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University of Toronto Athletics

Fencing Selection Criteria

Updated: July 2025
Each year, the varsity fencing team has limited spots to represent the university in intercollegiate competitions. As a minimum to be eligible for selection, registered students must meet the course requirements and criteria set out by the university and for the OUA, and have had at least one year of fencing experience.
 
Although the men’s and women’s teams compete in separate events, the teams frequently and regularly train and attend tournaments together. The competition schedule starts in October with external “exhibition” tournaments and culminates at the OUA Championships in February and Provincial Championships in March. Selected athletes who demonstrate an ability to train and compete at national and high performance (HP) levels would have special training/competition period considerations. Each men’s and women’s final teams will be composed of three squads of four fencers (divided according to weapon) and a floating alternate.
 
Assessment Period:   
Experienced previous fencers at the university are automatically assessed as potential members, based upon previous training and competitive seasons. New fencers to the program will undergo an assessment period during the earlier assessment opportunities to determine their level of experience, and where they should start their training.
 
Those who are determined to be ready for competition will be included in the initial squad of varsity eligible fencers, space permitting, who will be expected to attend practices regularly and compete in the exhibition schedule, or acceptable alternative tournaments as permitted by the coaching staff.
 
Competitions:            
A schedule of competitions is distributed to all aspiring varsity athletes. Alternative tournaments can be acceptable if there is either conflict with the student’s schedule (if identified at least three weeks in advance), or if another tournament is more appropriate for the athlete’s level of competition. Higher level competitions (CFF Canada Cups or NACs) are given higher assessment ratings, as they are reflective of higher competitive strength.
 
Player Fees:               
All varsity eligible students are assessed with player fees set for the season. Those who are in particular demonstrable financial need should discuss options with the coaching staff, if it proves to be a significant burden.

Final Selection to Teams
 
Final selection to participate in the Varsity Team will take into account the following factors:
  1. commitment to training and performance/dedication during team practices (attendance, effort, timeliness, etc.).
  2. regular, consistent, and effective communications with coaches and staff concerning the program (training, competitions, conflicts, etc.).
  3. individual results in CFF Canada Cups or NAC tournaments.*
  4. individual results in OUA exhibition / OFA tournaments.*
  5. contributions to team tournaments (RMC and/or Carleton Team Invitational).*
  6. overall team contribution, sportsmanship and team-work.
  7. commitment to maintenance of an independent fitness program.

All of the above factors are taken in combination to determine selection of fencers, with no one single factor outweighing others. Should all combined factors weigh relatively equally overall, athletes will subsequently be highest ranked based upon their competition results. However, failing to meet non-competitive based criteria may disqualify the athlete for selection, unless extenuating circumstances have been discussed prior with the coaching staff. 

The number of athletes who will be selected to be supported and represent the university team is still under consideration, given the constraints mentioned above (the maximum number varies depending on transport and accommodation arrangements). A tournament fee will be assessed to defray costs.
 
All athletes are subject to the Code of Student Conduct and Code of Athlete Conduct. Violations of these codes may result in immediate suspension from the team, or alternatively, measured compliance of which will be factored into final selections.
 
All fencers are continually assessed on the above factors to contribute to a final cut during the OUA Championships in February.
 
Regular (verbal) feed-back will be given to athletes throughout the exhibition season, and any deficiencies will be explained. Regular assessment of performance, commitment and physical fitness will be conducted.

Try-outs will begin on October 1, 2025 and will take place at the Athletic Centre Dance Studio.