Cobra Challenge SYC/RCC

NOTE DAY/TIME CHANGES Y14 MF moved from Saturday to Sunday 8:00 Y14 MS moved from Saturday to Sunday 3:30 Y12 MF moved from Sunday to Saturday 9:00 Y12 MS moved from Sunday to Saturday 3:30 Only fencers not able to attend due to the day change will be issued a full refund. Cancellation and refund request must be received no later than May 16, and sent to cherylfencing@gmail.com. All other refunds are per stated Refund Policy COBRA CHALLENGE SUPER YOUTH CIRCUIT/REGIONAL CADET CIRCUIT Meadowlands Expo Center; Secaucus, NJ 355 Plaza Drive Secaucus, NJ 07094 If interested in refereeing, email cherylfencing@gmailcom. ALL fencers, coaches and spectators must submit waiver at check-in. Click "Download Waiver," print and bring with you. Each fencer is allowed one (1) plus-one, which does not include their coach. Clubs are allowed a maximum of 6 coaches per day. There is no spectator fee. Free garaged parking in all garages adjacent to the venue. Parking is allowed in all spaces, even if marked "reserved." There will be no monitors to display pools or results. Check live tournament results and tournament progress at www.fencingtimelive.com. Note, there is no Wi-Fi in the venue; internet access is via your cell phone or other provider. Regular fee entry deadline Sunday, May 16, 2021 This tournament is subject to all National, State and local COVID-19 guidelines, including assembly of persons. If any circumstances arise that would preclude the safe running of this event it will be cancelled, and refund of fees is subject to USA Fencing. Please read all tournament info before registering. Registration opens April 10, 2021, at 12 pm ET. All events will be capped, and entry is on a first-come first-served basis. Once the tournament has filled to the capped amount, a wait list will begin. When an athlete withdraws from the event the next person on the wait list will then have 48 hours to officially register for the event and pay event fees. Caps are subject to be adjusted up or down, depending on COVID conditions. Cobra Fencing Club and Meadowlands Exposition Center are not responsible for any lost or stolen property. Please check to make sure you have all your personal belongings before you leave, as anything left at the end of the day will be thrown out! NO EXCEPTIONS. =================================================================================================================================================== Super Youth Circuit (SYC) EVENT INFORMATION https://www.usafencing.org/syc-resources Regional Cadet Circuit (RCC) EVENT INFORMATION https://www.usafencing.org/rjcc-resources =================================================================================================================================================== COVID-19 Protocol Covid test is NOT required. There will be no exceptions to COVID-19 protocols. IF YOU CAN'T COMPLY DO NOT REGISTER. COVID-19 Protocols will be implemented throughout the whole tournament and include, but are not limited to, the following: • If you are sick, stay home. If you present with a temperature or any other COVID-19 symptoms you must leave the venue immediately and there will be no refund. • Fencers are advised to wash their clothes each day before they come to tournaments. Armorers have the full right to decline checking unwashed or uncleaned equipment • Chairs will be placed on the floor in designated locations to allow for social distancing. Any violators will be escorted out of the building. No personal chairs or alternative seating options are allowed on the floor. -No congregating or gathering in any doorways, hallways, or walkways. • Fencers must come to the venue semi-dressed. No change of clothes in restrooms is permitted. • Fencers may be accompanied by ONE person, which does not include their coach. • Clubs are allowed a maximum of 6 coaches per day. • USA Fencing mask mandate is in effect. Everyone in the venue must wear a face mask that covers nose and mouth except when eating and/or drinking. There are no exceptions. If you are unable to wear a face mask stay home. Face Shield is not a replacement to face mask. • Food and drink will be sold in the venue, however is a limited menu. If you have special dietary needs you should bring your own food. There will be no public water stations - bring your own water or purchase at the venue. • No parents, coaches, or spectators will be allowed in the designated fencing area during the pool round. However, one coach is allowed to assist a fencer during DE bouts. Coach will stand in a clearly designated area and will be instructed not to step out of this area until the bout ends. Violators will be escorted out of the venue immediately. • Fencers are not allowed to touch the scoring machine, weights, shims, remote and scoresheet. Fencers must verify accuracy of the score sheet. Results will be posted at www.fencingtimelive.com and any errors should be reported to the Bout Committee immediately. • Fencers are to refrain from shaking hands after bouts • Fencers are to refrain from shouting or screaming after a touch. • When you have finished fencing in your event, gather your belongings quickly and exit the building immediately. You may not stay and socialize. • No medal ceremony. Top 8 should stop at the Medal area before leaving to receive your medal. • Cobra Fencing Club and Meadowlands Exposition Center are not responsible for any lost or stolen property. Do not leave your personal