Elite Epee Junior Series 2010 - 2011

Dates have been booked for next year's series. Please find the dates below, we are again very fortunate that we have use of the same venue at the past two seasons.

Event 1 - Saturday 23rd October 2010
Event 2 - Sunday 12th December 2010 *** NOTE Change of day***
Event 3 - Saturday 19th February 2011
Grand Finals - Saturday 16th April 2011

Entry Form here - Entry List (updated 01-09-10)

Please check on the received entries listings that your entry form has been received as I will be possibly moving in September and will be replying on the royal mail re-direction service.

Outline

In 2007 the steady increase of top level Junior Epee Fencing in and around the Surrey area led me to believe that there was a real need for a series of local competitions to help nurture the local talent and help introduce less experienced fencers to competition fencing. Over the last two seasons the series has flourished and is now widely regarded as one of the best run series of events and most enjoyable in the country. The series is run on a not-for-profit basis with all entry fees & sponsorship being used for a prize fund for the Series Final (after running expenses are deducted/with a small portion going towards hardware purchases (boxes, pistes etc) to improve the series in future). The series is open to fencers from all counties & countries, not just Surrey and has attracted fencers from Surrey, Sussex, Essex, London, Middlesex, Berkshire, Derbyshire & Oxfordshire over the last two seasons to name just a few.

Series Structure

The Elite Epee Junior Series in 2010/2011 will replicate that of the last three successful series and will consist of 4 events. Each of the series events will have 3 age-groups with separate Boys and Girls events. The first 3 Events of the series will count as qualifier competitions in which competitors will receive points towards a series ranking. The top 8 ranked fencers in the season (place countback if required) after the qualifying events from each age-group will then be invited to attend the Series Final to find the overall series champions for each group.

Age-Groups will be Under 11, Under 13 and Under 16. Age datelines will be the fencer’s age as of 1st January of the season of event (i.e. age as of 01/01/2011 in 20010/11 season). These age-groups were chosen to most effectively promote schools/youth fencing locally. The Under 17 age-group was avoided as most fencers of that age have more than enough events at Cadet, Junior and Senior level to not require further events to compete at.

Points System for the first 3 Events



If a tie exists after the qualifying events are completed (for the final qualifying place) the place will be decided by the best two positions gained by those fencers (addition of those placings), if there is still a tie the place will be decided by who has the highest placed single result.

Event Dates

The confirmed dates for the events will be-
Event 1 - Saturday 23rd October 2010
Event 2 - Sunday 12th December 2010 *** Note Change of Day***
Event 3 - Saturday 19th February 2011
Grand Finals - Saturday 16th April 2011

Venue

This year we have again been able to secure the use of the City of London Freeman's School Sports Centre, in Ashtead Park (Nr Leatherhead), Surrey, KT21 1ET for the whole series (map at www.clfs.surrey.sch.uk/contact/find_us.html). This venue was used for the last two series and the Under 12 National Championships in 2006 and we are very fortunate to have the use of this venue for the series. Just a few minutes drive from Junction 9 of the M25 it is a convenient venue for the motorway network and has more than enough parking and a suitable space for the event. The venue has space for 11 or 12 pistes and we hope to have all metallic pistes again this year.

The venue has a kitchen area and we will have refreshments available.

Event Formats

We try to run the events in as a professional manner as possible with referees and helpers receiving expenses for their attendance and with a great sized venue. Entries will be capped to ensure the events are run in a smooth manner with no requirement for multiple waves of poules in the first round. The first 3 events will start with one or two rounds of poules followed by Direct Elimination down to the winner. The 4th event, 'The Series Final' will run as a poule of 8 followed by Direct Elimination to find the overall series Champion.

Check-in and start times will be published 2 weeks before the first 3 events once entry numbers are known. Entry caps will be detailed on this website if they are required once entries start coming in. In past years we have set earliest check-in closing times at 10.00am to give fencers time to travel from many areas of the country on the day, however if numbers and circumstances require, some events may have to start earlier (9.15am) in the 2010/11 season. Dependant on numbers some events may start in the late afternoon/early evening to ensure each event is finished with as little waiting around as possible with the last final being completed as early as possible. The plan is for events to start as close to the check-in times as possible so you will probably be scratched if you are not checked-in on time. Please ensure you give yourselves spare time to arrive at the event before your check-in closes.

Seedings for the first event of the season will be taken from the 2008/9 series points race. Seedings for later events will be taken from the current season's points race.

Communication

Information will be placed on this site, including entry lists (updated as they are recieved so please check they have been received), check-in times and general information on events. Emails will also be sent shortly after the entry closing date to all entrants with confirmations of check-in times etc). If you do not receive such emails, please let us know.

Weapon Sizes

The Under 11 and Under 13 events will be using size 2 Epees (guard to tip 82.5cm max) with the Under 16 event using size 5 weapons.

Fight times / durations in Under 11 age-group

Poule fights in the Under 11 age-group will be to 5 hits, however with a 2 minute fight duration. Direct Elimination fights will be to 10 hits with 3 periods of 2 minute duration (with a 40 second gap between periods).

Equipment regulations

All kit must conform to the British Fencing regulations (see www.britishfencing.com). In the under 16 event size 5 weapons will be used so 350N breeches and 800 Newton plastrons are required. Weapons may be tested at the event from the first round for weight and travel; however due to the use of communal weapons by a large number of the entries, cards will not be issued for failed weapons (in this regard) until the Last 8 of the event. All fencers should ensure that the equipment they are wearing fits correctly, with suitable overlap, especially between jackets & breeches. Referees will be specifically requested to ensure this is the case. Fencers in Girls events are required to wear chest-protectors.

Prizes

Plaques will be awarded to the top 4 in each individual event for the first 3 competitions of the series. The Final Event will award prizes to all the 8 qualified fencers consisting of plaques & fencing equipment.

Photography

The organizers will be arranging for some photography/videoing to occur during the event within the fencing hall. These photos may be used for publicity and may be posted on the internet. If you do have any issues with your child being included in these photos please contact the organizer. Individuals may video/take photographs during the event (no flashes please), however you must register with the organizers on the day.

Equipment Stand

BladesBrand UK is planning to have an equipment stand at all the first 3 events of the series. If you need something specifically for an event, please order it in advance to ensure it is brought on the day, email chris@bladesbrand.com or order online at www.bladesbrand.com .

Sponsorship

If you are interested in sponsoring the series or any part of the series please contact Chris.

2009/2010 - Full Series Results
Grand Final Results



2009/2010 Points Race Files after event 3 -



Event 3 (20/02/2010) Results



Event 2 (12/12/2009) results -



Event 1 (24/10/2009) results




2008/2009 - Full Series results including the Grand Final.



Full results for 2007/8 Series - Including Finals