British Fencing created a pilot ratings scheme for men’s foil running from 2023 to 2025. At the end of 2023, we expanded to cover all weapons. The aim of the scheme is to provide incentives for fencers to compete more often and progress their ratings over time. The scheme is modelled on a similar programme which has been highly successful for a number of decades in America. The rating system will run in parallel to the existing ranking systems. There is no intention of replacing the ranking system.

The pilot will be for fencers aged 13 and over who can earn grades ranging from A (the top rating) to B, C, D and E, with U being unclassified. This provides a clear progression path for fencers. It also provides an opportunity for competition organisers to put on competitions aimed at different levels. In the US, competitions are typically C and above, D and E, and U. There is no obligation for event organisers to use these bands, but they do work in America, and allow for organisers to offer competitions for more fencers, with fewer referees and pistes - the various competitions being staggered through the day. In addition, competition organisers have the option of using the ratings to seed their event.

The British Fencing rating system methodology for allocating ratings will be based on the United States Fencing Association system which can be found here. The rating also includes a year, which indicates when a fencer earned or “re-earned” that rating. For example, a rating of A 2023 would mean the fencer had earned the highest letter rating in the current year. An E 2022 would mean a fencer had earned an E rating in 2022. The year is important, because competition organisers can use the rating to seed their competitions and a fencer with an A 2023 rating would be seeded above an A 2022 rating. The rating is valid for four years and then downgraded one level.

Ratings for all weapons began in January 2022 with all fencers beginning with an U (unrated) rating. All individual events at the following levels: senior, under 23, British University & College Sports, junior, cadet, under 15 and veterans. Normally, ratings last for four years. For the initial rating, a few exceptions will initially be made for top-ranked fencers who have not competed domestically during 2022. Also for 2022 only, to increase the number of rated fencers for a seeding effect, all events with a NIF over 260 or total fencers competing over 80 to an A4 event. Women's Senior events the criteria was 230 and 60, respectively.

Competition organisers who want their competition to count towards a rating will need to register their event with British Fencing, so it is a British Fencing sanctioned event. We want to ensure that the competition is big enough with fencers good enough to warrant awarding ratings to the top finishers. All fencers in the competition must be British Fencing members. You can read here how the system works in America.

The intention is to automate the ratings as much as possible. We have collaborated with Fencing Time Live so that results are automatically recorded on the ratings page. We are still talking with Engarde to achieve the same effect with its software. This should reduce the burden on competition organisers, and mean ratings are quickly recorded. British Fencing members will be notified by e-mail of any new rating, and there will be an opportunity to download a certificate for a small fee here. Clubs can see a list of their fencers with ratings here. Anyone wanting to appeal a rating can e-mail ukratingsinfo@gmail.com

Before the scheme is launched in September 2023, there will be a series of briefing sessions for competition organisers, coaches, fencers and parents. As the system gets up and running, we welcome feedback at ukratingsinfo@gmail.com

Fencers are encouraged to register their details into the ratings page.