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 – don’t worry, we’ll have signs up.
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 4pm.
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 classification names (Y8, Y10, etc)?
A: These are the classifications that USA Fencing uses. Y stands for youth, and the number indicates the oldest you can be to fence in that event.
Q: Why are you asking for birth year and not age?
A: Again, this is how USA Fencing does it (mostly). All fencers born in 2009 are currently considered twelve years old by our organization. They’ll all turn thirteen in the eyes of USA Fencing on August 1, 2022.
Q: I checked the classification tables on usfencing.org and it’s not exactly the same, why is that?
A: To reduce confusion, we’ve taken out the overlaps between categories so that each fencer can only participate in one event at this tournament.
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 are your COVID precautions?
Face masks will be required for everyone in the facility over age 2. We have some disposable masks available. Shared equipment will be sanitized before and after use. Please do not come to the tournament if you are feeling unwell or are quarantining due to a close contact with a COVID-positive individual.
Q: What’s the fee?
A: There is a $20 registration fee per fencer. You can pay online or at the door. The fee pays for referees and prizes.
Q: When can we sign up?
A: As soon as possible! We take walk-ins, but you should plan on registering no later than the Thursday before the tournament.
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 members and participants in our afterschool fencing classes.
