Mark Rance Memorial Tournament 2026 

Eligibility: 

This tournament is an open level competition. This means it is suitable for fencers over 13 years old. We encourage you to participate in this premier regional event. Check with your coach if you are unsure whether you should fence. Participants must be current affliated members of Fencing New Zealand  (ie: have paid their membership fee for the 2026 year).

If you haven't renewed your membership yet, click on the link below...

Fencing New Zealand Memberships

Competition Format: 

One round of poules with bouts to 5 hits. Followed by a round of Direct Elimination.  Separate men’s and women’s events will be held when each gender has 4+ fencers. 

Medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd equal. If events are mixed gender 1st, 2nd women will be awarded (depending on numbers). 

Entry Fee:

$30 per Weapon

Entries Close: 9pm Thursday 7th May 2026. Late registration closes 9pm 8/05/2026 and will incur a $10 fee.

Rules

The rules and policies for national competitions as currently applied by Fencing New Zealand shall prevail. The organisers would particularly like to draw your attention to the following:

Non-Combativity: FIE rule t.124 - The current version will be applied at this competition.

Fencer Salute: The revised t.122 and t.1 definition of a fencer's salute is below for your reference. 

 t.1 Definition of the fencer's salute 
In competition, the fencer's salute is a gesture of civility towards the opponent, the referee and the spectators. 
To perform the fencer's salute, the two fencers: 
- face each other 
- stand still on their on-guard line 
- place the mask under the non-sword arm 
- lift the guard to the chin 
- then lower the blade to the ground

 t.122
Before the beginning and at the end of a bout, the two fencers must perform the fencer's salute to their opponent, to the referee and to the spectators, as defined in article t.1. 
When the final hit of the bout has been scored, the two fencers stand still on their on-guard line while the referee is making his/her decision. 
The two fencers then perform the fencer's salute (cf. t.1) to their opponent, to the referee and to the spectators. 
The bout has then ended.

If either or both of the two fencers refuse to comply with these rules, the Referee will penalise him/her/them as specified for offences of the 4th group (cf. t.158-162, t.169, t.170).

Drug Free Sport:  This event is subject to the Drug Free Sport NZ regime. Random anti-doping testing may be conducted at this event. As an athlete it is your responsibility to be familiar with the rules and to obtain any Therapeutic Use Exemption that may be required. Failure to comply with the DFSNZ protocols will be treated as a doping offence under rule o.107.

The testing process and your rights and responsibilities as an athlete are outlined in the Drug Free Sport NZ website here: https://drugfreesport.org.nz/for-athletes/introduction-to-anti-doping/the-anti-doping-rules/ 

Podium Attire: Tracksuit jacket (regional, club or national); breeches or tracksuit pants; fencing socks and shoes.

Equipment Standards

All clothing is expected to be in a good state of repair and be washed.

Clothing: 

Torso: Minimum of 1150N protection. This can be made up either by 350N Jacket with an 800N plastron or 800N Jacket with a 350N plastron.

Legs: Minimum of 350N Breeches. Fencers are reminded that their jacket must have a 10cm overlap of the breeches in the en guard and lunge positions. 

Chest Protectors: are compulsory for women.

Mask: Minimum CEN1 rated (350N bib). All masks must have the new strapping system and have good quality elastic. Leon Paul Contour-Fit masks must have a secondary strap security fitting at the back. Visor masks are not acceptable. 

• FeNZ Masks Weapon Control Competititon Requirements May 2021 ( pdf, 161KB )

Foil: Lame Bibs, Mask Wires and FIE blades are not required. Bayonet and 2 pin body wires accepted.

Epee: FIE blades are not required.  Leon Paul SR-71 blades that are stamped 08-2012 to 06-2015 will not be accepted. Leon Paul V blade stamped 08-2012 to 06-2015 without a unique serial number will not be accepted. (currently banned by Fencing NZ).

Sabre: S2000 or later blades required. Maraging blades not required. 800N gloves are not required. Visor Masks will not be accepted. Curly mask wires are not accepted.

Photography and Publication

Photography is permitted at all Fencing MidSouth competitions, as the competition venue is a public place. However, photography is strictly prohibited in non-public areas such as changing rooms and toilets. Participants are advised to refrain from changing in public spaces, as doing so forfeits their right to privacy. Fencing MidSouth reserves the right to publish photos taken at the competition on social media, the internet, and printed media, including images of spectators and officials.

For more information refer to : NZ Privacy Act

Timetable:

Saturday 9th May 2026

8am to 8.15am        Registration Women's Epee

8:30am                   Women's Epee Starts

9am to 9.15am        Registration for Men's Foil

9.30am                   Men's Foil Starts

1pm to 1.15pm         Registration for Mixed Sabre

1.30pm                    Mixed Sabre Starts

1pm to 1.15pm         Registration for Mens Epee

1.30pm                    Mens Epee Starts

2.30pm to 2.45pm Registration for Women's Foil

3pm                         Women's Foil Starts

Results: 

Will be posted to Fencing Time Live

For any enquiries: 

Please email the organisers on registrations@fencingmidsouth.org.nz