SYFA Cupid's Arrow 2026

We’ve secured a special group rate for fencers and families attending the Cupid’s Arrow Fencing Tournament. The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Rochester Mayo Clinic Area / Saint Marys is offering discounted rooms for our event weekend.

Event Dates

Start: Friday, February 6, 2026

End: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Group Rate: $119.00 per night

Last Day to Book: Thursday, January 15, 2026

TAP LINK HERE: Book your group rate for Cupids Arrow Fencing

Schedule

The schedule will be as listed on the "Who's Coming?" page. Times are for the close of check-in; if you miss the close of check-in, you will not be allowed to fence even if you have already paid.

Note: Concessions Will Be Available. You may bring food and drink into the venue, but please NO peanuts and tree nuts. 

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Code of conduct

All fencers must have the 2026 Minnesota High School Fencing League Code of Conduct completed before participating in the tournament.

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Location

The event will be held Located: Rochester Regional Sports Center

Address: 851 College Pkwy SE, Rochester, MN 55904

Park in the main lot. when you enter the main door the fieldhouse will be on your first left.

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Registration and Payment

You must register via AskFRED before 12:00 AM on 2/01/26

Please be aware of the following:

The individual entry fee for competitors is $55.00 if prepaid by the deadline, Feb. 1st 2026, or Triple Fees if paying at the door.

You must be pre-registered (on-site registration is only permitted at triple fee).

If you don’t check in by the closing time, you will not be allowed to compete.

Please make sure you are registering under the correct AskFRED-listed high school team or club. Check with your coach if you are not sure which one is yours. In addition, make sure the email listed on your AskFRED account is current and checked regularly; an announcement email will be sent out a few days before the tournament.

Generally, there will be no refunds for people who pay in advance and do not show up. However, extenuating circumstances may be considered and full or partial refunds may be issued after accounting for fixed costs such as awards.

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Equipment

All fencers must have:

1. A fencing mask that passes inspection (punch test, no dents, passes visual inspection, back strap is tight enough to secure mask to head) and receives a stamp before the fencers reports to the strip
2. A glove (which must pass inspection and receive a stamp before the fencer reports to the strip)
3. Knickers
4. An underarm protector
5. A fencing jacket
6. Socks that overlap with the knickers when the fencer is in the en garde position
7. A working body cord
8. A chest protector (required for women, optional for men)
9. A working weapon

All equipment must be in safe working condition (e.g., free of holes). In addition, foil fencers must have:

1. A working lamé
2. A mask cord
3. An approved neoprene covering for the chest protector, if one is worn (the chest protector must be worn under the underarm protector)
4. A weapon that passes the 500g weight test

All saber fencers must have:

1. A working lamé
2. A mask cord
3. An FIE-approved saber glove
4. A metallic cuff, either as a separate item or as an integrated part of the glove.

All epee fencers must have:

1. A weapon that passes the 750g test and passes the shim tests.

Equipment inspections

At all tournaments, during the check-in process prior to the close of check-in, all fencers must have their masks and gloves inspected by the armorer. All masks must pass the 12 kg punch test and pass other aspects of a safety inspection. If your mask fails, you will not be permitted to fence with it and will have to find a mask that passes the safety inspection.

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COVID policy

As of this posting, masks and vaccinations are not required to participate or attend. However, if you are ill or have a fever, you are asked not to attend. If you have tested positive for COVID, please do not attend unless you have a negative test or have been fever-free for at least 5 days.