belongings unattended in the venue. Check to make sure you have all your equipment and belongings before you leave, as anything left at the end of the day will be thrown out! NO EXCEPTIONS. =================================================================================================================================================== CHECK-IN Everyone entering the venue is required to submit a waiver • Venue opens 6:30AM. We recommend arriving at least 1 hour before close of check-in. • Current USA Fencing membership, current FIE license, or foreign federation membership is required. To become a member of USA Fencing visit https://www.usafencing.org/membership. • All fencers must have a USA Fencing membership card with barcode, or a clearly legible copy, or downloaded to your phone to use the contactless Auto Check-In feature. Membership cards can be printed from your profile section at usfencing.org. • Not mandatory, but fencers can present proof of age (original or copy of birth certificate, passport) if USA Fencing membership card does not state "Birth year is Verified " on the card and we will forward your age verification to USA Fencing. • Fencers must check in each day they compete. =================================================================================================================================================== TOURNAMENT FEES No exceptions to late fees will be made for inability to register within stated deadlines. There will be NO reminder emails sent to competitors with incomplete registrations; i.e, no payment. It is your responsibility to be aware of registration deadlines. Entry and waitlisting is first-come, first-served. An additional $5 fee is being assessed per competitor to cover additional COVID expenses and modifications. SYC REGULAR entry/payment until May 16, 2021: $45 registration fee plus $55 per event, plus USA Fencing administration fee RCC REGULAR entry/payment until May 16, 2021: $40 registration fee plus $50 per event, plus USA Fencing administration fee SYC TRIPLE entry/payment May 17-19, 2021: $135 registration fee plus $165 per event, plus USA Fencing administration fee RCC TRIPLE entry/payment May 17-19, 2021: $120 registration fee plus $150 per event, plus USA Fencing administration fee NO WALK-IN ENTRY REFUND POLICY Must send notification of withdrawal and request for refund to cherylfencing@gmail.com. FENCERS WHO WITHDRAW THEMSELVES WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND. Registration fees and USA Fencing administrative fees are nonrefundable. Requests for event fees refunds will only be honored if received prior to midnight on May 16, 2021. There will be no exceptions to this policy. USA Fencing will issue refund to credit card used for the registration. In the event of downsizing of caps, refunds will be issued. There are no refunds in the event of time changes on the same day. All times are subject to change according to event entries, therefore we strongly encourage you to keep your entire day flexible until final close-of check-in times are posted. Any day/time changes will be posted no later than May 17, 2021. On tournament day, fencers arriving after close of check-in will not be allowed to compete. They will be withdrawn from the competition, and no there will be no refund of entry fees for any reason. No refunds issued to no-shows for any reason. =================================================================================================================================================== SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Event registrations will be capped due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions. All entries are first-come, first-served. All event days/times are subject to change, and we strongly urge you to keep your entire week-end flexible until final close of check-in times are determined. There will be no refunds issued due to time changes on the same day. Any day/time changes will be posted no later than May 17, 2021. Fencers are not allowed to compete in more than one event per day, unless approved by the Bout Committee and Tournament Organizers. Contact organizer before registering for authorization. Fencing commences shortly after close of check-in. We suggest arriving at least 1 hour prior to close of check-in to allow for equipment check and proper warm up time. Venue opens at 6:30 a.m. Saturday 8:00 CME 8:30 CWF 9:00 Y12 MF 12:00 Y10 ME 12:30 CWS 1:00 Y10 WF 1:00 Y12 WE 3:30 Y12 MS Sunday 8:00 Y14 MF 8:15 Y12 ME 8:30 Y10 WE 9:00 Y14 WS 12:00 Y10 WS 12:15 Y14 WE 1:00 Y12 WF 3:30 Y14 MS Monday 8:00 Y14 ME 8:15 CMF 8:30 CWE 9:00 Y10 MS 12:00 CMS 12:30 Y14 WF 1:00 Y10 MF 3:30 Y12 WS =================================================================================================================================================== EQUIPMENT VENDORS Blue Gauntlet Fencing Gear (http://www.blue-gauntlet.com) is equipment sponsor and exclusive vendor, and will be on-site for equipment sales. FOOD Food and beverage concessions will be available at the Expo Center, however on a limited basis, plus there are numerous restaurants near the venue. You must bring your own water; there will be no public water stations. HOTELS Embassy Suites (adjacent to venue): https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/meanjes-embassy-suites-secaucus-meadowlands Holiday Inn: http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/secaucus/hmnnj/hoteldetail Hyatt Place: