Frequently Asked Questions
Location and Schedule
Q: Where is the tournament going to be?
A: It will take place at our location inside The Zone (10371 Stella Link Rd). We’re behind the batting cages.
Q: What are these registration times?
A: Everyone needs to check in during the registration window for your event. If your fencer is later than close of registration, we will assume they aren’t coming and they won’t be able to fence. You can call 832.674.0774 if you’re running late.
Q: When will the fencing start and end?
A: Fencing will start a little after the close of registration. The ending is a little bit up in the air and will depend on the size of the tournament and a few other factors, but we do not expect that fencing will last beyond 6:30 pm.
Q: What if we have to leave early?
A: It’ll still be a good experience for your fencer, but if they have to leave before they are done fencing, they’ll have to withdraw and won’t be able to win prizes.
Championship Tournament Format
Q: What’s with the two different events?
A: In the past, we followed the age category structure of USA Fencing, but we found this hard to remember and hard to explain. Now we use grades. We’ve adjusted the ages to try to get the two events to similar sizes.
Q: What is the format?
A: We will divide the kids into groups of about 5-7 for the first stage, called “pools.” They will fence everyone in their pool until someone has five points. Then the top 8 fencers will advance to an elimination bracket, where they will fence to 10 or 15 points (1o for the younger kids, 15 for the older ones depending on time).
Q: How will the Golden Mask trophy be awarded?
A: Each fencer will earn a point for their school just for participating in the tournament. They can earn more points by placing in the top four of their event. The school with the most points will win the Golden Mask, to be displayed at their school until the next School Championship.
What to Wear, Bring, and More
Q: What should we bring/wear?
A: The fencer should wear comfortable clothes they can move in. Pants are preferred; shorts must be at least knee length. They also need to wear close-toed shoes. We also recommend bringing a water bottle.
Fencers and family members can represent your school by wearing a school shirt!
Q: What’s the fee?
A: There is a $25 registration fee per fencer. Please pay online by registering using the links above. The fee pays for referees and prizes.
Q: When can we sign up?
A: As soon as possible! The last day to register will be Monday, April 23.
Q: Anything else I need to know?
A: The HSS School Championship is not an officially-sanctioned USA Fencing tournament and is only open to HSS beginner members and participants in our afterschool fencing classes.
