Steve Sobel SYC (Super Youth Circuit)

PARKING NOTICE: Parking for Saturday and Sunday will be available on limited basis on Jordan and Summit Street. There is a fee of 10:00 to defray the cost of police security. Additional parking is available in the municipal lot across street or on public streets surrounding the building. Unfortunately we cannot park in the Saint Peter’s lot adjacent to the building as there were a few people using referee credentials to get into the lot. Due to an unfortunate event between a parent and St Peters parking personnel we no longer have access to this parking lot. We are trying to locate additional lots and will provide more information when available. Additionally the parking on Summit and Jordan will be parallel parking and not angled parking as we did Friday. We apologize for this inconvenience but circumstances were out of our control. We do ask our fencing parents to be polite as possible to the police and parking attendants. Thank you for your cooperation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EQUIPMENT CHECK: 7 am - 6 pm BAG STORAGE: No bags allowed on the fencing floor. Store bags in non-fencing areas. NJFA is not responsible for any lost or stolen property. LIVE TOURNAMENT FEED: Preliminary seeding only at live.njfencingalliance.com. Live feed will NOT available during the tournament PARKING (FEE): Numerous lots are within walking distance. Jordan and Summit Avenues (around venue) will be available (fee). There is on-street parking. NJFA is not responsible for any parking tickets issued. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: PATH- Journal Square Station (less than 1 mile from venue) Some area taxi services: A-1 Taxi (201) 222-1200 King Taxi (201) 798-8100 Budget Taxi (201) 985-1888 AA Taxi & Limo Service (201) 435-1000 Jersey Taxi (201) 772-1111 2way Limo & Taxi (201) 432-4321 Jersey City Taxi & Limo Service (201) 332-8422 --------------------------------------------- Steve Sobel Super Youth Circuit (SYC) / NJFA Youth Cup #4 March 15-17, 2013 Jersey City Armory; Jersey City, NJ (note, this is a change in venue from the previously scheduled November SYC) This Elite SYC competition will provide an opportunity to earn national youth rolling points; additionally it is a qualifying path for Summer Nationals for Y14, Y12, and Y10 age categories. National Points will be awarded to those fencers placing in the top 40% of the competitive field regardless of where the cut occur. There will be no rounding up to a maximum of 32nd place. Fencers must fence in at least one Regional or Super Youth Competition in the current season to be eligible to enter the same category and weapon at the Summer Nationals. The Steve Sobel SYC is sanctioned by USA Fencing, organized by New Jersey Fencing Alliance (NJFA), Maplewood, NJ, and is part of a group of events held throughout the country for youth fencers in the Y10, Y12, and Y14 age categories in all six weapons. USFA competitive membership is required for all events. In addition, this will be the fourth event in the prestigious NJFA Youth Cup Series (the 2011-12 season drew over 2000 fencers from the United States and Canada). For more info on the NJFA Youth Cup series visit www.njfencingalliance.com. VENUE The Jersey City Armory 678 Montgomery Street Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 Nearest airport: Newark Liberty International (appx. 10 miles from the venue) Tournament communication: Urgent and important information will be communicated through the FRED e-mail system. It is the fencer's responsibility to verify that your FRED profile contains your correct e-mail address. (www.askfred.net then go to "My FRED"). On-line tournament results: There will be live real-time posting of seeding, pool and strip assignments, and results. Live tournament feed: http://live.njfencingalliance.com. Note, prior to the tournament any posted seeding information is preliminary and NOT official. KINDLE FIRE DOOR PRIZE (e-mail fencer0901@aol.com with any questions) One Kindle Fire will be given away each day How to enter - You will receive: • one ticket for each SYC entry (if you fence 2 events, you get 2 tickets) • one ticket for each T-shirt purchased SYC T-SHIRTS Take it to the strip in maximum comfort. This lightweight shirt has a roomy, athletic cut and controls sweat like a champ. Whether