http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/index.jsp Courtyard by Marriott: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ewrse-courtyard-secaucus-meadowlands Meadowlands River Inn: http://www.meadowlandsriverinn.com Six national hotel chains are within a 5 minute drive: Crowne Plaza Hotel, LaQuinta Inn & Suites, Meadowlands Plaza Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, Hilton Meadowlands, Candlewood Suites =================================================================================================================================================== We will adhere to the USA Fencing code of conduct for athletes, parents, and spectators. Everybody present in the venue must remain orderly and not disturb the smooth running of competition. No one is allowed in the strip enclosure during pool round. During the DE round each fencer may have 1 person inside the enclosure, and this person (coach, parent, teammate, etc) must remain at the back of the strip, and all other spectators outside the draped rail. At no time is anyone allowed to criticize the Officials or their decisions, to insult them or to attempt to influence them in any way. Coaches and spectators are allowed to give advice to fencers, but must not disturb the order of the bout. The Referee and/or the Bout Committee on their own authority, or at the request of an official, can decide to expel from the venue, with or without a warning, any person who by gesture, attitude or language disturbs the good order or smooth running of the event. ================================================================================================================================================================== WHERE SHOULD I GO FIRST? Stop at the bag station to obtain a bag for your equipment to be checked by the armory. Place bag in designated area and then retrieve it once inside the venue at some point before your event. Armorers will test foil and saber lame, masks, 2 body cords, 2 saber mask cords, saber cuff. 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.” Have your lame right side out and zipped up. Untangle and straighten body cords and mask cords, and remove any tape from previous tournaments. Scan USA Fencing membership card with barcode at the contactless self-check-in station. Print membership card on-line at http://www.usfencing.org/membership. If you wish to take advantage of the age verification process, see the staff member at check-in and provide a copy of passport, birth certificate or other government-issued identification. After checking in, verify your seeding information at fencingtimelive.com and report any discrepancies to the Bout Committee (BC) before close of check-in time for your event. No changes will be made after check-in closes. Present your signed waiver. Only one waiver is needed per household. Once in the venue find a location for your fencing bag (do not block doors, aisles, walking areas, or fire exits). Tentative Pod assignments will be posted noting the location of your pool round, so you can place your fencing bag near your pool location. Final pool strip assignments cannot be posted until close of check-in. CHECK-IN All times are close of check-in. We strongly encourage you to arrive at the venue at least 1 hour before close of your event registration. Venue opens at 6:30 a.m. Fencers failing to check-in by the published deadline will be removed from the event and refunds will not be issued. Fencers must check-in each day they fence. WHEN WILL I START FENCING? Each event consists of 2 rounds (pools and then direct elimination (DE)). Typically pools begin approximately 15 minutes after close of check-in, tournament conditions permitting. Occasionally there will be unforeseen delays, and if this should occur we appreciate your understanding. To avoid delays resulting from incorrect seeding of pools, it is vital you verify all information after you check in and report errors (misspelled name, wrong club, wrong rating/ranking) to the BC before close of check-in time for your event. HOW DO I FIND OUT WHERE I WILL BE FENCING? Listen for announcements, and shortly after check-in closes pool strip assignments will be posted on-line at https://fencingtimelive.com. There is no wi-fi in the venue; internet access is through your cell phone or other provider. Take spare weapons and body cords with you when reporting to the strip for your bouts. USA Fencing Rules apply (https://www.usafencing.org/usa-fencing-rule-book). WHAT DO I DO AFTER MY POOL IS FINISHED? After finishing all your pool bouts the referee will show you the pool score sheet. You must check scores for accuracy, then sign the pool sheet and thank the referee. If there are any errors, do not sign until the error is corrected. Once the pool sheet with fencer signatures is submitted there will be no changes made. Do not leave the venue. When ALL pools for your event are completed the results for the entire field are ordered by best to poorest (highest ratio of victories vs. bouts fenced, touches scored vs. touches received), and the DE round is seeded from these results. Once pool round results are posted you must again check these for accuracy and report errors immediately to the BC. Do not leave the venue after the pool round, as there is 100% promotion to the DE round. The DE tableau will be posted and you then report to the strip(s) indicated for your event and listen for the referee to call you. Notify the referee if you need to leave the strip area for any reason. You are allowed 2 calls to the strip, then if not present at the 3rd and final call you will be scratched. The DE round continues as winners advance until the final bout. Medals will be awarded to Top 8 finishers. Once you are done competing you must exit the venue quickly. Be sure you have all your belongings and equipment, as anything left behind at the end of the day will be thrown away. Medals for the Top 8 finishers can be picked up at the Medal table when exiting the venue. ==================================== TOURNAMENT FORMAT/RULES ==================================== • USA Fencing rules apply. https://www.usafencing.org/usa-fencing-rule-book • Equipment check required (mask, lame (as appropriate), sabre cuffs, head cords, and body cords). 