Team overview

The Umass Fencing Team is a Registered Student Organization (RSO) on campus– therefore a club sport– but the team competes at the varsity level against schools from all over New England, as well as in a national competition each spring. In the various leagues that Umass participates in, team members compete against a diverse range of schools- some with similar club programs while others have NCAA programs. While we compete at the collegiate level as a team, we do encourage our fencers to participate in USFA events.

Fencers of various skill levels are members of the team. Some come to Umass with pervious fencing experience, but most members have joined the team through our Novice Program, having no experience beforehand. All new team members, with or without experience, must participate in the Novice Program before they are integrated with the Varsity Program: please see the Learn to fence section for more information. Squad captains choose starters for team competitions, and selection is based on several factors including: skill, technique, attendance, and seniority.

The University of Massachusetts Fencing Team participates in several different leagues: The Northeast Fencing Conference (NFC), the New England Collegiate Club Fencing League (NECCFL), the New England Intercollegiate Fencing Conference (NEIFC), the New England Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Association (NEIWFA) and the National Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Association (NIWFA).

Varsity Schedule

Membership

Varsity Program -- Dues: $100.00/semester

Competitive membership is for those students who want the opportunity to fence in team competitions. This membership includes use of room and team equipment, eligibility to receive lessons from the coaches, and voting privileges in team elections. All competitive members must have United States Fence Association (USFA) membership (http://www.usfencing.org/usfa/content/view/2300/156/). Payment plans for dues is possible, students should see the teams treasurer for options. Students with competitive membership are expected to attend practice regularly, be available for team competitions, as well as participate in fundraising.

Associate Program -- Dues: $75.00/semester

For those people not eligible or interested in competing on the Umass Fencing Team, but still wanting to participate, the Non- Competitive membership is available. This option is ideal for graduate students in the Five-College area, faculty, and students whose schedules do not allow them to make a commitment to the competitive program. Non-Competitive membership includes use of the fencing facilities and equipment, as well as attendance at any of the practices during the week.

Novice Program -- Dues: Free!

Have you ever wanted to learn to fence? Learn for free!

Please see the Learn to fence section for more information.