SYC, RYC, RJCC, ROC... What Are These And Why Do They Matter?
So you've been receiving emails from the coaches informing you of upcoming SYC/RYC/RJCC/ROC and registration deadlines, but you have no idea what these competitions are for, what is the level of competition involved, to what end do they serve, and if your child should be fencing in them.
Don't worry, you're not the only puzzled parent out there.
The Abbreviations & Who Should Join
SYC - Super Youth Circuit
SYCs are National level competitions for the Y10, Y12 and Y14 fencer and therefore reward points that count towards the National Rolling Point Standings (NRPS). SYCs award points to the top 40% of the competitive field (rounded up to the next higher integer) to a maximum of 64th place. These competitions are one of the possible qualification paths for Y10 and Y12 events at both the March NAC and/or the USA Fencing National Championships in July. Youth fencers may participate in one or more SYC tournaments, however, only the top result will be included in the revised point standings published after the latest SYC.
MFA's assessment on who should join an SYC
Athletes in the Youth Competitive or Competitive Program who have had at least a top 8 finish in Regional competitions. We recommend that you pay most attention to the SYC that is located within a 2 hour drive radius.
RYC- Regional Youth Circuit
RYC tournaments are held throughout the season and provide opportunities for the Youth fencer to gain competitive experience at a level below National level. These competitions are one of the possible qualification paths for Y10 and Y12 events at both the March NAC and the Y10, Y12 and Y14 USA Fencing National Championships in July. However, unlike SYCs, there are no national points awarded at RYCs.
MFA’s assessment on who should join an RYC
Athletes in the Youth Competitive or Competitive Program with a minimum fencing experience of 1 year.
RJCC - Regional Junior Cadet Circuit
RJCCs are conceptually similar RYCs where the events provide competitive opportunities beyond the local and division levels but below the NAC Junior/Cadet levels. As the name suggests, the difference is in the qualifying age category - this is for Junior (U20) and Cadet (U17) level fencers.
MFA's assessment on who should join an RJCC
Athletes who are at least 14 years and above, who are in the Competitive Program with a minimum fencing experience of 2 years.
ROC - Regional Open Circuit
ROCs are again conceptually similar to RYCs and RJCCs, but apply to the Open/Division I-A fencer. Other competitive opportunities in the ROC tournaments are provided for Veteran (40 & Older) and Division II (C, D, E or U) fencers.
MFA's assessment on who should join a ROC
Cadet and Junior athletes who meet the qualifying class and who are in the Competitive Program with a minimum fencing experience of 2 years.
What are the National level Competitions?
USA Fencing runs several national tournaments: North American Cup (NAC), Junior Olympics, and Summer Nationals. National tournaments have entry rules/qualification paths that must be met before entering the tournament. These entry rules/qualifying paths are listed in chapters one and two of the USA Fencing Athlete Handbook.
For more information and the most up-to-date details, please visit usafencing.org