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 | Event | Check-in close |
| Saturday 27th July 2024 | Men’s Foil | 10:00am |
| Women’s Foil | 10:15am | |
| Men’s Sabre | 11:00am | |
| Sunday 28th July 2024 | Men’s Epee | 10:00am |
| Women’s Epee | 10:15am | |
| Women’s Sabre | 11:00am |
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.
Connie Adam Team Trophy
This year we’ve decided to introduce the Connie Adam Team Shield, to celebrate our much-loved club member, Connie Adam, who passed away in 2021.
The Connie Adam Team Shield is designed to celebrate team spirit, as Connie was a keen competition goer for 30 years representing Norfolk Fencing Club, England and Great Britain around the world.
We will be running this using a point system across all events combined. There will be 10 points per entry for the club they’re representing. Then there will be a bonus point per place above last for each entry.
For example, a club enters 2 fencers into an event with 16 fencers, they will get 20 points for participation. If those fencers place 1st and 16th, the former will get their 10 points for participation and 15 points for their results (totalling 25 points for their club). The other fencer in 16th place would only get their 10 points for participation. That would mean those two fencers have earned a total of 35 points.
For Norfolk Fencing Club, as we are on home ground, participation points will be halved. Therefore, fencers representing Norfolk Fencing Club will only get 5 points per entry.
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