800N Saber Glove is Mandatory. Armorer will be on-site for repairs (for fee). Fencers only need to have their equipment passed once for the duration of the SYC/RCC. • Must have at least two working weapons and two body cords when reporting to the strip. • Full USA Fencing regulation uniform required. Name is NOT required on jacket/lame. Come to the venue already dressed, as changing in the restrooms will not be allowed. Foil mask with conductive bib required. Rule regarding chest protectors for FOIL fencers: https://www.usafencing.org/news_article/show/922236. Fencers arm, equip and clothe themselves and fence at their own responsibility and at their own risk. Fencers are responsible for ensuring arrival at the strip with working equipment. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT Fencers arm, equip and clothe themselves and fence at their own responsibility and at their own risk. • Uniforms (jacket, pants, knee-high socks, fencing glove): Standard fencing uniforms; cannot have any rips, tear, or holes. Warm-up pants or jeans are not allowed. Fencing glove must cover half of the forearm. 800N Saber Glove is mandatory. • Plastrons (underarm protectors): Standard fencing plastron; required with every uniform • Chest Protector: Required for females. All women's FOIL fencers are required to wear a padded chest protector. Men are not required to wear a chest protector; however, if they do, it must have acceptable padding. All chest protectors must be worn under the plastron. Rule regarding chest protectors for FOIL fencers: https://www.usafencing.org/news_article/show/922236. • Masks: 12K punch test; sewn in bib. Conductive Bib in foil is required. Elastic strap at back of mask is required • Blades: The maximum blade length permitted for Y10 competitions is 32.5 inches. For Y12, Y14, Cadet competitions, standard blade length of 30-35” permitted. • Weapon Handle: Any attachment to a weapon’s handle must fix the hand in one position such that the top of the thumb is no more than 2 cm from the inner surface of the guard. • Names on Uniforms: Not required at SYC/RCC • Ratings can be awarded, however youth events do not use the E1 or D1 classifications. This means that these events are NR until they achieve C1 level or higher. See USA Fencing classification chart at: https://www.usafencing.org/classification-chart • SYC Competitions award national points to the top 40% of the field. https://www.usafencing.org/syc-resources • RCC events award regional points to fencers residing within Region 3. https://www.usafencing.org/rjcc-resources • Medals awarded to 8th place. • Photography and filming is allowed, however NO flash photography is allowed near ongoing competitions. Withdrawal during tournament: • Withdrawal during pools: The pools must be fenced through the last bout. 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. The Athletes Handbook (https://www.usafencing.org/athlete-handbook) is the definitive reference document regarding points and qualification paths. Results, points and ratings earned at this event are not official until processed by USA Fencing National Office. USA Fencing Rule Book https://www.usafencing.org/usa-fencing-rule-book •** Liability waiver - Upon entering this tournament you agree to abide by the current rules of USA Fencing and other applicable rules instituted by Cobra Fencing Club. You acknowledge you are entering this tournament at your own risk and release USA Fencing and its sponsors, Cobra Fencing Club, Meadowlands Expo Center, and referees/staff from any liability. With entry you give consent to tournament organizers to obtain medical care from any licensed physician, EMS personnel, hospital or clinic for any injury or illness that may arise during activities associated with this tournament. Photography, filming, recording, or any other form of media of the athlete during the tournament can be used by Cobra Fencing Club and USA Fencing. Those wishing to opt out of media coverage must inform the Bout Committee.** Cobra Fencing Club and Meadowlands Exposition Center are not responsible for any lost or stolen property. Fencers, Coaches, Parents, and Spectators must conduct themselves according to USA Fencing Code of Conduct [USA Fencing](https://www.usafencing.org/codes-of-conduct). USA Fencing black card policies will be enforced. Photography is allowed, however NO FLASH photography is allowed near active fencing. No one is allowed inside the pod during pool round except the fencers. During the DE round each fencer is allowed one person (coach, parent, teammate) in the pod with them, and that person must remain at the back of the strip and not interfere with the referee aisle.