U14 EFC FESTIVAL SELECTION APPROACH MAY 2026

Clear guidance on how athletes will be considered for selection to the EFC Under 14 Festival, taking place on 26th-27th June 2026 in Cividale del Friuli, Italy.

Published 21st April 2026
Updated 7th May 2026 to include the revised maximum number of entries per weapon from 4 to 6 (following publication of version 3 of the invitation which can be found here)

Selection for the EFC Under 14 Festival will take place after the British Youth Championships 2026, allowing fencers the opportunity to attend and improve their rankings for selection. The selection point will be after the BYCs where the BF rankings and international data will be frozen.

Selection overview

BF will invite up to six athletes per weapon category, as the EFC have confirmed this is the maximum number of entries allowed by each nation. Selection will follow a simple and transparent approach that reflects both the developmental nature of the age group and the practical constraints of the event.

The selection strategy will be based on the following two criteria only in priority order:

1. Qualification standards – whether the athlete has met the published eligibility requirements (yes or no).
2. BF rankings – used to determine priority where eligible athletes exceed the available places.

Selection Data

1. BF U14 Rankings
2. Under 14 Internal Results Data
3. Athletes that have met qualification standards.

Alignment with BF Selection Policy

The BF Selection Policy sets out a hierarchy of selection principles for Major Championships, as outlined in section 5.3.1.

• International results: Entry numbers and competitive strength have been inconsistent, making this an unreliable differentiator.
• Team performance: No Under 14 team events are held at the Festival.
• Future potential and Pathway engagement: The category is recognised as developmental and participation‑focused so this principle will not be used.

This approach ensures consistency, fairness and clarity for athletes, parents and coaches.

Eligibility requirements

• Athletes must be a minimum of 10 years old on the date of the event.
• Athletes must be among the top eight BF‑ranked fencers born in 2012 or after* on the British Under 14 Ranking at the time entries open.
• Discretionary applications will not be accepted.
• Selection will be based solely on BF Under 14 ranking lists.

* This clarifies an obvious error in the existing policy when read alongside the minimum age requirement.

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