposed to be big and bold masters of the sword are pretending to be statues instead, waiting for the other fencer to do something.

In competitive fencing, non-combativity has been rampant. It’s been everywhere, and for a very long time, and was often used as a tactical move at high competitive level. That’s all about to change with one swift stroke for every fencer not only in America, but across the world. Soon, it won’t be. Here we’re going to explain the new unwillingness to fight rule that was adopted by FIE (the international governing body for fencing) for all competitions starting January 1st, 2019. It’s the same rule that was adopted by the USFA, with only some slight modification for the United States and that goes into effect on February 14th, 2019.

This is one of the most dramatic changes in fencing rules in recent history. There are of course always a lot of changes, every year we find new changes to adopt, but this one is completely different.