AGE GROUP DEFINITIONS

Last Updated: 02.03.26

On this page:

• • How BF age groups are calculated
  • Seasonal age group tables
  • Definitions for U12–U23, Senior and international minimum ages
  • 2026 British Youth Championships (BYC) age groups
  • Minimum age requirements for UK competitions

AGE GROUP OVERVIEW

BF age groups are determined by the age a fencer is on 1 January in the relevant calendar year. The tables on this page show the latest eligible year of birth for each category.

Example:
A fencer competing in the 2025–2026 season is eligible for U14 if they were born in 2012 or later. A fencer born in 2010 would fall into the U16 age group.

AGE GROUP TABLE

U12

Fencers who are under the age of 12 on 1 January in the calendar year.

U14

Fencers who are under the age of 14 on 1 January in the calendar year.

Example:
A fencer under 14 on 1 January 2026 is eligible for U14 for the 2025–2026 season, which concludes after the 2026 EFC U14 Festival (usually in May).

Minimum Age for UK U14 Ranking Events:
Fencers must be at least 10 years old on the day of the competition.

For questions about British Ranking Competitions, see: BRITISH RANKING COMPETITION (BRC) FAQS – BRITISH FENCING

U16

Fencers who are under the age of 16 on 1 January in the calendar year.

CADET (U17)

Fencers who are under the age of 17 on 1 January in the calendar year.

If a fencer is under 17 on 1 January 2026, they are a Cadet for the 2025–2026 season, which ends after the 2026 Cadet World Championships (usually in April).

Minimum Age for UK Cadet Events:
Fencers must be 11 on 1 January to compete in any UK Cadet event that year.

U18

Fencers who are under the age of 18 on 1 January in the calendar year.

JUNIOR (U20)

Fencers who are under the age of 20 on 1 January in the calendar year.

If a fencer is under 20 on 1 January 2026, they are a Junior for the 2025–2026 season, which ends after the 2026 Junior World Championships (usually in April).

Minimum Age for UK Junior Events:
Fencers must be 13 on the day of the event.

U23

Fencers who are under the age of 23 on 1 January in the calendar year.

SENIORS

There is no upper age limit.

Minimum Age for UK Senior Events:
Fencers must be 13 on the day of the event.

MINIMUM AGES FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

According to FIE rule o.29, fencers must have reached their 13th birthday before applying for an FIE licence.

BRITISH YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS (BYCs) – AGE GROUPS 2026

• U12: Born 2014 or 2015
• U14: Born 2012 or 2013
• U16: Born 2010 or 2011
• U18: Born 2008 or 2009

Click the links below to go to your GBR Zone:

Para Fencing | Under 14 | Cadet | Junior | U23 & Senior