What's Next for the USA Fencing Points System: Expanded Review and How to Weigh In
Published
USA Fencing published a points system update on September 28, 2026: What''s Next for the Points System: An Expanded Review Group and How to Weigh In.
USA Fencing published a points system update on September 28, 2026: What''s Next for the Points System: An Expanded Review Group and How to Weigh In.
The new points and events structure took effect August 1, 2026. USA Fencing says it has heard useful feedback and hard questions from fencers, parents, and coaches. This article covers what already changed for October and November, what the expanded review group will study, and how to send specific feedback.
What already changed for October and November
For the October and November NACs, fencers in the Top 112 of Legacy points standings but outside the Top 112 on the Unified Points List were given the option to opt in to the Elite field. Eligible fencers were identified and contacted directly.
USA Fencing frames this as a transition measure. Competitive decisions in 2025-26 were made under different rules.
USA Fencing also acknowledged a communication gap. The June 5 announcement said 2025-26 regional results would not be used in a way that disadvantaged fencers who planned before the new system was announced. In practice, USA Fencing says that is not how the carryover worked, and it apologized for how the change was communicated. The opt-in and the review below are part of the response.
We already covered the two Elite paths here: USA Fencing Opens Two New Paths Into the Elite Field. Official detail also sits in Two New Ways Into the Elite Field.
Permanent Elite exemption for returners
Fencers who could not compete in points-earning events for an extended period because of injury or other extenuating circumstances, but who have a record of top results, can petition for Elite placement without first meeting the usual criteria. Unlike the October and November opt-in, this process is permanent.
Meeting a criterion makes a fencer eligible to apply. It does not guarantee acceptance. Each petitioner must show a valid reason for time away and a record of strong results.
At least one of these is required:
- Represented the United States, or another FIE member nation, within the past four years at the Olympic Games, a Senior, Junior, or Cadet World Championships, or a designated Senior, Junior, or Cadet international event
- Placed in the Top 32 of the Elite field at a North American Cup or National Championships, in the same age category, within the previous two seasons
- Fenced as an individual competitor at the NCAA Championships within the previous two seasons
Requests go through the exemption request form. They are due by the withdrawal deadline for each tournament. Earlier is better. The National Office reviews every request and shares decisions before the event split. Those decisions are final.
After the October NAC, the review group will look at how the petition process worked and share any refinements before they take effect.
Expanded points review group
USA Fencing says the core pillars of the unified points system are not under question:
- One list per age category (Cadet, Junior, and Senior)
- Best six results
- A clear ladder from local to international
What is under review is how the calculations work in practice. International results converting into unified points is one area called out as needing a serious look.
The Board expanded the points review group first formed in February 2026 to add small-club perspective. The group already includes national coaches, athletes, parents, and tournament officials.
Charge includes:
- Review how points are calculated across all tiers, including international results
- Examine specific cases where current calculations do not reflect competitive results
- Recommend changes to the Tournament Committee and the Board
- Address other related issues
The group will meet after the October NAC and again after the November NAC.
How to share feedback
USA Fencing wants specific concerns about point calculations in front of the review group, not scattered across social media and email.
Name the category, the results involved, and what a fair outcome would look like. Every submission goes to the review group.
What happens next
Recommended changes go to the Tournament Committee, then to the Board. USA Fencing says it will communicate what changes and when before anything is implemented.
This remains a two-year trial. Review was built in on purpose.
Where the current rules live
For a plain-language overview of how Trial rankings and Elite vs Challenger work for saber, see How USA Fencing Points Work for Saber and Elite and Challenger split before the October NAC. More updates land on our USA Fencing News hub and the tournament schedule.
Train in Bethesda
Saber Nation trains saber athletes at 4701 Sangamore Rd, Suite LL2, Bethesda, MD. For help mapping NAC plans under the current lists, contact the club or book private lessons.
Source: USA Fencing, September 28, 2026