2024 U14 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Competitions will begin between 15-30 minutes after the close of check in.

Event Format: One round of poules (a round robin, usually with between 6-7 fencers in a poule), followed by DE (Direct Elimination/Knock out stages). All competitors will progress to the DE (No cut).

DE Rounds to 12 hits or 3 periods of 2 mins

Membership Level Required: Compete

Check your BF membership and log into the platform here.

If you are a member of an international federation looking to travel to enter this event, you will require a temporary membership. Find out how to apply here.

Age Eligibility

The U14 Competition is predominately aimed towards those in the ‘traditional’ two year BYCs age category which is defined here: Age Group Definitions. The U14 British Open Championships 2024 is the first event in the 24-25 season and is therefore aimed at 2011 and 2012 birth years.

However, fencers may fence up under advice from their BF registered coach.

At a minimum fencers must be aged 10 on the day of the competition.

The competition will prioritise entry for those must be aged 13 or under on the 1st January 2025 (those born in 2011 onwards).

Following community feedback if there is space the competition will allow entry for those must be aged 14 or under on the 1st January 2025 (those born in 2010). On 12th June 2024 entries will open to 2010 birth years.

Entry Fee: £68

Priority Entry Opening Date: 27th March 2024 (09:00) for 2011, 2012, 2013* and 2014*

*subject to guidance from a BF registered coach and the minimum of age 10 on the day of the cometition,

ENTER VIA YOUR SPORT80 PROFILE HERE

2010 Entry Opening Date: 12th June for 2010

Entry Closing Date: 28th June 2024 (17:00)

Equipment Requirements:

Please note that the FIE rules m.25.7.f  regarding masks with 2 rear safety systems are NOT Required for this event.

It is acceptable for to wear tracksuits over breaches (800N) and socks on the day as long as the pockets of the tracksuit bottoms are sewn shut.

All equipment must meet BF Safety Guidelines

Media: Please note there will be filming and photography including live streaming at this event for BF purposes. If you do not give photography/filming permission for yourself or your athlete, please contact [email protected] before the event.

Photography Policy:  Photography and video using smartphones for personal use only (including coaching and social media) is permitted.

Please be mindful of the age of participants, and read our photography safeguarding policy: https://www.britishfencing.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/8_photography_policy.pdf

‘Live streaming’ or broadcasting video in any way, from any device including smartphones, is not permitted.

Anyone wanting to take photographs using any kind of professional or semi-pro camera equipment must apply for media accreditation in advance of the event – accreditation will not be available during competition. This means any kind of camera with a detachable lens, and/or using any kind of tripod or monopod. Media accreditation is for still photography only – no pro or semi-pro video equipment is permitted. Please email: [email protected]

British Fencing reserves the right to refuse or withdraw photographic accreditation at any time without giving a reason.

NOTE: Any person taking photographs of any kind with any device must follow any instructions given by the BF media representatives, the Event Director, and / or the referees. 

Accreditation: Accreditation will be in place for access to the Field of Play (FoP) at the event. There will be no access to the Field of Play without an accreditation.

Why is there an accreditation system in place?

There are several reasons why an accreditation system has been introduced at BF events. Field of Play (FoP) accreditation was in part introduced to control and improve the quality of the immediate environment around the fencer when they compete. Over the years an increasing number of parents, coaches etc have wished to support fencers by occupying spaces closer and closer to the piste which causes safety issues and makes refereeing more difficult.

Importantly fencers tell us that they do not like this overcrowding and it makes it harder to concentrate.

Accreditation is also an important part of us managing the experience for young people and helps us uphold the Fair Play Code which we expect everyone to follow for the event.  (You can find an article on coaching and supporting fencers at U14 events here, and the role of a parent during a match here.)

Do I need FoP accreditation if I am just coming to the event?

No. There is spectator seating and standing room in both halls with space to view all pistes. Spectators are able to view the actions from behind the FoP barriers, which will be only a few meters behind the end of the piste.

Accreditation Application Deadline: 9th July 2024 at 5pm BST

Fair Play: The BF Fair Play Code for Youth Events is applicable. See here for more information.

Rule Changes: The new passivity rule introduced on the 1st January 2023 by the FIE will be implemented at the event. Organisers of the RQE (Regional Qualifying Events)  are expected to implement the new passivity rules.

Welfare: There will be a dedicated welfare officer at the event who will be clearly visible throughout. All welfare issues that arise at the event must be reported to the welfare officer present.

Sustainability: As part of BFs commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our sport, no single-use plastic bottles will be permitted on the field of play. We hope that the community will support efforts in this area and ensure that everyone brings re-useable bottles to the event.

Prayer Room: There will be a prayer room available at the venue for all three days. Please ask at reception or speak to a member of the team and they will direct you.

Disabilities: BF recognises that many disabilities are hidden and participants in competitions may need additional support throughout the event. Any disability information that you provide in your membership profile (provided that you have given permission to share) will be passed to the organising team and a member of the event welfare team will get in touch to discuss how we can help. Alternatively you can contact us in advance either by emailing the events team directly [email protected], or the BF safeguarding lead ([email protected]). Finally, you can ask speak to a member of the onsite team at check-in. Please note the earlier you raise any additional support needs the better able we are to make reasonable accommodations.

FAQs – U14 BRITISH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS – BRITISH FENCING