The board meeting agenda from Summer Nationals is available online at:
http://fencing.teamusa.org/content/index/5122

This topic had it's first hearing at the BoD in TX. The next BoD meeting should
also hear it and possibly vote on it.
Nannette



NEW D
Min no. of fencers: 15; must include at least 4 E's or higher
Rated fencers: 2 E's or higher must finish in top 8
Classifications awarded:
1: D
2-4: E

OLD D
Min no. of fencers: 15
Rated fencers: no requirements
Classifications awarded:
1: D
2-4: E


Rationale:
Under the current system, it is possible to hold a sanctioned event consisting
of 15 or more unrated novice fencers (typically with less than one year of
competitive experience.) The top four finishers will earn classifications,
regardless of their skill level. This has the effect of “devaluing” the D
and E classifications, since there is no requirement that more skilled fencers
compete and be encountered in the later rounds.
All of the other classification groups require the presence of a minimum number
of rated fencers. This change applies the same criterion to Group D1 events.