Age Group Definitions

Typically your age group for the season is based on the age you are on 1st January.

Age Groups:

Years showing are the last eligible year of birth. So, for example to be eligible for U14 in the 22-23 season you can be born in 2009 or later. But if you are born in 2008 you fall into the U16 category.

	22-23	23-24	24-25	25-26
U12	2011	2012	2013	2014
U14	2009	2010	2011	2012
U16	2007	2008	2009	2010
U17 (Cadet)	2006	2007	2008	2009
U18	2005	2006	2007	2008
U20 (Junior)	2003	2004	2005	2006
U23	2000	2001	2002	2003

 

Cadet (U17)

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

For example if you are under the age of 17 on 1st January 2024, you are a Cadet (U17) for the 2023-2024 Cadet season, which ends after the 2024 Cadet World Championships usually held in April.

Minimum Age for Cadet Events in the UK – Fencers must be at least 11 on 1^st January in order to compete in any UK cadet events in that calendar year.

 

Juniors (U20s)

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

For example if you are under the age of 20 on 1st January 2024, you are a Junior (U20) for the 2023-2024 Cadet season, which ends after the 2024 Junior World Championships usually held in April.

Minimum Age in the UK – Fencers must be at least 13 on the day of the event

 

Seniors

No upper limit.

Minimum Age in the UK – Fencers must be at least 13 on the day of the event.

 

Minimum Ages for International Competition

Fencers must have reached their 13^th birthday before they may apply for an FIE licence (FIE rule o.29 )