See this US Fencing Association guide to learn about eligibility for this annual event.
Fencers must be eligible AND qualified to compete. These are two separate steps, and it’s easy to confuse them.
Eligible means a fencer can register. Fencers must be at least 13 years old on Jan. 1, 2027 (or meet the age exception), have 100 Cadet or Junior points on the Unified Point List in the event and have their nationality verified as USA in the membership system. There is no rating requirement.
Qualified means a fencer can compete. In addition to being eligible, a fencer must meet one of the qualification pathways, such as reaching 200 Junior or 125 Cadet points on the UPL, earning enough regional points or placing in a qualifying position at a division JO qualifier. The guide walks through every pathway step by step.
What registration statuses mean
Approved: The fencer is eligible and has qualified.
Pending: The fencer met the eligibility requirements and was able to register but hasn’t met a qualification pathway yet. They have until Dec. 9 to qualify. Keep in mind that points can roll off before then.
Denied: Fencers who haven’t qualified by Dec. 9 will be switched to Denied and receive a full event fee refund. Tournament and admin fees are non-refundable, and refunds are processed four to six weeks after the tournament.
Petitions are now open. Fencers who believe they should be considered for Junior Olympics can submit a petition by Dec. 13. More details are on the event page under Petitions.
Good Luck to all, and see you in Oklahoma City, in January!
