Fencing: Individual Championships 2025-26 (Part of BUCS Nationals)

Dates:

Friday 13th February 2026 - Sunday 15th February 2026

Venue:

Canon Medical Arena 

Address:

Canon Medical Arena, Workshop Road, Sheffield, S9 3TL

Entry Opening Dates

Tuesday 25th November 2025 

Stage 1 Entry Closing Dates

Student Entry Deadline: Tuesday 20th January 2026 at 23:59  

(Students / Competitors must apply by this deadline) 

IA Selection Deadline: Thursday 22nd January 2026 at 23:59  

(Institutional Administrators are given 48 hours after the student / competitor deadline to approve entries) 

Entry Cost

Fencing Individual - £45.50 

This competition operates a staged entry process. Entries received before the Stage 1 entry closing date (23:59 on Thursday 22nd January 2026) will be accepted where the competition allows. After this deadline, Stage 2 entry may open where the competition allows and will have a closing date of Thursday 29th January 2026 at 23:59. Please note Stage 2 is not guaranteed to open.  

Priority will remain with the entries received before the Stage 1 entry closing date. Entries received after the Stage 1 entry closing date and before the Stage 2 entry closing date that are accepted into the competition, will be charged an additional 20% fee. We will not accept any late entries under any circumstances. 

To apply for the competition all eligible competitors must follow these steps: 

1. Competitor to apply to the event on BUCS Play (Instructions on how to do this can be found here) 

2. Institution administrator approves entry (Instructions on how to do this can be found here) 

3. BUCS approves/denies entry into competition and publishes confirmed entry list 

Any data will be handled in accordance with BUCS Privacy Policy 

By participating in this event you agree to adhere to BUCS General Event Disclaimer 

To check whether you are eligible to compete in BUCS competitions, please visit REG 4 Individual Eligibility.  

Friday: 

Mixed Foil (check in 09:30-010:00) 

Female Epee (check in 10:30-11:00) 

Saturday: 

Female Foil (check in 08:30-09:00) 

Mixed Sabre (check in 10:00-10:30) 

Sunday: 

Mixed Epee (check in 8:30-9:00) 

Female Sabre (check in 10:00-10:30) 

The Rules & Regulations can be found here 

The BUCS Fencing Championships will be conducted in accordance with the Competition Rules of British Fencing. However, it may be necessary to make the usual exceptions and restrictions regarding pistes, number of hits, time limit etc. No rest periods can be guaranteed.  

A competition appeals panel will be present on the day. This panel reserves the right to determine any points, which arise regarding the interpretation of the rules, and to co-opt any assistance required.   

Fencers may only compete in the BUCS Championships if they are in possession of a current British Fencing ‘Compete’ licence.  British Fencing ‘Recreational’ Licenses and FIE Licences will not be accepted. You must produce proof of your license (Full license) when registering for the championships. British Fencing Licenses are available from www.britishfencing.com   

Fencers will not be able to obtain a new British Fencing Licence on the day. They MUST be purchased before entering.   

Competitors must be properly equipped for their events and competitors clothing MUST conform to British Fencing rules and ‘’Guidelines on Safety in Fencing’’.  BUCS cannot be held responsible for accident, loss or damage to persons or property, however caused.  

Under BUCS Fencing Regulation 3 “All competitors in the sabre discipline in league and events must wear 800 Newton Glove. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of that match”.  

BUCS are delighted to announce Milk Every Moment and Subway as the supporting partners of Nationals 2026, and Ashaway as the Sports Programme Partner for Badminton.   

Milk Every Moment is a campaign showcasing milk, the timeless classic in your fridge; it’s more than just a beverage, it's a nutritional powerhouse. Loaded with essential nutrients, it's a top-notch source of high-quality protein and has all you need to build and repair muscles after a workout. Whether you're gearing up for your race or looking to recover post event, take a look at the website for more information and useful recipes. You will find Milk Every Moment ambassadors located across the venues during the event, where they'll be offering the opportunity to win some exclusive giveaways. 

Subway joins Nationals 2026 as a supporting partner through its wider BUCS collaboration, encouraging students to get active as part of its ‘Fresh Moves’ initiative. During the event, Subway will be present across venues with fun activations, games, and more opportunities to win exclusive giveaways. 

Ashaway returns as the Sports Programme Partner for Badminton, providing high-quality equipment and support to ensure the competition is delivered to the highest standard. 

Our Nationals 2026 partners are excited to be supporting you as you take on a thrilling weekend of sport. You can also find further information about our partners on the official event webpage. 

Competitor withdrawals must be made by a competitor's institutional administrator emailing Joe O’Loughlin, the BUCS Event Coordinator. 
 
Withdrawals before the entry deadline (22nd January 2026 at 23:59 [stage one] will not be charged. 
 
Withdrawals after the entry deadline (22nd January 2026 at 23:59 [stage one] and before 23:59 on the Thursday 29th January will still be charged the entry fee 
 
Competitors who do not withdraw before 23:59 on the 29th January 2026 and do not attend the competition will be classed as a late withdrawal/no show and therefore will be charged the entry fee. They will also be fined £50 which will be charged after the event, to the competitor’s athletic union. 
 
Should BUCS have to open stage two entries then new deadlines for withdrawals will be published. Reserves will only be charged an entry fee if they are accepted into the competition. 

Please see our Withdrawal Policy for more details. 

 Anyone wishing to take photos or video at this event must complete the BUCS Media Accreditation Form prior to the event 

During this event, various filming, photography, and broadcasting may take place. By your presence at this event, you grant your permission for your likeness and voice to be included in pictures and/or on film, and their advertising without compensation or credit. 

BUCS’ mission is to provide exceptional student sporting experiences that inspire, develop and unite. 

Critical to our success is our commitment to always providing safe, friendly and enjoyable environments for all participants. Whether competing, coaching, officiating, volunteering, working or spectating at these events, the welfare of all is critical to our mission. 

To find out more or report a concern, please click here. 

The sustainability of our event matters to us and these are the positive steps we are taking to manage our environmental impact:

· All staff and volunteers are encouraged to travel to the event via public transport

How can you help at this event? Here’s some ideas:

· Be self-sufficient by using refillable bottles and coffee cups to reduce waste

· Travel smarter – as a team on a minibus, cycle or use public transport

· Go paperless - use your phone for all event information

· Find transports links to the Canon Medical Arena below:

From Sheffield Train Station:

Driving

- It is approximately a 10 minute drive (2.4 miles) to the Canon Medical Arena

Tram (runs every 12 minutes)

- Walk to Sheffield/Sheffield Hallam Tram Stop

- Board the Blue or Purple Supertram towards Malin Bridge

- Travel for 2 stops (4 minutes) to Castle Square

- Exit tram and transfer to the Super Tram Train or Yellow Tram towards Meadowhall

- Travel 6 stops (9 minutes) to Attercliffe

- Walk about 7 minutes (0.3 miles) to Canon Medical Arena

Bus

- Walk to Sheffield Centre Interchange (Bay B6) bus stop

- Board the TM Travel 9 Sheffield bus towards Darnall Littledale

- Travel 11 stops (15 minutes) to Worksop Road/Leeds Road

- Walk 2 minutes (110 yards) to Canon Medical Arena

Cycling

- It is approximately a 15 minute cycle (2.4 miles) from Sheffield Station to Canon Medical Arena