South Coast Mary Rafanelli RYC/RJC

Welcome to the 18th annual South Coast Mary Rafanelli RYC/RJC competition (Region 4). Last season, this competition drew over 800 entries from across the United States and Mexico. The tournament will be held at the Pasadena Convention Center this season and in their 18,000 square foot Visitor's Center. The Pasadena Convention Center is minutes from downtown historic Pasadena and just steps from numerous food, shopping and hotel options. In addition to being close to the Burbank airport, the Metro Gold Line (Del Mar station) will take you right to the venue.

EVENT DETAILS Youth-10 (must be born between 2009 and 2012) Youth-12 (must be born between 2007 and 2010 or on the Youth-10 NRP list) Youth-14 (must be born between 2005 and 2008 or on the Youth-12 NRP list) Junior (must be born between 2000 and 2007 or on the Cadet NRP list)

NOTE: This competition takes place after the deadline for the 2020 Junior Olympics. Per the USFA, fencers entering the Junior events will be allowed to be born between 2000 and 2007 based on the following policy from the USFA Athlete’s Handbook:

"RJCCs held between JOs regular entry fee deadline and the Junior Olympic Championship will allow fencers that meet either the Junior Olympic birth year criteria or the July Challenge birth year criteria. Those who meet only the Junior Olympic birth year criteria may only earn new classifications, but will not receive regional points." - USA Fencing Age Chart

Fencers will have the opportunity to earn REGION 4 points based on qualification criteria, which can be found in the USFA Athlete’s Handbook (https://www.usafencing.org/athlete-handbook). Please consult the Athlete’s Handbook for details on RYC and RJC points, seeding and qualification paths.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

The registration deadlines for this competition can be found on the right side of the USFA tournament page. All fencers must check in at the registration desk NO LATER THAN the time indicated for the event. The check-in window is up to one hour prior to that time, so if your check-in time is listed at 1pm you may check in at the registration desk between 12pm and 1pm for the event). Fencers who do not check in with the registration desk by the time indicated for their event will be scratched from the event. No refunds will be issued for fencers who fail to check in on time.

All fencers MUST be age verified with the USFA. If your membership card does not indicate that you are age verified, you MUST bring a birth certificate (copy or original) or official government issued ID (such as a valid passport) to verify your age. It is highly recommended that, if you are not yet age verified, you do so by contacting the USFA prior to the competition. Fencers will not be allowed to compete without completing this process or bringing appropriate identification.

Fencers must also have a current competitive USFA membership. If you do not have a USFA membership which allows you to compete in USFA-sanctioned events, you will be expected to fill out a new USFA membership form and pay for membership. Again, it is highly recommended that you complete or upgrade your membership prior to the competition.

Registration fees are non-refundable. For those who wish to withdraw and do so in writing on or before the regular fees deadline, event fees will be refunded. After the regular fees deadline, no refunds will be issued for any reason, including a medical withdrawal.

EQUIPMENT CHECK

Fencers must certify certain pieces of fencing equipment prior to using them in the competition. Once certified, the equipment can be used throughout this tournament; if you are competing in multiple events, you will not need to re-certify the equipment. Equipment presented during fencing without an inspection mark will result in penalties as outlined in the USFA rulebook.

Fencers will be expected to certify the following equipment: - Masks - Gloves - Body and mask cords - Conductive material (lames, saber cuffs)

NOTE: Weapons are not certified through the equipment check so be sure that they are in working order prior to arriving at the tournament. All fencers must have AT LEAST 2 working weapons, body cords and (if applicable) mask cords at the start of each bout. It is a good idea to bring more than two working weapons.

The Fencing Post will be the official vendor for the competition and will be at the venue for equipment sales. If you would like to have them bring something specific with them for you to purchase at that time, you can reach them at www.thefencingpost.com.

There will be food concessions available in the venue throughout the weekend. There are also many restaurant and take-out options within easy walking distance of the Convention Center.