What’s an RYC? An SYC? An RJCC? An A-B-C-D-L-M-N-O-P?

New York, NY (Nov. 2021) — There are many different levels of fencing competitions. 

There are local competitions, often operated by Tim Morehouse Fencing Club and the other local clubs. These are usually where a young fencer will start out. They’re great for experience and learning how to compete. They’re also great for sussing out the local competition. 

Once you reach a point where you want to compete on a larger scale, regional and national tournaments are the way to go. But what do all the acronyms mean? 

RYC stands for “Regional Youth Circuit.” These are the competitions you will encounter most often. RYC tournaments usually offer events in Youth-10, Youth-12 and Youth-14. While there are no national points awarded at these events, the points you accrue by competing at RYC events can qualify you for NACs and the USA Fencing Summer Nationals

SYC stands for “Super Youth Circuit.” SYC tournaments usually offer events in Y-10, Y-12 and Y-14. The standings from these competitions are compared on a national level and points are only awarded to the top 40 percent of finishers in any event. Competing in SYC events is another route for qualifying for NACs or the USA Fencing Summer Nationals.

RJCC stands for “Regional Junior Cadet Circuit.” This circuit is for the teenaged fencer. All RJCC competitions are for Junior (under age 20) and Cadet (under age 17) level fencers. It’s a step between local/division competitions and the NAC Junior/Cadet levels.

ROC stands for “Regional Open Circuit.” ROC competitions are for stronger, more experienced fencers on the regional level. This is a level of competition that prepares fencers for the more competitive national level. Often ROC tournaments offer events in Division I-A, Division I, Division II (C, D, E or U-rated fencers), Division III and Veteran (age 40 and older).

NAC stands for “North American Cup.” Each month through the fencing season, October through April, a NAC is held at a revolving location around the country. Each month features a different collection of events for different levels of experience. For younger fencers (Y-10, Y-12, Y-14 and Division III), their opportunity to compete at a NAC is usually in the spring. Fencers can accrue national points which improve their standings as the USA Fencing Summer Nationals.  

Registration for local events is usually handled though AskFred.net. The website has a search function that allows you to browse what tournaments and clinics are upcoming.

Registration for events that are regional or national is handled through USA Fencing. Use this organization’s search function to find tournaments. TMFC keeps a curated calendar of events on its site that can be found HERE.

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Tim Morehouse Fencing Club is the premier fencing club in the area, offering fencing lessons in Manhattan, Westchester (Port Chester), and Connecticut (Stamford). With instruction available in saber, foil, and epee fencing, TMFC has programs for all levels of experience and competition.