2026 FAQs
2026 Policies and Format
What is changing in 2026?
For our 2026 Championships, we are moving away from gendered events and instead are offering two mixed events per weapon, split between an AM and PM tournament.
Why did USACFC make this change?
USACFC has always aspired to be an inclusive organization that allows students to participate in the sport in a way that makes them the most comfortable and brings them joy. In light of Executive Order 14201, which impacts not only National Governing Bodies such as USA Fencing but also public schools, universities, and private institutions receiving federal funding under Title IX, the Board has consulted with legal counsel to determine the best course of action for our organization and found that moving from gendered to mixed events allowed for the most inclusivity while still maintaining the benefits schools receive from our partnership with USA Fencing.
Could USACFC just end the partnership with USA Fencing and be unsanctioned?
Due to the EO’s impact on public and federal institutions, as well as private colleges and universities that receive federal funding, even without the requirements of the USA Fencing Transgender and Non-Binary Policy, many of our member schools would not be able to participate in an unsanctioned, gendered event due to their schools directive to follow the EO.
What will be replacing gendered squads?
In place of gendered squads, schools may enter up to two squads per weapon that include any mix of eligible fencers, with up to four fencers per squad. Please see the current eligibility rules for requirements.
Does this reflect the survey results?
While the survey results were not binding, we did use them to guide our conversations with Title IX lawyers, USA Fencing, and our own conversations within the Board and we find this decision reflective of the sentiment of membership.
Are squads required to be mixed gender?
Squads can be any combination of genders and there will be no guidelines or requirements on how many fencers of any gender a school provides. We highly encourage schools to make their squads inclusive and reflective of their schools demographics.
What if my team/school is “single gender”, can we have two squads per weapon?
Yes! A benefit of the Mixed-Mixed format is that schools with “single gender” programs are welcome to enter a squad for both the AM and PM event.
Is the event still sanctioned?
Yes, as USACFC Championships is classified as a local event by USA Fencing, mixed events are still sanctioned and there will be an opportunity to earn ratings.
Do all fencers still need to be USA Fencing Members?
Yes, all participating fencers must be registered members of USA Fencing with at least an Access level Membership.
What if I am not comfortable fencing opponents of a different gender?
Understanding that everyone may have different comfort levels in competitive environments, we extended the deadlines for Membership and Tournament dues so that schools can make a decision based on the tournament format information. If you or your team is not comfortable fencing in mixed events, they can still enjoy the benefits of USACFC membership and are not required to attend Championships.
What if I am not comfortable being a member of USA Fencing?
We do understand that under the EO, USA Fencing must require fencers to compete under their assigned gender at birth and that a fencer may feel uncomfortable with USA Fencing membership as a result. However, as we are still maintaining a sanctioned event, for liability reasons all participating fencers must have a USA Fencing membership at the time of the event.
What will the 2026 Tournament format be?
The format of the event is currently the same as 2025. We will still have two events, with an AM and a PM event on Day One and both events interlaced with an AM start on Day Two.
Day One Format
Day One will consist of an individual-style tournament with pools and DEs in the AM & PM. There will be a promotion to a table of 128, allowing more fencers to participate in Day One DEs. Schools may only submit 3 starters + 1 sub for each squad.
Day Two Format
Day Two will consist of a World Cup format team tournament with 100% team promotion - meaning that regardless of how individuals perform on Day 1, every team will be able to participate in the Day 2 format. If you are in the AM Mixed event on Day One, you can only participate in the corresponding Mixed team event Day Two. Matches will be fenced best out of nine bouts, with direct eliminations up until the round of 16. Once the top 16 teams have been identified, the format will change to compass, or fence to place, format. In other words, losing a match from round of 16 onwards will not mean you are eliminated from the tournament - you will continue to fence for your place.
How will USACFC determine which squad is fencing in AM or PM on Day One?
Once rosters are submitted, squads will be randomly assigned AM or PM depending on event capacity. Please note, equipment drop off will still need to take place the day before or the morning of the Day One events, even if you are only in the PM events.
Can we request which squad be AM versus PM?
No. While we understand that schools may have a preference, we will assign squads to the AM or PM event on Day One in order to provide the best tournament flow and schedule.
If AM and PM are randomly assigned, could both my teams' squads end up in the same event?
No, we will make sure that we do not put both squads from the same school in the same event.
When will I find out if we are in the AM or PM event?
All schools will be informed of their event assignments no later than April 3, 2026 when the rosters are posted in Fencing Time.
Is there any difference between the AM and PM events?
Our goal is for both events to be the same level of competitiveness and follow the same format. Depending on what will provide the best tournament flow, one event may be slightly larger or smaller, but we will do our best to provide a balanced and equal experience between AM and PM.
Can a fencer move between the AM and PM events?
For Day One, a fencer can only be moved between the AM and PM events before either event begins. Changes must be made with the bout committee and the onsite roster change fees must be paid. For Day Two, fencers can only compete in the team event that corresponds with their Day One individual event and may not switch between events, even to cover a partial squad.
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What is the partial squad policy?
There is no change to the 2025 partial squad policy. You are still required to fill a squad of at least 3 fencers. If you have a partial squad at the beginning of the Day One, you must make roster changes before the events start, such as moving your sub from the PM to AM event or between weapons, or the partial squad will not be allowed to compete. Should your third fencer become unable to fence between Day One and Day Two and you have no alternatives in that squad, you will be able to fence with a partial squad of two members for Day Two, but fencers cannot be moved between squads after Day One events begin. Partial squads of one (1) fencer will be ineligible to participate.
