Rules for uniforms: 350N or 800N?

[desolationdiva]

It's been at least five years since I've competed at national tournaments, and I'm fairly sure that the rules regarding the type of uniform one wears have become more severe. What are the current rules for the level of force that jackets and knickers can withstand? I know that for world cups 800N FIE is required, but what about for US national competitions? Will 350N Work? Or do they also require 800N. Are underarm protectors required at national tournaments even if one has an 800N FIE jacket? Masks are still 1600N, right? Also, does one need FIE blades to fence national competitions or are they still only required for world cups? Depending on what I hear, I may have to buy some new equipment, because all of mine is about 6 years old and it only 350N.

[neevel]

FIE-homologated uniforms and blades are still not required for any U.S. competitions (with the exception, of course, of World Cups held in the U.S.), so there's no need to purchase new gear unless it's wearing out. If you fencer sabre, you will need to have S2000-standard blades.

-Dave

[swordsen]

Yes, underarm protectors are required no matter what kind of jacket you are wearing.

[desolationdiva]

Thanks for the advice. I'm glad that I don't need to buy a whole new uniform right away...that would be really expensive.

[Mo]

Thanks for the advice. I'm glad that I don't need to buy a whole new uniform right away...that would be really expensive.
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Deso,
Are you planning on going to Summer Nationals?
The kids have sectionals this weekend.. Summer Nationals are only two months away.
YIKES!

[desolationdiva]

What's up Mo? No, I don't have enough money saved yet for summer nationals, so I won't be going there. (Plus, I don't want to show up to a national competition until I'm satisfied that I've trained enough to kick butt, not embarrass myself, and come back with a bit of a bang.) Depending on how training and saving money goes, I hope to go to a NAC or two in the fall. I thought it would only be prudent to know what the rules for equipment are before the last minute.