I've never been in a tournament

[TrainingDummy]

But I want to be. I fence epee, does anyone know of a good tournament for me in Texas or Louisiana coming up? I have been fencing since September, epee since early February. I am starting to get a little too relaxed for my liking in club practices so I think it's time I fence a tournament, even if I get stomped.

[Spike327]

Here's a few...

It looks like North and South Texas Divisionals (semi-state championships) are coming up this weekend, although this may or may not be the best place to start your competitive career. At your level of experience though, you could still probably do ok in the DivII events.

[RoninX]

Get to know FRED he's your best friend if you are interested in tourneys.

www.askfred.net

[Purple Fencer]

And do yourself a favor and read the primer I wrote....it's referenced in my sig block....you'll thank me!

[TrainingDummy]

Much appreciated. I had a great practice last night, and I'm really psyched.

[KD5MDK]

Why didn't you fence the Masters?
April 1-2 your only chance is Divisionals. You'd need your name on your jacket or leg for that, as it is considered the first round of Nationals. (Or you can start every bout with a red card)
Battle on the Bayou will be April 8-9 in Houston, at a good venue. I should be refereeing there.
You've really missed out on most of "the season", but I'm sure some more tournaments will pop up.

[Purple Fencer]

Why didn't you fence the Masters?
April 1-2 your only chance is Divisionals. You'd need your name on your jacket or leg for that, as it is considered the first round of Nationals. (Or you can start every bout with a red card)

I thought the name rule was only enforced at actual national level tourneys like a NAC or nationals themselves.

Divisionals ARE the first round of Nats....but the only differance between a Div I qualifier and a regular open tourney is that one of them was designated as the Div I qual.

[TrainingDummy]

I'm not actually a USFA member yet... I need some time to get that taken care of. Thanks for link for FRED, I'll be checking that out. KD5, how much does UT charge to rent out a couple epees and body cords for a weekend?

[RoninX]

Keep in mind that most fencing tourneys give you the chance to sign up for USFA membership on-site and still fence that same day

[TrainingDummy]

I did not know that... thanks.

[KD5MDK]

I thought the name rule was only enforced at actual national level tourneys like a NAC or nationals themselves.

Divisionals ARE the first round of Nats....but the only differance between a Div I qualifier and a regular open tourney is that one of them was designated as the Div I qual.

That was the response I was given when I asked about this before Divisionals last year.

I'm not actually a USFA member yet... I need some time to get that taken care of. Thanks for link for FRED, I'll be checking that out. KD5, how much does UT charge to rent out a couple epees and body cords for a weekend?

As said, you can sign up for a USFA tournament at any tournament. Again, if you can make Battle on the Bayou, that'll be a good one. UT does not charge for equipment borrowed for tournaments, if you're a paid up club member. However, recall that the National Team is leaving for Club Nationals tomorrow, and will be taking a fair proportion of the gear with them this weekend. You should probably send an email as soon as possible if you want to attend a tournament within the next two weeks to the club president, and hopefully all the equipment won't break at Clemson so you can borrow some on next Thursday.

[epeeisky]

If you want to travel to Louisiana then the Lafayette Fencing Club is hosting the Lafayette Open on April 22 and 23.

[JasminaJ]

And Good Luck T.D.! Competitions are fun exciting- and I hate missing any of them. They are trulty an addictive part of this sport for me!
I hope you find the same