The Regional Open Circuit is a series of strong locally-run tournaments intended to provide competitive opportunities for Division I-A level and strong recreational fencers. Those who finish in the top 10% (with a minimum of 4) at an ROC event qualify for the Division I-A Championships at Summer Nationals.
-Who can participate in ROC events?
ROC events are open to any fencer aged 13 and up or on the Junior National Rolling Points List. Foreign fencers are also welcome to participate in ROC events, provided they have appropriate USFA or FIE membership. (Foreign fencers will not be counted as part of the field for the purpose of calculating the 10% who qualify for the Division I-A Championships, since they are not eligible to compete at Summer Nationals.)
-How do I earn points at ROC events?
Points are awarded to the top 32 places at ROC events using Column H (Division I without repechage) of the Domestic Points Table; however, a fencer must advance into Table B of the direct elimination tableau in order to earn points.
-Do ROC events earn points on the National Rolling Points List or Team Selection List?
No. The ROC points list is separate from the National Rolling Points List.
-Are names printed on uniforms required for ROC events?
Yes, names on uniforms are required for the 2009–2010 ROC season. See Section 2.6 of the USFA Athlete Handbook, Equipment Requirements for Domestic Tournaments, for specifics.
-Who is in charge of the ROC?
The Board of Directors established the National Open Circuit Task Group at its Annual Meeting in, September, 2008. The original group consisted of Aaron Clements, David Sierra, and Alan Kuver. Four National Open Circuit events were designated for the 2008-2009 season.
For the 2009-2010 season, the circuit's name was changed to "Regional Open Circuit" (ROC) to better reflect the nature of the series, and eight tournaments have been designated. For the 2010-2011 season, up to 12 Open and 4 to 6 C-and-under tournaments will be designated, and veteran events will be added. In addition, the Circuit will move to a continuous bid process, to allow organizers to use venues that require booking two to three years in advance.
ROC Advisory Group (as of July 2009): Mary Griffith (chair), Aaron Clements, Matt Cox, and Brenda Waddoups.
-How do I contact the ROC Advisory Group?The ROC Advisory Group may be contacted at:
ROC@usfencing.org
