Sabre in College

[poor_nizzie]

I will be starting college in September 2004, and am planning on fencing there whether it be varsity (NCAA) or club. Does anyone know if college fencing has higher equipment standards? The sabre mask I have now withstands 400 newtons -- should I 'upgrade' to a 1600N mask for college? My mask has worked just fine for local tourneys, as well as at Junior Olympics.

[whtouche]

As far as I know, college equipment safety standards for fencing are the same as USFA. You needn't have FIE gear to compete incollegiately.

What college are you going to be fencing for?

[bjacobs]

College fencing has no real equipment standards, except passing shim/weight tests for foils and epees before bouts. We didn't have one equipment check before a meet, only before individual style tournaments like the IFA's.

[DrDoom]

At most meets, the equipment isn't checked. However, at almost all tournaments (i.e. New England Championships for my school) masks must pass a punch test, lames must not have dead spots, and body cords must be in good working condition. No FIE gear is required. Have had directors ask to see my plastron too.