Fencing is a sport for all ages and one that puts more importance on skills than strength, however age differences can't be denied and for everyone's enjoyment, and for fair play amongst the different stages of physcal development, there are a range of age groups that apply in competition.

As eveyone is different fencing in an older age group is usually permited, with only a few exceptions. Below is an explanation of the age groups and their official classifications. It is worth noting the your age is considered to be your age on the 1st January of the year of the competion being entered. 

U9 - 8 years old or younger on the 1st of January 

U11 - 10 years old or younger on the 1st of January

U13 - 12 years old or younger on the 1st of January

U15 - Please check AFF website for current details

Cadet (U17) - According to current FIE definition

Junior (U20) - According to current FIE definition

Senior - anyone over the age of 12

Veteran - anyone over the age of 40