Can a fencer participate in the team event but not the individual?
Fencers must compete in the Day One events to be eligible for the Day Two events.
Our fencer graduated or is not currently enrolled, can they still compete?
No. Only students who meet the eligibility requirements, including being registered as a current, full time student at your institution, can compete.
Can a single fencer compete in the Day One individual event only?
No. Squad rosters must be full (a minimum of three fencers) to compete in the Day One individual event. Fencers cannot compete without a squad.
How are overall standings being calculated and awards distributed?
As in the past we will have an Overall Combined winner. A change from past years is that instead of Men’s and Women’s, we will have awards for both the AM and PM events for each weapon. The Overall Combined awards and medals, including the Champions, will still be calculated based on squad performances in both the AM and PM sets of events.
2026 Forms, Fees, and Deadlines
When are forms and payments due?
The Member form is due December 19, 2025.The Tournament Entry form is due January 16th, 2026.
Member Fees and Tournament Fees are due February 27, 2026.
How much does Championships cost?
Since we removed gendered squads, we have also changed the fee structure to allow for more flexibility. Tournament fees will now be charged by the squad at $275 per squad. Therefore if you enter six squads across all events and weapons, the maximum entry cost is $1,650.
Do we need to bring all six squads?
Schools may bring anywhere from one to six squads, with up to two squads per weapon. Tournament costs and invoices will be based on the total number of squads submitted with your Tournament entry form.
What if we add a squad after we submit payment?
For squads added after forms and payment have been submitted, inclusion in the event will be at the discretion of the board and late fees will be assigned to any payments made after February 27, 2026.
What if we drop a squad after we submit payment?
For dropped squads, no refunds will be made once your payment has been submitted.
When are rosters due?
This year, roster deadlines are due March 23, 2026 . The Board, in turn, will post the submitted rosters with AM and PM assignments no later than April 3, 2026,11:59 PM PST to FencingTimeLive.com. Schools will then have until April 8, 2026,11:59 PM PST to request any changes or corrections. All fencers on the roster MUST have a USA Fencing Membership.
What happens if we miss the Roster deadline?
If you miss the roster deadline, your school’s individual squads’ ability to participate will be at the discretion of the Board based on event size.
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2026 Event Logistics
Where is the event?
The event is at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre (The Centre) at 177 Champion Dr Suite 300, State College, PA 16803.
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Where should I park my car or bus?
There are large lots around the Sports Centre. Busses should parking in the Upper Parking Lot. Please see the below map for parking guidance.
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When and where do I check in?
We will have a check in table at the venue for teams to confirm their roster and make and final payments on Friday evening before the event from 3-8 PM ET, and on Saturday before the start of the AM and PM events. All late and administrative fees must be paid before a team can participate.
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When and where do I get my gear tested? What needs to be checked?
Gear checks will be open Friday evening before the event, and on Saturday before the start of the morning and afternoon events. We will test gloves, lames, and masks. Check for holes, Velcro quality, dead spots, etc. before the event to save time. Sabre gloves MUST be 800N.
Please note, gear check in the morning before the event can have very long lines and we recommend as many teams as possible get their gear checked on Friday. For 2026, we plan to have an extended the timeline for gear check to accommodate these needs as well as additional armorers.
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Will there be a fencing gear vendor?
Yes, Absolute Fencing will be on site and will have a variety of equipment for purchase.
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Where can I buy USACFC merch, including the 2026 Event Shirt?
This year, USACFC will have a partnership with Fine Designs and will offer an array of souvenir event gear in advance of the event, on-site, and for 30 days post event.
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Will there be space for team gear?
Yes, there will be space for gear and each team will have an assigned gear location. Please understand due to space limitation that this area is for the teams to keep gear onsite, not as team gathering areas. Please be respectful and keep your personal and team items in their assigned area so that we can maintain clear, safe, and accessible pathways throughout the venue.
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Will there be athletic trainers?
Yes, there will be two athletic trainers on site during the event to help with injuries. They will be able to provide first aid, including ice, but not OTC medication or preventative pre-event wrapping or taping.
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Can spectators attend?
Yes, this year we welcome spectators to come and watch the event! We please remind all fencing fans to be aware of your surroundings when walking through the venue and to make sure you do not walk over active strips or in front of active referees.
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What is the Covid-19 Policy for 2026?
To align with USA Fencing and also in acknowledgment of limited volunteer resources, we have decided to make masking and vaccinations optional for the 2026 Championship. Despite being optional, we still strongly recommend masks, updated boosters, and staying home if sick.
Where can I eat?
The venue has in house concessions. No outside food or beverage orders are allowed in the space. Opportunities for teams to pre-order food will be available prior to the event.
2026 Travel
Where should I stay?
We have a wide range of hotels in the local areas for teams to choose from. Hotel options and booking links will be available here. Please note, hotel blocks close March 10, 2026.
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Where is the nearest airport?
The three closest airports are the State College Regional Airport, with flights on United and American Airlines, Harrisburg International Airport (1.5 hours away) and Philadelphia International Airport (3 hours away).
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Where is the nearest Amtrak?
The nearest Amtrak Stations are Tyrone Station (approximately 40 minutes by car) and Lewistown Station (approximately 45 minutes by car). ​
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