1. Nordic Championships

1. Nordic Championships
1.1.
Every year, Nordic Championships shall be arranged in all weapons for both women and men in the following categories: U17, U20, U23, Seniors, and Veterans. Younger age classes are optional for the organizing federation or club. Fencers may participate in the category assigned by their respective national federation. Every second year, the Nordic Championship will be part of the Nordic Fencing Festival (NFF), which includes all weapons and categories in a single event.

Model for Championships:

Odd years:
Nordic Fencing Festival (NFF) – All categories/weapons.

Even years:

• Sabre (All categories)
• Foil (All categories)
• Epee (U17, U20 & U23)
• Epee (Senior & Veterans)

1.2.
The assignment of the Nordic Championships rotates between the Nordic nations interested in organizing the event.

1.3.
The Nordic Championships shall be organized in accordance with FIE rules, with the exceptions presented in these rules.

1.4.
Costs and proceeds from organizing the Nordic Championships are borne by the organizing federation or club.

1.4.1.
The entry fee is determined by the organizer and must include a referee fee and the NFU fee (see 1.4.2). Discounts for dual or multiple starts are recommended.

1.4.2.
The NFU charges a fee of 5 EUR per individual start and 20 EUR per team. The organizer shall collect these fees and transfer them to the NFU bank account.

2. Participation
2.1.
The Nordic Championships are open to fencers from any member federation of the FIE, subject to the national rules of the organizing federation. Only fencers from national federations that are members of the FIE or EFC are allowed to enter.

2.2.
In team events, the organizer may hold "open" competitions, allowing additional teams, non-NFU federations, or mixed teams to participate.

2.3.
To enter, a fencer must hold a valid national license if such is required by their federation of residency.

2.4.
Fencers with citizenship outside the NFU but residency in an NFU member country must register through the NFU federation and abide by the deadlines, fees, and rules set by that federation.

3. Entries
3.1.
The organizer must send the invitation to all NFU member federations at least three months before the event. If youth championships are included, age groups must be clearly described. The registration deadline must be set no more than 30 days before the competition.

3.2.
The host federation or club may accept late entries, subject to an optional additional fee.

3.3.Women may only participate in women’s competitions and men in men’s competitions, unless categories are combined according to section 3.4.

3.4.
If there are fewer than six fencers in a category at the start of the competition, the organizer has the authority to combine categories to ensure a high-quality competition. To award a Nordic Championship title, there must be at least two fencers in a category.

3.5. Age Categories and Eligibility:
*According to the organizing country's rules.
**In the correct age category. No handicap system is used.
Age Definitions:
Veterans: Age is determined as of December 31st of the year of the competition. Groups: 40+, 50+, 60+, and 70+.
Seniors: Must at least be in the U17 (Cadet) age group during the season of the competition.U23, U20 (Junior), U17 (Cadet), U15, U13:
Fencers must be under the specified age at midnight on December 31st of the first year of the season in which the competition takes place. (U13 fencers must be at least 10 years old).

4. Competition Format
4.1.
The championships consist of individual events. The organizer may also choose to organize team championships.

4.2.
The organizer and the Directoire Technique (DT) are responsible for ensuring that international fencing rules and Nordic Championship rules are respected.

4.3.
Medical personnel must be present at the venue.

4.4.
The organizer shall appoint a Safeguarding Officer.

4.5.
The organizer may deviate from international format rules to maximize fencing time. Examples include:

• Allowing all fencers to qualify from the first round.
• Running two rounds of poules without elimination.
• Using a repêchage system in direct elimination.
• Fencing for all placements.

4.6. Team Competition Formula:
Team events take place after the individual competition in the respective category.
< 5 teams: Competition is run as a poule; the poule result is final.
5+ teams: Direct elimination with a tableau based on the individual results of the top three fencers. Fencers who did not participate in the individual event are ranked last of the individual competition + 1.
From the T16 onwards, all places shall be fenced.

4.7.
Penalties:
Penalties apply according to FIE rules. A black card must be reported to the fencer's home federation. The referee supervisor must submit a formal report describing the incident.

5. Directoire Technique (DT)
5.1.
The DT is appointed by the organizer and consists of three members. The DT has the same tasks and competence as defined in FIE rules.

5.2.
One DT member shall be appointed as the Referee Supervisor, with the authority to make decisions as described in FIE rule t.141.

5.3.
The names of the DT members and the Referee Supervisor must be clearly posted at the venue.

6. Referees
6.1.
The organizing federation or club is responsible for the recruitment and reimbursement of referees. Participating Nordic federations are required to assist in the recruitment process.

7. Equipment Requirements
7.1.
FIE rules apply with the following exceptions:

• FIE-certified blades: Recommended, but not mandatory for U15 and younger.
• Markings: Name, nationality, and national logos are not required on the uniform.
• Masks: Foil masks may be used in epee.
• U13 Requirements: Jacket, breeches, plastron, glove, and mask: Minimum 350N. Blade size: 0 to 2.