Dates & Venue
Dates:
Friday 13th February 2026 - Sunday 15th February 2026
Venue:
Address:
Canon Medical Arena, Workshop Road, Sheffield, S9 3TL
Registration
All students will be required to show Student ID when registering. Students will also be required to show their fencing licence at registration.
This will involve signing in to their Sport:80 (bf.sport80.com) profile and showing their membership details to the check-in desk to demonstrate proof of a British Fencing ‘Compete’ membership.
Timetable
Please see the registration timetable below, each event will begin after registration closes:
Friday 13th February:
Mixed Foil - Registration opens at 9.30am - closes at 10.00am
Female Epee - Registration opens at 10.30am - closes at 11.00am
Saturday 14th February:
Mixed Epee - Registration opens at 8.30am - closes at 9.00am
Female Sabre - Registration opens at 10.00am - closes at 10.30am
Sunday 15th February:
Female Foil - Registration opens at 8.30am - closes at 9.00am
Mixed Sabre - Registration opens at 10.00am - closes at 10.30am
Draw
Licenses
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 here.
Fencers will not be able to obtain a new British Fencing Licence on the day. They MUST be purchased before entering.
Presentations
Clothing & Equipment
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”.
Rules & Regulations
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.
Withdrawals
Competitor withdrawals must be made by a competitor's institutional administrator emailing Joe O’Loughlin, the BUCS Event Coordinator.
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.
Please see our Withdrawal Policy for more details.
Parking
There will be free parking available at the Canon Medical Arena. This will be available on a limited basis.
Please ensure you enter your registration at the reception desk when you enter the arena, otherwise you may get a ticket.
Accommodation
Food & Drink
There is an onsite café that can be used for purchasing food and drink. The cafe will be open at the following times:
Friday: 9.00am - 18.30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8.00am - 18.30pm
There is also a range of local shops/restaurants near to the Canon Medical Arena.
Event Partners
BUCS is 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.
Photography & Videography
Anyone wishing to take photos or video at this event must complete the BUCS Media Accreditation Form prior to the event.
BUCS reserves the right to prohibit photography equipment being used at a BUCS event. BUCS reserves the right to request that the individual ceases to take photographs, deletes any images and, if considered necessary, leaves the venue.
BUCS Points
BUCS Points will be awarded to the winner, runner-up and third placed competitors in each discipline. The points will be applied as follows: 1st = 12 points, 2nd = 8 points, 3rd = 5 points (both losing semi-finalists will receive points – no third place play off will take place).
The full list of BUCS Points can be found on Appendix 1
Safeguarding at BUCS Events
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.
Sustainability
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
Questions/Queries
Clean Sport at BUCS Nationals 2026
As you step onto the national stage at BUCS Nationals, remember that performing at your best means competing clean. You are responsible for every substance that enters your body, so take a moment to protect yourself: check any medication you plan to use on Global DRO, think carefully before using supplements, and ensure you know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to anti-doping testing.
UK Anti-Doping’s 100% me principles are here to support you—helping you make confident, informed choices so nothing gets in the way of your performance.
If something doesn’t feel right, or you have concerns, speak up and Protect Your Sport. Competing clean isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about respecting yourself, your competitors, and the sport you love.