AGE GROUP DEFINITIONS

Last Updated: 26.06.26

On this page:

• • How BF age groups are calculated
  • Seasonal age group tables
  • Definitions for U12–U23, Senior and international minimum ages
  • 2027 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 2026–2027 season is eligible for U14 if they were born in 2013 or later. A fencer born in 2012 would fall into the U17 (Cadet) age group.

AGE GROUP TABLE

U14

Fencers under the age of 14 on the 1 January 2027 is eligible for U14 for the 2026–2027 season, which concludes after the 2027 EFC U14 Festival (usually in May/June).

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

CADET (U17)

Fencers under the age of 17 on 1 January 2027, they are a Cadet for the 2026–2027 season, which ends after the 2027 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.

JUNIOR (U20)

Fencers under the age of 20 on 1 January 2027, they are a Junior for the 2026–2027 season, which ends after the 2027 Junior World Championships (usually in April).

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

U23

If a fencer is under 23 on 1 January 2027, they are an Under 23 for the 2026–2027 season, which ends after the 2027 U23 European Championships (usually in April/May).

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 2027

• U12: Born 2015 or 2016 – Fencers who are under the age of 12 on 1 January in the calendar year.
• U14: Born 2013 or 2014 – Fencers who are under the age of 14 on 1 January in the calendar year.
• U16: Born 2011 or 2012 – Fencers who are under the age of 16 on 1 January in the calendar year.
• U18: Born 2009 or 2010 – Fencers who are under the age of 18 on 1 January in the calendar year.

Click the links below to go to your GBR Zone:

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