The Norfolk Open is back for another year! All fencers are welcome to take part in this six-weapon competition, in either one or two weapons. It will only be possible to fence one weapon per day.

Where? Halls 4 & 5, Sportspark, University of East Anglia, Earlham Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ.

When? 

Date EventCheck-in close
Saturday 27th July 2024 Men’s Foil10:00am
Women’s Foil10:15am
Men’s Sabre 11:00am
Sunday 28th July 2024Men’s Epee10:00am
Women’s Epee10:15am
Women’s Sabre11:00am

Format? Two rounds of poules, with all fencers progressing into the D.E. (elimination) stage of the competition. Prizes will be awarded for the top four fencers in each event, as well as the highest rank veteran and cadet. The organisers reserve the right to modify the format based on entry size and conditions on the day.

Equipment? All fencers must ensure their equipment complies with current British Fencing regulations. A maximum blade size of 5 is permitted in all weapons and therefore fencers must wear 800N plastrons. Those wearing chest protectors in foil events must ensure they are using an FIE approved soft cover. Those fencing in sabre events must ensure they are using an 800N glove. 

As per BF Senior ranking events, we will not be enforcing bodywires with transparent connecting plugs (at both ends) or the need for the additional safety straps for masks with the contour fitting although they may be used. All masks though must fit securely and be in good condition with secure elastic/Velcro.  

Weight and gauge testing will take place from the start of the D.Es in both foil and epee. Armoury will be available on site courtesy of Leon Paul.   

Entry? £35 per entry via Sport80 (link here). Open to all fencers aged 13 and over on the day of the competition. British Fencing compete level membership is required, which will be validated in advance. 

Early bird special offer? The first 50 entries before 1st May 2024 can use the code NORFOLKOPENEARLYBIRD to receive a £5 discount on their entry. Please contact us if you have any issues with this.

Refereeing? L8 onwards will be independently refereed, although early stage D.Es and poules may require some self-refereeing.  

Additional Information?

Entry to SportsPark is usually 60p to go through the turnstiles – passes will be made available to those competing.

The main UEA car park should be used for those arriving by car. It should be possible to validate your car park token at the Sportspark for free parking, otherwise parking is charged at a £1 flat rate per day at the weekend. We would advise you not to park in the Sportspark car park as that is only free for the first 4 hours, then £5 for every hour beyond that.

A cafe is also in operation throughout the day, offering hot and cold food to suit a variety of dietary requirements. 

We will also be running a raffle in aid of Norfolk and Waveney Mind, with tickets going on sale prior to the event (details TBA).

See below for a pdf of the competition information for sharing to your clubs.

British Fencing event licence: 39340