you're fencing for the gold or drilling your footwork, this shirt will keep you cool, dry, and offer you that extra edge. T-shirt orders (youth and adult sizes) will be taken through FRED. If already entered, go back into FRED prior to Feb 23 and re-register for the event to select a shirt and make payment ($15.00). E-mail blairstar48@aol.com with any questions. A limited number will be available at the venue for $25, however will not have fencer names. Prior t-shirt orders from November were cancelled. You must re-order through FRED. Simply re-register for your event to select a shirt and make payment ($15.00). COACHES REGISTRATION Previous registrations are still valid - do not register again All coaches must to receive credentials that will allow you to be on strip with your fencer: Register at: http://www.njfencingalliance.com/stevesobelsyc2012/coach-registration.php. Credentials will be free until March 2, after which there will be a late processing fee of $15.00. E-mail fencer0901@aol.com with any credential questions. REGISTRATION/ FEES/ DEADLINES: If previously entered for Nov 2-4, 2012, your entry is intact... If previously entered and do not see your entry listed, contact us immediately... Contact us if you cannot attend.... Full refunds (including registration fee) will be issued only to fencers previously registered for Nov 2012 but unable to attend March 15-17 (must notify blairstar48@aol.com prior to March 1 and include your mailing address; NO full-fee reschedule refunds issued after MARCH 1) ... All refunds requested March 2-8 are as per stated refund policy below FENCERS CAN ONLY FENCE IN ONE EVENT PER DAY (exceptions are at the discretion of the Bout Committee). Fees and deadlines are established by USA Fencing. Credit card payments are taken on-line through askfred.net. If you prefer to pay by personal check, e-mail the organizer for registration and mailing instructions. If you prefer to enter via mail visit http://www.njfencingalliance.com/events/njfa-2012-steve-sobel-2012-super-youth-circuit-y8-y14 to download the mail-in/fax entry form. FEE SCHEDULE: (Fees are set by USFA) • Regular fee: thru February 22: $40 registration fee (nonrefundable) plus $30 per event • Late fee period: Feb 23-Mar 8: $120 registration fee (nonrefundable) plus $90 per event • Surcharge period: Mar 9-17: $120 registration plus $90.00 per event plus $200.00 surcharge (payment taken at door only, cash or check) On-line registration will close March 8, but with fee schedule as listed above. Entry is not complete until full payment is made (either through FRED or mail-in). Mail- in entries must be received no later than March 8. All incomplete entries (i.e. not paid) will be removed from the published entry list, with re-entry subject to fee schedule. If you have already registered and need to make changes or add an event, e-mail the organizer. REFUND POLICY Full refunds (including registration fee) will be issued only to fencers previously registered for Nov 2012 but unable to attend March 15-17, otherwise refund policy is as stated below. Must notify blairstar48@aol.com prior to March 1 (include mailing address). No full-fee reschedule refunds issued after March 1. All refund/cancellation requests received March 2-8 are per refund policy below Registration fee is not refundable. Submit refund requests to blairstar48@aol.com (include mailing address). Event fee refund requests submitted no later than March 1 (100%) Event fee refund requests submitted March 2-8 (50%) There will be NO refunds issued after March 8 - NO exceptions. TOURNAMENT ENTRY Competitive USFA or other foreign federation membership required. Fencers may only compete in one event per day (exceptions require BC approval). Event entry is determined by 2012-13 USFA age eligibility: •Youth 10: 2002-2005 •Youth 12: 2000-2003, or on Youth 10 NRP List •Youth 14: 1998-2001, or on Youth 12 NRP List If your registration is rejected for age and you are on the NRP list for the next lower age group, e-mail the organizer to process your entry. EVENT SCHEDULE Fencers must check in each day they compete. All times posted are CLOSE OF CHECK IN. Fencers should arrive at least 1 hour prior to close of check-in time to have equipment checked and properly warm-up. Plan accordingly to avoid disqualification. Fencing begins 15-30 minutes after close