Sports Information/Selection Process

FENCING:

From July 17-30, 2013 the 19th Maccabiah Games, the World's 3rd largest international sporting competition, will be held in Israel with the United States having strong representation in a variety of sports and levels. The 19th World Maccabiah Games will have 60+ countries, 7000+ athletes, and 35+ sports represented in total.

The USA Juniors, Youth, and Open Athletes and Staff will depart approximately July 10, 2013 for a mandatory ISRAEL CONNECT program which will include training as well as exciting tours throughout Israel prior to the competition. Team USA will return home on August 1st (subject to change).

Team USA fencers will for the First time compete in both the Open and Juniors Divisions, and possibly the Masters Division too (TBD).

The Open Division is for to all ages, generally Males and Females ages 18+, and is expected to include individual and team events in ALL weapons. The Juniors Division is open to Male and Female fencers born in 1995-1998, and is also expected to include individual and team competition in all weapons.

Team USA's fencing contingent may also for the first time include a Masters Team (Male fencers aged 40+, age as of 12/31/2013) -- more details to come.

Team USA expects to field 12 fencers for each of the Open and Junior Division Teams along with two coaches.

The Open Team may include up to 3 fencers per weapon from the applications received, and the athletes meeting all Team USA selection criteria.
A Jewish Coach will be selected for the Open Fencing division for Team USA.

The Juniors team will also have 12 fencers: 6 boys and 6 girls, chosen from applications received, and the fencers meeting all Team USA selection criteria. Another Jewish Coach will be selected for the Juniors Fencing division for Team USA.

TEAM SELECTION:

Selection for the Open and Juniors Teams will consider the point standings attained as set forth below as of the end of Sunday of the January 2013 NAC Division 1 and Junior competitions:

• Selection for the Open team:
Sum of Groups A and B:
Group A: The total of the two highest points earned at the following three events:

1. 2012 Division 1 National Championships,

2. 2012 December, North American Cup Division 1,

3. 2013 January, North American Cup Division 1

AND

Group B: The total of the points earned at US Fencing designated Senior World Cup and Grand Prix Competitions between May, 2012 and the conclusion on Sunday of the January 2013 North American Cup Division 1.

• Selection for the Juniors Team:
The points earned from Groups C, D and E below with priority given to Group E points:

Group C: The total of the two highest points earned at the following three events:

1) 2012 July, North American Cup Under-19,

2) 2012 November, North American Cup Junior (Under -20),

3) 2013 January, North American Cup Junior (Under-20)

Group D: The total points earned at Junior World Cup competitions, between May 2012 and the conclusion on Sunday of the North American Cup Junior Division: January 2013 competition.

AND

Group E: The total points earned at North American Cup Division 1 competition, and points earned at designated senior World Cup and Grand Prix competitions between May 2012 and the conclusion on Sunday of the January 2013 NAC Division 1 competition.

All Juniors fencers please note that the Maccabiah defines Juniors as those athletes born between 1995 and 1998; this category is defined differently by the US Fencing. The Maccabiah's description will, however, apply and control the selection process for the 19th World Maccabiah Games not U.S. Fencing's definition.

• For the Masters team (Fencers ages 40+):
As of this date the Master's competition has yet to be confirmed. Team USA selection criteria will be subsequently formally announced for this division.

ALL interested Jewish FENCERS are encouraged to apply. The Maccabiah Games are one of the great sports and life experiences. Points are not the ONLY part of the selection criteria in selecting Team USA.
The official Application for USA fencers and coaches is available online at www.maccabiusa.com. You must fill out the formal application in order to be considered for Team USA.

Questions? Please contact the Fencing Co-Chairs: Philippe Bennett, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Stu Rothenberg, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .