Here are a few answers to the commonly asked questions regarding the Arnold Fencing Classic.
Are #2 blades required for the RYC?
All Y8 & Y10 fencers are required to have #2 blades.
Is Y8 a part of the RYC and do I need USFA membership to fence the Y8?
No. Y8 is not an officially recognized event requiring USFA membership and therefore not a qualifying event.
Does my son/daughter qualify for an event?
AskFred should not allow you to register for an event you are not qualified for. The official qualification information from the USFA is at http://usfencing.org/pages/3815
Who runs the event and does Arnold Schwarzenegger show up?
The event is hosted by Royal Arts Fencing Academy and run by event Chair Julia Richey. It is a part of the Arnold Sports Festival, the largest multi-sports festival in the nation and now larger than the Olympic games.
Do I have to pre-register and pre-pay?
Yes. Every year we have a waiting list. Every year fencers show up unregistered and unpaid on the day of the event to be turned away. This is a very large event and like any national tournament requires months of setup. We cannot allow latecomers to the event.
Will there be a waiting list? Can I just show up that day?
There will be a waiting list for fencers that would like to attend but did not register while there were still slots open. Very few slots open up each year, so the best bet is to register early and avoid the waiting list. No fencers will be allowed to show up and fence that are not pre-registered and pre-paid. If you are on the waiting list, you will be notified and asked to pay if a slot becomes available for you.
Do I get admittance to the Festival, too?
Athletes will be given a wristband that allows them into most events at the Arnold Sports Festival. Some events require an extra charge or special admittance. Unfortunately, parents, siblings and others must purchase daily admittance to the Festival in order to be in the fencing venue.
Does my coach have to pay to get in?
Coaches that pre-register online and are verified coaches will be given an armband to the festival. Registrations for coaches must be completed prior to the close of registration for the Arnold Fencing Classic. No coaches or parents will be allowed on strip or given wristbands if not registered and approved.
Can I participate in the scholarship contest?
Fencers between thirteen and sixteen and competing at the Arnold Fencing Classic can submit transcripts and an essay to the scholarship deadline. Full details are available online at arnoldfencingclassic.com.
Can I volunteer or referee for Arnold Fencing Classic?
The Arnold Fencing Classic is entirely run by our tireless volunteers. It is a large event requiring a large number of volunteers and referees. Volunteers are especially needed during setup and teardown. Interested individuals can email Arnold@royalarts.org for more information.
Why can’t I book the Hyatt-Regency or use my discounts that weekend?
The Arnold Sports Festival is the largest mult-sports festival in the nation. A great portion of Columbus is taken up with the event including hotel rooms. The Hyatt-Regency is entirely booked by the Arnold Sports Festival, which overrides any special discounts members would normally get during any other weekend. Book hotels early to insure a nearby hotel. However, most downtown hotels provide transportation to the venue. See the arnoldsportsfestival.com website for more hotel information.
Where do I park?
With an event this large parking is also an issue. There is no need to try and park as close as you can to the venue. Most nearby hotels offer transportation to the venue and the Arnold Sports Festival buses people from various parking lots around the city. See the arnoldsportsfestival.com website for details.