of check in. Friday 9:00 Y14 ME 9:15 Y14 WE 12:30 Y10 MF 12:45 Y14 WF 3:00 Y12 WS 3:15 Y12 MS Saturday 8:00 Y14 MF 8:15 Y10 WF 12:00 Y10 ME 12:15 Y12 WE 3:00 Y10 WS 3:15 Y14 MS Sunday 8:00 Y12 MF 8:15 Y10 WE 12:00 Y12 ME 12:30 Y12 WF 3:00 Y10 MS 3:30 Y14 WS EQUIPMENT CHECK Parents and fencers should expect significant lines for equipment check between 7- 9 am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; please plan accordingly. It is suggested fencers arrive at least 1 hour prior to close of check-in. Wednesday: NJFA (54 Burnett Ave; Maplewood, NJ) 6-9 pm Thursday: Venue 1-5 pm Fri/Sat/Sun: Venue 7 am- 6 pm ARMORER Armorers will be available to provide personal armoring on a fee per basis. VENDOR Blue Gauntlet Fencing Gear will be on-site to satisfy all of your equipment needs, and will supply all of the NAC-quality strips and scoring equipment. http://www.blue-gauntlet.com FOOD Venue cafeteria will be open from 7 am to 7pm DIRECTIONS Click the Directions link on the FRED tournament home page. Via I-78 (No Toll): Via I-78 E; Take the US-1-9 N exit, Exit 58B; Merge onto US-1-9 N/US-1 & 9/US-9 N/US-1 N via the exit on the left; Take the US-1 N/US-9 N exit; Merge onto US-1-TRUCK N/US-9-TRUCK N/US-1-9-TRUCK N/US-1 & 9-TRUCK N via the exit on the left; Stay straight to go onto Communipaw Ave; Turn left onto John F Kennedy Blvd; Turn right onto Montgomery St Via I-78 (Toll): I-78 E; Take the exit toward Jersey City/Columbus Drive; Stay straight to go onto Center St.; Go onto Merseles St.; Turn right onto Montgomery St.; 678 Montgomery St is on the right. Out of Holland Tunnel: Go west on 13th St toward Marin Blvd; Turn left onto Marin Blvd.; Turn right onto Montgomery St. Public Transportation: From Journal Square PATH station: Cabs are available or appx. 15 minute walk : Go east on Magnolia Ave toward Summit Ave.; Turn right onto Summit Ave.; Turn right onto Montgomery St. Some area taxi services: A-1 Taxi (201) 222-1200 King Taxi (201) 798-8100 Budget Taxi (201) 985-1888 AA Taxi & Limo Service (201) 435-1000 Jersey Taxi (201) 772-1111 2way Limo & Taxi (201) 432-4321 Jersey City Taxi & Limo Service (201) 332-8422 PARKING (Fee) Fee parking in numerous lots within walking distance, and Jordan and Summit Avenues will be available. There is on-street parking. NJFA is not responsible for any parking tickets issued. NEARBY HOTELS: Courtyard Jersey City Newport (2.3 miles) 540 Washington Boulevard http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrnw-courtyard-jersey-city-newport DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Jersey City (2.1 miles) 455 Washington Boulevard http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/new-jersey/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-and-suites-jersey-city-EWRWTDT/index.html Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson (1.87 miles) 2 Exchange Place http://jerseycity.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-jerseycity/index.jsp?null Westin Jersey City Newport (3 miles) 479 Washington Boulevard http://www.westinjerseycitynewport.com/ CHECK-IN REQUIREMENTS: The venue will open at 6:00 am each morning. Fencers must check-in each day they compete. Having all required SYC registration paperwork at check-in will expedite the registration process. Fencers who fail to check-in before the published close of check-in time will be removed from the event, and there will be NO entry fee refunds issued. ALL fencers are REQUIRED to present the following documents at check-in: •Valid competitive USFA, other fencing federation, or FIE Membership card. Obtain/renew membership at: http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/698115-individuals. New USFA memberships, new USFA card, or replacement USFA cards can be obtained via USFA. Print membership card with barcode at: http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/732721-print-membership-card-with-barcode. Athletes arriving without proof of USFA or other fencing federation membership must complete all appropriate forms and pay for USFA membership at the registration desk (even if already a member - refund requests can later be made through the USFA). You can renew/join at the venue; please have membership application completed prior to checking in. • If birth year has not been verified by USFA you must present a copy of birth certificate