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 1st 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
British Youth Championships (BYCs) Age Groups 2024
U12 – Born 2012 or 2013
U14 – Born 2010 or 2011
U16 – Born 2008 or 2009
U18 – Born 2006 or 2007
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 13th birthday before they may apply for an FIE licence (FIE rule o.29 )
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