Fencers, renowned for their precision and strategic prowess, have discovered a thrilling new passion beyond the piste – online slots. These skilled swordsmen and swordswomen, who thrive in the intensity of fencing, also find joy in the exhilarating realm of virtual slot games. With every spin of the reels, they merge their agility and calculated risk-taking, embracing the unpredictable nature of both their sport and the virtual gambling arena. Analyzing patterns, studying odds, and employing their tactical mindset, these fencers-turned-gamblers bring the same competitive spirit to the virtual reels that they do to their bouts on the fencing strip. The virtual world of slot games becomes a captivating adventure where they can test their skills, immerse themselves in captivating graphics, and experience the adrenaline rush of each spin. In online communities dedicated to free slots, these fencers-turned-gamblers find camaraderie and support as they exchange tips, share stories of triumph and defeat, and fuel each other's pursuit of virtual wealth. While the thrill of winning may differ from the satisfaction of a perfectly executed parry, their enthusiasm and hunger for victory remain undiminished. Through this unexpected convergence of fencing and online gambling, these fencers transcend the boundaries of their chosen sport, showcasing their unwavering dedication, strategic prowess, and love for calculated risk-taking in both physical and digital realms.

IMPORTANT UPDATE ABOUT THE 2007/2008 SUPER YOUTH COMPETITIONS

The Super Youth Competitions for this season are posted in the Schedule section.

The SYC Selection Committee encourages those bidders who were not selected to host SYC's for this season to contact their Regional Youth Coordinators and have their events added to the RYC schedule. These events will also be listed on the website.

Thank you all for your support of youth fencing!

INFORMATION ABOUT THE POINT AWARDED AND THE STANDINGS

Points will be awarded to the top 40%, to a max of 32nd place, of the field regardless of where the cut off occurs, within a pool round or a direct elimination bracket.  Only the whole number of the value obtains when calculating 40% of the competitive field will be retained.  Any fraction will be dropped.  (Athlete Handbook, page 31)

The point standings will be updated after the April NAC to include the 2006-2007 season SYC results.  This is done after all of the SYC competitions are completed so that the same seeding is used for all.

In the current list of fencers who have earned points so far this season [coming soon], if you have a * by your name, there is an issue with your USFA membership and your points will not be awarded until this is cleared up.  The Y14 fencers listed are automatic qualifiers for Summer Nationals for the Y14 events in the weapon they earned points.

Fencers who competed in a Y12 or Y10 event at an SYC or RYC competition are automatic qualified for the Y12 or Y10 events at Summer Nationals.  Fencers qualify for the event of the same age level and weapon they competed in at an SYC or RYC.

A fencer’s participation and/or earning points in SYC or RYC competitions in the 2005-2006 season has no bearing on qualifying for events in the 2006-2007 Season.

BIRTH YEAR VERIFICATION AT SUPER YOUTH CIRCUITS

    The national problem regarding ages of junior athletes has reached fencing. As a result, we will ask all

fencers to show a copy of their birth certificate, passport page, or another government-issued identification document as proof of their birth year at a Super Youth Circuit this season.

    The Youth Development Committee, along with Regional Youth Coordinators and Local Organizers, is working

with the National Office of the United States Fencing Association in this process. Once a fencer's birth year information is verified at a Super Youth Circuit, the National Office will receive the information and store it in their membership database. The goal of the process is to have the fencer present proof of birth year one time only and for the National Office to retain its records of this information permanently.

    If you have questions or comments, please contact the Chair of the Youth Development Committee, Maureen

    We appreciate your help and thank you for your cooperation.

Introduction

    Fifty-five percent of all USFA members are 15 years old or younger. What better evidence that the sport of fencing is undergoing a rapid upsurge in growth and popularity on the grass roots level. With a larger talent pool than ever, our future Olympians and National team members are even more likely to exceed the standards set by Sada Jacobson and Keith Smart. To help discover and develop the next generation of U.S. Champions - and support the expansion of fencing throughout our country - we need to offer large, well-organized, economical competitions to younger members. The Regional Youth Committee was empowered to plan and institute a schedule of tournaments across the U.S. that brings the fencing competition to the fencers

    It has always been difficult to find enough quality competitions for youth category fencers to gain needed experience. While the attendance at Youth NACs has grown (the October 1998 Rochester YNAC had 385 entries; the January 2002 Saratoga Springs YNAC had 872), the increased size could eventually force the organizers to adopt formats that reduce the number of bouts for each competitor. The high cost of travel and housing for YNACs (coupled with the limited experience gained by the average competitor) necessitates the development of larger, well organized, conveniently located events. Most sports (from baseball to figure skating) organize graduated competitions. Athletes begin locally, and progress through statewide, regional, and eventually national levels. This has been a proven structure for developing and promoting grassroots through elite level competitors. The goal of our committee is to advance infrastructure and organization so that these "intermediate step" regional events will grow and flourish all over the United States. This is the essence of our mission, and would yield the following benefits:

1. Promote grass roots development throughout the country, increasing USFA membership
   

2. Create skill-appropriate, affordable competition for large masses of fencers in reasonable proximity to where they live and train
   

3. Reduce travel and related expenses for fencers, administrators and officials
   

4. Increase exposure and visibility of our sport
   

5. Create decentralized regional organizations which can be more responsive to the particular needs of their fencing communities
   

6. Generate a consistent source of revenue for building cohesive, decentralized regional organization and infrastructure
   

7. Increase the base of potential elite athletes
   

By creating a sensible, cost effective progression of competitions for athletes in all categories, the grassroots, developing and elite fencer will be far better served.