What Exactly IS a NAC?
The coach has said that your fencer is ready to compete in an upcoming NAC. The coach is pleased, your fencer is excited, and you, the parent, are … confused? Just what is an NAC and what are you supposed to do about it? If this sounds like you, help is on the way.
An NAC is one of a series of tournaments called the North American Circuit that is held at various locations around the country. At these tournaments, fencers can earn points (usually by making the top 32), which places them on rolling points standings that are tabulated by the USFA. Why are point standings important? Earning points can help your fencer be an automatic qualifier to Nationals and, at a higher level, to qualify for national teams. National points can be earned at NACs, SYCs, Summer Nationals, and Junior Olympics events.
But what about age eligibility? The USFA determines age categories by birth years, that is for the 2011-2012 season, a fencer born in 2001 or later is a Youth 10 (Y10), fencers born in 1999 or 2000 are Youth 12 (Y12), fencers born in 1997 or 1998 are Y14 fencers (Youth 14), fencers born in 1995-1998 are Cadet (U17), fencers born in 1992-1998 are Junior (U20) fencers and fencers born in 1998 or earlier may compete in Senior events - these include Division I/IA/II/III. A fencer can fence “up” one age category, for example, a Y10 may compete in Y12 events, but not Y14 ones. A Y12 may compete in Y14 events but not Senior events. A Y14 may compete in Senior events. Fencers may never fence “down” (i.e. a Y12 cannot fence in a Y10 event).
Aha, you say, what is Division I/IA/II/III? Division III is a tournament in which all fencers much be rated D, E or U. Therefore, Division III is a “D & Under” tournament. Division II is a “C & Under” tournament, and Division I is open only to fencers who hold a current A, B or C rating. Division IA is an "open" event allowing fencers of all ratings to compete if they qualify by age and gender.
So you understand the USFA’s system of points and ratings but you’re not sure if your fencer is ready for the big event. The best advice is, talk to the coach, question other parents who have “been there”, and above all, listen to your fencer. Competing at a NAC or other regional or national competition can be scary, fun, exhilarating, and rewarding. Make sure that you help your fencer to benefit fully from the experience.