or other government-issued identification showing a birth date. This is not required if your USFA card states "Birth Year Verified – Y” • Waiver of Liability. A completed waiver form signed by a parent or legal guardian is required. Click "Download Waiver," then read and sign it before you arrive in the check-in line. No one will be permitted to fence without a signed waiver form. We expect to have press and other media coverage at this event. Photography, filming, recording or any other form of media of the athletes during the tournament can be used by the organizer (NJFA) and the USFA. If you wish to opt out of media coverage, you must present the waiver form in person to the Bout Committee. UNIFORM/EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS: • USFA uniform requirements apply. Names are NOT required on uniform. Fencers must wear the required clothing – regulation fencing jacket and pants, underarm protector (plastron), knee socks and a fencing glove that covers half the forearm. The electric foil bib is required. Women must wear breast protectors. In epee and foil, a full jacket is required (i.e., a jacket with croissard/groin strap). Warm-up pants are not allowed. Fencing uniforms must not have any rips, tears, holes, etc. USA Fencing allows uniforms of a single pastel color or designs on the rear (unarmed) arm and leg. As the purpose of uniform color or design is for audience interest, such designs should be in good taste. For safety and insurance purposes, fencers must wear full fencing attire while participating in drills, lessons or warm-up • Blade Length: For Y10 events, a 30" or 32" blade is required. For Y12 and Y14, standard blade length of 30"-35" is permitted. These rules will be strictly enforced. • Equipment check will be open each day. Fencers must present to the armorer for testing of mask, lame jacket, gloves (saber) and body cords. Items passing inspection will be specially marked. Masks that do not pass the 12-kg punch test will be impounded or given a visible mark to signify that the mask is "not approved for use." • All events are conducted with electric equipment. A preliminary inspection will be conducted at the beginning of each pool and DE to ensure the presence of the following equipment: underarm plastron, weapons, body cords and all appropriate weapon check control marks. Athletes are subject to prohibition from fencing if these conditions are not met. • Weapons will not be inspected or marked in advance, but failure to have the proper number of working weapons and other required equipment at the strip is subject to penalty according to relevant USA Fencing rules. • Fencers will only need to have their equipment passed once for the duration of the SYC. • You must arrive at the strip with at least two working weapons and two working body cords. Fencers are responsible for having working equipment prior to arrival for competition. TOURNAMENT FORMAT Per USA Fencing rules (http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/698385-rulebook) fencers who are not present for their bout after having started a competition (for reasons other than a verified medical withdrawal) will be excluded from the competition, and national points and/or classifications that might have been earned for that competition will not be awarded. Further disciplinary action can be taken by USA Fencing. Seeding: •Seeding is based on the Current National Youth Ranking according to age group and weapon, then letter ranking with year classification, then fencers with neither points nor classification. Fencers with equal classifications will be randomized within each classification. •The Steve Sobel SYC will ONLY use ratings and points standings that have been forwarded to and accepted by USA Fencing in advance of the tournament and then downloaded by us from USA Fencing. This information will be downloaded on Wednesday, March 13. Check your current points at: http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/695476-current-point-standings. Check USA Fencing rating at http://www.usfencing.org/page/show/698125-current-membership-listing. Fencers should verify ratings and point standing prior to the event. Any discrepancies must be resolved with the USFA. Only an official e-mail response from USFA will override the ratings/points published on the USFA website. •Each