Fencing 101: Prepare for Your Child’s First Fencing Tournament

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Your child’s first fencing competition is an exciting milestone! Whether they’re just starting or have been training for months, preparing for a fencing tournament can feel overwhelming. A well-prepared fencer performs better and enjoys the experience more. Knowing what to expect, understanding the tournament structure, and having the right mindset will help your child feel confident on competition day. From understanding the rules to packing the right gear, this youth fencing guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure your child steps onto the strip ready to compete.

Understanding the Tournament Format

Fencing tournaments follow a structured format designed to give each fencer multiple bouts and a fair chance at ranking. Before competition day, take time to review how fencing tournaments are structured. Knowing the format helps your child mentally prepare and reduces uncertainty.

Most fencing tournaments consist of two main stages:

• Pool Rounds: Fencers are placed into small groups and compete in short, 5-point bouts against each fencer in their pool. The results determine their ranking for the next stage.
• Direct Elimination Rounds: After pools, fencers enter a bracket based on their performance. They compete in 15-point bouts, and losing a bout means elimination from the tournament.

Understanding these stages will help your child develop a strategy. The pool round is about consistency—winning more bouts ensures a higher seed for direct elimination. During direct elimination, stamina and mental resilience become key.💡 Tip: Reviewing the tournament structure with your child will help them feel more prepared and less nervous on competition day.

Essential Fencing Gear Checklist

One of the biggest sources of stress at a first fencing competition is forgetting something essential. A well-packed fencing bag ensures your child stays focused on their bouts rather than scrambling for missing gear. Before heading to the tournament, go through a checklist to confirm they have everything they need.

Required Gear for Competition:

• Protective Equipment – Fencing jacket, underarm protector (plastron), fencing knickers, long socks, and a glove.
• Mask – Ensure the mask fits securely and has a working strap.
• Weapons & Body Cords – Bring at least two weapons and two body cords for backup.
• Lame (Foil & Saber Fencers Only) – A conductive jacket required for these weapons.
• Fencing Shoes or Athletic Sneakers – Good grip and ankle support are important.
• Spare Gear – Extra socks, an additional glove, and replacement weapons if possible.
• Personal Items – Water bottle, snacks, warm-up jacket, and an extra T-shirt for between bouts.

Double-checking all items before leaving ensures your child won’t be caught off guard by an equipment malfunction or missing piece of gear.

Tip: Label all gear with your child’s name to avoid mix-ups and last-minute stress.

Preparing Physically and Mentally

Tournaments can be physically demanding, requiring endurance, quick reactions, and mental resilience. Preparing in the days leading up to the event is just as important as the training that happens in practice.

Physical Preparation:

• Train Smart – Reduce heavy training 1-2 days before the tournament to avoid fatigue. Instead, focus on footwork drills, reaction exercises, and light sparring.
• Stay Hydrated – Drinking water throughout the day before the tournament prevents dehydration.
• Eat Nutritiously – Focus on balanced meals with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats for sustained energy.
• Get Enough Rest – Ensure your child sleeps at least 8 hours the night before competition day.

Mental Preparation:

• Set Goals – Encourage your child to focus on their personal best rather than just winning.
• Use Visualization – Mentally rehearsing fencing actions and strategies boosts confidence.
• Manage Nerves – Teach deep breathing techniques and positive self-talk to help stay calm under pressure.

Tip: Visualization exercises, where your child imagines themselves successfully fencing, can help with nerves.

What to Expect on Tournament Day

Arriving early and following a structured routine helps your child settle into the competition environment. Walking through the tournament venue ahead of time can also help them feel comfortable.

Typical Tournament Day Schedule:

1. Check-In & Gear Inspection – Upon arrival, fencers sign in and present their equipment for inspection.
2. Warm-Up – Stretching, footwork drills, and practice bouts help prepare the body for action.
3. Pool Rounds Begin – Each fencer competes against every fencer in their assigned pool.
4. Break & Rankings Announced – After pools, fencers receive rankings based on performance.
5. Direct Elimination Rounds – Fencers compete in 15-point bouts until only one remains.
6. Medals & Awards – Many youth tournaments recognize top finishers with medals or trophies.

Tip: Teach your child how to reset between bouts—deep breaths, hydration, and a quick pep talk can keep them focused.

Supporting Your Child During the Tournament

As a parent, your role goes beyond just being a spectator. Your support can help keep your child motivated and stress-free throughout the tournament.

How to Be a Great Support System:

• Stay Positive – Focus on their effort and improvement rather than just results.
• Provide Healthy Snacks & Hydration – Energy levels can drop quickly during long tournaments.
• Respect Referee Calls – Avoid arguing with officials; teach good sportsmanship by example.
• Encourage Independence – Let your child manage their own gear and bouts while being there for moral support.

Tip: Avoid overwhelming your child with too much advice between bouts—encouragement and support go a long way.

Learning from the Experience

Every tournament provides valuable lessons, regardless of the results. Take time after the event to reflect with your child on what they learned.

Post-Tournament Reflection:

• Celebrate the Wins – Recognize strong moments, whether they won matches or executed a new skill well.
• Analyze Areas for Growth – Identify specific techniques or strategies that need improvement.
• Encourage a Growth Mindset – Reinforce that setbacks are learning opportunities.

Tip: Keeping a fencing journal to track performance and goals can be a great way to stay motivated.

Final Thoughts: First Fencing Tournament

Preparing for a first fencing competition can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it becomes an exciting and rewarding experience. By focusing on fencing tournament prep, supporting your child’s mental and physical readiness, and embracing the learning process, you set them up for success. Most importantly, remind them to have fun, fence their best, and enjoy the journey!