event’s tentative seeding will be posted at the venue and on-line prior to the close of check-in. Final seeding will be posted after close of check-in. It is the fencer's responsibility to notify the Bout Committee of any discrepancies in posted seeding information before pool assignments are posted. Any mistakes in posted information throughout the tournament must be reported to the BC immediately (within 5 minutes of posting). This includes club affiliation, division, classification, date of birth, gender, spelling of name, etc •Errors in posted pool results must be reported to the BC immediately (within 5 minutes). Once DE round starts and tableau is posted, the pool results are final and no adjustments will be made. •Check all scores before leaving the strip. Fencer signature on pool sheet and DE slip implies accuracy. Format: • SYC tournaments are required to have at least 6 competitors for points to be awarded and cannot be a mixed competition. If there are less than 10 competitors there must be fence off for 3rd place). Each event consists of two rounds (pools and direct elimination) •Pools: One preliminary round of pools comprised of the standard 5-touch bout in 3 minutes. 100% then advance to direct elimination round. •Direct Elimination Tableau shall be comprised according to the results of the preliminary pool round. •For Y14, DE bouts are 15 touch/9-minute bouts. For Y10-Y12, DE bouts are best 2 of 3 5-touch bouts. Any penalty cards issued during the match of 2 out of 3 five-touch bouts shall be in effect for the entire set of bouts in the match. During the 1-minute break, ONE PERSON designated by the fencer (team-mate, coach, or parent) may be on the strip with the fencer. •Medals awarded to Top 8. If there are less than 10 competitors there must be fence off for 3rd place, otherwise there will be no fence-off for third place. •USA Fencing rules apply as set forth in the USA Fencing Rulebook and as discussed further in the USA Fencing Athlete Handbook (http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Fencing/About-Us/Manuals.aspx) •SYC competitions award points to the top 40% of the field regardless of where the cut-off occurs, i.e. if there are 17 fencers 40% of 17 is 6.8 - only the top 6 finishers (not top 7) earn points. SYC tournaments are required to have at least 6 competitors for points to be awarded. •Classifications (ratings) can be awarded, however youth events must exceed criteria in Group C1 or higher to award changes in classifications. View USFA Classification Chart at: http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Fencing/Events/About-Tournaments/Classification-Chart.aspx • Photography and filming is allowed, however NO flash photography is allowed near ongoing competitions. Withdrawal: •Withdrawal during pools: A fencer who withdraws, or who is excluded, is scratched from the pool, and his results are annulled as if he had not taken part. •Withdrawal during DE: When for whatever reason a fencer cannot fence or cannot complete his bout, his opponent is declared winner of that bout. A fencer who withdraws does not lose his place in the overall classification of the competition. STEVE SOBEL BIOGRAPHY Mr. Sobel is a former President of the USFA (1972-1976 and 1992-1996), League Counsel, and past Vice President of the US Olympic Committee. He began his fencing achievements as the 1954 NCAA Saber champion for Columbia. He served as Chief of Mission for the US Pan American Games team and USOC Delegate to the Pan American Sports Organization. NJFA YOUTH CUP SERIES This is a series of youth events held throughout the season at New Jersey Fencing Alliance (Maplewood, NJ). Points are awarded to top 8 finishers in each event, then at the final event of the season the top 3 point finishers in each event are awarded Cup prizes. Each tournament however is stand-alone, no need to be in pursuit of Cup points to participate. During the 2011-12 season over 2000 fencers participated. Should there be a tie in final point totals the fencer with the highest finish in the final event will be declared the winner. Double points are awarded at the first and last events. 2012-13 series dates: Oct 14, Dec 16 (RYC), Jan 13, Mar 15-17 (SYC), Apr 28, May 26, June 9. NJFA: http://www.njfencingalliance.com. NJFA is a member of the NJ Division of the USFA: http://www.njfencing.org